Post MRI/Post Dr Appointment Dad Update. 9/13/2016

I realize now that I never gave an update post-doctor appointment after Dad's MRI and, still what we think, was a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). 
*A TIA happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. After a short time, blood flows again and the symptoms go away. A TIA is often labeled "mini-stroke", it is more accurately characterized as a "warning stroke". The only difference between a TIA and a stroke, is that with a TIA the blockage is temporary. TIA can last for up to 24 hours. 

We made a decision, as a family and with the help of our amazing doctor, to stop all treatments for Dad. No more chemotherapy. No more Avastin. No more bi-weekly trips to the Cancer Clinic. 

To say Dad is happy with this decision would be an understatement, as he dreaded taking those chemotherapy pills, and bi-weekly trips to College Station were never his favorite. 

(Can I mentioned that I'm thrilled as well- as this will mean less fights with his insurance company to pay for the VERY expensive Avastin treatment!)

As we had our appointment with Dr. Fleener, she was thrilled to share that the MRI looked great, that there in fact were no changes, no tumor growth, and no indication of a stroke- and she also shared how relieved she was that it was a good MRI since we just stopped the chemotherapy. 

Mom, myself and my sisters had already had this discussion about the chemotherapy and our fear that the tumor had returned, we had this discussion prior to knowing the results of the MRI. We talked, and we were honest with one another, and it was simple what we shared: How horrible we would have felt if Dad would have had another terrible round on the chemotherapy, only for the tumor to return. 

It was in that moment that we were all on the same page, that I truly felt at peace with our decision to stop all treatment. So when others ask me how I feel about Dad being off the Avastin now as well, I share with them how thankful I am that this is even an option for Dad and how thankful I am that I am giving it all to Him to walk us through. 

We will have another MRI in 6-8 weeks, and until then we aren't sure what our journey will involve. We are all hoping to get back to a new sense of normal, as emotionally and physically, we are all still so exhausted from the other week. 

My devotional has been with me throughout this three year cancer journey, and as the outside looks worn and the pages bent, it's been pretty spot on during some of our "bumps in our journey":

September 1 (Dad's MRI/Results)
"When you encounter rough patches along your life- journey, trust that My Light is still shining upon you. My reasons for allowing these adversities may be shrouded in mystery, but My continual Presence with you is an absolute promise. Seek Me in good times; seek Me in hard times. You will find Me watching over you all the time."

And watching over us He did. 

Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!