We wanted to write and share about the past ten days, which has continued to bring progress in healing since my surgery and also encouraging news for the future.

Last week, Alison and I traveled to Shands hospital in Gainesville for the post-operative appointment with my surgeon.  At this appointment, the pathology report from the surgery was shared with us, and this was a great report.  There were no cancer cells identified in the margins of the material they removed during surgery, and they also checked several dozen lymph nodes without finding any cancer cells.  As the tumor was stage 2 the surgeon explained that there are undoubtedly many cancer cells still in my body, but that there was a good chance that my immune system over time would help eliminate these cells.  With this trip, I was discharged from the care at Shands hospital, and we are very grateful for the skill and compassion shown to us by the surgeon and all the various nurses and administrators there.

This week, we visited with a medical oncologist here in Jacksonville.  This is the doctor who would suggest any cancer treatments, if necessary, and also guide a schedule of monitoring for any recurrence in the coming years.  We again found ourselves grateful for a doctor, and other staff, who were attentive, knowledgable, and caring.  There was also further good news.  With an 80% chance that the cancer will subside without further treatment, the recommendation is to monitor me over the coming years, with chemotherapy only being a possibility if there are concerns through symptoms, bloodwork, or scans.

It has taken us a couple of days for this news and the journey of the past two months to sink in.  Alison and I have many conversations about where do we celebrate the good despite a small cloud hovering somewhere that may or may not chose to burst.  We choose to celebrate in this moment and that is good.  We rejoice and are grateful for the healing, for the love and support from many, and for a return to normal patterns in our lives.  Nine weeks ago today, we were shocked by this news of colon cancer.  Four weeks ago today, I underwent surgery in Gainesville.  Today, I am healing well, and Alison and I even went out for a gentle jog this morning.  This is a part of my health that I will need to keep up with and monitor, especially over the next few years, but we know there is expertise and support  surrounding us in the event that another chapter of this story unfolds.  So much of the ugly has now passed as we move into a new season. 

We are grateful for the love and care that has come in so many ways from family, friends, and our church.  We have been immensely touched by the generosity of people in their prayers, cards, and practical help during this past two months.  As we have written before, it has certainly reminded us throughout this journey that we are not alone, and that the goodness and love of God was very present in the darkness.  An image that has been significant for Alison is from Isaiah 41, that God is working to give hope in difficult places, "planting trees in the barren desert."