
Hi to everyone from Eric. Normally, my wife Susan has pictures of beautiful handmade cards posted on this blog. But I had to hijack it this one time in order to share some good news and give thanks. As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, in March of this year. Obviously, that was a shock to everyone. I literally woke up one morning and Susan noticed that my thyroid was swollen and you could see it sticking out through my neck.
I saw several doctors over the following three days. Everyone one I saw bounced me up the chain saying I needed to be seen by someone with more expertise as soon as possible. At the end, I ended up at Texas Oncology, which is located at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. Over the past 6 months, I have had 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 6 spinal tap injections and 3 extended hospital stays. There were times when the chemo made me feel miserable. But Susan was very patient with me and supported me every step of the way.
A week ago, I had a PET scan (which is similar to a CAT scan) which would show if there is any cancer in my body. At my doctor visit today, we discussed the test results. THE SCAN SHOWED NO SIGNS OF CANCER, IT IS IN REMISSION!!! I will be getting a PET scan every 3 months for the next year to make sure the cancer doesn't come back.
While I was receiving treatment I received numerous cards from some of Susan's scrapping friends (ya'll). Every one of them was beautiful and lifted my spirits. Also, many people made donations through Susan's blog, which helped our family make it through a difficult time. Finally, many of you said prayers for our family. I believe the prayers were an essential part of making it through this situation.
Of course, thank yous also have to go out to Dr. Christopher Maisel, and Nurse Linda. They're in the picture at the top of the page. They are absolutely amazing, very attentive and always calmed our fears.
Most of all, I want to thank you everyone associated with Susiestampalot who helped out during the last 6 months. It is incredible to think about how many wonderful people Susan has met through this blog.
As you can tell from the picture, my hair has just barely started to grow back. When it does come back, I plan to let it get long enough to do a "Fabio" style, then post another picture. Susan absolutely loooves Fabio.
Congrats Eric on being in remission. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and pray that you continue in remission. I know Susan is happy. Time to celebrate. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThat is Fantastic News!!!
ReplyDeletewow...(tear, tear)I am sooo happy to hear the results of your PET...Congratulations!! I am sooo happy for you! The prayers for you to remain cancer free will continue.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Nikki
This was the most wonderful news!! Congratulations to you, Susan and your girls!!! Susan said you were due a steak dinner, so I hope you enjoyed a big ol' Texas sized steak!! Couldn't be happier for you!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! After an emotionally trying day (purchase of new home fell through) this puts it all in perspective. We are so happy for you. Keep the awesome news coming!!! Best regards from Cynthia & Jim in Chicago.
ReplyDeleteThis is FANTASTIC news!!! Will continue to keep you in thoughts and prayers that the cancer stays in remission. God bless!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo Eric that is fantastic news!!! I am so happy for you and your family!! I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers for cancer free screenings!
ReplyDeleteWell this is FABULOUS news, Eric and Susan! I couldn't be happier. And please DO post that Fabio hair picture. While I am NOT a Fabio fan (ahem...SUSAN?!), I was a teenager of the 80s and a hairband fanatic. ROCK ON WICH YOUR BAD SELF!!
ReplyDeleteSo very glad to hear Eric is in remission. Now "ya'll" will have to go out to dinner and celebrate. I will continue to keep all of you close in prayers. God be with you and bless you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I'm so happy for you and your family!!! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!
ReplyDelete~Ola
okj83 at live dot com
OMGosh Eric I was just thinking the other day we haven't gotten an update recently....I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU and your family!!!! Congrats on your REMISSION and I will definitely keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!!!!
ReplyDeleteYAY, YAY, YAY!!!! So good to hear!
ReplyDeleteEric & Sus -- I'm so, so, so happy for you! You've weathered a very tough storm-of-life with grace and good humor. I'm thrilled beyond words to read this good news, and wish you both nothing but health and happiness for the future! HUGS!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Eric, I'm crying tears of joy for you right now! This is wonderful news! I absolutely agree that prayers are very important! I will continue to pray for you and the family. Best Wishes!
ReplyDeleteYIPPEE! Thanks for sharing this wonderful new with everyone! Look forward to seeing the Fabio hair! LOL
ReplyDeleteHugs
Karen
What fabulous news! I'm thrilled for your whole family.
ReplyDeleteWhat absolutely WONDERFUL news! I am OVER the moon happy for you and your entire family!! God bless!!
ReplyDeleteYes, God is good! Prayers hae been answered. More will come that the remission continues for a very long time!
ReplyDeleteWhat joyous news!!!!
ReplyDeletealthough I have never met you or your wife and live thousands of miles away, I stumbled on to Susie's blog thru SCS. I checked back often to see how you were doing. Thank God it is in remission. I am so happy for you and your family. Good luck to you all in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhooHoo!!!!!!! Very excited for you, Eric, and your family!!
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness...I have tears in my eyes! Congrats on your remission!
ReplyDeleteThis is such wonderful news! I came to Susan's blog to see a card and instead I see this wonderful blessing! I'm so glad that you are in remission and that the prayers worked! I'll continue to pray for you and your family! :)
ReplyDeleteI can see happiness, thankfulness, gratitude and sheer relief in your face, Eric! SO happy for you all!!!
ReplyDeleteAmy
WAHOOO!!!!!! OMGOSH!!!! I am goosey bumped and teared up!!!! I am SO thankful to the power of prayer!!!!! Oh man... I am SO looking forward to seeing you with a Fabio Doo!!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you for being YOU and for being STRONG... you and your WHOLE Family are BLUE RIBBON Kinda Peeps!!!!!
HUGE GIGORMOUS HUGS!!!!!
kj
I weep tears of joy. Congratulations on this wonderful news! I'm so ver happy for you and all your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for personally sharing your story with us! I am doing a happy dance for you. My mom had Hodgkins Lymphoma 25 years ago and is going full tilt at 75 now. God is good and prayer is powerful :) Enjoy some great meals without an upset tummy and I look forward to seeing your Fabio look!! Huge (((hug))) for your and your family!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous news and a great picture! So happy to hear the update.
ReplyDeletePraying for nothing but blue skies and blank PET scans. . .Congratulations Eric! Many blessings!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS and praise God for healing!! Praying for continued strength and staying cancer free!! God is GOOD:)
ReplyDelete"Oh Lord, my God, I called out to you, and you HEALED me!!" Psalm 30:2
Wonderful news, so happy for you and your entire family!
ReplyDeleteTears of joy Eric for the news of your remission, blessings to you and praying that the next years PET scans will all be good news. This is so great and for sure will what to see the fabio photo when you get that head of hair back. :)Blessings to your family.
ReplyDeletethat is the best news ever-a big whoo-hoo from PA
ReplyDeleteEric and Susan my heart rejoices with you at this wonderful news.
ReplyDeletePraise GOD! We are so happy for you all! Thank you for sharing the good news with us ~ it brought happy tears to my eyes! Hugs to you and Susie and the girls!
ReplyDeleteLynda and Sam Marquez
That is such fantastic news...!!! I am just thrilled for you and your family... what a huge relief it must be! You guys have been so strong throughout all this and I am overjoyed for you. Celebrate!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Eric and Susan, tears of joy, relief, and thanksgiving over here! Praying for continued remission!
ReplyDeleteThat is WONDERFUL news. I hope you continue to heal and get stronger.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness.. this is the BEST NEWS!! Congrats to you, Susan and your girls! Hugs to you all and prayers for you to stay in remission!!
ReplyDeleteWhat absolutely amazing news! I am so happy for you and Susan! You guys have been in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteHUGS!
This is the BEST news I've heard in a long time! I am so very happy for you and your family! Prayers continue that you remain in remission.
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteTears of joy over here too! God is good! Continued prayers for continued good health; hugs to all!
ReplyDeleteEric & Susie, HURRAY FOR YOUR WONDERFUL NEWS!!! Your charm and good humor throughout this difficult time in your lives is truly an amazing example of grace and faith. I will continue to pray that the cancer stays away! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful news. God bless you and your family. I will pray that you remain cancer free.
ReplyDeleteThat's great news! I hope everything continues to go well for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteYippity Yahoo! I am so happy for all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blessing, congratulations to you all!
ReplyDeletesuch wonderful, fantastic, AWESOME news!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Prayers have been answered! I will continue to pray for good health for you and lots of love and laughter for your family!
ReplyDeleteFabulous, fabulous news. Prayers and good medicine always help.
ReplyDeleteSUCH wonderful news!!!!!!! Congrats!!! I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and pray that the cancer stays in remission!!! So happy for you!
ReplyDeleteThat is such wonderful news to hear Eric! Continue to stay positive and healthy. Time for celebrating. May God continue to bless you and keep you cancer free. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteChris Z
Congratulations, Eric!! I'm so happy to hear the good news! Hugs to you and your lovely family :^) !
ReplyDeletehorray....that is the best news EVER! will continue to keep you all in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news. I will pray that you will stay cancer free.
ReplyDeleteChantell - South Africa
Eric, Eric, Eric!!! FABULOUS NEWS!!! Of course, I love in your Telly Savalas hair or Fabio hair. I'm so thrilled for all the good news. You and Susan are my heroes for your attitudes throughout this whole episode. Your humor and courage have helped us all over this mountainous hurdle!! THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
ReplyDeletelINDA
What great news! I am so excited to read your post and see your wonderful smile! Congrats on your good news.
ReplyDeleteThats great news!! My Uncle goes every six months because he too is a Cancer Survivor...Its been 5 years now and the tests he gets every six months are great! And he is feeling better and better....
ReplyDeleteOur whole family is so excited and thanking God for this huge answer to prayer!! What an awesome testament to God's power and grace!!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful news!! You both are amazing people! God Bless you both.
ReplyDelete