On Friday (April 5), Bob and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary. Not known for "excessive celebration", we went about our days as usual and reconvened in the evening on the couch with a couple of cats. Just another day - - and we are thankful.

While I was at work that morning, Bob had his quarterly appointment with his oncologist, Dr. Shin. The doctor continues to be pleased that Bob's PSA remains "undetectable", and that, while they are steadily increasing, his liver enzymes are not yet at an alarming level (an unfortunate side effect of the medication). Bob will continue with hormone therapy (daily medication and quarterly injection) indefinitely, will have labs to monitor his levels monthly, and will meet with Dr. Shin every three months unless there is a concern with his symptoms or labs.

Now, here's the best part: in speaking with Bob, Dr. Shin clearly stated, "Technically, you are cancer-free, as far as we can tell. . .. We're not kidding ourselves thinking that you're 'cured'", but he did refer to Bob as being "in deep remission". That was an anniversary gift we were not expecting but will gladly accept!

The good doctor credits Bob's "extreme change in lifestyle" (vegan, whole food diet) as a major factor in this outcome. We are so grateful for Dr. Shin's training, experience, demeanor, wisdom, and treatment plan with Bob - and once again, he ended the appointment with prayer. Above all, we are thankful to GOD for His grace in giving us this gift of Bob's health (remission, good energy, few side effects) and time. 

Just a few other notes, as it has been a while since I have written:
     *The "boys" (now 24 and 22) are doing well, and we are so pleased to see the choices they are making as they are now out on their own.
     *We have lost two close family members in recent months, both unexpectedly (my brother, age 73, in November, and Bob's aunt, age 82, in February), and we were reminded again of the gift of each day.
     *Bob was able to van-camp/travel/roam with his sister and friends for four weeks in Baja earlier this year, is off to visit his best high school buddy in Arizona this week, and has more travel plans later this year.
     *I love my job, which is a gift in itself, but I have also been able to get away some - for a week to Florida in February (a true vacation) and for a special visit with family in Virginia in March. 

We are so blessed. I truly feel that I am living with deeper joy, gratitude, and meaning in my life. I am thankful for this challenging time that has brought me to a place of leaning hard on Jesus and trusting Him for guidance, rest, wisdom, the future, and everything. I will leave you with a song that sums up so much of what I am trying to convey.

Thanks for reading ~
Beth