Hello Again

This is an early morning post and I'm a bit out of it. I'll keep this short. I just wanted let you know that I'm still here and my health is improving. Hope the same is true for you.
To Maxine: we are praying for you and your family. You've always been gracious and kind to me: a living example of Christian love. We'll always love you.

Summertime in Kansas

We're enjoying a mild early summer after a wet Spring. The yard is ultra-green and lush. It's going to be a great summer! I hope to see you if you can get away.
I'll try to continue regular blogging now that the pressure is off with respect to my cancer. Last night I even broke out my vinyl and played some old-school rock. Karen and I danced in the basement to Neil Young (Computer Age and Sample and Hold.) Does anyone else besides me consider Trans a great record? David Geffin Doesn't. We also danced to Edie Brickell and New Bohemians and even Johnny Horton (Whispering Pines and The Sinking of the Bismarck - for Karen). You'll be delighted to know: We can still move, lol.

Wonderful News from Duke!

For the past two days Karen and I have being seeing our doctors at Duke Medical Center. We were particularly concerned about this visit because it would speak volumes about the status my brain cancer. The word is in: there are no active cancer cells in my brain! It's a true miracle! God has breathed His grace into our lives!
Please accept my deepest and most profound gratitude for your love and faith. You gave us your generous support and care. Your gifts of these things have led Karen and I to defeat a deadly and determined enemy.
Now We're not completely home free yet. The disease bears close watching and many of the therapies will continue. We face the future with humility and faith. God is great and makes all things possible.
I owe so much to each of you. The medical staff in Topeka and at Duke have done heroic things. Dr. V told us "miracles happen." How right he is! Thank you, Dr. Vredenburgh. God has given you special healing gifts. We are the benefactors of your science. Thanks also to Dr. David Einspahr (Topeka Cancer Center), our local oncologist. This gentle man has played a pivotal role in guiding my healing. Also playing key roles are Dr. Russ Greene (radiation oncology), Dr. Katy Peters (Duke Medical Fellow - we love you, Katy), and Dr. Michael Atwood (our family doctor through most of this).
I'd also be remiss if I didn't thank Dr. Matt Wills, our brilliant and gifted neurosurgeon. His strength and skill during a trying time initiated the healing process.
We haven't began to thank everyone who played a role in my recovery but I love you and all you do for me. Cancer changed some things in our lives but it never shook our faith in God's plan. With faith and your support, we have astonished everyone.
We rejoice in your love!
Your grateful friend,
John

Good Morning, North Carolina

Hello from Morrisville, NC (Raleigh/Durham Airport Marriott). I have a long series of tests ahead of me today and tomorrow. I get a PET scan and an MRI today and confer with Dr. Vrendenburgh tomorrow. That along with all the requisite proding and pricking. With God's grace, we will prevail. Let's bring it on! Oh yes, and tonight, dinner with Noah and his parents, Nathan and Danielle. Can't wait for that! Makes it all worthwhile.

Our Back Yard

Karen and I spent a large portion of the last two days working on our yard. It's paying off. The back yard is especially showy with Karen's gardening. She is justifiably proud of her work. I think the yard looks better than it ever has before. If it's nice tomorrow, I'll blog a few of pics of it.

We're off to Durham, NC, Sunday. Danielle and Nathan, I hope you won't mind a couple of drop-by visitors on Sunday and/or Monday. We are anxious to meet our new nephew.

Love,

John