Epic Birthday Gift for Ryan's 39th!!!

Ryan met with his surgeon today for his post-surgery follow up.  I woke up this morning and said a prayer: if the test results were bad, my hope was that they just wouldn't be ready for today and that we would simply get no news. If the results were going to be good, then I hoped they would be ready so that Ryan could get the best birthday present ever.  After removing 10 inches of his colon, and twenty two nodes surrounding it, after carefully testing everything, the results are in: not a trace of cancer was found anywhere, in any of the tissue that was removed.  She said his body responded incredibly well to the chemo/radiation and the surgery. It truly was the best birthday present ever. From now on,  January 30th won't just be remembered as my handsome husband's birthday, but as the day he was declared cancer free.  What a day...

Now the ball is in our court.  Typical "standard of care" is that Ryan would do one more round of chemo, just to make absolutely sure that all traces of cancer are gone. However, this precautionary measure is not like bringing a sweater with you just in case it gets cold outside.  Chemo itself is poison, and can leave long-term, lasting ill effects.  We meet with his oncologist on Tues to hear his thoughts on the matter. We will be praying and fasting that we make the choice that is best for Ryan's long term health.  Decisions, decisions.  But for now, for today, what started out as a regular birthday will end as a day to be forever remembered. What a blessing! What a man! What a birthday!  Long live Ryan Edward Smith. 

No, Ryan is not in London (although if he were,he would fit right in.)

He is in front of the Huntsman Cancer Center,calling his parents to tell them the good news.

Where did we go to celebrate his birth and excellent health?

Nielsens' Frozen Custard.

It's where we often go to celebrate.

Breakfast this morning.  Simon gave Ryan that handsome mustache.

RYan's mom sent his this totally awesome board.  You paint with water, and within about a minute your design vanishes and you get to do another.  Totally cool.

Owen was helping me tie my shoes.

At 34 weeks along tomorrow, this is much appreciated assistance.

Calvin is on campout. He loves campouts.

No birthday cake or ice-cream tonight. Ryan had no interest.

Dessert was baklava, one of Ryan's favorites.

Happy birthday Ryan!