Well folks...exactly one year ago today (3/1/22), my cancer journey began - and today (3/1/23), it is officially paused - only to resume if any of my scans or scopes (3x/year for the next 5-10 years) reveal a recurrence.

WOO HOO!!! 😀 😀 😀 

Rather than putting it in my own words, here's the note I received from my colorectal surgeon:

It was a pleasure to see you at your recent colonoscopy. As you may recall, two possible polyps were removed from rectal wall near the site of the treated rectal cancer. The pathologist reviewed the tissue and found benign adenomatous polyp(s). The timely removal of adenomatous polyps may protect you from future development of colon cancers. The biopsies did not show any evidence of recurrent or persistent cancer. This is good news. We plan to continue with close surveillance (office exams, MRI, etc).

So, as much as I'll miss reading all the encouraging comments (here and on Facebook), I am THRILLED to report that this is my last post for a while, with one final prayer request:

• RESTORATION - I chose "restore" as my word for 2023 - and I'd love prayer for the Lord to "restore to <me> the years that the locusts have eaten" (Joel 2:25) and "restore to me the joy of <my> salvation" (Psalm 51:12).
  I need this restoration because cancer doesn't just hit you physically - it's also an emotional, spiritual, and mental battle. Some days I've battled well, other days, not so much. I found the "not so much" to be especially true in times of waiting (remember that not being good at patience thing I mentioned? 😉) - so as I embark on picking up some pieces of me that have broken away, I will continue to pray, and covet your prayers & good thoughts as well!

Signing off with a C.S. Lewis quote (also see pic) that gives me much hope:

"There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

With love, hugs, and gratitude for each & every one of you,

Deanna