The Story Behind The Status... Dad Update 7/12/2016

Today my Facebook status stated: "What an absolute joyful day! 33 months later and Dad's MRI looked good- no changes, no growth, all is good! We are so incredibly blessed- God is so so good."

But there is a much bigger story behind that post- because what they post doesn't accurately show is the amount of relief that filled by body when we heard the MRI results, because just hours before I was certain the cancer was back. 

Mom messaged me to let me know that she grabbed Dad's walker (something he hasn't used since his brain surgery) because Dad's legs were weak- very weak. My heart sank. I immediately called to figure out what was going on, what was causing this weakness- and I could hear the fear and concern in Mom's voice. It was in that moment that I just knew the cancer was back, that the tumor was impacting his strength and movement. And tears filled my eyes. 

I started frantically searching online, trying to figure out the doctor in Austin- when we could see him and what meetings I could move around this week to make sure we could get an appointment. My thoughts were frantic- and I received this text "Just remember, God already knows what this MRI will show and he is in control no matter what." 

Some relief filled my body- but I will admit, pure fear seemed to trump any other emotions. So we waited, and we waited- and finally we got the results...

A good MRI. No changes. No growth. All was good. 

My heart sank- but in a good way! I immediately felt this weight leave my body- and there I was filled with relief, thankfulness and grace. 

We shared with Dad's doctor this little episode and she didn't seem too concerned- we were all put at ease.

We then talked about the genetic testing performed on Dad's tumor, and that the first round of test were inconclusive, so a second round was being performed- more waiting. Once these results are back, we (as a family) will make the decision if we will take a break from the chemotherapy- something I struggle with making a decision on. 

But the good news is, this is a discussion that is happening for Dad! This is something 33 months ago I never imaged we would get to discuss, and for that I am so incredibly thankful- even though I dread making a decision on something that seems so very important. 

So we wait, and Dad continues his chemotherapy treatment this week, along with his IV Avastin treatment and then we make a decision in a month. We have one month to discuss, pray and really think through this decision- ultimately focusing on quality of life for Dad throughout it all. 

On another extremely happy note, we welcomed another member to our family on the 4th of July, Miss Hallie Rae Lechler:

We are all very much in love with this little girl and so very thankful that Dad was able to be with us as we welcomed her to our family. 

Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you all as we continue to fight to BTHO Brain Cancer!