STAGE 2!!!

Man, GOD is ridiculously good!  It has been 1 day shy of exactly 11 months since my diagnosis, and the LORD has continued to show us HIS grace, mercy, and faithfulness in our hour of need.  I went to the doc today.  The doctor visits have become so frequent and routine, as have the lab visits, that they appear on my calendar, and we don't really react with great emotion or anticipation as much as we did at the beginning. Today was no exception.  The day began with dropping the kiddos off at school, talking with clients on the phone, you know the usual bank stuff.  My appointment time being at noon was even different than the usual morning slot so the busyness of the day was distracting me even up to my arrival at Beaver Medical.  I was greeted by my usual nurse, weighed in (always a pleasure), had good blood pressure readings, and stuck my nose back in a book.  My reading was interrupted by a cell phone call (I know my wife is thinking "Shock of the century, his phone rang..." right now as she is reading this).  I usually don't take calls when I am already in the treatment room, but this time I did.  While I was on the phone Dr. Gamal came in.  He greeted me with his typical warm smile and handshake, and I mouthed to him my apology for the occupying mobile conversation.  His gentle and understanding demeanor was unshaken as he situated himself on his doctor's rolling stool when he casually opened his 3-ring binder.  He drew my attention to a page in the binder, and with surgical precision used his pointer finger to exact my interest to one word that changed not only my mood, my focus, and my energy level for the day, but my life forever.  That word was NEGATIVE!  God has officially brought us through to the second stage of remission!(cytogenetic remission)  The test was negative for presence of any cancerous cells.  All praise and glory be to HIM!  Our next steps are to continue the course of treatment, and shoot for the 3rd and final stage.(molecular remission)  Dr. G cautioned me that it is common for patients to not ever reach that stage, but nothing is impossible for the LORD!  Thank you again for your continued prayers!  We love each of you!

Who knows when one word will change your life forever.  Enjoy the blessings that the day hold for you.

-Chris