If you would have told me 21 months ago that we would be where we are right now with Dad's cancer, I'm sure I would have never believed it.
But here we are. Given Dad's diagnosis was followed with "14.5 months to live", I would say that 21 months is a pretty incredible milestone! We still struggle daily with the side effects of the surgery and radiation, and Dad still does his speech therapy each and every day- his determination and fight never ceases to amaze me.
Dad had another appointment with his Oncologist, Dr. Fleener, on Wednesday. It had been about 2 months since we had stepped foot in the Cancer Clinic, and we were greeted by all of the staff with hugs and smiles. I can't say enough wonderful things about everyone at the Cancer Clinic- from the business office staff (those ladies have helped me through my many battles with insurance companies and hospital bills), to the nurses who help check Dad in and do blood work, and the nurses who administer chemo to the many patients in the back, this group of individuals have been essential in our fight against brain cancer. And then there's Dr. Fleener. The lady that I joke is the 4th Glenz daughter. She's so kind to us, so loving to Dad, and maintains such faith in our journey. She has this ability to be so incredibly positive to us, but also extremely realistic. Dad trusts her, we trust her, and I'm so thankful that she is on this path with us during Dad's fight.
Dad's appointment went well and we've scheduled another MRI in the next couple of weeks. Of course, this gets my anxiety and fear on full force, but I can't help but continue to read these little sticky notes I have on my desk:
"They do not fear bad news, they confidently TRUST the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7" And another favorite:
"My fight. To not let suffering win. To not let it take away the joy in my faith. To not let it affect the relationships in my life. To instead, take it for its own and run and use it to make me better. To allow it to show me when I am weak. To embrace those weaknesses when they are near and become strong for it."
Such important messages I try and remind myself on a daily basis. Really focusing on letting my faith be bigger than my fear.
Dad starts another round of chemo next week, and we continue to pray the chemo is working so stop any cancer growth. We also pray Dad maintains his strength, appetite and fight during this week, as I know the treatment can be so incredibly draining on his body and mind. As long as the treatment continues to provide QUALITY of life, we will continue to use the chemo in our fight.
This week I will also be moving out of my parent's home. When I initially moved in, it was a short term solution to a new job I was accepting in College Station. Fast forward 21 months, and this short term solution became much longer. I am so incredibly blessed that I've been able to spend these last 21 months being a primary caregiver to Dad. It's been 21 months that I've cherished and learned so much about myself, my faith, and my relationships. Cancer has sucked, but what a blessing it has been to be able to share this journey, hand in hand, and step by step with Mom and Dad daily.
On the way home from Dad's doctor's appointment I heard a song on the radio, and I couldn't help but relate this to Dad's journey.
"Unsinkable ships sink, unbreakable walls break,
Sometimes the things you think would never happen
Happen just like that. Unbendable steel bends,
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable.
I've learned to never underestimate, the impossible."
Given the statistics we were given, I've quickly learned that you can never underestimate the impossible. Continue the prayers, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
And the Glenz Family hopes you each had a wonderful 4th of July!
