Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Good News!

Monday was a day of non-stop imaging studies (including bone scan, CT of neck, chest, abdomen & pelvis, and MRI of the brain), lab tests and doctor visits at UVA. The preliminary results* indicate a response to the gamma knife surgery and Interleukin-2 therapy that Dr Grosh, my oncologist, describes as “remarkable” and “unique”. His carefully chosen words belie a suppressed enthusiasm and perhaps even a little amazement, given the advanced progression of the cancer at the time of initiating therapy.

Reviewing the usual response rate of 15%, he acknowledges that most responders start out with a much more limited tumor burden than did I. Then he smiles broadly as he concedes the significant role of prayer. The nurse who witnessed my earlier rapid deterioration fights back the tears as she observes the dramatic improvement in both my physical status and the evidence of tumor regression. This is GOOD NEWS!

I said publicly at the beginning of this journey that God must be up to something. This story of one man’s remarkable recovery from a life-threatening and devastating disease is not just so I can live a few more years (although I am so grateful for each day He grants me). None of us will likely escape physical death.

Is it possible that perhaps He is giving us a glimpse at His strategic plan to redeem all of His creation? The truly good news is that indeed God is in the business of restoring that which was lost as a result of man’s rebellion. This is the heart of the gospel (Latin for good news) – i.e., that Christ came not simply to provide us an escape from judgment and a ticket to heaven some day, but also to ultimately restore that which God originally intended when He made you, me and the earth we inhabit.

Jesus said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rev 21:5) And Paul writes that along with our redemption “the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” (Rom 8:21). While it is clear that complete restoration of fallen creation awaits future events, I believe He intends for that restoration to begin here and now as you and I participate by faith in His mission.

My recent experience is a parable of God’s loving intent to re-establish His dominion over both the spiritual and physical dimensions in our lives. Your prayers of faith on my behalf have been effective in this regard and I am most grateful. My prayer for you is that you too will know the full measure of His power to “make all things new.”

Learning to live fully in the light of His good news,
Dan

* MRI of the brain showed no evidence of tumor. The multiple tumors of the lung, liver and spleen have either disappeared or regressed significantly and findings in the skeleton are consistent with an active healing process with the formation of new bone. Lab studies were essentially normal. We now await repeat studies in six weeks and if any cancer persists, anticipate another round of Interleukin-2 therapy in mid June.

25 comments:

  1. AMAZING! Awesome!

    Praying,
    Anita :)

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  2. Dan

    Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that everything went well! See you at church.

    Gary

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  3. Well, PTL for such a good report! We will continue to pray for a complete and soon restoration to good health. God is good. And, BTW, wondering when you got your "preacher's" license, or went to seminary. You have a wonderful way of putting the meaning of the gospel. So, a third career....physician, writer, preacher???? :)

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  4. I have been following your blog and am crying as I write this. I have never met you but I am a nurse in a doctor's office that has received some of your previous patients. I have heard wonderful things about you and your faith. I am praising the Lord right now for your awesome report and I know He will continue to mend your body. In His Love, Nicole Leonard

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  5. Praise the Lord! I've been checking the last 2 days to get your report...Christianne had told us of your upcoming tests. We will continue our prayers until all is clear and you're feeling like yourself again! What a awesome day you and your family must be having!

    God Bless,
    Rhinehart Family

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  6. HOORAY Thank you for making us smile today! God is good.

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  7. I am fighting back the tears myself, Dan, i soooo knew that HE has an amazaing plan for you & Linda. As you read every blog comment on your site it is proof positive that you have a calling. I rejoyce with you all!!!! there has been testimonies from people who never even met you, what a Great & Glorious God we have!!!

    Respectfully,
    and prayerfully

    john quain &
    family

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  8. I have no words to express my thoughts at this moment! So I'll be doing a "snoopy-happy-dance" in praise and worship for His grace, comfort and presence in your life!

    With Love and Joy,
    The Lehnens

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  9. Dear Dr. Crabtree,

    Sam and I are thrilled with your very positive report and thank God for your healing! We are still praying for your continued restoration to complete health.

    Blessings!
    Sam and Jenny Richards

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  10. How absolutely stunning, yet not surprising. I am so thankful to God that He is choosing to say YES as we ask Him to take this cancer from you.

    Paula

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  11. "Good" news? It is fabulous, awesome news and truly an answer to prayer. A very wise woman (my sister of course) told me just recently "We pray and we pray and then are surprised when God answers our prayers". Well, this is indeed an answer to all of our prayers for you, Dr C. AND for US! We will keep on praying that the next tests show even more remarkable improvements overall!

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  12. Dr. Crabtree

    I'm an so happy for you. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. Everytime I pass your office, I still look at the building and also think about you and your staff. I have lost a total of 106 pounds since my surgery in September. Reading your blogs are you sure that you are not an "undercover pastor"?

    Take care and I will be keeping you in my prayers

    Stephanie

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  13. Dan and Linda,
    This is wonderful news. God is GOOD. Thanks for sharing your intimate experiences. You are both inspirations to me. Continuing to pray.
    Linda N

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  14. Yay!!!

    We have been praying and waiting expectantly for news! I am in tears here in my office!
    I have shared this website with so many people, some believers, some not. I agree with others...God is using your words in ways that is nothing short of annointed.

    Rejoicing with you and Linda!
    Melanie and Frank Raiford

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  15. HALLELUJAH!!!!

    "In
    your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:12

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  16. AWESOME, GREAT NEWS, WONDERFUL!!!

    Dan and Linda,
    I have been reading and praying with you and your family, friends, regarding your tests, treatment and with God's restoration and power he too is mighty and wonderful. Our family continues to lift you up in prayer everyday and I continue to share your story with the people that I work with and they are just amazed at what God is really doing in our huge family of believers. God is the mighty healer and physician...PRAISE THE LORD!!

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  17. Dear Dan and Linda,

    YES,YES,YES!! PRAISE GOD!!!

    Still praying,
    The Hansen's

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  18. I AM SO EXCITED WHEN WE ALL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF SEEING HIS MIRACLE WORKING POWER FIRST HAND. PRAISE AND GLORY TO HIS HOLY NAME.
    WHAT A BLESSING. I AM SO GLAD FOR YOU. LOVE IN CHRIST, SUSAN

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  19. Neighbors Bob and Marlyn signing in. It was so special to see you both in Target and to hear of your returned relative comfort and ability to get back into the outside world and to even tour the Botanical Gardens. What a joy to see you out of the house. We wish and pray for your continued success in overcoming such odds. Go team go!!

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  20. My brother Dan!! I just knew the Lord would see you through this. You are so amazing and so inspirational to everyone! You made me promise at the very beginning of your adventure that you would do your best to find this with everything in you. THANK YOU for keeping that promise.

    I hope you will consider writing a book or doing some sort of segment on TV (such as 20/20 or Dateline). Your amazing story could save so many lives. I recently watched a man on Dateline tell of his struggle with cancer and how he has chosen to live each and every day to the fullest. When he was asked if this had anything to do with his religious beliefs, he said that he preferred to keep his religious beliefs private. "How sad." YOU, on the other hand could show millions of people just what the "power of prayer" can achieve.

    I continue to pray for you, Linda and your entire family each day. There's certainly no doubt that all the prayers are paying off.

    Way to go bro!!

    I love you all, Debbie

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  21. Brother Dan.

    Mom always said to proof read everything. I just realized I should have listened to her. I just noticed a couple of errors in my previous message.

    I should have said,,, you made me "a" promise that you would "fight" this with everything in you!! Sorry for the errors.

    Yes, Mom,,, I hear your voice from our heavenly home saying, "I told you so, Debbie."

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  22. Hi Dr. Dan, rejoicing with everyone on the Good News. I, too, think about you every time I pass your office and say a prayer. Like some of the other blogs - could God be opening the door for you in a ministry. You have already ministered to so many of us through your sufferings. I have said it before and I will say it again - our family will Never see the likes of a physician as we had with you. Thanks for all those years of wonderful care. May God continue the good works in you for all of us to see. God is still performing miracles in these days and you are one of them.

    Love and miss you - the Collins Family

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  23. I am awed by "His" power!! Hoping to see you in the neighborhood soon and look forward to your messages. You have a remarkable way to share your faith and make me aware of how thankful we all should be for every moment we get.

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  24. Wow!!! I'm sitting here in the home of Chris and Molly Bennett (an Air Force family who were at our church for one year until they moved with the military to Germany). Molly asked how you were doing, so we checked your blog together; we are all amazed to read about the gift God has given you and your family in these results . . . no other words . . . wow!!! Prayers and blessings to you ALL,
    James and Elaine Treadwell

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  25. Dr. Crabtree,
    I am so overjoyed to hear your good news. I have been thinking of you often. You have been such a blessing to so many and God is now blessing you. I am praying for your continued restoration to good health.
    Blessings,
    Emma Inman

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