Post MRI Results. Dad Update 5/26/2016

So, our world has been a bit busy lately- so I apologize as I failed to share some WONDERFUL news with everyone. 

During Dad's last appointment, Dr. Fleener discussed following up with other radiologists to determine what they thought this small "enhancement" could be- since it had not changed since our last MRI.

And Tuesday Mom received a call from Dr. Fleener with information on their conclusion:

They concluded that there is no cancer growth going on. 

Oh how thrilled we are to hear that news!

Dad just finished another round of chemotherapy, and will continue with another round of Avastin in a week. We will discuss another MRI at our next appointment with Dr. Fleener, but until then, we are taking it all just one day at a time. 

I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Fleener, the staff, and nurses at the Cancer Clinic in Bryan. We have such an amazing relationship with each of them, and having Dr. Fleener personally call Mom helped to reiterate just that. 

Not to mention, the relationship I've made with the ladies in the business office- they have been absolute lifesavers as I've tried to understand the world of insurance. I received a call from one of the ladies to let me know that two claims I've been fighting were now approved and processed- let's just say, I've been more than happy to receive calls from the Cancer Clinic this week.

So if there is one thing I've learned throughout Dad's cancer battle- it's to never give up (and I've learned this in more than one way!)

Dad's pure fight and determination is so obvious in his day to day life- as just the other day he wanted to mow the grass, something he just hasn't felt like doing for so long! He continues to prove the statistics wrong, he continues to fight through the pain of his treatments and he continues to never give up. 

And I've learned to never give up when it comes to fighting insurance companies and hospitals. As just yesterday I was on the phone with one hospital and two separate insurance companies. 

It's amazing how quickly you get what you want when the insurance company realizes that the paperwork completed by your dad, which gave the insurance company the ability to speak with you legally, expired 9 months ago and they've talked to you numerous times since then. You just throw out "HIPAA violation", and that pretty much takes care of any issues.

I've fought two hospitals and three different insurance companies- and they all work the same- they push you away until they think you will give up. Unfortunately for them, I've learned from the best on never giving up, and I plan to continue fighting for my parents throughout this process. I never want Dad's fight to be a huge financial burden for my parents, and if it means fighting for each dollar they are billed, that's exactly what I will continue to do. 

We are so incredibly proud of Dad, and we are so incredibly proud of our friends and family. Each person has stepped up in one way or another- we've been overwhelmed with love and support, thoughts and prayers, and the continuous push to make it through some of our more difficult days. There is no way we could have survived these last (almost 32 months!) without our friends and family. 

We continue on this fight, as Dad has beat all of the statistics we were given that grim day at our Neurosurgeon's office- with treatment less than 2 years, without treatment less than a year. He continues to BEAT this disease just one day at a time- he continues to inspire me each day. 

Some days are good, some days are difficult, but each day with Dad present and able to join us in just the little things makes each day great. We all struggle with Dad's post-cancer life- and I think Dad struggles the most- but we continue to remind him how STRONG he is, how FAITHFUL he continues to be, and how PROUD we are each day of his fight. 

Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers- as we've seen the power of prayer work wonders in our lives- and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!