Brenham Banner Press. 10/19/2015

I'm so proud that Dad was asked to share a little bit about him and our family to our local paper for a "People Profile". 

http://www.brenhambanner.com/news/glenz-s-battle-with-cancer-a-team-effort/article_a1f2155d-458f-5496-8309-994ce9fa8c37.html?success=2

Another round of chemotherapy is complete, and we focus on the next MRI in November. Continue the prayers, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!

Our 2 Year Anniversary. 10/5/2015

I was introduced to the story of Matt Chandler, a pastor in Dallas who was diagnosed with brain cancer over 5 years ago. A different type of tumor than Dad battles, but the fight is so very similar. I found an article where he described how he found purpose in his pain, and I couldn't help but want to share his exact words. I couldn't have said it better myself:

Matt stated, "Now let me be very clear here. I'd much rather bring Him glory by preaching; I'd much rather bring Him glory by driving an '01 Impala that backfires in school zones; I'd much rather bring Him glory by giving away a large part of our income; I'd much rather glorify Him in those ways, than to have brain cancer. But I don't get to choose that."

"It's not punitive; it's not random; and it has not been given to us by God to show us who's boss, Matt says, "There's a purpose in it; there's a limit in it; and in the end, God is not going to give us what He will not sustain us in. And I believe at that moment, the Holy Spirit gives you the power to stand. That's exactly what we found out. And I'm rejoicing in what He's doing in it."

24. 24 months. That's 2 years. Yes 2 years! Dad is a 2 year cancer SURVIVOR. And what an amazing 2 years it has been!

We felt so weighed down in the statistics associated with Dad's cancer. And then we had to remember that every person, every cancer, every situation is unique and different. We knew this was not random, this was not given to us by God to show us who was boss. Instead, we took the statistics and knew that it was not our job to deny the diagnosis, instead, we would fight to defy the verdict. And that's exactly what Dad has done.

The 2 year survival rate of glioblastoma patients is about 25%. That means Dad had a 75% of not being here. And here he stands. 

Nearly 100% of glioblastomas recur, usually within 6-8 months. Dad's tumor has never returned.

The median survival of a glioblastoma patient is 16-19 months. And here we are 24 months later.

We've beat the odds. Dad's strength, determination, and fight has beat the odds. 

The struggles we've faced these last two years. The difficult moments, days, and weeks. The times when we felt as though all hope was lost- where we were forced to turn to a much higher power throughout it all, for we were too weak to fight this battle on our own. We look back now and think, "How the heck did we do it?" How did we handle the surgery and physical therapy, the radiation and chemotherapy together, the nights of concern and worry- how did we manage to continue on?

Faith.

Fear can keep you up all night, but Faith makes one great pillow. 

Continuing to REJOICE on this journey and feeling so incredibly blessed for the love and support shown to my family throughout Dad's battle. If you would have told me this is where we would be 2 years ago sitting in the hospital after Dad's seizure, I would have never imagined it. I could never imagine my heart would be so full of love and support from friends and family. This path, so perfectly created for us, has been more of a blessing than anything, and I am so thankful for each of you who have walked on this path with us.

Continue the prayers, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!

On Tuesday we handed out BTHO Brain Cancer t-shirts to the staff, nurses and Dr. Fleener. I can't say enough wonderful things about each person at the Cancer Clinic! We are so blessed that God put us on this path with such wonderful people!

We have another MRI scheduled in November, which will mark 4 months since Dad's last MRI. We continue to take it all one day at a time and be so incredibly thankful for this journey!