Hey friends,
Drumroll please… It’s three-years today (August 30, 2010) since my medical oncologist; Dr. Robbins first told Lisa and me that I’m “100% cancer-free”. Last week I had a routine PET-CT scan and yesterday received the results and examination from Dr. Hochman. I try not to take this ‘miracle’ lightly. Every day, every moment, every interruption, every relationship and every opportunity to serve someone else comes from the God who created the universe.
Overall, my energy-level and strength continues to improve.
Our three sons Chandler, Mitchell and Tristan are back in school, high school senior, freshmen and first grade! When I was first diagnosed, not seeing Chandler graduate was a real possibility.
Over the past two years, we have foster-parented 36 different children. Some of the kids simply spend the night with us after their parents’ arrest. A few have stayed with us for a few weeks until a relative makes accommodations for them. We had the joy of having two brothers for about a year.
In August 1998, Lisa and I built and moved into a new home. A few weeks ago, through a series of amazing circumstances including an online real estate auction, we moved. We call the home the Second Chance Ranch. It will significantly help us foster-parent more effectively.
Thankfully, my incredible team at Digital Lightbridge continues to be blessed with many new and exciting organizations to serve, brand and guide towards success. Last April, Digital Lightbridge celebrated its 12th anniversary.
Lisa and I have started a foundation called CXPA Cancer Foundation. Its goal is to distill and provide relevant information, encouragement and hope to cancer patients and their caregivers. Please check it out and let us know what you think: www.cxpacancer.com
Last year, my best friend John Faulkner and I co-founded a national magazine called TwoTen. It is a simultaneous print and digital (web & iPad) publication aimed to challenge business leaders to manage their organizations from a Christian perspective and improve their effectiveness. The covers have featured Coach Tony Dungy, Tim Tebow, Dr. Ben Carson and Billy Graham. It’s been very exciting traveling the country and telling the stories about what God does through His people.
Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me, Lisa and my boys during this strange, horrible, wonderful and incredible journey.
Love and press on, Rich
Rich – Thank you for sharing!! I am so excited about what the LORD continues to accomplish for His kingdom through you and Lisa. I count it a privilege and a blessing knowing you!!
For His Glory,
-Tim Regan
Rich,
My husband Jack had surgery on 11/7/2012 and we were shocked that it was CXPA. After 9 previous benign surgeries this was a surprise. I have followed your posts and was so delighted to finally read that you are 3 years cancer free. He had very similar experiences to yours and there was no one else I could connect with to share experiences with. He had the same radical surgeries as you except 46 lymph nodes. After radiation and chemo ending in Feb 2013 twe discovered in April that the cancer spread to his liver but was caught very early and small very far from blood vessels. In May he had part of his liver removed and in July was declared cancer free. We live in Orlando and I gather you live north of Tampa. If possible could we email or join your support group. I have not been able to make contact so far. My email is gldavismm@yahoo.com. This is not a hoax or spam or anything like that. He still has some pain and his tastes have just started coming back after radiation. It would be nice if he could compare his experiences with someone who has been down this path. Thank you. Ginger
Ginger, thank you for sharing your story about this complex and rare disease. Jack is blessed to have you as his cheerleader and caregiver. I will follow-up with you via email today. Warmest regards and press on, Rich