2014 has been an incredible year for the Glenz Family. We've witnessed the power of prayer and Dad's unbelievable determination to BTHO Brain Cancer, and we welcomed a little boy to our family- Luke James Lechler.
Let's start with our new little one, which means a new title for me- AUNT! Luke James Lechler was due on 1/10/2015, although he didn't want any of us to wait to meet him, so on 12/22/2014, we received a wonderful early Christmas gift. Our hearts are so full for this little boy! He was 5 lbs, 12 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long- perfect! Mom, Dad and baby are all home and doing great!
And Dad. I can't even begin to describe all of the emotions we've experienced this past year. We've had days filled with laughter and praise, and also days filled with sadness and fear. Our journey has been so far from easy, although the ride has been pretty darn incredible. As 2014 turned out to be one of the most difficult years for myself and my family, I can't help but look back and think of it as one of the best years of my life.
Through the pain and tears, I've learned a lot about myself, my family and our friends. I've learned that throughout the bad times, I've managed to find the good- I've learned that I'm stronger than I ever imagined I would have to be- and I've learned that sometimes you need a little bit of coffee and a whole lotta Jesus to get through some days. And my family, words can't even begin to describe how proud I am of my family, especially Mom and Dad. They have stood by one another throughout it all, and they continue to lean on one another for love and support. And finally, our friends. Friends who have brought us meals when Dad was going through treatment, friends who have supported us during our efforts to bring awareness and funding to brain cancer research, and friends who have listened in moments when we just needed to talk. I thank you all for helping us battle through this last year.
And so, I look forward towards 2015 and wonder what amazing things God has in store for my life, along with my family's life. We continue with treatments and MRIs, and we continue to find the blessings in each day. We've learned how to relate to so many others battling cancer, and we've learned what an amazing support system we have in others who know our fight.
We never know what the future holds, but I'm so blessed I've been able to follow this journey surrounded by so many people who love and care for me, along with my family.
Dad had another MRI Monday, and Tuesday we received the wonderful news that the MRI was stable! There have been no significant changes to the MRI, and we are thrilled! Another round of chemo started this week, and we continue to pray for the treatments to continue working. Please keep praying, as we keep fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wishing everyone a blessed 2015!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Enjoying The Rain. Dad Update 12/17/2014
The scripture says, "Rain falls on the just AND the unjust." Even when you have faith, you'll still have difficulties, but when the storms come, you will not be defeated.
The rain has fallen hard on our lives these last 14 months. Much harder than I ever imaged it would fall, although we've learned how to weather the storm, we've learned to not be defeated, and we've learned to enjoy the rain.
This weekend I completed my first half-marathon.
I ran a total of 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Around mile 11, I realized that I was truly crazy.
But, I was running with a purpose. That morning I made sure to wear my "THINK GREY" shirt and a hot pink head band, all to honor a few people in my life who are fighting to BTHO Cancer. And as my legs started to hurt, and my mind was telling me that I needed to stop, I kept focusing on these individuals and continued to grab my two bracelets- one that read 'No One Fights Alone' and the other that read 'Running For Lar'. It reminded me that as I was fighting to BTHO 13.1 miles, as many others were fighting to BTHO Cancer- and that gave me the strength and determination to finish the run.
I ended the weekend on an unbelievable high, as I was so incredibly proud of myself for setting a goal and completing my first half-marathon. And the good news and smiles continued, as Dad had another great appointment with his Oncologist, Dr. Fleener, yesterday.
We scheduled our next treatment and MRI, which will take place after Christmas and decided to really focus on the Christmas holiday surrounded by friends and family, and not focus on the upcoming scan results. We decided that we would instead, enjoy the our time in the rain.
We also had the chance yesterday to give something back to the Cancer Clinic, to all the nurses and staff who have answered our numerous phone calls about Dad's treatment, who have helped me in filing appeals and fighting insurance claims, and who have comforted us during our treatment sessions. I remember walking back to the chemo center for the first time after Dad's tumor showed progression, and I was in tears. And then I remember one of the nurses coming up to me, giving me a hug and telling me that they were going to take great care of my Dad. It didn't make the tears completely stop, but it gave me comfort in knowing someone truly cared about my Dad and was going to help take care of him. We aren't a number at the Cancer Clinic, we are The Glenz Family, and for that I am so incredibly thankful.
We handed out Christmas wine glasses to each person at the Cancer Clinic, and we received so many hugs and smiles in return. It was an amazing feeling.
As we finished up the last decorations in the house, and wrapped up the remaining gifts for loved ones, we can't help but look back at this last year and give thanks for the rain.
Because of the rain we appreciate the holiday season more than we could have ever imagined. Because of the rain we appreciate one another more than we could have ever imagined. And because of the rain, we've learned to find the good in the storm, and we've learned to dance throughout it all.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, and asking for continued prayers as we fight to BTHO Brain Cancer!
The rain has fallen hard on our lives these last 14 months. Much harder than I ever imaged it would fall, although we've learned how to weather the storm, we've learned to not be defeated, and we've learned to enjoy the rain.
This weekend I completed my first half-marathon.
I ran a total of 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Around mile 11, I realized that I was truly crazy.
But, I was running with a purpose. That morning I made sure to wear my "THINK GREY" shirt and a hot pink head band, all to honor a few people in my life who are fighting to BTHO Cancer. And as my legs started to hurt, and my mind was telling me that I needed to stop, I kept focusing on these individuals and continued to grab my two bracelets- one that read 'No One Fights Alone' and the other that read 'Running For Lar'. It reminded me that as I was fighting to BTHO 13.1 miles, as many others were fighting to BTHO Cancer- and that gave me the strength and determination to finish the run.
I ended the weekend on an unbelievable high, as I was so incredibly proud of myself for setting a goal and completing my first half-marathon. And the good news and smiles continued, as Dad had another great appointment with his Oncologist, Dr. Fleener, yesterday.
We scheduled our next treatment and MRI, which will take place after Christmas and decided to really focus on the Christmas holiday surrounded by friends and family, and not focus on the upcoming scan results. We decided that we would instead, enjoy the our time in the rain.
We also had the chance yesterday to give something back to the Cancer Clinic, to all the nurses and staff who have answered our numerous phone calls about Dad's treatment, who have helped me in filing appeals and fighting insurance claims, and who have comforted us during our treatment sessions. I remember walking back to the chemo center for the first time after Dad's tumor showed progression, and I was in tears. And then I remember one of the nurses coming up to me, giving me a hug and telling me that they were going to take great care of my Dad. It didn't make the tears completely stop, but it gave me comfort in knowing someone truly cared about my Dad and was going to help take care of him. We aren't a number at the Cancer Clinic, we are The Glenz Family, and for that I am so incredibly thankful.
We handed out Christmas wine glasses to each person at the Cancer Clinic, and we received so many hugs and smiles in return. It was an amazing feeling.
As we finished up the last decorations in the house, and wrapped up the remaining gifts for loved ones, we can't help but look back at this last year and give thanks for the rain.
Because of the rain we appreciate the holiday season more than we could have ever imagined. Because of the rain we appreciate one another more than we could have ever imagined. And because of the rain, we've learned to find the good in the storm, and we've learned to dance throughout it all.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, and asking for continued prayers as we fight to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Monday, December 8, 2014
"Scanxiety". Dad Update 12/8/2014
Scanxiety.
Our next scan is approaching more quickly than I would like, and as often as I tell myself to not live from one MRI to the next, the anxiety associated with any type of scan in the cancer world is always terrifying.
You go through so many emotions leading up to the scan, as each scan can bring a huge amount of relief, or a huge amount of fear. I have a verse taped on my computer screen at work: "They do not fear bad news, they confidently TRUST the Lord to care for them." (Psalm 112:7). And yes, I confidently TRUST- but I don't think anyone who is waiting for the results of a MRI/PET/CAT scan can say that this trust completely takes away all of the fear and anxiety. The fear and anxiety is still there, and you attempt to cope with it as best as you possibly can, and that's all you can do. You say a prayer, hope for the best and know that no matter what the results show, you've got a pretty amazing God leading you down this path. I try to remind myself that fear can keep us up all night, but Faith makes one great pillow!
12/5/2014 marked 14 months in our journey against brain cancer. 14 months marks the median survival rate for Glioblastoma patients, which is a number that I am fighting so hard to change, and a number I'm praying each day that Dad surpasses.
Last week was a tough week for Dad, as chemo week is always a little difficult. The side effects of the treatment make him so incredibly tired and he fights each day for strength to do "normal" things around the house. The week of chemo is not only difficult on Dad, but also on Mom. I sometimes think we forget about the caregivers for those going through cancer, the toll it can take on them mentally and physically. Sometimes we forget that caregivers see it all, we sit in treatment centers- surrounded by others in the same battle we face every day-, we see the side effects of the treatments, and we see the statistics of the disease we battle. Some days are just downright difficult for caregivers, and sometimes I'm not sure that others 100% understand that.
The things most people complain about, the struggles most people have, I promise all those in the Cancer Clinic would be more than happy to take on, instead of fighting for their lives. And as much as I wish each and every time I step foot in the Cancer Clinic that I wasn't going there, that our lives didn't revolve around Avastin and Temodar (chemo) treatments and the upcoming MRIs, I also remind myself that things could be worse. I remind myself that there is always, ALWAYS, something to be thankful for.
Dad has continued to fight since day 1, and I've seen and experienced things in my life that I would never wish upon anyone, but I've learned so much about myself, my strength, and my faith these last 14 months. I've learned to see the positive in our situation, I've learned that I can relate to so many others in their battles against cancer, and I've learned that I'm much stronger than I ever thought I would have to be.
The 14 month mark means so much to me, as I have never wanted Dad to be part of THAT statistic, instead part of the long term survivors statistic and part of the HOPE for a cure. I want Dad to be that percent that shocks the doctors and research, I want Dad to prove that he can and will beat this disease.
"Part of winning the battle against cancer is hope, faith, determination, strength and keeping positive. The other part of winning the battle is a great medical team on your side. I learned early on that stats are just numbers and I'm more than a number. I'm a strong human being with inner strength and an iron-clad determination to fight to win. Stats don't tell you about the human behind the fighter who possesses the will and strength to fight, win and overcome."
Continue your thoughts and prayers for Dad, and all those fighting against cancer- thoughts and prayers for better days ahead and thoughts and prayers for great scan results! The "scanxiety" will never completely go away, but I hope all those fighting against the fear and anxiety can remember that there's a little something comforting about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what he is doing.
Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Our next scan is approaching more quickly than I would like, and as often as I tell myself to not live from one MRI to the next, the anxiety associated with any type of scan in the cancer world is always terrifying.
You go through so many emotions leading up to the scan, as each scan can bring a huge amount of relief, or a huge amount of fear. I have a verse taped on my computer screen at work: "They do not fear bad news, they confidently TRUST the Lord to care for them." (Psalm 112:7). And yes, I confidently TRUST- but I don't think anyone who is waiting for the results of a MRI/PET/CAT scan can say that this trust completely takes away all of the fear and anxiety. The fear and anxiety is still there, and you attempt to cope with it as best as you possibly can, and that's all you can do. You say a prayer, hope for the best and know that no matter what the results show, you've got a pretty amazing God leading you down this path. I try to remind myself that fear can keep us up all night, but Faith makes one great pillow!
12/5/2014 marked 14 months in our journey against brain cancer. 14 months marks the median survival rate for Glioblastoma patients, which is a number that I am fighting so hard to change, and a number I'm praying each day that Dad surpasses.
Last week was a tough week for Dad, as chemo week is always a little difficult. The side effects of the treatment make him so incredibly tired and he fights each day for strength to do "normal" things around the house. The week of chemo is not only difficult on Dad, but also on Mom. I sometimes think we forget about the caregivers for those going through cancer, the toll it can take on them mentally and physically. Sometimes we forget that caregivers see it all, we sit in treatment centers- surrounded by others in the same battle we face every day-, we see the side effects of the treatments, and we see the statistics of the disease we battle. Some days are just downright difficult for caregivers, and sometimes I'm not sure that others 100% understand that.
The things most people complain about, the struggles most people have, I promise all those in the Cancer Clinic would be more than happy to take on, instead of fighting for their lives. And as much as I wish each and every time I step foot in the Cancer Clinic that I wasn't going there, that our lives didn't revolve around Avastin and Temodar (chemo) treatments and the upcoming MRIs, I also remind myself that things could be worse. I remind myself that there is always, ALWAYS, something to be thankful for.
Dad has continued to fight since day 1, and I've seen and experienced things in my life that I would never wish upon anyone, but I've learned so much about myself, my strength, and my faith these last 14 months. I've learned to see the positive in our situation, I've learned that I can relate to so many others in their battles against cancer, and I've learned that I'm much stronger than I ever thought I would have to be.
The 14 month mark means so much to me, as I have never wanted Dad to be part of THAT statistic, instead part of the long term survivors statistic and part of the HOPE for a cure. I want Dad to be that percent that shocks the doctors and research, I want Dad to prove that he can and will beat this disease.
"Part of winning the battle against cancer is hope, faith, determination, strength and keeping positive. The other part of winning the battle is a great medical team on your side. I learned early on that stats are just numbers and I'm more than a number. I'm a strong human being with inner strength and an iron-clad determination to fight to win. Stats don't tell you about the human behind the fighter who possesses the will and strength to fight, win and overcome."
Continue your thoughts and prayers for Dad, and all those fighting against cancer- thoughts and prayers for better days ahead and thoughts and prayers for great scan results! The "scanxiety" will never completely go away, but I hope all those fighting against the fear and anxiety can remember that there's a little something comforting about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what he is doing.
Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Why I Run For The Rose. Update 12/1/2014
Many of you know our story. On October 5, 2013 Dad experienced a seizure in our kitchen, and soon after we learned the seizure was caused by a tumor in his left temporal lobe, a tumor that is considered one of the most aggressive forms of cancer- Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).
We were devastated. We were confused. And we were lost.
We questioned a lot of things- how could this happen to our family? How could this happen to our Dad? We didn't understand what a Glioblastoma diagnosis meant, we didn't understand all the terminology associated with a cancer diagnosis- but we found an organization that did, we found the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation.
The devastation and confusion seemed to fade, as we quickly realized we weren't alone in our fight. We were surrounded by a group of individuals who knew exactly what we were up against, we were surrounded by others in the brain cancer community. And for the first time, I was given hope in Dad's fight. Hope for a cure, and I was able to turn the energy I was using being devastated, confused and lost into a purpose- Brain Cancer Awareness.
Our first trip to 'Run For The Rose' seemed a bit "thrown together". We didn't know what were doing, and I sure as heck had no idea how to be an organized team captain. But with a lot of help from friends and family, we raised $10,000 and had over 50 team members supporting Dad. It was an unbelievable experience.
So here we are, our 2nd trip to 'Run For The Rose' is upon us, and I'm more excited and MUCH more prepared this time! I would love for each of you to join us that day- come experience a day that means so much to my family, and so many other families who are fighting against brain cancer.
The event is held in Houston on April 12. 2015 and is truly a family friendly event, with face painting, activities and lots of food! And...if you register TODAY you can save $5 by using the code 'CYBER5'.
Last year we helped raise $10,000, and I would love to do the same this upcoming year! So please join our team, make a donation, purchase a 'Team Lar' t-shirt, or send lots of prayers our way for a successful trip!
(If you would like to order a 'Team Lar' t-shirt, please email me at glenzwhitney@gmail.com.)
And visit our team page to help us BTHO Brain Cancer!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Dad Update: Dad starts another round of chemotherapy today, and another Avastin treatment tomorrow. We continue to pray Dad feels well and the treatment is working to suppress any tumor growth. We look forward to another wonderful holiday season with Dad!
We were devastated. We were confused. And we were lost.
We questioned a lot of things- how could this happen to our family? How could this happen to our Dad? We didn't understand what a Glioblastoma diagnosis meant, we didn't understand all the terminology associated with a cancer diagnosis- but we found an organization that did, we found the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation.
The devastation and confusion seemed to fade, as we quickly realized we weren't alone in our fight. We were surrounded by a group of individuals who knew exactly what we were up against, we were surrounded by others in the brain cancer community. And for the first time, I was given hope in Dad's fight. Hope for a cure, and I was able to turn the energy I was using being devastated, confused and lost into a purpose- Brain Cancer Awareness.
Our first trip to 'Run For The Rose' seemed a bit "thrown together". We didn't know what were doing, and I sure as heck had no idea how to be an organized team captain. But with a lot of help from friends and family, we raised $10,000 and had over 50 team members supporting Dad. It was an unbelievable experience.
So here we are, our 2nd trip to 'Run For The Rose' is upon us, and I'm more excited and MUCH more prepared this time! I would love for each of you to join us that day- come experience a day that means so much to my family, and so many other families who are fighting against brain cancer.
The event is held in Houston on April 12. 2015 and is truly a family friendly event, with face painting, activities and lots of food! And...if you register TODAY you can save $5 by using the code 'CYBER5'.
Last year we helped raise $10,000, and I would love to do the same this upcoming year! So please join our team, make a donation, purchase a 'Team Lar' t-shirt, or send lots of prayers our way for a successful trip!
(If you would like to order a 'Team Lar' t-shirt, please email me at glenzwhitney@gmail.com.)
And visit our team page to help us BTHO Brain Cancer!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Dad Update: Dad starts another round of chemotherapy today, and another Avastin treatment tomorrow. We continue to pray Dad feels well and the treatment is working to suppress any tumor growth. We look forward to another wonderful holiday season with Dad!
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