There's A Lot Of Love In This Room Right Now

The French have a phrase: joie de vivre.
But that's just me being pretentious.
We say it even better: THE JOY OF LIFE
Let me tell you, I've got it in spades today, my friends.



After the morning psych-out (results not available), I got a voicemail this afternoon.
Want to hear a joyful noise masquerading as an ordinary voicemail?
Listen To This: DORIS' VOICEMAIL



What does this mean?
Well for me it means that for all intents and purposes, I no longer have leukemia.
It means that the amazing doctors and nurses at Penn and the Abramson Cancer Center have not only eliminated all leukemia cells from my body, they have also destroyed the bad RNA which caused the disease to begin with. I am now in TOTAL REMISSION and completely cancer-free.



Does this mean it could never come back? Of course not. I could also get hit by a bus tomorrow, too. But that's why the word remission is used and not cure. Only time will tell if it is permanent remission.



Right now I am filled with love and appreciation for everyone who has helped me and my family through this ordeal. I am so very grateful for the amazing doctors who helped get me into remission. The research scientists who worked to develop the treatment, and all the other leukemia patients who selflessly tested it.



I am extremely fortunate to have incredible nurses who kept me alive through this process. Far too many to name here, I am also too far in their debt to ever repay the thousands of kindnesses and the professionalism that saved my life.



And the virtual army of family, friends and colleagues who helped us make it through all this.



Most of all, I am so very thankful for Bonnie. She is the rock upon which our family is built; the very heart and soul of all that is good in my life. If I am alive, it is because every single day of my life she has given me a reason to live.

Today is a beautiful day, my friends, whether you know it or not.

So take it from me, Life IS Good.