Tuesday, August 8, 2017

You're Not Gonna Believe This


Forget amusement parks and rollercoasters...since early March, we’ve been on the wildest ride of all...

...and it just took another turn...

Last Monday, time stood still after something “lit up” on the Boss’ most recent scan.

The PA talked of transplant surgery and chemotherapy and ablation. She had a concerned look on her face and patted the Boss’ shoulder as she explained the news. We left the office with a dark cloud hanging over our heads and an overwhelming sense of despair as we faced some frightening considerations in a most uncertain future.

We would have to wait for the final read and the results from the bloodwork. After the surgeon and his team looked at everything, they would schedule an appointment with the transplant team and things would proceed from there. They would call me with the results and the appointment date.

I can assure you that was the longest week of our lives.  It was if we were falling, falling through the dark with no safe place to land. The possibilities were simply too grim for words. And, I won’t even attempt to tell you the gamut of emotions that we experienced in those seven days. Or how many tears were shed. So. Many. Tears.

When my phone lit up with the much anticipated, but most dreaded call, I hesitated to answer as I attempted to prepare myself for the news. I needed to be strong to take notes in order to transmit the details to the Boss.

However, there is no way I could have anticipated the conversation that followed.

The various teams had reviewed the report and the labs. (I had read all the reports myself even though I needed a dictionary...so I was familiar with the terms the PA used) They were in agreement with the conclusions.

Those spots that had concerned them in the initial read...the ones that “lit up”...weren’t quite so worrisome on further consideration. As a matter of fact, the exact wording from the report was that they were “favored perfusional”. That means they have something to do with changes in bloodflow...and they are NOT metastases! All the other results were normal and things looked good.

So...

All those scary considerations were suddenly off the table.

It had NOT spread. We would NOT be going to meet with the transplant team. The Boss was NOT facing a second major surgery. At least no time soon.

The doc wanted to keep a close eye on this (another scan sooner than previously planned) but, the team felt confident that all the results pointed to the fact that this was NOT the matter of grave concern as originally feared.

Wait a minute.

WHAT?

It was as if someone suddenly reached out and grabbed us back from the edge of the abyss. I’m not sure we’ve been able to assimilate the news.

The good news.

The amazing, tremendously great news.

Now, it’s not like the threat is not there...it’s not like the whole thing actually went away...but, it is in NO way as dire as anyone thought...so, we can actually breathe again...and go on with life.

It’s a bit anti-climactic. It’s more than a little overwhelming.

But, it’s GOOD NEWS!


So, rejoice with us. 

I feel like we should be singing and dancing.





Thank you for your expressions of concern and love...and your prayers.

It's GOOD news!

27 comments:

  1. Ahhh Blessed answer to prayer! This song came immediately to mind. Rejoicing with you.

    What a friend we have in Jesus
    All our sins and griefs to bear
    And what a privilege to carry
    Everything to God in prayer

    Oh, what peace we often forfeit
    Oh, what needless pain we bear
    All because we do not carry
    Everything to God in prayer

    Have we trials and temptations?
    Is there trouble anywhere?
    We should never be discouraged
    Take it to the Lord in prayer

    Can we find a friend so faithful
    Who will all our sorrows share?
    Jesus knows our every weakness
    Take it to the Lord in prayer

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    1. Thanks, Diane!
      I hadn't thought of that song in a long time. How very appropriate!

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  2. OK - I'm crying . . . . tears of HAPPINESS! God bless y'all.

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  3. I am so relieved for you both,I have worried about you all weekend.

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    1. I truly appreciate your concern, Chris!
      Thank you for being there.

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  4. I'm so happy for both of you! Take some time to process. Breath. Rejoice. -Jenn

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  5. So, you're never supposed to cry at work. That's what I get from reading your glorious news! There are no words to say how thrilled I am for you both. Hugs

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    1. Thanks for your kind concern, Elissa!
      Didn't mean to make ya cry. ;)

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  6. God is good! yay! I am so happy for you guys!
    way to go Boss! kicked its butt!

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  7. Thank God. Amen
    Amen in Latin mean 'so be it'.

    It is

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  8. Thank God. Amen.
    AMEN in Latin means 'so be it'.
    It is.

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  9. What a huge relief for you and all your family, friends and readers. This is the best news we will have all week. I wish you both calm,joy and some good sleep.

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  10. Wonderful news after such concerning news! Y'all have been through a lot. Glad to read this post.

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  11. Happy dancing in Maryland over this very good news.
    We can breathe again some👌👍😇

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    1. Thanks for dancing with me, Maureen!
      I do feel like we can breathe again.

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  12. Heart full of praise and hope here. This is such wonderful news I can breathe again and I'm sure you can too and the girls and the husband's and the kids mainly you and of course the boss going to keep that praying up everyday and just holding on with hope and prayer yay keep us posted. Love Maureen

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  13. There is singing and dancing here in Ohio, rejoicing with you in this astonishing and welcome news!! I share your giddy relief on this strange and wonderful turn of events. Good things DO happen to good people. Stand tall again, breathe deep and hug that Boss! Love, Kris

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    1. I just love this comment, Kris!
      Thank you. <3

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  14. Such good news! I am glad that you were able to update us right away :) Sending positive thoughts your way.

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  15. Barbara, that is just fabulous! I have been behind in following your blog and am so glad I got caught up this morning to read this wonderful news. God is good! Love and hugs to you and Tom as you rejoice!

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Deirdre! (I'm behind in my responses)
      Hope all is well with y'all.

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