PET Scan and Chemo #5... In the words of Mr. Bean (Rat Race), I’m winning, I’m winning!!!!

Cliff had another PET scan on Friday, April 1st.  Today we found out the results of that scan.  With Cliff’s CEA counts dropping dramatically a couple of weeks ago, we really wondered what this scan would find and we were not disappointed.  In the exact words of Cliff’s oncologist, “your cancer in both your colon and your liver have shrunk substantially and we don’t see any additional spots on any other organs”.   Those words brought us complete joy!!!   We were able to see the images of Cliff’s colon and liver taken back in January, and those that were taken on Friday side by side, and we were surprised at the differences.  IT IS WORKING and we are so grateful. 

Cliff’s team of doctors will be meeting either tomorrow or next Tuesday to talk about “the next steps”.   We do know that they will more than likely do two separate surgeries, one on the colon then sometime later they will do the liver.  Although the cancer mass in his liver is much smaller than it was, they suspect they will still be removing a large portion of it.  Onward and upward we go.  Cliff’s next chemo treatment (#5) will be this Thursday. 

As I write this I can’t stop thinking about Cliff’s outlook on life.  When we first started this journey, Cliff’s oncologist told him that his attitude would make a difference.   I am always amazed at how Cliff finds something to be grateful for and to smile about.  He never complains and is often the one that is picking up our family and cheering us on.  He has been such an example to all of us.  I love watching my children look into their father’s eyes with such respect and love. They adore him, as do I.   

We are so grateful for friends and family who continue to remember us in their prayers, bring in meals, treats, cards, texts, etc.  We never know what we might find on our doorstep.  It truly is humbling and we are so thankful for each of you.  We know without a doubt that this journey/trial/training is not an accident and that if we will put our trust in our Heavenly Father we will come out of this experience better than we went into it. 

Below is a picture most of you have probably already seen on Facebook, but because this is somewhat of a journal for us we wanted to post it here too.  This last weekend Cliff was able to give our granddaughter a name and a blessing (this is something our church does when a baby is born).  It was one of those nights that we will never forget.  We love you Myla Kate Baughman and are so glad you are a part of our family.  

As always…..GO, FIGHT, WIN!!!!!