Donnie and I picked up his CT scan results yesterday morning (Monday).  They read:

IMPRESSION:  1.  Scattered carcinomatosis has resolved. No measurable lesions remain.  2.  Post distal pancreatectomy without recurrent mass.  No liver metastases.  3.  No change in the chronic appendiceal thickening and dilatation.

I was very, very happy.  Of course, Donnie, the realist, simply took the results in stride, awaiting the verdict from Dr. Z today (Tuesday).

Monday night, we had a birthday party for Beau and Rachael (our oldest and youngest).  It was another wonderful party at our home with our children, and my Dad, my brother Don and sister-in-love Elaine.  Lots of playing with grandbabies was so much fun for us all!

The first words out of Dr. Z’s mouth today:  “Your CT scan is normal.”  Wow!  That’s the first normal CT scan Donnie has had since December of 2014.  The 3 of us batted around many thoughts and concerns, and here are the results:

1.  Donnie’s weight is pretty good, around 165-170 pounds.  We will discontinue his TPN today due to his improved  nutritional status.
2. Donnie will only receive Gemzar for his chemo.  This means they have discontinued his Abraxane.  This will hopefully help with his neuropathy in his feet and hands, which makes it hard for him to sit still (irritating numbness/tingling feeling).
3. He will attempt to wean his morphine, as Dr. Z feels this is the contributing factor to his nausea (which still persists).

Dr. Z is very “real” with us, and that is exactly the way Donnie and I like to hear information from him.  He continues to be concerned about Donnie’s disease, due to the agressive way it presented itself 2.5 months after surgery.   This is not considered remission.  We remain diligent, watching for changes in his clinical status for flare ups of the disease.  However, I am doing the happy dance, praising God for this wonderful, unbelievable improvement!!!!

I think about miracles some.  I wonder if our human ideas about miracles are what God would consider a miracle.  No matter what we choose to call the road Donnie is traveling on this earth, it is wonderful and amazing that he is still with us, enjoying life, giving counsel to our kids, laughing with our grandbabies, and ocassionally singing to me.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God for all the amazing medical staff that have helped Donnie in his time of need.  There are no words to express our appreciation to our family and friends for your prayers, words of encouragement, and the love we feel from you all.  It has all made a huge difference in his battle.

Please continue to pray for no nausea, and for improved strength to fight.  Pray that Donnie’s living testimony is reaching people and winning souls to Christ.  That is our prayer.

May your 2016 be wonderful.  Our’s is starting off with fireworks of thanks!!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,  Donnie & Tina