Encore!

Yesterday, Jeremy and I met with Dr. Zlotecki (Radiation Oncologist) for a follow-up on surgery and radiation therapy.  Dr. Zlotecki, explained again, what we already knew through the our last meeting with him before surgery.  He also echoed what Dr. Scarborough told us after surgery.

Jeremy and I were uncertain why we were meeting with Dr. Zlotecki again (and we discovered at this meeting, he will meet with Zlotecki AND Scarborough every three months after his chest scans).  Jeremy's thoughts are this is just another billing opportunity for both doctors (wink, wink).  But there were a few adjectives Zlotecki used in his encore, that reiterated the great, visible power of our God.  Making this otherwise unnecessary meeting worth the time (and money):

Jeremy experienced a "dramatic" response to radiation treatment.  The treatment went "very well", shrinking the tumor by 50%.  When Scarborough removed the tumor, because it had shrunk so much through radiation, he was able to do so without any contamination.  Jeremy's surgery was further explained as R-0 (r -zero), meaning it was a complete resection with nothing left behind.  This was an "amazing success" for a high grade tumor, with which they are all very pleased.  Spreading, as with any cancer, is possible; so surveillance is extremely important.  But, Jeremy is without a doubt, a cancer survivor.  His diagnosis post-surgery, is "N.E.D"= No Evidence of Disease.  Praise God, for such direct and certain clarification - so rarely given by doctors!

We knew all of this information; but the encore was just as sweet to our ears, as the first time we heard the good report.

"Bravo, God, bravo!  Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!"  In awe before the glory, in awe before God's visible power."  Psalm 29:1-2 The Message