Stable. Dad Update 2/10/2016

Today we went in for another MRI report, and once again, my mind was racing with trying to predict what the MRI would show. My mind was trying to prepare for every possible outcome and what next treatment option I wanted to ask about.

My mind was so focused on the 'what if', and my body was consumed with anxiety over these test results...and then we received the news...

Stable.

My body immediately felt like it was 10 lbs lighter- the weight of the anxiety and fear was gone- and all I wanted to do was celebrate, smile and take in the moment of pure joy that everyone was experiencing. 

We are 28 months post-diagnosis and the MRI days do not get easier. The chemo weeks have without a doubt not been any easier. And the Avastin treatments still feel like they take forever. But all of these things have been part of our cancer journey- just one small chapter in this amazing life- and it's all helped us put life in perspective and enjoy the truly little things in life. 

The little things. Like this sweet little boy, who stole all of our hearts the day he was born and continues to brighten even the darkest days.

To think that this sweet little nephew of mine will be a BIG brother soon, is a little unreal- but I absolutely love being an Aunt, so I welcome the next bundle of joy with open arms!

Dad had another round of Avastin treatment today, and we will schedule our next MRI in 2-3 months. Dr. Fleener is very pleased with how well he is doing, and we are thrilled that the MRI did not indicate any enhancement or growth. I would have never imaged that 28 months after that terrifying seizure and hearing the words "cancer" for the first time, that we would be where we are today- but here we are! Loving every minute of this life, loving every minute of Dad's journey, and reminding myself that each day is a true gift with Dad. 

As Lent begins, I struggled with figuring out what exactly I should give up this year- and the more I thought about it all, I decided a better idea would be to DO something during this time. As we prepare for the coming of Easter and have this time of self-examination and reflection, I thought of no better way than a Bible study. I found one from the same author of my daily devotional (Jesus Calling) and it had such a perfect title "Trusting in Christ".

Turning to just the first session I saw the following words:

"...Our awareness of these flaws in people and things can leave us feeling insecure, as if there is no one or no thing we can truly trust. The Bible claims God is different. He is perfectly trustworthy. This seems too good to be true, so we doubt it is true. Even when we want to trust what the Bible says about God, a lifetime of being let down by others leaves a core of mistrust inside us. We find it hard to believe God is all-powerful and can handle any situation that confronts us...."Strive to trust Me in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start in the present moment- accepting things exactly as they are- and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances."

I can already tell this study is going to speak to me in so many ways. Thank you all for continuing on this crazy, emotional, and joy-filled journey with my family- our path is far from perfect, but how perfectly it was created for us to walk hand in hand. 

Continue the prayers as Dad fights daily to BTHO Brain Cancer- and we continue to thank each of you for the love and support you've shown to us over the last 28 months. 

Run For The Rose:

Our 3rd trip to 'Run For The Rose' (a 5k in Houston which supports brain cancer research through the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation) is quickly approaching and I would love to have each of you join us on a day that means so much to my entire family. If you aren't able to join, but would still like to support us on that day, please consider making a donation to an organization that has gone above and beyond for my family, and continues to do the same for so many other families just like mine. 

http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer