Last night my sister and I, along with another couple, attended an event hosted by the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation. To say I left feeling overwhelmed with love and support would be a complete understatement, as I left with a new feeling of hope.
The event was held at a beautiful home, filled with great food and drinks, and even more interesting and exciting information on brain cancer treatment. We listened as the top doctors talked about the treatment options and clinical trials that are on the path to a cure because of the funding by Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation. To hear so many treatment options are being tested and are on the fast path by the FDA BECAUSE of the donations made by the foundation was so incredibly heartwarming. Last year our team raised over $10,000 to be donated to the foundation, and last night I listened and realized that each and every dollar was going towards a CURE.
I think the event was also great for the couple that attended with us, as the wife (Amanda) was diagnosed with brain cancer in December, the same exact type of cancer as Dad. I remember when Dad went through his initial treatment- 6 weeks of radiation and 6 weeks of chemotherapy- and I remember how incredibly difficult that last week of treatment was for him. He was tired, he was sick, and oh how he dreaded having to take any more medication. But he survived that last week, maybe not with a smile on his face all of the time, but with a head filled with determination and fight- and that's exactly what I see in Amanda. I see the same physical and mental exhaustion in her eyes, but I also see this drive and fight to win- win the battle against brain cancer. I'm asking for a few extra prayers these next 6 treatments, as she completes her initial round of treatment.
I once read, "We decide the first day of our cancer diagnosis whether we are going to be victims or survivors. We decide to muster up all our strength to fight to win. We decide to stay positive and not let cancer define us. We decide how we are going to handle each day. Yes, there are good days and bad days, but your attitudes determine each day. Hold on to your hopes, dreams, faith and determination, and gather your strength from your support systems, because in the fight against cancer, we cannot give up."
Never give up. That's the attitude of so many at the event last night, especially those patients who are currently battling brain cancer. And that's the attitude of the foundation, never give up.
To hear the advances that are being made and to hear that the money raised from the foundation was backing so many of these advances made my heart so incredibly full. I realized that we are making a difference in the brain cancer community, we are moving forward with treatment options for so many just like Dad, and we going to be part of the CURE.
The 'Run For The Rose' is such an incredible event for not only my family, but so many others who are battling or have battled this disease. It gives us hope, it provides us with a support system, and it provides us comfort. We see the hope in so many brain cancer SURVIVORS at the race. We receive the support from so many who have decided to take time out of their day, or money out of their wallets, for a CURE. And we are provided comfort from so many who just understand our story, because our story is so incredibly similar to their story.
Please consider joining our team for the upcoming run, or making a donation, to help give hope, support and comfort to so many battling against brain cancer.
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Dad is completing another round of chemotherapy, and although I know he dreads this week each month, he continues to provide us with a smile each and every day, and an incredible amount of determination to win.
Continue the prayers, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Run For The Rose Update. 2/18/2015
With our 2nd trip to 'Run For The Rose' coming up soon, we are well on our way to having another memorable year!
We currently have 56 team members and have raised $2,170 to date! To say the Glenz family is feeling the love and support of so many would be a complete understatement. Our hearts are so full!
Our goal this year is to have one of the largest teams on the course, and I think we are well on our way to doing just that! And our second goal is to raise $5,000 towards brain cancer research, at we've come so close to reaching our half way mark!
Dad is living proof of the strides and progress that is being made in brain cancer treatment and options. Years ago, a diagnosis like Glioblastoma gave patients two options- surgery and radiation. But fast forward to TODAY, and we currently have chemotherapy available and IV treatment (Avastin), which are both FDA approved. The brain cancer community is still very far away from catching up with other types of cancers in the realm of treatment options- but we are much closer than we were 5 years ago.
Brain Cancer has very limited FDA approved treatments, which means limited options for many patients diagnosed with this disease. With the help of the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation we are changing the treatment options- allowing more clinical trials, which I have complete faith will turn into a cure. The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation was created because of a NEED for brain cancer treatment options and awareness, and it was created because of the love they have for their daughter, who lost her battle to Glioblastoma, a battle that had very few options at the time of her diagnosis.
I am in constant contact with the foundation because I want them to know their efforts, their funding and awareness, is bringing QUALITY of life to brain cancer patients just like Dad.
I am so incredibly passionate about this cause, as I've witness the battle Dad has faced these last 16 months, and I feel as though it's part of my purpose here to help find a CURE for brain cancer.
Please consider joining us for our upcoming trip to 'Run For The Rose' on April 12, 2015. You can come join us by cheering us on, walking or running, or sending prayers for a successful day for our team, along with the foundation. Visit our team site for more information on donating to such an amazing cause and joining our team. With your help, we can and we will BTHO Brain Cancer!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Dad Update:
Another round of chemo pills come in today, which means next week will be a bit of a rough week for Dad both physically and mentally. We continue to pray the chemo is working to suppress any and all tumor growth! Another round of Avastin will take place next week as well, although the side effects of that treatment seem to be very manageable to Dad, and for that we are so incredibly thankful. Next week, Meghan and I will be attending an event held by the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, an event to thank supporters and to hear remarks about advances in brain cancer research. Should be a wonderful event surrounded by so many supporters of the foundation and brain cancer awareness.
We ask for continued prayers during our next round of treatment, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
We currently have 56 team members and have raised $2,170 to date! To say the Glenz family is feeling the love and support of so many would be a complete understatement. Our hearts are so full!
Our goal this year is to have one of the largest teams on the course, and I think we are well on our way to doing just that! And our second goal is to raise $5,000 towards brain cancer research, at we've come so close to reaching our half way mark!
Dad is living proof of the strides and progress that is being made in brain cancer treatment and options. Years ago, a diagnosis like Glioblastoma gave patients two options- surgery and radiation. But fast forward to TODAY, and we currently have chemotherapy available and IV treatment (Avastin), which are both FDA approved. The brain cancer community is still very far away from catching up with other types of cancers in the realm of treatment options- but we are much closer than we were 5 years ago.
Brain Cancer has very limited FDA approved treatments, which means limited options for many patients diagnosed with this disease. With the help of the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation we are changing the treatment options- allowing more clinical trials, which I have complete faith will turn into a cure. The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation was created because of a NEED for brain cancer treatment options and awareness, and it was created because of the love they have for their daughter, who lost her battle to Glioblastoma, a battle that had very few options at the time of her diagnosis.
I am in constant contact with the foundation because I want them to know their efforts, their funding and awareness, is bringing QUALITY of life to brain cancer patients just like Dad.
I am so incredibly passionate about this cause, as I've witness the battle Dad has faced these last 16 months, and I feel as though it's part of my purpose here to help find a CURE for brain cancer.
Please consider joining us for our upcoming trip to 'Run For The Rose' on April 12, 2015. You can come join us by cheering us on, walking or running, or sending prayers for a successful day for our team, along with the foundation. Visit our team site for more information on donating to such an amazing cause and joining our team. With your help, we can and we will BTHO Brain Cancer!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Dad Update:
Another round of chemo pills come in today, which means next week will be a bit of a rough week for Dad both physically and mentally. We continue to pray the chemo is working to suppress any and all tumor growth! Another round of Avastin will take place next week as well, although the side effects of that treatment seem to be very manageable to Dad, and for that we are so incredibly thankful. Next week, Meghan and I will be attending an event held by the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, an event to thank supporters and to hear remarks about advances in brain cancer research. Should be a wonderful event surrounded by so many supporters of the foundation and brain cancer awareness.
We ask for continued prayers during our next round of treatment, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
A Good MRI! Dad Update 2/11/2015
Monday I had my own doctor's appointment, with a doctor who knows my entire family and our fight these last 16 months. He, of course, asked about Dad, how Mom was handling everything and we discussed Dad's current treatment. I started rambling on, started talking about how the anticipation of the MRI results was probably the cause of my high blood pressure (or the fact that I consider myself a high stress individual), and I started talking about the statistics- the statistics that show the tumor SHOULD be back.
I'm no doctor. I actually know very little about most medical terms or procedures, although I've become somewhat knowledgeable in brain cancer treatments, as I find myself spending hours reading recent clinical trials and studies showing huge strides in brain cancer treatment. So, there are times when I read the statistics, statistics that say, "The recurrence rate for Glioblastomas is near 100%, with an average time to recurrence of 6 to 7 months." At 16 months post diagnosis, I am well aware recurrence SHOULD have already occurred.
But this doctor that I visited with just listened to my statistics, he listened as I shared the average time to recurrence, he listened as I shared the average lifespan of someone diagnosed with Glioblastoma, and then, he just calmly said- "Yeah, but those are just statistics. Those numbers have nothing to do with the patient. Those numbers really don't mean much."
Maybe he should have taken my blood pressure after he told me that, as I immediately felt calm. I immediately felt like someone, who knows all too well medical statistics, didn't seem to really care too much for what statistics showed. I'm assuming because in his 25+ years of being a doctor, he's seen statistics not mean too much, and for some reason, that is extremely comforting.
Dad's MRI yesterday appeared to look better than it did following his surgery and radiation. BETTER! We were in shock. We never anticipated the MRI's to appear better, as we've always said that if this is as good as it gets, then we can fully accept that. The MRI's also show that the Avastin treatment is in fact working, which is also extremely comforting after reading so many different studies with inconclusive finding if Avastin is able to treat Glioblastomas. We were overcome with relief, and for the first time, Dad seemed to have confidence in his MRI results.
We are so blessed. We've come so far in Dad's fight, and although the MRI did appear to look good, we still continue our treatment plan- chemotherapy and Avastin-and another MRI in about 6-8 weeks.
As blessed as we are, know that we still struggle with this new normal. A new normal for all of us. Dad still struggles with understanding why his speech and memory will never be the way they were before. We talked last night and discussed this struggle, we talked about the damage from the surgery, the radiation, and the bleed he had following the surgery. We talked about understanding our new normal, and sharing with Dad how far we've come on this journey.
I remember the week following Dad's return from the hospital was extremely difficult. There were many days were I would sit down with him and have the exact same conversation, over and over again, "Dad you had a tumor in your brain, it's cancer. They had to remove the tumor." And again I would have to say, "Yes Dad, you have brain cancer."
Each time, it was like I was telling him this information for the first time. Emotionally it was difficult for both him and I, but emotionally I didn't get to show fear or apprehension of the situation- instead I repeated the conversation over to him, as if it was the first time I was telling him, and eventually, his memory became better and he started to remember and understand.
It's amazing to think all of that was 16 months ago, although it truly feels like a lifetime ago. After receiving our wonderful news, I immediately emailed Lanie Rose, the founder of the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, and the mother to the late Dr. Marnie Rose. I wanted to share with her how well Dad was doing, to help validate that her fight to bring funding and awareness to brain cancer was in fact working! She responded in such a warm and comforting way, and again, made me realize how blessed we are to have found such a wonderful foundation:
"I am so excited to hear that wonderful news!!! It just keeps getting better and better. Tell your Dad he brightened my day. I send my love to all of you."
Emails like that. Hugs at other brain cancer runs. Those reasons just add to why I love to support such a wonderful foundation and continue to want others to participate in the 'Run For The Rose'. Since finding the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, we have never been alone in our fight, and they have continued to support so many others faced with the same difficult battle against brain cancer. I would love for each of you to join us on April 12, 2015 in Houston for the upcoming 'Run For The Rose', or consider making a donation to help support brain cancer research and treatment. Dad is living proof of the strides and progress that has been made in the brain cancer community, and I am so proud to help support continued progress. Visit our team page for more information on how to join the run, or to make a donation!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Thank you all for your continued love and support, and continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
I'm no doctor. I actually know very little about most medical terms or procedures, although I've become somewhat knowledgeable in brain cancer treatments, as I find myself spending hours reading recent clinical trials and studies showing huge strides in brain cancer treatment. So, there are times when I read the statistics, statistics that say, "The recurrence rate for Glioblastomas is near 100%, with an average time to recurrence of 6 to 7 months." At 16 months post diagnosis, I am well aware recurrence SHOULD have already occurred.
But this doctor that I visited with just listened to my statistics, he listened as I shared the average time to recurrence, he listened as I shared the average lifespan of someone diagnosed with Glioblastoma, and then, he just calmly said- "Yeah, but those are just statistics. Those numbers have nothing to do with the patient. Those numbers really don't mean much."
Maybe he should have taken my blood pressure after he told me that, as I immediately felt calm. I immediately felt like someone, who knows all too well medical statistics, didn't seem to really care too much for what statistics showed. I'm assuming because in his 25+ years of being a doctor, he's seen statistics not mean too much, and for some reason, that is extremely comforting.
Dad's MRI yesterday appeared to look better than it did following his surgery and radiation. BETTER! We were in shock. We never anticipated the MRI's to appear better, as we've always said that if this is as good as it gets, then we can fully accept that. The MRI's also show that the Avastin treatment is in fact working, which is also extremely comforting after reading so many different studies with inconclusive finding if Avastin is able to treat Glioblastomas. We were overcome with relief, and for the first time, Dad seemed to have confidence in his MRI results.
We are so blessed. We've come so far in Dad's fight, and although the MRI did appear to look good, we still continue our treatment plan- chemotherapy and Avastin-and another MRI in about 6-8 weeks.
As blessed as we are, know that we still struggle with this new normal. A new normal for all of us. Dad still struggles with understanding why his speech and memory will never be the way they were before. We talked last night and discussed this struggle, we talked about the damage from the surgery, the radiation, and the bleed he had following the surgery. We talked about understanding our new normal, and sharing with Dad how far we've come on this journey.
I remember the week following Dad's return from the hospital was extremely difficult. There were many days were I would sit down with him and have the exact same conversation, over and over again, "Dad you had a tumor in your brain, it's cancer. They had to remove the tumor." And again I would have to say, "Yes Dad, you have brain cancer."
Each time, it was like I was telling him this information for the first time. Emotionally it was difficult for both him and I, but emotionally I didn't get to show fear or apprehension of the situation- instead I repeated the conversation over to him, as if it was the first time I was telling him, and eventually, his memory became better and he started to remember and understand.
It's amazing to think all of that was 16 months ago, although it truly feels like a lifetime ago. After receiving our wonderful news, I immediately emailed Lanie Rose, the founder of the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, and the mother to the late Dr. Marnie Rose. I wanted to share with her how well Dad was doing, to help validate that her fight to bring funding and awareness to brain cancer was in fact working! She responded in such a warm and comforting way, and again, made me realize how blessed we are to have found such a wonderful foundation:
"I am so excited to hear that wonderful news!!! It just keeps getting better and better. Tell your Dad he brightened my day. I send my love to all of you."
Emails like that. Hugs at other brain cancer runs. Those reasons just add to why I love to support such a wonderful foundation and continue to want others to participate in the 'Run For The Rose'. Since finding the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation, we have never been alone in our fight, and they have continued to support so many others faced with the same difficult battle against brain cancer. I would love for each of you to join us on April 12, 2015 in Houston for the upcoming 'Run For The Rose', or consider making a donation to help support brain cancer research and treatment. Dad is living proof of the strides and progress that has been made in the brain cancer community, and I am so proud to help support continued progress. Visit our team page for more information on how to join the run, or to make a donation!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Thank you all for your continued love and support, and continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
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!
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!
Monday, January 12, 2015
An Understanding. 1/12/2015
Yesterday I stood next to two incredible women, as we discussed their battles against cancer. And Friday I answered numerous questions about Dad's treatment and side effects, as a wife and mother was diagnosed with the same type of tumor as Dad. During these interactions I realized one thing, we all have this incredible understanding with one another. We just get it.
That's what I've gained these last 15 months. An understanding with so many others.
When Dad as diagnosed with brain cancer, more specifically glioblastoma-multiforme, I literally had no idea what that would involve. I had never heard of anyone with brain cancer, and I sure as heck had never heard of "glioblastoma". I did very little research those first few months, only enough to understand the treatment options and only enough to not scare the ever living life out of me.
We were blindly finding our way through the battle. We struggled. We failed. And, we are now at a place where we feel like we are succeeding. Not succeeding because Dad's MRI's are stable, succeeding because we are slowly understanding the treatment, the side effects, and options for Dad. I research daily. The statistics no longer scare me. The side effects no longer give me a gut wrenching feeling. Instead, they continue to give me hope.
Hope because I constantly read stories of survival, hope because I constantly read of clinical trials which are WORKING, and hope because we are not alone- even though we felt so incredibly alone those first few months.
The struggle we faced those first few months of trying to figure it all out, what an incredible blessing it has all been! Those first few months seem to be a bit of a blur, as I was struggling in so many ways with Dad's battle- trying to regain my faith, trying to come to terms with the word "cancer", and trying to keep it all together for my family. But we've come so far since October 2013, we don't have all the answers, but we have some, and we may not have it all completely figured out, but we are getting better each day.
The true blessing that we gained those first few months during our struggle, is that now we are able to help others faced with the battle against brain cancer. We are able to answer the questions we always forgot to ask during doctor's appointments, and we are able to just be there and listen as they talk through their diagnosis.
Hearing of a recent glioblastoma diagnosis does take me back to that moment when we realized Dad had a tumor, when we realized the tumor was cancer, and when we realized the battle we had ahead. That moment was terrifying, that moment still brings knots to my stomach, but that moment also makes me realize how far we've come in our battle. It gives me hope that others faced with that terrifying moment will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Our life isn't perfect, and in reality, it's far from perfect. We struggle each day with Dad's diagnosis, the side effects of the tumor and treatment, and understanding our new normal. We've learned to lean on people who have gone through the battle before us, and because of that, we are more than happy for others to lean on us during their battles.
The treatments continue, and in our life, they will never stop. We will continue to have MRI's, battles against the side effects of the chemo and bi-weekly trips for Avastin. That has all become our new normal. And what a beautiful normal it really has become.
Asking for a few extra prayers for some pretty incredible people in my life, those who have been battling cancer for a while, and those newly diagnosed. The road is difficult, with so many unknowns, but know there are people who "just get it" and are with you on this ride.
Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Eyes Wide Open. 1/8/2015
The other day Mom asked me, "Do you think brain cancer is just so much more common now? Why do I keep hearing about it so often."
Mom has a good point. In the time that Dad has been diagnosed with brain cancer (just 15 months ago), I know of 2 others diagnosed with brain cancer. Is it that brain cancer is much more common, or is it because my eyes are now open, wide open, to this battle?
When I hear of a recent diagnosis my stomach literally is in knots. It takes me right back to that cold hospital room where we found out Dad's tumor was malignant, where we found out it was Stage IV brain cancer, and where the word "cancer" literally took my breath away.
I go back to the person I was 15 months ago and I don't think I recognize her anymore. I've changed. I've become more aware of the battle so many others face. I've become more aware of my faith in a power much greater than any power here on earth. And I've become aware of HOPE.
Hope and hopelessness are both options when faced with difficult battles. And I will not deny my heart was filled with hopelessness those weeks following Dad's diagnosis. But as the time passed, as I read stories of others who not only survived, but THRIVED, I started filling my heart with hope. I started to realize that when chances are one in a million, you FIGHT to be that one. Dad has NEVER lost his fight. And that gives me HOPE.
As I received the news of another brain cancer diagnosis, as my heart sank, and as my thoughts were filled with such sadness for the family, I quickly turned to my devotional:
"Trust in me forever, for I am the rock eternal. It is easy to trust Me for a while- especially when things are going well in your life. But I am calling you to trust in Me at all times, no matter what is happening. I understand what a difficult assignment this is, and I know that you will sometimes fail in this venture...Let this assurance of My unfailing Love draw you back to Me- back to trusting Me...You can rely on Me! When your walk through this world feels wobbly, remember that I am your Rock. I always provide a stable place for you to stand. I can easily bear all your weight, including the weight of your problems. So come to Me when you are feeling heavy laden with worries. I invite you to lean on Me- trusting Me with all your heart and mind."
Dad's diagnosis, and the countless others who are diagnosed with brain cancer, are exactly WHY I run for the rose. The funding and awareness for brain cancer is saving countless lives and giving those diagnosed with brain cancer QUALITY of life. Dad is living proof that the money raised by the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation is impacting so many, in such a positive way. I hope you can all help in supporting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation in making a donation to support brain cancer research, research that is so badly needed, research that is without a doubt saving lives, and research that is on the brink of finding a cure!
Visit our team page, join us for the run/walk, or make a donation to help support so many families, just like mine, who are fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Mom has a good point. In the time that Dad has been diagnosed with brain cancer (just 15 months ago), I know of 2 others diagnosed with brain cancer. Is it that brain cancer is much more common, or is it because my eyes are now open, wide open, to this battle?
When I hear of a recent diagnosis my stomach literally is in knots. It takes me right back to that cold hospital room where we found out Dad's tumor was malignant, where we found out it was Stage IV brain cancer, and where the word "cancer" literally took my breath away.
I go back to the person I was 15 months ago and I don't think I recognize her anymore. I've changed. I've become more aware of the battle so many others face. I've become more aware of my faith in a power much greater than any power here on earth. And I've become aware of HOPE.
Hope and hopelessness are both options when faced with difficult battles. And I will not deny my heart was filled with hopelessness those weeks following Dad's diagnosis. But as the time passed, as I read stories of others who not only survived, but THRIVED, I started filling my heart with hope. I started to realize that when chances are one in a million, you FIGHT to be that one. Dad has NEVER lost his fight. And that gives me HOPE.
As I received the news of another brain cancer diagnosis, as my heart sank, and as my thoughts were filled with such sadness for the family, I quickly turned to my devotional:
"Trust in me forever, for I am the rock eternal. It is easy to trust Me for a while- especially when things are going well in your life. But I am calling you to trust in Me at all times, no matter what is happening. I understand what a difficult assignment this is, and I know that you will sometimes fail in this venture...Let this assurance of My unfailing Love draw you back to Me- back to trusting Me...You can rely on Me! When your walk through this world feels wobbly, remember that I am your Rock. I always provide a stable place for you to stand. I can easily bear all your weight, including the weight of your problems. So come to Me when you are feeling heavy laden with worries. I invite you to lean on Me- trusting Me with all your heart and mind."
Dad's diagnosis, and the countless others who are diagnosed with brain cancer, are exactly WHY I run for the rose. The funding and awareness for brain cancer is saving countless lives and giving those diagnosed with brain cancer QUALITY of life. Dad is living proof that the money raised by the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation is impacting so many, in such a positive way. I hope you can all help in supporting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation in making a donation to support brain cancer research, research that is so badly needed, research that is without a doubt saving lives, and research that is on the brink of finding a cure!
Visit our team page, join us for the run/walk, or make a donation to help support so many families, just like mine, who are fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
http://runfortherose.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Our Year In Review. Looking Back At 2014.
2014 has been an incredible year for the Glenz Family. We've witnessed the power of prayer and Dad's unbelievable determination to BTHO Brain Cancer, and we welcomed a little boy to our family- Luke James Lechler.
Let's start with our new little one, which means a new title for me- AUNT! Luke James Lechler was due on 1/10/2015, although he didn't want any of us to wait to meet him, so on 12/22/2014, we received a wonderful early Christmas gift. Our hearts are so full for this little boy! He was 5 lbs, 12 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long- perfect! Mom, Dad and baby are all home and doing great!
And Dad. I can't even begin to describe all of the emotions we've experienced this past year. We've had days filled with laughter and praise, and also days filled with sadness and fear. Our journey has been so far from easy, although the ride has been pretty darn incredible. As 2014 turned out to be one of the most difficult years for myself and my family, I can't help but look back and think of it as one of the best years of my life.
Through the pain and tears, I've learned a lot about myself, my family and our friends. I've learned that throughout the bad times, I've managed to find the good- I've learned that I'm stronger than I ever imagined I would have to be- and I've learned that sometimes you need a little bit of coffee and a whole lotta Jesus to get through some days. And my family, words can't even begin to describe how proud I am of my family, especially Mom and Dad. They have stood by one another throughout it all, and they continue to lean on one another for love and support. And finally, our friends. Friends who have brought us meals when Dad was going through treatment, friends who have supported us during our efforts to bring awareness and funding to brain cancer research, and friends who have listened in moments when we just needed to talk. I thank you all for helping us battle through this last year.
And so, I look forward towards 2015 and wonder what amazing things God has in store for my life, along with my family's life. We continue with treatments and MRIs, and we continue to find the blessings in each day. We've learned how to relate to so many others battling cancer, and we've learned what an amazing support system we have in others who know our fight.
We never know what the future holds, but I'm so blessed I've been able to follow this journey surrounded by so many people who love and care for me, along with my family.
Dad had another MRI Monday, and Tuesday we received the wonderful news that the MRI was stable! There have been no significant changes to the MRI, and we are thrilled! Another round of chemo started this week, and we continue to pray for the treatments to continue working. Please keep praying, as we keep fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wishing everyone a blessed 2015!
Let's start with our new little one, which means a new title for me- AUNT! Luke James Lechler was due on 1/10/2015, although he didn't want any of us to wait to meet him, so on 12/22/2014, we received a wonderful early Christmas gift. Our hearts are so full for this little boy! He was 5 lbs, 12 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long- perfect! Mom, Dad and baby are all home and doing great!
And Dad. I can't even begin to describe all of the emotions we've experienced this past year. We've had days filled with laughter and praise, and also days filled with sadness and fear. Our journey has been so far from easy, although the ride has been pretty darn incredible. As 2014 turned out to be one of the most difficult years for myself and my family, I can't help but look back and think of it as one of the best years of my life.
Through the pain and tears, I've learned a lot about myself, my family and our friends. I've learned that throughout the bad times, I've managed to find the good- I've learned that I'm stronger than I ever imagined I would have to be- and I've learned that sometimes you need a little bit of coffee and a whole lotta Jesus to get through some days. And my family, words can't even begin to describe how proud I am of my family, especially Mom and Dad. They have stood by one another throughout it all, and they continue to lean on one another for love and support. And finally, our friends. Friends who have brought us meals when Dad was going through treatment, friends who have supported us during our efforts to bring awareness and funding to brain cancer research, and friends who have listened in moments when we just needed to talk. I thank you all for helping us battle through this last year.
And so, I look forward towards 2015 and wonder what amazing things God has in store for my life, along with my family's life. We continue with treatments and MRIs, and we continue to find the blessings in each day. We've learned how to relate to so many others battling cancer, and we've learned what an amazing support system we have in others who know our fight.
We never know what the future holds, but I'm so blessed I've been able to follow this journey surrounded by so many people who love and care for me, along with my family.
Dad had another MRI Monday, and Tuesday we received the wonderful news that the MRI was stable! There have been no significant changes to the MRI, and we are thrilled! Another round of chemo started this week, and we continue to pray for the treatments to continue working. Please keep praying, as we keep fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wishing everyone a blessed 2015!
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