Most of the time my doctors are pretty noncommittal, friendly, attentive and professional. I have to work hard to get a smile from them and a laugh is almost impossible.

The last time I saw the three of them, one at a time, they each examined my chest area which has active cancer on it. One said “WOW!” another said “WOW!” and one said “Holy Mackerel!”  They were amazed! I was amazed!

It felt good because it meant the cancer is dying. Since part of the cancer is on my chest, it is easy to see the progress. We hope the other spots inside are also dying. The chemo is working and they were all amazed at the rapidity of the effect.

A month or so ago, one of the doctors said that all we could hope for now was to extend my life, that this cancer would get me eventually.

Well! I got online and read some patient reports and found out that cancer-ridden people can live for YEARS on chemo. The message I got was just keep trying other things when what you were doing stopped working. I read accounts of NEDs (No evidence of disease) in patients with cancers like mine, using the same chemo I’m on.

So, maybe this cancer will get me eventually, but who knows how long that will be? And who knows when death will get any of us – we all die eventually.

So, I am encouraged by two Wows and a Holy Mackerel! And by the evidence of other fighting patients.

Recently in the treatment room I noticed a newbie, upset and crying and asking questions of the nurse about procedures. I approached her and asked if it was her first time. Then I encouraged her. I told her she wasn’t alone, that she needed to do what she could, keep fighting and not give up, and not compare herself with others, because each case is different. She and her daughter expressed thanks for my encouragement.

God comforts us … that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. 2Cor. 1:4

I’ve passed the one-year mark of my cancer fight! I’m still kicking and spitting, even though many days find me resting and not doing much else. I’ve discovered that God can use me even when I feel lousy.  

Now when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me until I declare your strength to this generation, your power to everyone who is to come.  Psalm 71:18