Dad Update. 4/27/2017

It's a "Dad Update" that involves very little updates- which is always a good thing!

We last met with Dr. Fleener on March 22, where Dr. Fleener left us with a follow up appointment with Dad's general physician and the words, "Now that we don't have to worry about a tumor, we've gotta worry about other things that can happen when you get older!"

So we did some blood work and it looks like all of Dad's counts are right in line where they should be, and his blood pressure continues to be monitored to ensure it's staying in a normal range. 

Since then, Mom and Dad have completely re-done the front yard, are working on a garden, and constantly outside mowing and working in the flower beds (even killing a pretty good sized snake one day!). Just yesterday Mom told me Dad was out on the shredder while she worked in the back yard. Y'all, God is so very good. 

Our next MRI is scheduled for July, which seems so very far away- yet I know it will sneak up on us before we know it. So until then, we plan to enjoy the nice weather and be so very thankful for each and every day. 

Yesterday I received a message from another family impacted by brain cancer. A message asking for help, to be a contact for someone and provide HOPE to them. I immediately called Mom. 

I wanted to share with Mom this message because often times we are so boggled down in the pain and the suffering that we've experienced these last 3.5 years. Sometimes we find ourselves thinking back to what life was like before Dad's diagnosis, instead of focusing on how far we've come. 

I was reminded in that moment (and shared with Mom these same thoughts!) that Dad's pain and suffering has such GREAT purpose- and how amazing it is that we are able to witness this purpose each time another brain cancer family reaches out to us. We've found the purpose in our pain, to be a resource to others and walk hand in hand with them throughout this journey.

Now believe me, I don't wish this process on anyone, but it's given me a perspective that many will never have. I tell Dad I love him every day, I go by their house often (probably more often than my parents would like!), and I constantly remind myself how exceptionally lucky we are. 

Dad doesn't always realize it, but he's the true backbone and strength of our family. He continues to inspire people that he's never even met. He continues to inspire each of us each day. 

I'm not sure how he does it. I'm not sure how he managed through two brain surgeries, countless rounds of chemotherapy, six intense weeks of radiation, and all of the physical & speech therapy, but he managed it pretty darn well. No complaints. No apprehension. He took it one day at a time, one step at a time, and leaned on this incredible faith through it all. 

Reflecting today on how good God really is, how through pain there is purpose, and through suffering there is strength. 

Thank you all for continuing on this journey with us, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer.