Cancer: Just A Chapter In Our Lives, Not The Whole Story (Update 3/7/2014)

I've been extremely open about our struggles these past 5 months- 5 months that have seemed to fly by, and at the same time drag by, all at the same time. This week marks exactly 5 months from Dad's seizure, Dad's diagnosis, and the start of this incredible journey in our lives. 

Cancer changes us. It changes the person fighting the battle and those witnesses to this courageous battle, there is no doubt about that. This battle can bring a lot of change, although it's up to each of us what that change will mean in our lives and who we will become as a result of it. My openness of Dad's diagnosis, our triumphs, our struggles, our good and bad days, and our faith have opened me up to receiving so many wonderful things in my life. I've been reminded how truly good people are, I've been reminded that there are others fighting even harder battles, and I've been reminded (over and over again) that there is a much higher power controlling it all. 

My openness is different than some of my other family members, as I talk about Dad's diagnosis, his struggles, my personal struggles and his FIGHT to anyone who asks. I have always felt that I wanted people to know EXACTLY what was going on, so they knew EXACTLY what to pray for. I also want others to see our faith, Dad's fight, and Dad's determination, which is a huge reason why I write. This blog has helped me tremendously, it's helped me express my thoughts, my fears, and share Dad's story, a story I'm so proud to be included in. 

Cancer is just a chapter in our lives. A chapter that has become a huge changing point in our lives, especially mine. Cancer is not the whole story, although cancer can help to create the story- a story filled with faith, love and appreciation. 

Our story is just beginning and Dad's diagnosis is such a small chapter in our amazing life. A life that has been changed, changed for the better. 

I talk about Dad a lot, I talk about brain cancer and bringing awareness to others, awareness that is so badly needed. Brain cancer is extremely under-researched, under-funded and of little interest to many drug companies- something that I have decided is my new passion to change. My new passion has lead me to an amazing foundation, a foundation built by someone just like Dad, someone who battled GBM. Cancer is not going to go away tomorrow, or even the next day, but I have faith that we will see the day where cancer does not bring fear to those diagnosed, a day where hearing "Cancer" doesn't bring fear- but instead, hope. The only way to see this day is continued research and funding, which is exactly what the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation does each and every day- and I'm so proud to say I've helped contribute to that! I'm so proud of how well our team has done for the 'Run For The Rose', a 5k supporting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation. We've raised over $3,000 and over 30 people have joined our team. We are truly blessed. This is just another way I'm able to share Dad's story, a story of faith, determination and family. Please feel free to visit our team page and join the run! http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/Run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer

Another week out from Dad's chemo treatment and he has been feeling good and having a really good week! I keep telling myself "Fear can keep you up all night, but FAITH makes one great pillow", as we find out Dad's next MRI results in 2 weeks. 2 weeks that will fly by, yet at the same time drag by, all at the same time.

Continue the prayers, continue the thoughts, and continue in helping us BTHO Cancer!