Dean here, sitting with Maria as she did not like the Caring Bridge update I did in 30 seconds via Chat GPT.  She made me delete the whole thing and start over.  She knows me too well.

Here is my update from appointment 2 weeks ago. 

CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis was negative and all my blood work including my CT DNA were normal.  My oncologist says I can classify myself as being in “remission” showing no signs of active cancer.  PRAISE GOD!  Will repeat CT scan & bloodwork, along with colonoscopy, in June. 

Last fall, when I was in the depths of chemo and watched my fitness level deteriorate, we talked about setting a goal for me to get my fitness back.  In early May, we, along with our daughter, Madeline and her husband, Zak, and his parents, Joe & Cathy, are heading to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  It is a 26-mile 4-day camping expedition covering lots of vertical feet.  Excited for our challenge together seeing lots of God’s beauty.  

I have been thinking about some of my cancer journey reflections. 

God is incredible and can’t imagine going through cancer without a relationship with Jesus.

Prayer is powerful.

My wife of almost 34 years is amazing!

Support of our kids, family, and dear friends is priceless.

Our church family was so supportive too.

Having the support of a great business partner was invaluable. 

Someone is always going through greater challenges, and I want to be a support for others. 

Don’t take anything for granted.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Make the people you love a priority.

Maria and I have lots of adventures we still want to do together and with all our kids and future grandchildren.  We eagerly await meeting our first grandson due in late August.

Everything I went through is nothing compared to the price Jesus paid dying on the cross for us.  God Bless you and your family this Easter weekend.