Our Early Christmas Gift

About two weeks ago Mark reluctantly shared with me that he has been having some mild pain and pressure in the same area of his abdomen where the large tumor was removed in 2016.  It had been increasing in intensity for several weeks before he told me, so he was concerned that it was likely a tumor growing there again.  This was a blow as we had hopes that the cancer was gone!  After tears and tender moments, we reviewed the blessings that we have been recipients of.  There have been so many! With that perspective, we braced ourselves to face whatever challenges came our way.  The medicine worked so well before that we had high hopes it would do the job again.

 

Mark communicated our concerns with Dr. Urba.  An MRI and CT scan had previously been scheduled for December 15^th so timing for that was good.  Last Friday Mark had the tests done and we thought that we may not hear from Dr. Urba since we had an appointment with him on Monday, the 17^th.  Later in the day an e-mail came through which read, “See you Monday. Scans look good. Want to hear more about your discomfort.”  We were actually shocked!  Of course, we were thrilled, but it certainly was not what we had expected.  Today he confirmed that there was absolutely no indication of cancer anywhere in Mark’s body.  The mild pain is still a mystery so we will have a follow-up appointment in 6-8 weeks.  Hopefully, the pain just goes away.  If not, Mark will have a full PET scan. 

We are celebrating an early Christmas present – Mark is still tumor free!  Going through this scare has made us even more appreciative for the extended time we have together.

We wish you all a beautiful and joyous Christmas season.