Oh Happy Day!

What a day today was! It is already past my bedtime, but I just had to share my good news with all of my blog buddies! This will be brief, and I promise to update very shortly.

So, what's the best news a cancer patient can receive? In my humble opinion it would be news from the oncologist that everything looks "normal". Well, that's what I heard today during my exam! My CA=125 (cancer marker blood test) came in at a 13! This is a fantastic number .... anything under 20 is considered normal! I will have a 2 unit blood transfusion tomorrow to help my anemia and a cat scan on the 15th (tax day and my nephew's 2nd birthday!) to see if there is any "evidence of disease" (tumors). This will give a more accurate indication of my progress. In the "cancer community" we like to say that we are "dancing with Ned" (no evidence of disease). I've only been able to claim that once ... over 1 1/2 years ago!

I am tired and really do need to rest up before my transfusion tomorrow. I just had to share my happy news. God really IS good. He has heard all of your prayers and granted me the miracle we've been praying for! I will have to be on chemo for the rest of my life, as my form of cancer is very aggressive and my risk of recurrence is so incredibly high. I'm OK with that! There are people who have to go to dialysis every week. People who have to give themselves insulin on a daily basis. I am no different then they are. Our treatments are what keeps us living and enjoying life. Less than six months ago I was told to complete my "bucket list" of things I wanted to do before I died. I was given 6-12 months to live. How great is my God that He has given me more time? I have asked to have the time to watch my children grow into adulthood. I feel ashamed for ever doubting God's strength, power and goodness. But, He didn't turn His back on me. He was just waiting for me to let Him do His work. Thank you, Lord!

Before I sign off I am going to post a youtube link to my kids' all-time favorite song. It is a gospel called "Oh Happy Day!" that they learned while watching the movie Sister Act II. We love to crank up the tv and sing when we watch the movie. It's a perfect song for today! (Hint: I have MORE awesome news to share about a family member, but first must wait for the official announcement. OOOH I can't wait to share!) ;-)



Love to you all ... until tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day .......

Kathy