On October 13th 2008 at 9 am I received my stem cell transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. October 13th was my grandfather Ted's birthday. By God's grace alone I have celebrated 7 birthdays since the transplant.
In 2009 the lymphoma recurred. It was a slow progressing lymphoma that my hematology oncologist at Mayo referred to as a "slow burner". Every follow up afterwards, my pet scan and blood work indicated that the lymphoma was progressing. Each visit there were more nodes involved and an increase in the Mantle cell lymphoma blood marker.
In September of 2013 I had a routine follow up at Mayo as another pet scan and routine blood work was scheduled. At our physician's consult later that day my doctor asked me what I had done. My pet scan and blood work showed no evidence of any disease. "What changes did you make? he asked. You presented yourself into my care in April 2008 with a stage 4 highly aggressive Mantle cell lymphoma and today there is no evidence of any disease. Have you done anything differently since you last follow up?" "No" was my response. "Then go home. You don't have to return. There is no reason for me to see you again. You will not die from Mantle cell lymphoma. Enjoy life. This could have a 25 year tail."
After digesting what he had just told Lois and me, the only answer I could give him was that "God had healed me". There was no other explanation. Hundreds if not thousands of prayers for healing had been lifted up on my behalf by family, friends, myself and many people who I've never met. For some reason that only God knows, I had been spared this deadly lymphoma. By all indications I should not be alive today.
Today,
I bear witness to Jesus' healing power with every breath I take. Praising and thanking Him for seven years of life that I have had the privilege of living. Seeing my love ones each day knowing that I have only the day that God gives me by His grace alone. Every morning as I wake I thank God for one more day to serve Him as he wishes. Each day is a new gift that I will never take for granted. He rescued me from the "valley of the shadow of death" for His purpose, not mine. My prayer continues that I will be faithful to serve and love Him as I serve and love others in His name.
Some fear the number 13. But 7 and 13 are "blessed" numbers in my life today as I live by His gracious mercy each day.
