Following my first chemo injection of the week last night (my wife administers the chemo injections three times a week at home), Teresa reminded me that we're more than two-thirds complete in the cancer treatment. In a loving tone she said, "Alex, you toughed it out for nearly eight months. I am very proud of you!"

I have to admit, I am proud of myself as well.

Before this final phase of treatment - 52 weeks in all - my oncologist informed me that that more than 40 percent of his patients were unable to make it through the year's treatment. As for me, my last chemo shot is scheduled for January 2, 2015.

While the side-effects are increasing and lingering longer in me, I remain hopeful that the last four months of this treatment will go by quickly.

So, as I near the end of this treatment, I pray that I'm one of the 30 to 40% of cancer patients who do not experience a recurrence of this type of cancer within the next five years. However, if the cancer does return, I will face it like I did before. And most important, I will place my life in God's hands and be abandoned to His will.

ajh