Dad Celebrates 6 Year Cancerversary! 10-30-2019

So, I've been slacking on my blog posts a little bit...ok, a lot. But life has been a bit crazy in our family- all in a good way!

There are FOUR little ones in our family that have us moving from soccer games, to baseball games, gymnastics, pumpkin patch pictures....the list goes on and on. And we love EVERY minute of this running around- and we love that Dad gets to be part of this crazy life. 

I find it pretty perfect that my devotional for October 5- the day we consider Dad's cancerversary- read:

"I want you to have no fear of bad news. The only way to accomplish this feat is to have a steadfast heart, trusting in Me. There is an abundance of bad news in the world, but you don't need to be afraid of it. Instead, confidently rely on Me- believe in Me...Don't dread bad news or let it spook you. Instead, keep your heart steadfast and calm through confident trust in Me."

We celebrated Dad's cancerversary surrounded by our incredible family, and even a surprise visit from Dad's oncologist. 

We love Dr. Fleener and her entire staff at the Cancer Clinic. I say it so often, but they are our second family and have been with us through truly some of the most difficult of times.

We have another MRI in November- which is 6 months from the last MRI. And we continue to be so hopeful that the MRI shows no changes or signs of tumor growth. 

Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers- and as always, thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!

Ok, So It's Been Awhile....Dad Update 9/11/2019

Life has been somewhat normal...if that is even such a thing after a cancer diagnosis. Mom and Dad continue to live life each day- working on the yard, driving out to Burton to check on their land, and attending various events for the grandkids. 

Recently we've received numerous texts, calls and messages from others- all with the same question..."This person I know received a Glioblastoma/Brain Cancer diagnosis- help!"

It's a question that gives us that same gut wrenching feeling that we had when Dad received his cancer diagnosis- but one that we try to respond and provide hope. 

This October 5th we will celebrate Dad's SIX year cancerversary. And while work, life and the stress of everything else finds a way to get the best of me sometimes- I find that looking back at how far our family has come both mentally, and spiritually- I can't help but realize that no matter what life throws our way- it too shall pass. 

I remember Mom telling each of us that "We will not sit here and wait to die, we are going to continue to live."...and sometimes she takes that a bit too literally! Days where Dad is exhausted- as the radiation and years of chemotherapy has caused some side effects- Mom is right there to make him get up, go and DO something. She's the most patient caretaker- as she reminds me that Dad has to have a purpose, so if that means it takes him an hour longer than it would take anyone else to mow the grass, then we wait an hour longer until it's done. 

The side effects from Dad's treatment and surgery has become our new normal- and while his speech and short term memory have been changed- his personality, love and humor has not. And honestly, that doesn't bother me one bit. 

So my advice for those faced with this terrible diagnosis. Don't sit around waiting to die, continue to live. Continue to take advantage of the amazing advances in brain cancer treatment, take advantage of this moment to find or strengthen your faith, and take advantage of those around you to lift you up in your darkest of moments. 

While life can throw us some unexpected things- the one thing it can never take away is our faith and our will to make today the best it can be. 

As always, going 6 years strong- thank you all for your continued love and prayers- and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!

MRI Update. 1/14/2019

A quick update on Dad. 

We had an MRI earlier last week, with the results showing no change and no indication of cancer growth. We have our next MRI scheduled for the end of May. We are so incredibly blessed!

We are also getting ready for our next visit to Run For The Rose, as we support brain cancer research, and the countless families impacted by this disease. Please consider making a donation or joining our team for this incredible event!