"Christmas in July!"

Well folks, we received some good news this week. After having another MRI completed, three of my physicians have reviewed the results. All three entered the office with a similar smile, as they concluded they were very pleased with the results of the MRI. Dr. Ali Choucair indicated that the MRI showed no evidence of any additional tumors but cautioned that we still have a long process to go to keep it that way. He then indicated I would need to continue Chemo-therapy treatments for up to one year - starting yesterday.

Dr. Mark Reichman then met with us and indicated he saw no evidence of reoccurrence of the tumor and seemed very pleased with the healing progress. I did mention to him that as I was walking the neighborhood, a wonderful gentleman, stopped me and wanted to compare scars from our individual surgeries. When I took off my hat, he exclaimed jokingly, "Who took a hatchet to your head?" When I explained that it was Dr. Mark Reichman, he laughed and commented that he had been Mark's Explorer Advisor - so I then said, "Well then, you must have taught him how to use that hatchet!"

Today, Dr. John Thomson also reviewed the films and confirmed what the other physicians had indicated - "No tumors, but we are going to watch things like a hawk for a while." The other aspect of the good news is: Driving restrictions have been lifted by the physicians. But, wouldn't you know it, when I got home my car had a flat tire! I am still sporting an evolving new hairstyle. This week, the left eyebrow disappeared and some of the dark hair on the back side of my head started to fall out as well. We've attempted to be very careful not to contract any unwanted infections or germs to aid in the healing process.

All of this is secondary to a really wonderful experience we have not published until now. Shortly after the surgery, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to our home for a visit. He was so kind to offer a blessing on my behalf and indicated that this disease would not shorten by even one day, the Lord's intended time for my time on earth. That was a wonderful comfort during the major part of the recuperation period. The following weeks have been blessed by visits from Bishop Thornton, President Grant and Elder Sam Clark. Thanks to all for your thoughts, prayers and efforts to have my name placed on the prayer rolls of various temples throughout the world.

Now, the effort will focus on making a living to pay for the past and upcoming expenses of this challenge. We will keep you all posted.