Cancer Boy, Patti and Gillis enjoy the spring bluebonnet blooms near Buda, Texas a few weeks ago.
I am truly blessed by the grace of God.
Went to my oncologist’s office today. When I saw him in March, my cancer markers were very good, and he suggested I put off chemo.
A day later, he called to tell me that my c-19 marker, which determines movement of the tumors plus whether the tumors are growing or stable, had fallen dramatically. This was good news since, over time, they tend to rise with the advance of the pancreatic cancer. So, I was defying logic. I believe he said, “You are living a miracle.”
He is right. Patti and I met with him again today.
Again, the numbers are not advancing. They are stable. The good news keeps on coming.
I feel fine, no pain anywhere and I am truly grateful to God for the grace He has given me. As my doctor told me pragmatically in March, “Do everything you want to do. The cancer will show up again at some point, but while you are feeling good and your numbers are showing such positive response, I would hold off on any chemo and just go live.” I am so thankful to have a doctor who looks out for what is best for me, as his patient, rather than building up his bottom line. I trust him unabashedly. And, I played my first round of golf in more than two years a couple weeks ago. It was pure joy, plus I got to play with my two sons. Is there anything better?
We left the doctor’s office and said prayers of thankfulness to the Lord above. The Bible is just loaded with wonderful messages for all people, but the one that keeps resonating in my mind is Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness; nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
I find it remarkable that all God needs is feathers to protect his flock from evil and the results of evil.
God bless you all for your prayers. Thank you!
fighting damien 
May 13, 2014 at 6:24 PM
Rock on Big D ! Such wonderful news.
Sent from my iPhone
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May 13, 2014 at 7:44 PM
Thanks, Joe. I may be able to play a little more golf now. By the way, I got my Master’s tickets invitation today and applied for next year. Never have won before, but we’ll see. If I get a notice that I won tickets, you’re the first on the invite list.
May 13, 2014 at 9:34 PM
Smiles, all around, and let’s keep on with the praises! Just when our family thinks they’ve heard the best news about you, BA ZINGA!!!, we get more and it’s better! This is the best blog ever. The photo of the empty nesters with the G man amidst the blue bonnets was pretty cool too!! It’s almost warm enough to test out the waters, ” you know where”. Come on up!!
May 13, 2014 at 10:16 PM
Thank you, 9a. We are so blessed. So the lake is beckoning, eh? We’d love to come visit. We’ll look into it.
May 14, 2014 at 8:22 AM
A beautiful Texas picture to illustrate a beautiful story!
May 14, 2014 at 10:13 AM
Derek and I are each in the care of the same oncologist in Austin, a man who truly is worth his weight in gold.
It is hard to explain Derek’s miracle other than Divine Intervention, because “dumb luck” isn’t part of Derek’s M.O.
May 14, 2014 at 2:28 PM
Thank you, Bryan, I think. Yes, our doc is truly remarkable. I hope you are having a wonderful week.enjoy, my friend.
May 14, 2014 at 12:05 PM
What happy, happy news! Dave and I are so inspired by you Derek! 🙂
May 14, 2014 at 2:13 PM
Thank you, Sue. Patti and I hope the sale of the house goes according to your plan and you have an easy move to Lake Lanier. Our best to you, Dave and the family.
May 15, 2014 at 2:18 PM
Derek — I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing so well. May you continue to improve in the coming months and years. Enjoy life!
May 15, 2014 at 4:33 PM
Thank you, Sharon. I hope you and family are doing well and enjoying life. Let me know how things are going for you. I miss working with you. We had a lot of fun and a lot of smiles. Derek.aldridge@icloud.com.
May 17, 2014 at 10:28 PM
Thank you, Sharon. We are truly blessed. I hope you and family are doing well, and that work is going well for you. I miss working with you. We had some fun, Sharon. God bless you.
May 18, 2014 at 5:05 PM
We are doing well. I’ve been freelancing since I lost my job at TW almost four years ago (with a brief stint working for a friend for a while — who is no longer a friend). It’s been slow the last few months, but should be picking up soon. I do most of my work for Janie and for High Roads. I’m also working on a congressional campaign right now — I’m in charge of fundraising events. Can’t wait until August 5, which is when our primary is. Sometimes I miss the old days, too, and the fun we had, but I’m kind of glad I’m not there anymore — I understand it’s very different than it used to be. It was definitely not a merger of equals. Take care and stay well.
May 17, 2014 at 8:51 PM
It’s all those Lone Star longnecks and Texas barbeque you enjoyed over the past 40 years. That, plus you’re too damned stubborn to give up! As always, you are in our thoughts; the circle remains unbroken.
May 17, 2014 at 10:09 PM
Is that it, Paul? So, it’s the long necks and bubbacue intake that have strengthened my immune system. You may have something there. Best to you and Janice, as always, my friend.
May 18, 2014 at 5:43 PM
This is sooooo AWESOME Derek! you’re not just living the miracle; you ARE the miracle!!! so happy you’re feeling well too. What blessings you have and you are. Cindy
May 20, 2014 at 1:04 PM
Cindy, it is sooooo good to hear from you. How are you and Lee doing? Are you having to travel much? We’re just recovering from funerals earlier this year. My mom died in February and Patti’s dad died on her birthday in early March. I hope you are doing well and God’s blessings surround you and Lee and family.
May 19, 2014 at 9:56 AM
My dear friend…God is so amazing! I am so thankful for your great news and update. I love your Psalms verse…I have that same one in my cube at work. Keep on living my friend! Much love, Linda T
May 20, 2014 at 1:00 PM
Thank you for the sweet sentiment, Linda. I miss you guys terribly. I think I am going to have to get my act together and drive over to the Woodlands to visit with you guys. If I can pull that off, I will give you plenty of notice. All God’s blessings to you and your family.
May 21, 2014 at 2:18 PM
Derek, I was just mentioning you the other day to a friend as I was sharing stories about some of our fun times at WW Communication Conferences! I mentioned what an inspiration you have been and how I felt your optimism, determination and faith have carried you as far as any western medicine has 🙂
So glad to hear these positive results and I continue to put well wishes and strength into the universe for you 🙂 Take care and take time to smell the bluebonnets 🙂
May 29, 2014 at 12:32 PM
Smitty, it is so absolutely fabulous to hear from you. I hope the family is doing well. Plus I hope you have managed to stay away from that company you and I both worked for in that little town across the border. I don’t mention the name for fear of causing spasmodic reactions that could lead to further distress. We had some great times working together … as well as attending the annual conferences. Stay in touch and let me know how the family is doing. I miss making trips to Michigan.