The All Clear Siren

by Lisa

This is that post you’ve been waiting for… Well, to be more accurate, it’s the post we’ve been waiting for. And I know that if you happen to see it, you’ll be happy, too.

Mike’s last official day of chemotherapy is next Monday, the 24th of March. Yesterday, along with our dangerous pal, bleomycin, Mike also received the news from the oncologist that he has the cautious all-clear. He’ll need monitoring every three months for this next year, then every six months, then annually for a decade… but we can be reasonably optimistic that we’ve seen the last of this cancer.

Thank. God.

We’re still processing this great news, but streamers and celebrations will have to wait a little while. We walked out of the hospital after treatment yesterday, got in the car, and barely said a word to each other the whole way home. When we reached the house – instead of champagne and caviar – Mike went straight to bed.

We’re wrecked, friends.

Yesterday’s news felt like an all-clear siren sounding after a hurricane. I said as much to Mike at the hospital and he laughed.

“The first ninety days post-disaster is the sexy phase,” he said. “After that, things get harder.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Donor funds dry up, the world’s attention moves on, follow-through stalls. What do you think is the biggest challenge after the initial response phrase?”

“Unrealistic expectations,” he said. “Donors, beneficiaries, workers on the ground, everybody has expectations out of whack with reality.”

“Huh,” I said. “In this situation I’m a donor and a beneficiary.” [Sidenote: Thanks to both sets of our parents, who have been the primary donors in our case]

“Well,” Mike said, “Aren’t you lucky. You’ll have twice as many pathways to expectations frustration. Congratulations. You’re going to love the reconstruction phase.”

I will.

I mean, I may not enjoy all aspects of the reconstruction phase (we’ve been warned that it will take 6-18 months for Mike to feel like his energetic self again) but I’m thrilled beyond words that we get to have one. Bring on the champagne and streamers… Or, at least, bring them on in a week or two. Or three. Whatever.

They’re coming, folks. They’re coming.

Hooray.

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35 comments

Bree March 18, 2014 - 4:24 pm

So so so thrilled to hear that the siren sounded for you guys! We will continue to pray as you enter this new phase. God Bless!

Lisa March 18, 2014 - 4:50 pm

THanks, Bree. Hope you and your little tribe are all well. xo.

Chloe March 18, 2014 - 5:09 pm

Lisa and Mike! Awesome news!! Thank God indeed – prayer answered!!

Lisa March 19, 2014 - 5:10 am

Thanks, Chloe!! xo.

Angie Washington March 18, 2014 - 5:36 pm

Woohoo!!! This is great, Lisa! I am celebrating with y’all. You know, this whole time I have not heard from you even the slightest iota of desperation. Whether that has been a private struggle you didn’t want to bring to the social media format or if it just never was a great part of the battle I wanted you to know that I noticed. You have walked through this with authentic grace. I pray that in the post-disaster clean up you find all the help you need to rebuild. Peace to you.

Lisa March 19, 2014 - 5:09 am

Thanks, Angie. There are a couple of reasons for that. One is the incredible support we’ve had – particularly from my parents. It’s easier to stay out of desperate territory when you’ve got great backup to help with the kids and all the daily hassles of life when you’re getting stretched really thin. I’ve got so much respect for people who walk this road without so much help on hand. SO much.

Rel Mollet March 18, 2014 - 6:26 pm

BEST news, Lisa xoxoxoxox

Lisa March 19, 2014 - 5:04 am

Thanks Rel. Hugs.

AlyssaM March 18, 2014 - 10:49 pm

I am so happy to hear this news! I have been following your journey and praying for your family, and this is wonderful God is faithful. Will continue to pray for you as you rebuild. 🙂

Lisa March 19, 2014 - 5:04 am

Thanks you Alyssa!!

Trezlen March 19, 2014 - 4:48 am

YEAH!!!

Lisa March 19, 2014 - 5:04 am

Thanks, Trez

Cathy Woodson March 19, 2014 - 8:22 am

Wonderful news. So thankful and happy for you.

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:13 pm

THanks, Cathy.

Pamela March 19, 2014 - 3:45 pm

Great news! I hope the reconstruction phase goes better than expected!

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:12 pm

THanks, Pamela.

joslyne March 19, 2014 - 6:39 pm

(insert the happiest of happy dances — with interpretive scarves of course!!!!)
xoxoxox

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:12 pm

No happy dance is truly complete without scarves.

Diane Rivers March 19, 2014 - 9:01 pm

This is such good news! I have followed your journey with great interest and, I’ll admit, an uncomfortable amount of recognition. My husband, too, is a cancer survivor <– isn't that the greatest word? I'm so relieved for you and grateful to God.

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:11 pm

YES!! Survivor is an awesome word. Mike had it printed on a tee shirt and wore that tee shirt on our first post-chemo date.

Rachel Hauck March 19, 2014 - 10:00 pm

Lisa, great news. Praising God with you. Praying for Mike’s complete healing and restoration.

Rachel

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:10 pm

Thanks, Rachel.

Leslie March 19, 2014 - 10:18 pm

Hooray!!!

Betty Hagan March 21, 2014 - 7:26 am

What a relief; can’t imagine the wieght that has been lifted off your shoulders, and your parents, his parents.
The power of prayer is awesome.

Betty Hagan

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:09 pm

Thanks Betty, Hope you’re all well over there!

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:10 pm

Thanks, Leslie!

Corinne March 21, 2014 - 8:32 am

Such a wonderful news. So happy and relieved for you. Cheers and plenty of positive thoughts and energy. Corinne and family

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:09 pm

THanks, Corinne.

Karen G March 22, 2014 - 7:41 am

Dear Mike and Lisa, My whole body has just relaxed with a big WHEWWWW. I am joyful with you (in a fatigued sort of way 🙂 Will continue to have you and your families in my prayers. K

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:08 pm

Thanks, Karen. Hope you’re well!!

Laurie Pearlman March 23, 2014 - 5:44 am

Congratulations to all of you. Wonderful, wonderful news.

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:08 pm

Thanks, Laurie.

Amanda March 24, 2014 - 8:00 pm

I’m so happy that you had that moment. Sending you all strength as you move through the months ahead.

Lisa March 28, 2014 - 4:08 pm

Thanks Amanda!!

The bumpy road back: Five ways to support families during transition and re-entry June 4, 2014 - 3:01 pm

[…] so that my husband, Mike, could receive treatment for cancer. Now that he’s received the initial all-clear (hooray) we’re in the process of reassembling normal life. To get there, however, we had to […]

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