Cancer Will Never Defeat Dad. Dad Update 1/21/2015

"In 2015 I start a year of gratitude. Instead of focusing on the how and the why...I focus on the change. I focus on the thankfulness of being where I am despite the journey that was walked. No more I wants, or please God's. But instead, I start and end with 'Thank You God'. " 
Dana Hurst

Dana Hurst is a fellow brain cancer caregiver and blogger, who lost her husband to the evil that is brain cancer. I read her blog often, and can't help but think there are times where she is speaking right to me. Letting me read the words I so badly needed, not necessarily wanted, to hear. 

Gratitude.

Giving gratitude to a God who has placed this brain cancer journey in my life. Giving gratitude to a power much greater than any doctor or treatment. And giving gratitude to a God who has watched as my family has struggled with the suffering that cancer involves. 

But not only does Dana Hurst talk about giving gratitude, she also talks about the fight against suffering. She says:
"My fight. To not let suffering win. To not let it take away the joy in my faith. To not let it affect the relationships in my life. To instead, take it for its own run and use it to make me better. To allow it to show me when I am weak. To embrace those weaknesses when they are near and become stronger for it."

Giving gratitude for this fight. The fight against suffering. 

That's the exact attitude my family has had since that devastating day in October, when we learned Dad had stage IV cancer, and that's the exact attitude we will continue to have as Dad battles against this disease. To not let suffering win.

Cancer will never defeat Dad. Cancer can never defeat someone who does not lose faith. Cancer can never defeat someone who does not let suffering win. Cancer can never defeat someone who does not allow suffering to take away the joy in their faith. Cancer will never defeat my family.

As Dad starts another round of chemo on Monday, and another Avastin treatment on Tuesday, we are once again reminded of the fight we have ahead of us, we are once again reminded that brain cancer treatment has become part of our normal routine. The days can be difficult, the treatment painful, but we continue to give gratitude and be thankful the treatments are working, thankful Dad is feeling well,and thankful for these last 15 months.

Asking for a few extra prayers, as treatment week is always a little tough on Dad physically and mentally. Continuing with our motto, that we will never once deny the diagnosis, instead we will fight like hell to defy the verdict!

And tomorrow, a very sweet woman starts her fight against brain cancer. Asking for a few extra prayers to her, and her family. With 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, the side effects can be tough, that I will not deny, but I know with their unbelievable amount of faith, strength, and an amazing support system, she is going to BTHO Brain Cancer!


Please continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!