Finally - an update!

Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 146:1-2

It's amazing to think that it's been a full 3 years since I was first diagnosed with a brain tumor. And even crazier to think that I've probably had the tumor for 13+ years! God has definitely taken care of me during these years and He encouraged us this past week during my appointments.

After bloodwork and the MRI, we met with my oncologist and radiation oncologist. In the past 3 years, these 2 appointments have been the most encouraging. The tumor remains stable, which is what the doctors were hoping for. At most appointments we've had, the doctors have hinted at a shorter life for me. But last Monday, my oncologist said that there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to live a long life. He explained that the brain takes a really long time to heal. The damage from the tumor and from treatment, may just take a really long time to heal. And we've already seen tremendous healing (some vision and hearing improvements), so there could definitely be more on the way!

I think some people thought we were crazy for waiting 2 1/2 years to start treatment. But we know that this is exactly where God wanted us. There have been the little things - like having lodging provided for us in Iowa City this past summer by the Hope Lodge, which opened in October 2008. If we had gone through treatment 3 years ago, we would have been staying in a depressing hotel room. Besides this, and other small things, there were the big things - like the treatment I received. The knowledge and wisdom of doctors has expanded and the treatment I got was different than it would have been 3 years ago. I now have the opportunity to receive chemotherapy again down the road if needed, whereas 3 years ago, that would not have been an option. I could continue, but just know there were many blessings along this journey.

So often, when faced with bad news, all we see is the negative. But "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." (Romans 8:28). 3 years ago, sitting in my doctors office, having just been told I have a brain tumor, all I could see was the negative. But along the way, we have seen God provide so much good in this. We are thankful for this positive check-up and won't have to return to Iowa City for another 4 months!