Replace Those Thoughts Of Worry With Thoughts Of Hope, Faith and Victory: Dad Update 7/16/2014

Dad had another GREAT appointment yesterday! Dad's Oncologist (Dr. Fleener) talked with his Neurosurgeon (Dr. White) and she mentioned that Dr. White just couldn't believe how good Dad was doing- his speech, his cognitive skills...everything! I think Dad really needed to hear that, he needed to hear someone else- besides us girls and Mom- tell him how great he really is doing. It was such a positive appointment and we plan to have another MRI in 8 weeks, which would make 3 months since our last MRI- another HUGE milestone! 

So what's our next steps? What do we do now?

Well, again, the type of Cancer Dad has is not good, the chances of it returning are high and the chances of it coming back aggressively...even higher. Statistics are interesting. Statistics show a lot of "Well, this should happen" or "The odds are very high", which all makes me laugh just a little bit. Try telling a Cancer patient their odds, and I would guess most of them would just laugh- laugh because I've yet to meet someone going through Cancer without Faith. Faith in a higher power, Faith in a path so perfectly created for them, and Faith that can help them through their darkest of days. Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead, there is already someone much greater and stronger there to help me, Faith tells me to replace those thoughts of worry with thoughts of hope, faith and victory, Faith tells me that I'm much stronger than I ever realized- that Dad is much stronger than he will ever realize. 

Right now, we continue our treatment- we continue with the chemotherapy (which Dad is currently taking) and the Avastin treatment (which is every 2 weeks). We continue on this treatment because the MRI's are stable, we continue on this treatment because Dad's Oncologist believes this is the right treatment (and at this point, I basically feel as though Dr. Fleener is part of our family), and we continue on this treatment because that is what Dad wants to do. We have no idea what the next scan will show in 2 months, we have no idea what the next treatment options will be, and we have no idea where this journey will take us- but what we do know is that each day is precious, and I am refusing to look at life "between MRI's". Nope, I'm going to live life, love life and appreciate each and every day- regardless if an MRI is in 2 months or tomorrow, regardless if the tumor returns or never comes back, regardless of any circumstance thrown our way.

This path is difficult, but this path has included so many truly wonderful people- people I've never met who have reached out to me about Dad, people I've become even closer to over the last 9.5 months, and people who have stood by us through the good times and the bad times over the years. It's so nice to not be alone on this journey- to be with others who have loved ones battling cancer, who can relate to the anxiety and fear of waiting for scan results, and who can relate to the pure joy of hearing good news at an appointment. Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers!

Just had to share my devotional from the week, it so perfectly fits into my life in so many ways:

"Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance light-footed on the high peaks; but for now your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life."

Staying on the path so perfectly selected for my family and seeing "sparkling surprises" around the bend. Cancer sucks, but God is good! 

Continue praying and we will continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!