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

Visit to the 'TA' and Pool Filling

Ouch! Two weeks since my last post. Inexcusable! We had a great time with Ashley and Dan last weekend in Wichita (or the 'Ta as I like to say). Their black lab, Dugan, is growing fast. Careful kids, that dog is approaching 50 lbs. He is as sweet at he can be. I found he has a penchant for fetch it. He's like an outfielder who dives and twirls in mid-air while grabbing his ball. Then he runs back with the ball in his chops and wrestles you for the ball. Lots of fun! We loved our visit. Lets do it again soon!

Come on over and let's get in the pool!

The flowers are from our backyard.

Here Comes Noah!

Like everyone else, Karen and I are awaiting the delivery of Noah Henry. Dani, I hope you're as comfortable as possible. We are very excited for you and Nathan. We're staying close to the phone and the internet for breaking Noah News. Push, Danielle, push!!

Hello and a Thanks

Congratutions to Ashley for getting raves from her employers. Ashley was runner-up for a national recognition award for her superlative performance at work. I know you're bound for greatness! Karen and I are very proud of you!
I now have my wireless router back, thanks to a Netgear tech from India. Ramesh talked me through the fix where others had failed. The Geek Squad guy, for instance, suggested a new router. I am delighted to have my wireless router back to full functionality. I told Ramesh he was my hero but he said, "It's nothing...that's what I'm paid to do." This in spite of the fact that there was no warranty because I hadn't returned the card. What service! and for no cost.

Pluto is a Planet

I love this tune, Pluto, by 2 Skinnee Js. I believe it's about accepting those who wish to live among us:

Who do you represent? I represent the smallest planet
Attorney in this tourney against those who try to ban it
Who discriminate against the distant and disclaim this
'Cause their small minds can't see past Uranus
But my odyssey runs in 2001 ways
I can see clearly now like Hubble
shoved from the Shuttle, here's my rebuttal

It's a Planet

So lend me your ears and let me state my case
about all the types of satellites we must embrace
Cause like my parents grandparents - this planet was an immigrant

Do it for the children
Do it for the children (if not for yourself)
Pluto is a planet

2 Skinnee Js
Supermercado

What would you expect from me? One of my favorite albums is Mister Heartbreak by Laurie Anderson.