I've Learned... Dad Update 7/2/2014

"I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different."

Yesterday I was with Dad as he received another Avastin treatment at the Cancer Center in College Station, and yesterday I received one of the greatest gifts cancer has given me- perspective. 

There are always a lot of people receiving treatment at the Cancer Center, some we recognize from our bi-weekly visits, others that are new faces, but all of us have the same story- a story of will, determination, and fight. Our stories are also filled with joy- which is strange for most people to understand, but as you sit next to others fighting cancer, you are also sitting next to some of the most positive people you'll ever meet. I've been with Dad for numerous appointments and treatments, and never once have I heard another cancer fighter complain, never once. Visiting with other cancer fighters, you can't help but realize that all of the little things in life, all of the little things that you sometimes take for granted or complain about, they truly are so small compared to some of the things going on in others lives. 

I had the true pleasure of speaking with another cancer fighter yesterday, as this is her second time to battle ovarian cancer. She talked about travel, her time in Canada, her trip to Alaska- which immediately bonded with Mom and Dad as they talked about their cruise in Alaska- and about being an Aggie. Last fall she said she made sure the doctor understood how important football was to her, and her family, as her grandson played on Friday nights and Johnny Football played on Saturday, which meant scheduling of treatment would need to take place around these important days- this lady literally had all of us smiling and laughing from ear to ear. She reassured Dad that him being tired was completely normal, as 2 days after her treatment she is completely wiped out and just wants to sleep all the time- I think this was nice having Dad hear this from someone else, someone else going through something so similar. I can tell Dad every day that him being tired is normal, but for him to hear it from another cancer fighter, it was exactly what he needed to hear. 

But I think the one story that stood out to me, the one story that made me just sit back and think how truly amazing these people are at the Cancer Center- how God truly does give his most difficult battles to his strongest soldiers- involved the discussion of treatment and chemo.
I asked her how her treatments were going, if she was on chemo or another type of treatment. She mentioned that she started a new round of chemo, and this time it was a bit different than her last type because, "I'll keep the hair on my head. You see this, this is my real hair. But the hair everywhere else, eye lashes, arms, legs- it all falls out. I miss my eye lashes, but man how great is it that I don't have to shave anymore."

Perspective. Two people can look at that exact situation the same way and see something totally different. She chooses to look at her fight in the most positive way possible, and what a true inspiration that is to others.

Dad is feeling great, looking great and is getting stronger each and every day! He was recently taken off of his anti-seizure medication, which has made a HUGE difference in his strength and ability to go longer without needing to rest. He finished another Avastin treatment yesterday and will go back for another treatment in 2 weeks, along with a follow-up appointment with Dr. Fleener. 

Right now we continue to take it all one day at a time, enjoying the true gift of time that God has given us and learning to appreciate each and every day. 

Keep praying and we will keep fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!