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!
