Enjoying an afternoon lunch with a good friend of mine after getting the news that my cancer is still in remission.

Yesterday, as I sat next to my wife in the small patient room at Virginia Hospital Center's Oncology Care Department, my hand in hers, we waited for my oncologist to give us the news about the results from my six-month tests to check for any recurrence of cancer. 

He walked in and sat down in front of me.

And before he could say anything, I quickly said, "Doc, just give it to me straight."

He responded with a quirky smile, "The only thing in you right now is that healthy Marine." 

That's what I love to hear!

This is my life for the next three to five years: undergoing semi-annual tests at the hospital ... waiting three to five days for results ... sitting in front of the oncologist hoping to hear, "You're all clean!" 

Of course, he said, "I want to see you in four months for blood tests." (Sometimes I wonder if he just wants to see my adorable face).

So, for another six months, I can still hold on to that title, "Cancer Survivor."

ajh