Last Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving here in the U.S., and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Being around my family for four days was incredible. We talked, played games, watched football, went shopping, indulged in delicious food, had many laughs, and just enjoyed each other’s company. We all live pretty far from one another so being able to spend quality time with those who matter most to me was simply perfect.
Throughout the weekend I was reminded of how many kind and considerate people there are in this world. When I hit “publish” on my last post I have to admit that I was a little nervous; I felt like I put my heart and soul out there and shared some very personal information with all of you. I never thought I would get such a heart-warming response. The thoughtful messages and uplifting emails that poured in were remarkable. I want to express how thankful I am to have so many compassionate people on my side–people, many of whom I have never met in person, reached out to express concern, offer encouragement, and took the time to say a prayer. I just want to say Thank You. Thank you for your kind words, your support, and for taking time out of your day to lift me up when I was down. 
I am overjoyed to report that I received wonderful news this afternoon–the biopsy results confirmed that the tumor is benign. It was the news we had been praying for, and thankfully our prayers were answered. I will have surgery to remove the tumor and meet with the surgeon later this week. Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to giving thanks, and as I reflect on the rollercoaster ride that was these last four weeks I am so thankful for my health and for all of the amazing people who have helped me through this rough patch.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
So pleased to read about your good news. This is my first visit to your blog but I live with a serious ongoing medical condition and am familiar with those terrible scares. Most of my worst scares have been like yours…benign…but you still go through a lot of stress and angst in the process.
Going through these experiences or journeys I feel helps us empathise better with others and connect better. Life isn’t all smooth sailing but with the ups and downs of the waves.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thank you, Rowena. I appreciate your kind words. You are right, the stress of waiting to find out if you have cancer or not is very difficult. When I heard the good news my heart also broke for the women who got a very different phone call from my own. I felt as though I was prepared for either answer but I felt such a weight released from my shoulders when they said the words “benign.” Thankfully a simple surgery will get everything back to normal. I hope you are okay. 😦 These kinds of experiences definitely make you more thankful and appreciative, and was a big wake up call as to how precious our lives are. Every day is a gift that should not be wasted. I wish you the very best and hope you have a happy Holiday season surrounded by your loves ones.
-Krystle
I wish you a Happy Holiday season as well and a fabulous new year! xx Rowena
Hi Krystle… I have been a little behind in catching up with everyone’s blog these days and I had wondered where some of your posts had gone as I did not see them, as I usually do in my feed. I have to admit that I enjoy reading your blog each day and that you are one of my followers whom I I look for through out the week to see what plans you and Cody are making for your next trip! You guys remind me very much of Vanda and I (only much younger) always looking for the next trip as soon as you get back from one.
I wondered what was up. Then I read your entry where you disclosed your situation. A very brave thing to do to allow us into your real world! The blogging community is a funny thing really. We seldom meet the folks we follow or those that follow us, yet when I read the fear and concern in your words, I felt anxious and just as concerned for you as if you were my own daughter or a close friend. Recently, we had a similar fear when Vanda went in for a routine check up and then was called back for a follow up as they had found some abnormality. The days in between were to say the least, very concerning and I know very trying for her. In the end, it has all checked out ok and she will be fine. Scary nonetheless.
I am so very glad to hear that all is going to be well for you and that your prognosis and treatment will take care of everything. I can only imagine the happiness and relief you felt when you received the word form your medical folks. Just over a year ago, our nephew was diagnosed with leukemia and although his prognosis is extremely positive and he is currently clean of any cancer he continues to under go treatment. Little folks are so tough when it comes to this! All of this however, does make you realize how fragile we all truly are, no matter what our age.
I am a big believer that everything that happens to us happens for a reason. The journey is to figure out how to take the lesson and make or find some positive change in our lives. Fear will often make us stronger and more resilient. My father always would say “The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them”. You have had a small stumble created by this concern, now opportunity stands before you to reach for the dreams you have and make them happen. Life throws curve balls at us all the time, things don’t always go as we plan in all aspects of our life… the ability to hit those curve balls out of the park in the face of adversity is what truly makes us stronger people and helps us to make a difference. As you travel, take the time to also make a difference! Wishing you health and happiness in your travels! So very glad to hear all will be well. As I said above very brave of you to share this. Sorry about the long winded comment… but then again.. you are used to my blog!
Stephen,
Thank you for your comment. You are right, blogging can be a funny thing–I feel like we have known each other for a few years now, yet we have never met. I guess following along on each other’s travels and explorations around the world brings a sort of camaraderie with fellow bloggers. It’s always fun to tune in to your blog and all of your amazing photos.
I am so happy to hear that Vanda and your nephew are both doing well. I remember your blog post right after you found out about your nephew’s diagnosis. Hearing that his prognosis is very positive is absolutely wonderful. 🙂 Throughout this ordeal I kept thinking to myself that I felt way too young to have cancer, and then of course my thoughts would turn to all the children dealing with such a scary disease, children should never have to face something like that. On Monday, when the doctor called me with the good news I couldn’t help but think about all those other women who got the news that they do in fact have cancer. It breaks my heart. I feel incredibly lucky this time around.
Thank you for all of your positive encouragement at the end of your comment. I love those sayings! Especially about hitting the curve balls out of the park. Absolutely perfect! Such great life advice from my dear blogging friend, I really appreciate it! 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to reading all about your next adventure! Cheers!
Congratulations! What amazing news!
Thank you Shauna. It was the news we couldn’t wait to hear. 🙂
SO very happy for your good news! What a wonderful early Christmas gift! 🙂
Hey Leigh! Thank you, thank you! Yes, a really wonderful Christmas gift. This situation has been so scary and such a rollercoaster ride, I’m just so thankful that it’s not malignant. After surgery life can finally go back to normal. 🙂 I’m one of the lucky ones… ❤
Glad that you are alright.
Thank you Steven. I am so thankful that the treatment is a simple surgery and then this whole scare will be behind us. Have a great day! 🙂
Best news I think I’ve ever gotten in my life. So happy to know we’ve made it through such a scare. I’m so thankful to have such an amazing person to call my wife and best friend. Love you sweetheart. So happy to have this amazing news.
Hi Sweetie,
It’s been a huge eye opener and really puts a lot of things in perspective. My heart breaks for all of those people who got a phone call yesterday that didn’t include the good news we heard. 😦 Thank you for being there to make me laugh and smile each day. I’m so grateful for you. Love you.
Amen~ Best Thanksgiving News to date- How wonderful for you and your family~Celebrate the season in style and grace.
Thank you. When I received the phone call and heard the good news, it felt like a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I’m so ready for the surgery and to have this all behind me. 🙂 I’m also looking forward to a good night’s sleep tonight!! It’s long overdue.