What a (great) day

Amanda and I began our Houston appointments early this morning; an early lab draw then off to hours of scans. One special surprise during scan time was that we met up with Dillon and his family. A high school pitcher for his school's baseball team, we met him and his family last year as he was just beginning his battle with Ewings Sarcoma. We were able to share some of our experiences and encouragement with them. He has had a long year filled with surgeries, radiation and chemo and I am happy to say that his scans today were good and he is feeling well.

Scans finished just in time for us to grab a quick bite to eat and head off to meet with Dr. Anderson.

Once in with Dr. Anderson, he was happy to share with us the good news of our scans. The spot in the left lung (that we have been watching) continues to stay stable. Next, an extensive echo-cardiogram showed even more incredible news. It came back "normal". Dr. Anderson began to laugh and explained to us that it should say "Wow. Incredible. Unbelievable." across the top. Normal is "normal" to someone who has never had chemo. Really. Her heart is still within the range of someone who has not received chemotherapy. And finally, all her lab counts had risen well and were back at a very safe and good level.

Among all that celebrating, there was a knock on the door and in came Dr. Kleinerman. She wanted to meet Amanda. Dr. Kleinerman is the Doctor who developed Liposomal Muramyl Tripeptide Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine (L-MTP-PE). Dr. Anderson had told her about Amanda and she came in to meet a young lady who would receive this drug that she has worked on for 25 years. It was incredible to meet her. She was so kind to Amanda, talked with her about her journey, about her plans for the future. She talked with me about Amanda and our family, and listened as I thanked her for giving my child another tool in which to use to fight and win this battle. It was a very emotional moment for me when she quietly told me that Amanda is who she pictured through the years as she worked. Amanda is exactly the kind of incredible young person that she wanted to help overcome Osteosarcoma.

So many reasons to give thanks tonight. For Doctor's who quietly work for years with the picture of an unknown young child in their mind as they look for the answers that elude them. For a set of scans that remind us prayers work. For six children who are my greatest gifts. And for a loving Heavenly Father who caused all of these paths to cross.

So very, very thankful...