GREAT NEWS!

Bryan's scan revealed "no metabolic uptake" -- which means he has no active cancer cells.



I think the above news deserved its own space--it is nice to read & reread it! I don't have a picture, but you can just imagine our collective smiles & relief! Bryan says it is the result he expected. Jordyn told me it was the BEST day of her life. The boys are...hmm, they are just boys & had a great day playing Star Wars in the backyard (as they did the day before).

Here is a little more information: The tumor is now measured in centimeters (2.9 x 1.7), not inches, and they believe what is left of the tumor is just residual mass (leftover blood vessels the tumor created to sustain itself, but there is no evidence left of lymphoma). The tumor should continue to shrink over time & with radiation, but some of the tumor will always remain--they call it a tumor scar.

We are very happy with the news. Bryan doesn't see the hematologist for 3 months! He is now in the hands of radiation oncology; we meet with them today to schedule 20 radiation treatments. Some of you may wonder why we are proceeding with radiation if the cancer is gone. The radiation oncologist's answer is that the best way to "cure" cancer is the first time it appears. (It is much more difficult, although not impossible, to "cure" lymphoma if it returns.) Dr. Smith told Bryan she will use "everything we have" the first time so his chances of his cancer surviving the treatments, and making a return appearance, are much smaller.

Thank you for loving our family! If cancer is a disease of love, it is because of the love that is shown to the cancer survivor and their family. Love is truly all that matters and situations like these compel us to show it & speak it! We will always remember your words and acts of love. Thank you for sharing in our burden--it has been lightened because of you!

Although our journey isn't over, we are delighted to move on to the next chapter!