Almost Too Much to Bear

I'm sorry for the long silence on this blog! I hope I haven't caused anyone to worry. John's been doing so well, and we've been awfully busy having a good time! We had a fantastic summer, spending lots of time at our cottage and having fun with little Jack and Grace. We recently returned from southern California, where we spent a week in beautiful Orange County visiting our daughter Allison and her family. We have wonderful memories of the time we spent with three-year-old Jane and one-year-old Elsie. We especially enjoyed a day at Disneyland, and a visit to the amazing Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

John's chest CT scan in August showed that the lung tumor, which had been approximately 4" in size, had shrunk impressively. This is the quote from our oncologist, Dr. Campbell: "I have good news for you! You can see where it was, but to a large extent, it's GONE!"

In September John saw the retina specialist, who found that once again, the lesions have shrunk in both eyes, with no new spots, and his vision is 20/25 in both eyes. He continues on the daily chemotherapy pill, Tarceva, and will continue as long as the tumors do not become resistant to it. He has some fatigue, but otherwise feels pretty good.

Words can't express how overjoyed we are at this miracle we are witnessing before our very eyes. I'm so grateful to my Father in Heaven for each day He gives us together. I'm so grateful for how He has walked with us through our times of trial, and continues to walk with us. I know the Savior can heal John, and I have complete faith that He can do so, just as He healed so many when He was here on earth. I believe in miracles. I also believe in preparedness, and I am prepared to accept the Lord's will for us. I know of the Lord's great Plan of Happiness for His children, so I am not afraid. In my times of sadness, I have had to seek Heaven's help; I have searched and pondered the word of the Lord, and have become acquainted with His voice. I have complete trust in God and in His living prophet.

We have so much to be thankful for! Two days ago we returned from another trip to far northern Wisconsin. The road to our cottage winds past one little wilderness lake after another, and the fall colors were at their peak, in breathtaking orange, red, and glowing gold. The beauty was almost too much to bear, and actually brought tears to my eyes.

This is happiness. Thank you again for your prayers. We appreciate them so very, very much.