Anna Marie is In Remission

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We have some good news from our most recent appointment with my oncologist: Based on all my most recent scans, lab work, etc., my oncologist now considers me to be in full remission!

I am tapering off some of my cancer-specific supplements and am only going to Kansas City twice a month now for Vitamin C IV’s. We’re still working with various supplements and dietary strategies to work on healing my gut/digestive issues, but overall I’m feeling quite good and noticing improvement as far as the bloating, etc. My blood levels are still low from chemo, but our doctor said that’s to be expected and it just takes time (he’s seen it be about three years before blood and energy levels are “back.”) I do still get tired, but I have the energy I need to care for my family and be involved in their lives – while recognizing this is a season of more restful activities, story reading, etc. We started back into school a couple weeks ago (annual first day of school “class photo” below)  and now have a good routine going. I truly love homeschooling, building relationships and lasting memories as we learn together about God in and through His creation!

Speaking of that, the past 18 months have definitely given me a new perspective on time and the gift of life. I’m so grateful for the years God has given me, and is giving me, with my family. I don’t know what His will is for my future, and whether or not the cancer will be back (while it can come back any time, we’ve been told that the first 2 years is the most likely time for recurrence if it is going to recur). I was looking back through hymns I shared with you along our journey and now want to share one more:

Father, I know that all my life
is portioned out for me;
the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see:
I ask thee for a present mind,
intent on pleasing thee.

I would not have the restless will
that hurries to and fro,
seeking for some great thing to do
or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
and guided where to go.

I ask thee for the daily strength,
to none that ask denied,
a mind to blend with outward life,
while keeping at thy side,
content to fill a little space,
if thou be glorified.

In service which thy will appoints
there are no bonds for me;
my secret heart is taught the truth
that makes thy children free;
a life of self-renouncing love
is one of liberty.
                            -Anna Waring, 1850

We are so grateful for you, our faithful prayer supporters who have held us up before the Throne and encouraged us along the way. Truly the Body of Christ is a beautiful thing and you all have been to us extensions of His grace. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Love in Christ,
Anna Marie

23 thoughts on “Anna Marie is In Remission”

  1. So thankful to hear this, Ms. Anna Marie! I know it’s been a difficult journey through cancer, but God is forever faithful. I love the happy first day of school picture!

  2. Praise the Lord for this good news. What a gift from the Lord!!! I am so glad to hear you are getting back to routine. Love the poem you shared – helpful words right now to many. Thank you for sharing your heart. Your testimony has touched many. To God be the glory.

  3. So grateful to God that He heard our petitions for you. We will now be praising Him for you being in remission and submit your blood levels to His perfect will and care. The T Family

  4. Praise God! I have been praying for you! I also wanted to thank you for recommending the Bible study Quieting a Noisy Soul. I started it and then dropped the ball, but I need to get back to it, especially in these crazy times we are living in. Again, so happy for you and your family. I will continue to pray! Terri

  5. Mrs. Maxwell: praise God from whom ALL blessings flow! And, if you don’t mind my saying, your hair is adorable! So good to see your smiling face in the picture. Continue to take care of yourself & trust in the Lord.

  6. Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow. Such wonderful news. Thank you for the update, Anna Marie.

  7. So very happy for you. Love the poem you shared. Your posts always bless me in some way and I thank you. You and your sweet family will continue in my prayers.

  8. I love the adorable picture! And praising the Lord with you!! I’ve been praying for the past 18 months and will continue praying! So excited to hear this great news! Your perspective about cherishing every day of life is a real encouragement to me.

    I wanted to share two scriptures and two quotes that I love! Great promises to claim when looking toward the future!

    “What do ye imagine against the Lord? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.” Nahum 1:9

    “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22?

    “The future is as bright as the promises of God.” Adoniram Judson

    “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie Ten Boom

  10. This is wonderful news, and huge encouragement seeing your perspective being the true one. His grace is sufficient, abundant, greater than we comprehend. I will be praying for you to abide in these things as you endure and rest in Him, Anna Marie.

    Blessings,
    Sarah nz

  11. So happy! Our family loved to pray for you and your family! It was a real faith builder in our morning prayer time in our homeschool day. Truly God is so faithful and through this test, you now have a glorious testimony! Blessings from the K. family.

  12. So happy! Our family loved to pray for you and your family! It was a real faith builder in our morning prayer time in our homeschool day. Truly God is so faithful and through this test, you now have a glorious testimony! Blessings from the K. family.

  13. Absolutely wonderful news! I have to agree with another comment, I love your short hair! And those curls!!! I will continue to pray for you!

  15. I’m so grateful to God for your remission. I pray that your health continues to improve and that you have more energy as blood levels increase. Your testimony to God’s faithfulness during your illness was such an encouragement. Thank you for sharing your triumphs and struggles with us along the way. Your habit of including hymn lyrics was particularly powerful and reminded me that we bring a sacrifice of praise to our Lord in times of trial. May God richly bless you and your precious family.

  17. Thank you Jesus, praise God from whom all blessing flows. And thank you Anna Marie for sharing this update! I’ve prayed for you, throughout your entire cancer journey and I will continue to pray.

  18. As a former oncology nurse, my heart is grateful to God and the hands and minds on this earth who have worked a miracle in you.

    Anne Marie, you are a gift to this world and I am grateful for everyday that the Lord gives you as you love and serve your precious children and husband.
    They are richer by far for your presence and perspective.

    I learned at 21, as a new nurse, that life and health are the most precious of God’s gifts. I learned life is all about Jesus and the seemingly “little things”rather than those things that most pursue and work for. It’s inspires me that you have been given more time to share your heart and wisdom with those around you.

    So know, I will continue to pray for you and your precious family as you impart all the little seeds of life-changing perspective that hardship bring.

    I celebrate you, your remission and our God for his mercy toward you. Only love… Karen

  20. This is the best kind of news! You have been on quite a journey and you faced it with such strong faith and humble reliance on the Lord. Thank you for sharing your story with the blog readers. I know you have been and will continue to be an inspiration to many women of how to go through something like this with dignity and grace that comes from knowing the One who holds our lives in His hands. It fills my heart with joy to see this photo of a beautiful mama with her smiling children. May God continue to bless you and your precious family.

  21. I have been thanking the Lord every day since I heard this wonderful news. I praise the Lord for this wonderful example of His faithfulness to His children. God bless you all for your trust in Him.

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