Another Round Of Chemo- Dad Update 2/23/2014

Tomorrow marks another 5-day round of chemotherapy for Dad. I can tell he is anxious and dreading this day, as the last round of chemotherapy wasn't too kind on his body. But thankfully we are going into this round with his blood counts looking good and his energy level better than it's been since the surgery (he's actually doing yard work as I write this post!). I try to remind him (and myself) that this chemo wasn't around for GBM (glioblastoma multiforme) years ago, years ago this type of tumor was an extremely unknown type, and years ago there wasn't much hope for people diagnosed with this cancer- thankfully we have hope. 

I ask for prayers this week, prayers that Dad's body continues to react well to the chemotherapy and suppress any cancer growth and prayers for continued strength and positive attitude for Dad- especially during these next difficult 5 days. 

I recently read a quote from a mom of a cancer survivor and she said "Some days I had to tell myself, 'Get through the next 5 minute.' And I did. I made it through months of my daughter's cancer treatment, 5 minutes at a time." That's exactly how I feel some days- making it through it all 5 minutes at a time. It brings me back to the first couple of weeks post surgery for Dad- really post 3 surgeries (surgery to remove tumor, surgery due to a brain bleed, and surgery for a blood clot)- where I slept on the couch every night to be closer to Mom and Dad in case I was needed (not exactly sure how I could have helped if Dad would have had another seizure or some other complication, but I felt like I helped by sleeping there). Those nights, those nights I didn't sleep much, but I listened, listened to Dad sleep and would go in their room to make sure both of them were resting. I made it through those weeks- probably the most difficult time of my life- 5 minutes at a time, and sometimes just 1 minute at a time. 

I hate what cancer does to someone's body and I hate the fear and anxiety it brings to the cancer patient and to the family- but what I love is the support, friendship, family and love it brings out of people. I don't wish cancer on anyway, and if I could take it out of my life I would do about anything- but since I'm on this path that God has so perfectly created for me and my family, then I'm going to take the good with the bad and smile throughout it all.

Last week I found a foundation which supports brain cancer research- which is clearly something that is close to my heart- and I am again shown how amazing God's plan is in this world, how he amazingly puts people in your life for a reason. Shortly after I created a team for Dad, I received an email from the Executive Director of the 'Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation' asking for more information about Dad- where he was being treated and if he would like to be included in their 'Hero Tribute Wall' at the race. I looked at the list of teams- there are about 115 teams for the race, and I couldn't believe the executive director read every teams bio. When she asked if I wanted my dad's information included I obviously said yes! I am so proud of Dad, so proud of his story and so proud to be part of his experience and his journey. She also mentioned this information would be included on their website for others to visit- which I absolutely love, as when Dad was diagnosed I was looking for a place to find similar stories, similar people fighting this battle. I included Dad's story and a link to my blog. She responded in asking if we were Aggies (I guess the "BTHO" title of my blog gave it away), as she was from a family of Aggies. She also related to my blog, as Marnie Rose was a dear friend of hers, and googling GBM was terrifying then as well. It's good to know this fear of mine wasn't just mine, but something others experience too! I thanked her for reading my blog, as I'm still in shock when I see the number of people who view my blog, and thanked her for including Dad in the Hero Tribute Wall- as Dad is my personal hero. It brought a face to the foundation, a foundation I see myself being part of for a long time- as I would love to see the donations and awareness help to bring a cure to this disease.

This next week will be difficult- filled with ups and downs, good and bad moments- but I have faith that 5 minutes at a time we will make it through this week, and the next week and the next. I started Dad's team for the 'Run For The Rose' less than a week ago. I've had countless friends verbally commit to running on our team and 11 who have already signed up, with $775 currently raised. I'm blown away and feel so grateful for these friends and family members who are helping to support brain cancer research and Dad.

So with 5 minutes at a time we will make it through this next week and with 5 minutes at a time we will find strength to make it through it all.