Yesterday my devotional read:
"When tests and challenges come at you from all sides, consider it a joyful opportunity....Instead of being overwhelmed by all the difficulties, grasp My hand with confident trust...One of the hardest part of dealing with multiple trials is waiting for their resolution. Since patience is part of the Spirit's fruit, He can help you endure the waiting. Don't try to get out of hard times prematurely. Instead, persevere patiently, knowing that perseverance must finish its work- making you mature and complete."
Yesterday was a long, and exhausting, day filled with appointments with our oncologist and neurosurgeon. And at the end of the day, we don't know a whole lot.
The good news- the area of concern from the last MRI did not change- which would typically indicate that this is not a glioblastoma or melanoma, as both these cancers tend to grow quickly. But it still doesn't tell us what it really is that's going on in Dad's brain. Dad's neurosurgeon was happy to see there was no change, but has not ruled out that this could be a slow growing tumor, or radiation damage, or just the way Dad's brain looks now post everything that's happened to him. He said, "If it were my Dad, I would wait it out- do another MRI and see if it tells us more."
So that's what we are going to do. Wait.
And that's where that devotional from yesterday comes in..."...He can help endure the waiting. Don't try to get out of hard times prematurely."
We will schedule another MRI in about 6 weeks and re-evaluate our next steps.
I am so thankful that Dad continues to feel well, and has not been experiencing any symptoms of re-growth, but I am also very realistic in our journey- we were always told it was a matter of WHEN the tumor returns, never IF. It will be difficult these next six weeks trying to patiently wait, with the back of my mind analyzing every headache, every speech difficulty....it will be difficult just not knowing what exactly is going on.
We feel as confident as we can feel with our plan, as we trust our amazing team of medical doctors 100%. Dad is living proof that there is clearly a hand in all this that is much greater than any doctor or treatment, and I'm working so hard on trusting this plan with Him.
I can't thank each of you enough for the countless prayers throughout the last (almost!) five years. We've been on an incredible journey, and we pray that the journey continues on- that this is just a small bump and whatever this is that is showing up on the MRI is truly nothing!
And I also can't thank our medical team enough for their countless support- Dr. Fleener and the entire staff at the Cancer Clinic have become family to us all. We trust Dr. Fleener with every aspect of Dad's treatment, and I can't imagine having any other doctor with us on this journey. And Dr. White without a doubt saved my Dad's life almost five years ago during surgery- and the second surgery. We are so thankful for this incredible team to help us manage all that life's thrown our way.
Thank you all for the prayers- keep them coming!- and thank you for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Friday, August 24, 2018
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
A Slight Update On Dad 8/14/2018
Okay, I have slight update on Dad. As always, I like to keep you all in the loop as we continue on this crazy ride...
Literally the same week we found out about Dad's brain tumor in 2013, we were told he also had melanoma on his face- literally near his tumor location. We dealt with the brain tumor first, and then we tackled the melanoma. A quick trip to the plastic surgeon, and we received "all clear". Dad's been visiting the dermatologist every 6 months for full body checks- which if you know me, you know why I STRESS these types of visits to everyone! Family history of melanoma means you're twice as likely to be diagnosed!
Fast forward to our last MRI and this "brain lesion", where we thought it could be Glioblastoma or a stroke....all of us completely forgetting about this melanoma diagnosis almost five years ago. I literally woke up one morning and thought- could this be melanoma on the brain? But before making any calls to our oncologist, I checked with the nurses in my family first, as I told them, "Not sure if this is a dumb question..."
Turns out, it wasn't.
Melanoma can appear like a "brain lesion" when moving to the brain. Hearing that from our oncologist made my heart sink. We scheduled a PET scan to rule out melanoma- and honestly I'm not sure what is worse, melanoma that has spread to the brain, or another glioblastoma.
We received preliminary PET scan reports last Friday, which did not indicate anything negative on the report, with our oncologist confirming Monday that there is no evidence of cancer anywhere on PET scan- only decreased metabolism on the left side of brain (but that is typically from radiation and surgery).
We were so relieved.
So now, we wait a little bit more- with an MRI next week, followed by appointments with both our oncologist and neurosurgeon. With each day that passes of Dad not showing any physical signs of tumor growth (slurred speech, headaches, right side weakness, etc) is a positive sign that the lesion is from an old stroke. Right now, we can't tell of anything Dad is doing physically that would indicate growth.
On August 18th we will celebrate Dad's birthday. We are so thankful for each and every day with Dad. He's strong, faithful, and above all, an amazing dad. He loves his family filled with girls (okay, and now some son in laws!), and thinks the world of his grand babies (and they do the same!). He's shown us all what it means to truly slow down and appreciate the little things in life.
We look forward to celebrating this birthday, and many more in Dad's future.
Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Literally the same week we found out about Dad's brain tumor in 2013, we were told he also had melanoma on his face- literally near his tumor location. We dealt with the brain tumor first, and then we tackled the melanoma. A quick trip to the plastic surgeon, and we received "all clear". Dad's been visiting the dermatologist every 6 months for full body checks- which if you know me, you know why I STRESS these types of visits to everyone! Family history of melanoma means you're twice as likely to be diagnosed!
Fast forward to our last MRI and this "brain lesion", where we thought it could be Glioblastoma or a stroke....all of us completely forgetting about this melanoma diagnosis almost five years ago. I literally woke up one morning and thought- could this be melanoma on the brain? But before making any calls to our oncologist, I checked with the nurses in my family first, as I told them, "Not sure if this is a dumb question..."
Turns out, it wasn't.
Melanoma can appear like a "brain lesion" when moving to the brain. Hearing that from our oncologist made my heart sink. We scheduled a PET scan to rule out melanoma- and honestly I'm not sure what is worse, melanoma that has spread to the brain, or another glioblastoma.
We received preliminary PET scan reports last Friday, which did not indicate anything negative on the report, with our oncologist confirming Monday that there is no evidence of cancer anywhere on PET scan- only decreased metabolism on the left side of brain (but that is typically from radiation and surgery).
We were so relieved.
So now, we wait a little bit more- with an MRI next week, followed by appointments with both our oncologist and neurosurgeon. With each day that passes of Dad not showing any physical signs of tumor growth (slurred speech, headaches, right side weakness, etc) is a positive sign that the lesion is from an old stroke. Right now, we can't tell of anything Dad is doing physically that would indicate growth.
On August 18th we will celebrate Dad's birthday. We are so thankful for each and every day with Dad. He's strong, faithful, and above all, an amazing dad. He loves his family filled with girls (okay, and now some son in laws!), and thinks the world of his grand babies (and they do the same!). He's shown us all what it means to truly slow down and appreciate the little things in life.
We look forward to celebrating this birthday, and many more in Dad's future.
Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Is Vacation Bible School for the kids or the leaders? Dad Update 8/1/2018
There's not much of an update on Dad, except that he continues to feel well, and has no physical signs of any tumor growth. Each day that passes with no physical symptoms is a very encouraging sign that this little "blimp" on the MRI is in fact an old stroke.
This week our family (minus Dad!) has been thrown into Vacation Bible School at our church. I attended each and every year as a child, and I've been bringing my nephew for the last two years. This year both sisters, their three kids, Mom and I are all volunteering- and let me tell you, exhausted we are after each night! But it's been pretty amazing to watch God in each of these kids- makes the busy evenings seem completely worth it!
Part of my rotation involves me asking kids various questions and sharing different stories on specific topics- we talk about everything from being lonely and struggling, to worrying.
Monday's lesson was all about worrying. Talk about a total God moment for me! We kept having the kids say, "When you worry...Jesus Rescues!" I shared this message four different times, and each time thinking to myself how this was absolutely God's way of sending a message to ME. How He put me in that exact rotation so I could read these words over and over again:
"No matter what you're facing- or what you're worried about- remember, when you worry...Jesus rescues! Jesus knows everything that's going on in your life. Nothing is a surprise to him. So you really don't have to worry about anything. But if you do, he understands and helps you."
Such simple words. Simple words meant for a child to understand, but these simple words were exactly what my heart needed to hear.
I have been so weighed down by all the "what ifs" that we have ahead, and questioning our journey and how far we've come- but thankfully those simple words brought me back right where I needed to be. My heart, and my head, focused back on this journey with Him.
Because when I worried, He did truly rescue. He brought my thoughts filled with doubt and concern, fear and worry, back to a place where they needed to be- back to thoughts filled with faith and hope, joy and trust.
Still a couple more days of Vacation Bible School left for us, and I'm anxious to see how God plans to work even more in my heart- and in the hearts of each of the little ones in attendance. I find these moments where the exact words you need to hear come to you in the most simple form- you can't help but realize that God has his hand in it all.
Thank you all for the love and prayers you've sent our way since we received the not so wonderful news. I pray that I can come back here and share with you all wonderful news for Dad's next MRI.
This week our family (minus Dad!) has been thrown into Vacation Bible School at our church. I attended each and every year as a child, and I've been bringing my nephew for the last two years. This year both sisters, their three kids, Mom and I are all volunteering- and let me tell you, exhausted we are after each night! But it's been pretty amazing to watch God in each of these kids- makes the busy evenings seem completely worth it!
Part of my rotation involves me asking kids various questions and sharing different stories on specific topics- we talk about everything from being lonely and struggling, to worrying.
Monday's lesson was all about worrying. Talk about a total God moment for me! We kept having the kids say, "When you worry...Jesus Rescues!" I shared this message four different times, and each time thinking to myself how this was absolutely God's way of sending a message to ME. How He put me in that exact rotation so I could read these words over and over again:
"No matter what you're facing- or what you're worried about- remember, when you worry...Jesus rescues! Jesus knows everything that's going on in your life. Nothing is a surprise to him. So you really don't have to worry about anything. But if you do, he understands and helps you."
Such simple words. Simple words meant for a child to understand, but these simple words were exactly what my heart needed to hear.
I have been so weighed down by all the "what ifs" that we have ahead, and questioning our journey and how far we've come- but thankfully those simple words brought me back right where I needed to be. My heart, and my head, focused back on this journey with Him.
Because when I worried, He did truly rescue. He brought my thoughts filled with doubt and concern, fear and worry, back to a place where they needed to be- back to thoughts filled with faith and hope, joy and trust.
Still a couple more days of Vacation Bible School left for us, and I'm anxious to see how God plans to work even more in my heart- and in the hearts of each of the little ones in attendance. I find these moments where the exact words you need to hear come to you in the most simple form- you can't help but realize that God has his hand in it all.
Thank you all for the love and prayers you've sent our way since we received the not so wonderful news. I pray that I can come back here and share with you all wonderful news for Dad's next MRI.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Another Update 7/25/2018
I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Fleener and our experience at the Cancer Clinic. It's been less than 24 hours of receiving our not so wonderful news, and we've already received a phone call and game plan going forward.
Our Neurosurgeon also can not confirm exactly what this is that showed up on Dad's MRI- but he does NOT think it looks like a glioma (PRAISE!). We will follow up with another MRI and appointments with both Dr. Fleener & Dr. White in a month. Until then, we wait. Y'all know how patient I am, so this should be fun.
For every day that passes with Dad not having any symptoms is a GREAT sign, as although it is uncommon to have a stroke in that particular part of the brain, it's even more uncommon for this to be another type of cancer that is showing up.
As we left the Cancer Clinic yesterday we saw a painted sign that said, "Family, Faith & Fleener"- we all laughed and agreed.
There is something to be said about this "little" clinic that we've been visiting for over 4.5 years- we are treated like family, and that has meant the world to us.
So prayer warriors, here comes your turn to show this cancer again what you've got- we've got one month filled with so much anxiety and stress as we wait to see what's going on, so I ask for prayers of comfort, strength, and for whatever this is to show no signs of growth- heck, let it disappear!
Thank you all for all the love and prayers you've sent since we received the news, we've felt it and Dad has too!
Quick Dad Update 7/24/2018
Well, the 45 minute drive back from College Station was filled with lots of tears, prayers, and trying to figure exactly how I would share with everyone the latest on Dad, so here we go....
Dad had his 4 month MRI and we were told there have been changes- a small 1 cm spot has appeared. A change so small that our oncologist and the radiologist isn’t able to determine exactly what it is- the debate is between tumor growth or the result of a stroke. I’ve never prayed so hard for a stroke in my life. Thankfully, we’ve got an incredible group of doctors working together to figure what they think this is and our next steps. So now, we wait- hopefully to hear something no later than tomorrow afternoon to determine what we should do next.
This is far from ideal, but if I’ve learned anything here last 4.5 years is this journey has involved many ups and downs- and no matter what we’ve been up against we’ve been able to handle it together. I have no doubt this same little bump will be the same. It’s almost too perfect that this page- full of stars and underlines- was my devotional for today:
“You are looking ahead at uncertainties, letting them unnerve you...yet I am always with you, holding you by your right hand...do not fear, for I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you...”
Asking for a few extra prayers as we figure out our next steps. Like I tell myself before each MRI, whatever it is, we can figure it out. And I know this time will be no exception.
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!
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
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
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