Thankful, Grateful and Blessed

Words cannot even begin to describe my feelings right now. Friday we went back to Iowa City for a myriad of tests and God has truly blessed me. All of the tests came back clear and normal. This would officially make it 3 years and 2 months cancer free.

Initially when I was diagnosed, there was little anyone knew or could tell me about my prognosis and/or the life expectancy. Internet sites stated anywhere from 3 months to 10 years, tops. I was devastated then.

I then met Dr. Garneau and Dr. O'Donnell. Life changed. Dr. O'Donnell was and still is a calm, quiet intelligent urology oncologist. He specializes in cancer of the bladder. He had seen my type of cancer only a few times before me. But, he was certain he could be proactive (which meant additional surgeries) and cure me. Somehow, I knew God led me to him because my time on Earth was not complete. I had babies to raise and friends to grow old with and so many things left undone.

I went through the surgeries, chemotherapy that didn't guarantee me anything and all of the subsequent trials and tribulations that come with them. Financially, it all but ruined us.....the medical bills that were out of this world. Faithfully, it bonded me in a way that I have never, ever experienced. I know there is a God, I know that he watches over us and carries us places we cannot carry ourselves. He shows us defeat and helps us triumph. He takes everything away so that we learn to rebuild again.

Dr. O'Donnell now says I have a 99.8% chance of never, ever dealing with cancer again. It is "high five, kiss and hug" time. We made it. They saved me. I owe them more than gratitude. I owe them my life. They saved it.

I want to take this opportunity to let you all know that we are only led down paths that we are meant to travel. We are only as strong as the trials we face and conquer. We believe. We pray. We succeed. Thank you Dr. O'Donnell, Dr. Vaena and Dr. Garneau for believing and praying, for succeeding. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is where I was treated, and treated well. The workers, the interns, the residents, the specialists.....each and every one of them was truly caring and loving. They held my hands when i feared the worst, they made me laugh when I just wanted to cry, the chemo nurses told me it would all be worth it in the end. I am forever grateful to all of you and three little girls will grow up knowing that angels really do live among us. Thank you for healing my wings.