Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Life Update. 6/26/2018

Okay, I know...I've been terrible with updates on this little blog. So I'll try to catch everyone up!

Dad has continued to live life- he helps mow grass, work in the garden, and watch his grandbabies- they are all growing up WAY too fast! He is still off all treatment!

In May we celebrated Reid turning ONE, and this past weekend we celebrated Hallie's 2nd birthday. They are all into just about everything, which keeps us all busy. And Dad loves having those little ones around!

We have our next MRI scheduled for the end of July, which will make it 4 months since our last MRI. And although Dad is not showing any typical signs of the tumor returning, it still is a very stressful day...heck, the weeks leading up to the MRI is also pretty darn stressful. 

I remind myself that TODAY Dad does not have cancer. And looking too far ahead will just give me those knots in my stomach and worry in my mind- and I'm working so very hard to not have any of that!

We are hoping that if all is good on his next MRI, we will go 6 months between MRI's. That is the plan if all is good...gosh I'm praying all is good!

Dad is now over 4.5 YEARS post diagnosis, and we plan to celebrate BIG in October for his 5 YEAR cancer-versary.  

Just today I watched an update on the Polio virus being used to treat brain cancer, and I sat in awe of how far treatment has come in just these last 4 years. We are so blessed that we are making such great strides, so that IF the tumor returns, we have more options for Dad's treatment. Options give us HOPE in this battle. 

The clinical trial increases the survival rate of three years or longer from 4% of patients, to 21%. That's HUGE!

Which also gives me chills to see that statistic, as Dad has beat those odds, and is literally in the 4% of people with this diagnosis. It reminds me how incredibly blessed we are. Dad is truly a miracle. 

As always, we are so blessed with an amazing medical staff helping us each step of the way- The Cancer Clinic and Dr. Fleener's team of nurses & staff have made our journey one that is filled with so much hope! And we are so blessed with this incredible group of friends & family that have continued to lift Dad up in prayer- we are so very aware that it's a BIG reason why he is still here today. 

Like I've said before- when science and medicine can't explain why someone is here, how can you not believe? 

Thank you all for walking on this journey with us, and thank you for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Happy Father's Day Lar!

Another special Father's Day for the Glenz family, as Dad continues to defy the odds and reminds us all that life is truly filled with little miracles every now and then. 

Each Father's Day post-diagnosis have been special to our family, as we get to take a day and celebrate one of our favorite guys, the man that has continued to keep this family together with his strength, determination and smile. 

So per usual, here's my Father's Day letter to the best daddy in the whole world. 

Dear Dad,

This Father's Day feels even more special for some reason. Maybe it's because you have three little ones that love their grandpa so very much, or maybe it's because I look at the calendar and realize that it's been over 4.5 years since we feared you not being around for Father's Day. 

Cancer has done a pretty unique thing to our family. It has truly provided light, in a world that has felt so very dark, it has provided love, especially when we couldn't possibly feel anything but hate, and it has provided us a perspective that life is all but too short- that we should live it to the fullest. And as much as cancer has been part of all those little lessons, the heart of those lessons comes from the person that has fought this cancer- the heart of those lessons has come from you. 

You have taught us each lessons that we could never begin to find the right words to share. You've shown determination, faith, and an unbelievable amount of strength. We are all so lucky to have you as our Dad. 

And as we approach another MRI, I sit back and look at the last 4.5 years- years filled with tears and defeat, and also some of the most joyful times of my life. You've managed to change our thoughts, our fears, and our concerns- as we focus now on the gift of life we've been given. We focus on you- on family- and on enjoying each day. 

I hope you know how much we love, appreciate and realize that you're gift here in the physical world is clearly needed for others- that God has chosen you to defy the odds and bring hope to so many. 

Happy Father's Day to the best Dad in the entire world- Happy Father's Day to my hero.

Much Love,

Your Favorite Daughter- Whitney