Two weeks ago, Cristy and I spent the day at M.D. Anderson for a battery of tests and shots that patients receive six months after their bone marrow transplant.   The most important test, though, is the "six-month" bone marrow biopsy to determine if any -- and I mean ANY -- residual cancer can be detected by "Clonoseq," the new super-sensitive test I've mentioned in previous posts.

Today, I received a text from M.D. Anderson as I was eating a late lunch.   Patrons at other tables must have wondered why the guy sitting next them was working on an iPad one minute and crying the next.    The text read:

"Good news, your bone marrow shows you to be in complete remission, including Clonoseg now shows 0 residual clonal cells."

Twenty words that mean so much.   So thankful.   So humbled.   So joyful.  Though your experience today may not be quite as intense, I hope everyone receiving this message feels that way today.  If you don't, call me, and we'll fix that together.    But, if you do -- and I really hope you do -- you'll probably appreciate as I do the first 10 verses of Psalm 34, attributed to a David who was far closer to God but never more thankful than I am at this moment    

* * * * *

I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Fear the Lord, you his holy people,
    for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

* * * * *