May 22, 2009 10:40 PM 6 days to go

A couple of things to mention today...

First of all, I dared to go back and have a some of the "hair of the dog that bit me" and I had a bowl of cereal of breakfast. Last week, as most of you will recall, I an an "episode" after this meal. But, today all went well and I am now sure that it was just a fluke. But, it did take about a week before I felt comfortable enough to try again.

Last night, I was talking with our friends a little bit about this blog and how some of you have taken to the time to tell me how inspirational it has been, etc. I was saying that I am not intentionally trying to generate such feelings and that I was a little surprised by the types of reactions that it has invoked. I guess I am missing the point here. Because, in response, they said that a lot of the reason is that I am doing battle with such a deadly disease. Because I have felt so well throughout this entire journey, I have to admit that I don't really think of myself as being locked in battle with the leukemia. Maybe I should be - I don't know. But, because I feel so well, I tend to forget about it. The only reminder is the limitations that it imposes upon me during this recovery period.

Though I most certainly did not wish to succumb to this disease, I was not afraid to die and that was a distinct possibility at the outset. Now, of course, it is far from being a likely outcome at this point in time at it makes it a lot easier for me to be upbeat and positive - though I have been that way from the getgo.

I thank God that I can feel this way about my progress and that I don't ever forget. But the battles that so many others have faced during their treatments have eluded me which takes away from the severity of the situation.

Now with only 6 days to go and the dietary restrictions about to be removed, it will be even more difficult to realize where I am and what I have gone through.

I never wish to be known as Bob Johnson the cancer surviver. My miraculous recovery should serve to reinforce our belief in the power of prayer and the wonderful healing powers of our God - that's the true essence of my story.

Bob