Todd's test results were NEGATIVE!!!  I am SO thankful!  The melanoma is gone, there was no trace of it from the second surgery and his lymph nodes were clear.  NEGATIVE - a terrific word!

Thank you all SO VERY MUCH for your prayers and support!  Without you ladies, I would have had to deal with this pretty much on my own but your encouragement and prayers really were felt.  Bless each of you!

We had to be in Portland at the doctor's at 10:00 am, which means we had to leave at 7:45 am, which means we had to get the kids up WAY earlier than they are used to (me, too, really - I was up at 5:45, ugh!)  We didn't leave until 8:05, had one slight delay road-wise, but actually made it there on time.  I believe the Lord allowed that.  Anyway, we saw the doctor, got the terrific news and he even spent some time talking with our kids (he was happy to teach, we told him that it was a field trip!)  I cried, laughed, cried, it was so emotional.  But it was the best doctor visit I've been to in eons. 

Out the window of the waiting room, we could see the aerial tram that takes patients and medical staff up the hill to OHSU, a huge teaching hospital up on a hill in Portland.  Todd said we were going to ride it.  Up and back.  I was scared but went out with the family to wait in line.  I looked at Todd and said, "This is for Emily!  (I was SO thinking of you Em!)  We embarked the space-age little tram (it holds up to about 70 people but it only had about 25 riders) and up we went.  It swayed a bit as it went by the huge support tower (about 20-stories high) but it was a pretty smooth ride.  It felt like we were on a blimp or a hot air balloon (though I've never been on those things).  That's the best I can compare it to.  The view is amazing, Mount Hood in the distance, Oregon is so beautiful.  Boy, was I glad to get to the top of the hill, though!  We went to the hospital gift shop and then went back out to ride the tram down.  Still scared but I knew what it would be like, we got back on.  The conductor turned out to be a retired Coast Guard rescue person and knew all about Astoria.  It helped me to chat with him the whole way down.  I was very happy to get to the bottom and very proud of myself for riding the tram without freaking out.  The kids loved it!

O.k., Emily - it's your turn!

Next, we went to the zoo (again).  The baby elephant that was born the day after we visited the zoo 1-1/2 weeks ago was being allowed visitors.  We waited in line only about 25 minutes and got in to see mom and baby.  Baby was sleeping but after a few minutes, it got up and walked a bit.  Everyone was "Ooooh"-ing, it was a real thrill!  It might be the only time we ever see a newborn elephant, so I'm really glad we had the chance.  Right after the birth, the mom elephant had a tough time, nearly hurting her baby but she calmed down and now is bonding well with her offspring.  The zoo vets are terrific.  After that, Chad and Alec got to feed lorikeets (bright green parrot-like birds and REALLY loud!), which was fun but kind of scary.  Two of the birds were perched on Chad's arm - no camera for that picture, bummer!  We walked around for way too long, judging from how tired I got ... well, I was carrying everyone's waters and my enormous purse.  Plus I was running on emotional fatigue and very little sleep.  It was time to go.

What a day.  But the best part is that the day is over.  I had been really dreading this day and to have it over with such great news - I just can't be grateful enough.  God answered our prayers so favorably.  He is good.