Those blessed words were said by my friend's doctor. I have mentioned this friend in several blogs. She was given a diagnosis of lymphoma late last summer and has been undergoing almost weekly chemo for about 10 months. It seems to have been effective. The doctor is pleased with her lab work. Signs and symptoms initially decreased and now have disappeared. This friend is realistic that she is not cured but these treatments have given her a chance for further treatment and certainly an improved quality of life. She is encouraged that her next treatment will be at "The City of Hope" hospital in Los Angeles.
In some ways isn't this what we hope for in addiction? No one will say we are "cured" but we certainly pray for "remission" or what we call "recovery." We go through some form of "treatment" even if it is just personal---though self help and programs offer other forms of effective treatments, Like my friend we are never quite certain when "remission" or "recovery" begins but signs and symptoms decrease for us too.
My friend is receiving many many congratulations and wishes of continued prayers and hope.
For those of us with the disease of addiction, the signs of remission and recovery are often quite subtle. Wishes of congratulations and prayers are often not quite as evident. But we, too, are in remission from a fatal disease.
We need to live in a "City of Hope." We need to remember God is sending us daily congratulations and the promise of a better "quality of life." We are not alone.
Blessings-Penny
Penny ~ I am constantly amazed at your ability to take some individual occurrence or challenge that we all go through at some point and are somehow able to turn them outward so that we may all learn something from each other and each other's individual stories. Love you.....
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