Dad celebrated his 3.5 year cancer-versary on April 5, 2017 (ok so I'm a few days late!), but what an incredible 3.5 years it has been!
The updates on the blog seem to be spaced out more, and that's really because Dad is doing so well! He is no longer taking any chemotherapy, or Avastin, and his blood pressure issues are almost completely gone. So his days are now filled with outside activities- helping Mom in the garden, mowing grass, and running out to their land in Burton to feed fish and check on the property. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
The two year survival rate for someone with Glioblastoma is 27%. I sometimes think of that statistic and sit in awe at how amazing Dad has continued to fight throughout these last 3.5 years.
The overwhelming amount of strength Dad has shown throughout it all has directly impacted so many- including me- as I truly believe Dad's journey is not complete because there is a far bigger plan for him here in the physical world.
These last 3.5 years have been some of the most difficult times we have experienced as a family, but also some of the most rewarding. We look back now and can't believe we survived it all- the hospital stays, the bad MRIs, and the countless trips to the Oncologist, but we did, we survived it all by leaning on one another, and our faith.
"Your struggles are part of a much larger battle, and the way you handle them can contribute to outcomes with eternal significance. When you respond to your troubles by trusting Me and praying with thanksgiving, you glorify Me."
I have always said there is true purpose in pain, because without repeating that over and over again, I may have gone absolutely crazy throughout it all.
Thank you all who continue to follow our story and who ask about Dad, it's been a blessing to see the number of people Dad has continued to impact throughout our journey.
And as always, thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Monday, April 10, 2017
Monday, April 3, 2017
Run For The Rose. Dad Update 4/3/2017
Our 4th trip to Run For The Rose has come and gone, and man, what an incredible event it was!
I'm still processing donations, but as of right now it looks like we will have $6,130 this year alone. INCREDIBLE!
Which means in the last four years we've donated $27,330! And that has everything to do with the amazing friends and family we have in our lives, those that have supported us each step of the way. Thank you!
And on top of having donated such an incredible amount of money, this year alone we brought 90 people to the run in Dad's honor. 90 people who have exceptionally busy lives, but took time out of their busy weekend to join us for an event that means so much to my entire family.
The rain. The forecast wasn't just rain, but hail- tornadoes- flooding. Imagine the absolute worst possible running conditions, that's what the forecast included.
And I looked at that forecast and I was so disappointed- but if I've learned anything these last 3.5 years it's that we serve a pretty amazing God- so I said a few prayers (ok I may have talked to him constantly once I found out about the rain!) and it went a little like this:
"Hey God, so I see there's a little bit of rain in the forecast for Sunday. And I'm working so hard on reminding myself that your plan is absolutely perfect, and there is always a purpose to your work. So if the weather is so bad that the run has to be cancelled, I will understand and remind myself that there is a reason for it all. But, I do know you've got a little pull up there, so if you don't mind moving that rain out of Houston, I would really appreciate it."
Sometimes I think God laughs a little from our talks.
And I repeated this prayer over and over again. And y'all, no rain. Not a drop! Do we serve an awesome God or what?!?
The race was incredible. As I reached the end of the race, I looked ahead and saw a brain cancer survivor ahead of me (they each wear a special colored hat during the run), and that's when I knew there was no way I was walking or stopping- because if he could run this race, by all means I could do the same.
The anticipation and concern over the weather was such a perfect comparison to our lives these last 3.5 years. With a beast like Glioblastoma, the forecast is always the worst of the worst- similar to what the weather was predicting yesterday. And I learned early on in Dad's cancer journey that we can not fear bad news, but confidently TRUST- and as anxious and stressed as I was going into the run (and on most MRI days for Dad), I try to remind myself that it is out of my control, and in the control of Him. And then when God's absolute glory shines through- whether it be answered prayers for clear skies for the run, or a great MRI- the appreciation I have for His extra hand in it all is so incredibly great. As I took each step of those 3.1 miles, I just kept thanking God over and over again for another year at the run- I kept thanking him over and over again for his incredible influence in my life.
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith" (Hebrews 12)
And run with perseverance we did, on an incredible race that has been so perfectly marked out of us, fixing our eyes on the perfecter of faith. Y'all, God is really so very Good!
Thank you to those that were able to join us yesterday, those who made a donation, and the countless number of you who said a few extra prayers for a successful run.
Each Run For The Rose includes a 'Survivor Walk', where brain cancer survivors walk and we are able to cheer each of them on each step of the way. It's an incredibly emotional moment at the run, as you see the countless survivors, where you see that brain cancer does not discriminate- there's every ethnicity, every age, and every gender. We can't thank the Dr Marnie Rose Foundation enough for all they continue to do in the brain cancer community and allowing us to celebrate Dad, and the many other survivors.
I'm still processing donations, but as of right now it looks like we will have $6,130 this year alone. INCREDIBLE!
Which means in the last four years we've donated $27,330! And that has everything to do with the amazing friends and family we have in our lives, those that have supported us each step of the way. Thank you!
And on top of having donated such an incredible amount of money, this year alone we brought 90 people to the run in Dad's honor. 90 people who have exceptionally busy lives, but took time out of their busy weekend to join us for an event that means so much to my entire family.
The rain. The forecast wasn't just rain, but hail- tornadoes- flooding. Imagine the absolute worst possible running conditions, that's what the forecast included.
And I looked at that forecast and I was so disappointed- but if I've learned anything these last 3.5 years it's that we serve a pretty amazing God- so I said a few prayers (ok I may have talked to him constantly once I found out about the rain!) and it went a little like this:
"Hey God, so I see there's a little bit of rain in the forecast for Sunday. And I'm working so hard on reminding myself that your plan is absolutely perfect, and there is always a purpose to your work. So if the weather is so bad that the run has to be cancelled, I will understand and remind myself that there is a reason for it all. But, I do know you've got a little pull up there, so if you don't mind moving that rain out of Houston, I would really appreciate it."
Sometimes I think God laughs a little from our talks.
And I repeated this prayer over and over again. And y'all, no rain. Not a drop! Do we serve an awesome God or what?!?
The race was incredible. As I reached the end of the race, I looked ahead and saw a brain cancer survivor ahead of me (they each wear a special colored hat during the run), and that's when I knew there was no way I was walking or stopping- because if he could run this race, by all means I could do the same.
The anticipation and concern over the weather was such a perfect comparison to our lives these last 3.5 years. With a beast like Glioblastoma, the forecast is always the worst of the worst- similar to what the weather was predicting yesterday. And I learned early on in Dad's cancer journey that we can not fear bad news, but confidently TRUST- and as anxious and stressed as I was going into the run (and on most MRI days for Dad), I try to remind myself that it is out of my control, and in the control of Him. And then when God's absolute glory shines through- whether it be answered prayers for clear skies for the run, or a great MRI- the appreciation I have for His extra hand in it all is so incredibly great. As I took each step of those 3.1 miles, I just kept thanking God over and over again for another year at the run- I kept thanking him over and over again for his incredible influence in my life.
"And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith" (Hebrews 12)
And run with perseverance we did, on an incredible race that has been so perfectly marked out of us, fixing our eyes on the perfecter of faith. Y'all, God is really so very Good!
Thank you to those that were able to join us yesterday, those who made a donation, and the countless number of you who said a few extra prayers for a successful run.
Each Run For The Rose includes a 'Survivor Walk', where brain cancer survivors walk and we are able to cheer each of them on each step of the way. It's an incredibly emotional moment at the run, as you see the countless survivors, where you see that brain cancer does not discriminate- there's every ethnicity, every age, and every gender. We can't thank the Dr Marnie Rose Foundation enough for all they continue to do in the brain cancer community and allowing us to celebrate Dad, and the many other survivors.
Thank you all for your love and support, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Thursday, March 30, 2017
National Doctors' Day.
Today, a little reminder popped up on my Facebook- it's National Doctors' Day, and I couldn't let this day pass without celebrating some of the amazing doctors in our lives.
One of my favorite quotes reads:
"Part of winning the battle against cancer is hope, faith, determination, strength, and keeping positive. The other part of winning the battle is a great medical team on your side. I learned early on that statistics are just numbers, and I'm more than a number. I'm a strong human being with inner strength and an iron-clad determination to fight to win. Statistics don't tell you about the human behind the fighter who possesses the will and strength to fight, win and overcome."
Early on in Dad's cancer journey we knew that we found the perfect doctor for Dad- Dr. Erin Fleener. We were thrown into this world of cancer, and Dad's amazing Neurosurgeon, Dr. Bradley White, recommended Dr. Fleener as our Oncologist. We accepted, and the rest is history.
And three and half years later, she's still our doctor, and one of our favorite people.
It takes a pretty special person to be an Oncologist, and it takes a pretty special person to work in an Oncologist office (I'll get to those amazing people soon!). But Dr. Fleener handles it all, our good days and our exceptionally tough days, with a smile, love and a little bit of hope. It's all things that we so perfectly need throughout this journey.
We trust her. It's an amazing thing when you trust your doctor 100% to care for your loved one and make the best decision for them at that exact moment. And over the last three and a half years, she's done just that. Dad hasn't been the easiest patient, as we've had some scary looking MRI's, moments where I heard "possible stroke" more times that I'd like, and times where we all struggled in deciding when or IF we should stop treatment- but through each moment she is the logical one who is able to share her perspective and give us the best advice possible. And it's clear that her advice has been exactly that, the best advice, as Dad is close to celebrating 3.5 years as a brain cancer survivor.
And what would a great doctor be without great nurses and staff! The nurses and staff at the Cancer Clinic rank up there with some of the kindest people I've ever met- as they work in a place that could be so exceptionally cold and sad, but instead, they make it hopeful and bright. From the receptionists, to the ladies in billing (which will always hold a very special place in my heart), to the nurses in the front and our chemotherapy nurses in the back- each of them have embraced my family as their own. We all receive hugs each time we visit, and I've never once heard of anyone refer to my Dad as a patient number- instead it's Mr. Glenz or Larry. In a place that could feel so incredibly devastating, they've each managed to make it such a positive experience for us.
Trust is such a huge thing in the scary world of cancer. As there are terms that are still thrown around that I do not understand, and MRI reports that still read as though they are typed in a different language. But in this world of unknown, trusting that your doctor has the absolute best intentions of your loved one, trusting that your doctor truly loves your family, that makes the scary world of cancer feel a little less scary.
We are so thankful for each doctor that has been on this journey with us, and especially Dr. Fleener who has walked with us hand in hand throughout some of our most difficult days.
Our next MRI is scheduled in JULY! We pray that Dad continues to feel well and regains his strength just a little more each day. We are so incredibly thankful and blessed to be on this journey with such amazing people. Thank you all, and thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
One of my favorite quotes reads:
"Part of winning the battle against cancer is hope, faith, determination, strength, and keeping positive. The other part of winning the battle is a great medical team on your side. I learned early on that statistics are just numbers, and I'm more than a number. I'm a strong human being with inner strength and an iron-clad determination to fight to win. Statistics don't tell you about the human behind the fighter who possesses the will and strength to fight, win and overcome."
Early on in Dad's cancer journey we knew that we found the perfect doctor for Dad- Dr. Erin Fleener. We were thrown into this world of cancer, and Dad's amazing Neurosurgeon, Dr. Bradley White, recommended Dr. Fleener as our Oncologist. We accepted, and the rest is history.
And three and half years later, she's still our doctor, and one of our favorite people.
It takes a pretty special person to be an Oncologist, and it takes a pretty special person to work in an Oncologist office (I'll get to those amazing people soon!). But Dr. Fleener handles it all, our good days and our exceptionally tough days, with a smile, love and a little bit of hope. It's all things that we so perfectly need throughout this journey.
We trust her. It's an amazing thing when you trust your doctor 100% to care for your loved one and make the best decision for them at that exact moment. And over the last three and a half years, she's done just that. Dad hasn't been the easiest patient, as we've had some scary looking MRI's, moments where I heard "possible stroke" more times that I'd like, and times where we all struggled in deciding when or IF we should stop treatment- but through each moment she is the logical one who is able to share her perspective and give us the best advice possible. And it's clear that her advice has been exactly that, the best advice, as Dad is close to celebrating 3.5 years as a brain cancer survivor.
And what would a great doctor be without great nurses and staff! The nurses and staff at the Cancer Clinic rank up there with some of the kindest people I've ever met- as they work in a place that could be so exceptionally cold and sad, but instead, they make it hopeful and bright. From the receptionists, to the ladies in billing (which will always hold a very special place in my heart), to the nurses in the front and our chemotherapy nurses in the back- each of them have embraced my family as their own. We all receive hugs each time we visit, and I've never once heard of anyone refer to my Dad as a patient number- instead it's Mr. Glenz or Larry. In a place that could feel so incredibly devastating, they've each managed to make it such a positive experience for us.
Trust is such a huge thing in the scary world of cancer. As there are terms that are still thrown around that I do not understand, and MRI reports that still read as though they are typed in a different language. But in this world of unknown, trusting that your doctor has the absolute best intentions of your loved one, trusting that your doctor truly loves your family, that makes the scary world of cancer feel a little less scary.
We are so thankful for each doctor that has been on this journey with us, and especially Dr. Fleener who has walked with us hand in hand throughout some of our most difficult days.
Our next MRI is scheduled in JULY! We pray that Dad continues to feel well and regains his strength just a little more each day. We are so incredibly thankful and blessed to be on this journey with such amazing people. Thank you all, and thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
MRI Results. Dad Update 3/22/2017
When I think back to the fact that I've had this blog for over three years now, and we've been visiting the Cancer Clinic for almost 3.5 years (sometimes two-three times a month!) it's unreal to see how far we've come.
Dr. Fleener talked about the statistics associated with Dad's cancer- sharing some new studies and the question we all have in the back of our head- what are the chances of this tumor coming back?
Well, about 5-10% of patients survive past 3 years- yes, that statistic is FAR too low, so we've already beat the odds right there! And then studies rarely follow patients much longer than that, but it appears they stay fairly stable. So what are the chances Dad's tumor will return? That we don't know- but what we DO know, is that he's an incredible fighter who has beat the odds so far and for that we will celebrate!
Dad's feeling SO much better since stopping his treatments- from mowing the grass, to staying out later, and just enjoying more daily errands with Mutz- his energy seems to be higher and, overall, he looks great. We pray this continues on in the future!
Some blood work is being done to check all his levels- thyroid, blood count, vitamin levels, etc- as Dr. Fleener said, "Now that we don't have to worry about a tumor, we can focus on all the other things that can happen to you when you get old." We all laughed, but oh did that make my heart so happy to hear.
Friday I'll be heading to Houston to pick up packets for our upcoming trip to Run For The Rose- a 5k that supports the Dr Marnie Rose Foundation & brain cancer research. So far we have 76 members on our team and we've raised $4,530! My goal was to bring 75 people to the run and raise $5,000- we are so incredibly close! Thank you to all who have joined our team and/or made a donation- you are helping the next patient's story be that of a cure!
I hope Dad's story- one that has had MANY ups & downs along the way- can show others that with a little bit of hope and a whole lot of prayers, anything is possible. We would love to have each of you join us, or make a donation, to help support a foundation that is walking side by side with us in our brain cancer journey- one in which our main focus is to find a cure for this beast and provide others with HOPE.
If you would like more information on the run or how you can make a donation, please feel free to email me (glenzwhitney@gmail.com).
Visit our team website for more information: http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Dad's MRI appointment today went great! There are no signs of tumor or cancer in his MRI- Dad is a 3.5 YEAR Brain Cancer Survivor. Oh it feels pretty darn amazing to read that!
Dr. Fleener talked about the statistics associated with Dad's cancer- sharing some new studies and the question we all have in the back of our head- what are the chances of this tumor coming back?
Well, about 5-10% of patients survive past 3 years- yes, that statistic is FAR too low, so we've already beat the odds right there! And then studies rarely follow patients much longer than that, but it appears they stay fairly stable. So what are the chances Dad's tumor will return? That we don't know- but what we DO know, is that he's an incredible fighter who has beat the odds so far and for that we will celebrate!
Dad's feeling SO much better since stopping his treatments- from mowing the grass, to staying out later, and just enjoying more daily errands with Mutz- his energy seems to be higher and, overall, he looks great. We pray this continues on in the future!
Some blood work is being done to check all his levels- thyroid, blood count, vitamin levels, etc- as Dr. Fleener said, "Now that we don't have to worry about a tumor, we can focus on all the other things that can happen to you when you get old." We all laughed, but oh did that make my heart so happy to hear.
Friday I'll be heading to Houston to pick up packets for our upcoming trip to Run For The Rose- a 5k that supports the Dr Marnie Rose Foundation & brain cancer research. So far we have 76 members on our team and we've raised $4,530! My goal was to bring 75 people to the run and raise $5,000- we are so incredibly close! Thank you to all who have joined our team and/or made a donation- you are helping the next patient's story be that of a cure!
I hope Dad's story- one that has had MANY ups & downs along the way- can show others that with a little bit of hope and a whole lot of prayers, anything is possible. We would love to have each of you join us, or make a donation, to help support a foundation that is walking side by side with us in our brain cancer journey- one in which our main focus is to find a cure for this beast and provide others with HOPE.
If you would like more information on the run or how you can make a donation, please feel free to email me (glenzwhitney@gmail.com).
Visit our team website for more information: http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Thank you all for the continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Monday, March 20, 2017
Ok So I've Been Slacking A Bit. Dad Update 3/20/2017
I know, I know...I've been slacking a bit on my blog updates. But like I always say- no news is typically good news!
We've been busy, busy, busy! The Glenz family has been running around like crazy- from preparing for a new little on to join our family (Reid is already so very loved!), to weddings, and everything else in between, it's been a new normal for us- and a new normal we've been loving.
Dad has been feeling better than ever since stopping the chemotherapy and Avastin treatment, and we continue to pray he is able to stay off of these treatments for many more months to come. He's been able to mow grass more, stay up later, and not rely on so many naps during the day- all these little things have become so big to us.
We have another MRI coming up, and although Dad is not showing any symptoms of the tumor returning, we know all too well that this cancer CAN come back- and when it does CAN come back so quietly. We just hope, and pray (praying so hard!) that the MRI shows no signs of tumor and Dad can continue on this new normal- no treatment and less appointments.
We are gearing up for our upcoming trip to Run For The Rose, and as MD Anderson posted some new clinical trials for Glioblastoma patients TODAY, I realized the amazing things the Rose Foundation is doing- these clinical trials are funded by foundations like the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation. And reading the many options available for patients like Dad, gave me a bit more comfort that IF this tumor returns, we have some HOPE that Dad can beat it again.
If you are interested in joining us for this incredible event, please join our team or consider making a donation. The foundation is doing some amazing things in the brain cancer world, and they have directly impacted my family in ways I can't even begin to describe.
Team Page: http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Thank you all for following our story, thank you all for being on this journey with us with so many ups and downs, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
We've been busy, busy, busy! The Glenz family has been running around like crazy- from preparing for a new little on to join our family (Reid is already so very loved!), to weddings, and everything else in between, it's been a new normal for us- and a new normal we've been loving.
Dad has been feeling better than ever since stopping the chemotherapy and Avastin treatment, and we continue to pray he is able to stay off of these treatments for many more months to come. He's been able to mow grass more, stay up later, and not rely on so many naps during the day- all these little things have become so big to us.
We have another MRI coming up, and although Dad is not showing any symptoms of the tumor returning, we know all too well that this cancer CAN come back- and when it does CAN come back so quietly. We just hope, and pray (praying so hard!) that the MRI shows no signs of tumor and Dad can continue on this new normal- no treatment and less appointments.
We are gearing up for our upcoming trip to Run For The Rose, and as MD Anderson posted some new clinical trials for Glioblastoma patients TODAY, I realized the amazing things the Rose Foundation is doing- these clinical trials are funded by foundations like the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation. And reading the many options available for patients like Dad, gave me a bit more comfort that IF this tumor returns, we have some HOPE that Dad can beat it again.
If you are interested in joining us for this incredible event, please join our team or consider making a donation. The foundation is doing some amazing things in the brain cancer world, and they have directly impacted my family in ways I can't even begin to describe.
Team Page: http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Thank you all for following our story, thank you all for being on this journey with us with so many ups and downs, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
It's The Little Things. Dad Update 2/28/2017
It's truly become the little things in life for our family- celebrating birthdays, retirement, and just the other day, celebrating Dad mowing the grass for the first time in over a year.
And maybe that doesn't mean much to some people- as I personally hate doing any sort of yard work- but for Dad, that was something he enjoyed so very much before his diagnosis. He would spend hours mowing the yard, taking care of the pool, and working in his shop- and it was so nice to hear a little bit of normal was coming back into our lives.
We are almost 3.5 years post diagnosis- and it's crazy to see how far we've come in just 3.5 short years.
Today I pulled out my devotional and immediately underlined the following:
"...you may feel as if you're alone or abandoned. However, I suffered alone on the cross so that you would never have to be alone in your struggles. You are always with Me; I hold you by your right hand."
And holding us He has absolutely done.
Our next MRI is approaching, much more quickly than any of us would like (I can't even begin to share how much I hate MRI days!) but we are so thrilled that throughout the last few months Dad has felt so much better, he's enjoying life without chemo- and I can't blame him for that!
We continue to anxiously await for the birth of a new little one to our family, as Mr. Reid Windham should be here in May, and we continue to be so blessed that Dad is getting to experience being a "PawPaw" (Note: He was suppose to be called "Grandpa", but Luke apparently didn't like that name, and he's been "PawPaw" since day 1).
On top of celebrating Mom's retirement and baby showers, we are also preparing for our upcoming trip to Run For The Rose on April 2- where we hope to have one of the largest teams there! We would love to have each of you join us, or make a donation to this amazing foundation! For more information, visit our team page: http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Our journey to fight this beast is far from over, but we are thrilled at how far we've come in this journey and the impact we have made on the brain cancer community. From supporting others in their journey, to helping raise funds for brain cancer research- we have felt as though we can actually do SOMETHING in a situation that at times, can leave you a bit hopeless.
As always, thank you all for your continuous love and support, and thank you for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
*We are ordering Team Lar t-shirts again this year, if you are interested in a shirt, please send me an email glenzwhitney@gmail.com to place your order (these run about $12 each).
And maybe that doesn't mean much to some people- as I personally hate doing any sort of yard work- but for Dad, that was something he enjoyed so very much before his diagnosis. He would spend hours mowing the yard, taking care of the pool, and working in his shop- and it was so nice to hear a little bit of normal was coming back into our lives.
We are almost 3.5 years post diagnosis- and it's crazy to see how far we've come in just 3.5 short years.
Today I pulled out my devotional and immediately underlined the following:
"...you may feel as if you're alone or abandoned. However, I suffered alone on the cross so that you would never have to be alone in your struggles. You are always with Me; I hold you by your right hand."
And holding us He has absolutely done.
Our next MRI is approaching, much more quickly than any of us would like (I can't even begin to share how much I hate MRI days!) but we are so thrilled that throughout the last few months Dad has felt so much better, he's enjoying life without chemo- and I can't blame him for that!
We continue to anxiously await for the birth of a new little one to our family, as Mr. Reid Windham should be here in May, and we continue to be so blessed that Dad is getting to experience being a "PawPaw" (Note: He was suppose to be called "Grandpa", but Luke apparently didn't like that name, and he's been "PawPaw" since day 1).
On top of celebrating Mom's retirement and baby showers, we are also preparing for our upcoming trip to Run For The Rose on April 2- where we hope to have one of the largest teams there! We would love to have each of you join us, or make a donation to this amazing foundation! For more information, visit our team page: http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Our journey to fight this beast is far from over, but we are thrilled at how far we've come in this journey and the impact we have made on the brain cancer community. From supporting others in their journey, to helping raise funds for brain cancer research- we have felt as though we can actually do SOMETHING in a situation that at times, can leave you a bit hopeless.
As always, thank you all for your continuous love and support, and thank you for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
*We are ordering Team Lar t-shirts again this year, if you are interested in a shirt, please send me an email glenzwhitney@gmail.com to place your order (these run about $12 each).
Friday, February 10, 2017
No News Is Good News. Dad Update 2/10/2017
In our world, no news is always good news!
Dad has been off of chemotherapy since August, and also stopped the Avastin treatment shortly after- it's a weird "new" world we are living in since stopping his treatments, but a weird, new world that we are all enjoying so very much!
Mom has been officially retired since Dec 31- and y'all, she is loving each and every minute of it! She runs errands during the day (sometimes even for me, thanks Mom!), she goes to lunch with friends, her and Dad go to the movies, or out to the land in Burton- for the first time in a long time she is getting to do what she wants to do. You can just look at her and tell that retirement is treating her pretty darn well.
And in the midst of our new normal, we are gearing up for our 4th trip to 'Run For The Rose'- a 5k that supports brain cancer research through the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation.
I don't think I can accurately put into words what the foundation or what the run has meant to our family, but I'll do my best!
Hearing the words "brain cancer" is a moment that I honestly will never forget. I remember walking out of the hospital, Mom looked at me and said "I just want to throw up." It was the quietest car ride home I've ever experienced. We all sat in disbelief.
There were so many things we had to figure out on our own. And there were many nights that Mom and I sat on the couch and just cried, wondering if we would ever be able to figure it all out, wondering if we would ever be able to survive it all.
We were thrown in this brain cancer world- filled with lingo we didn't understand, and treatments we had no clue even existed. We felt lost. We felt alone.
And then we found a group of people that knew of our struggle, knew of our confusion and knew that we JUST needed someone to lean on with questions and concerns. We found the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and the Run For The Rose.
The Rose Foundation has followed us since the day I signed up for our first Run For The Rose, as when I immediately created a team I received an email shortly after asking questions about my Dad. They wanted to be that resource for us, they wanted to be a place where we could ask for advice on clinical trials and doctors- and they have been exactly that to us these last three years.
Each day Dad sees each of us in his corner during his fight- we are all there for MRI results and treatment days- he knows he has his four girls in his corner, but what I don't think Dad could have ever imagined or understood was the true depth of his team. Visually, it's hard to understand, that is until you get 100+ of your friends and family (some that had never even met Dad), wearing maroon t-shirts for a little 5k. And even bigger, seeing over 5,000 people show up for a little 5k to support brain cancer research.
That my friends is what the Run For The Rose is all about. Sure, it raises a lot of money for brain cancer research- money that is so badly needed!- but at the center of it all, it visually shows each brain cancer survivor, and family impacted by this disease, that you have a huge army of people behind you. Those that have been through it all, those that understand the devastation of hearing those words "brain cancer", and those that have BEAT the disease. At the center of it all, it gives the brain cancer survivors a BOOST of energy and desire to FIGHT this disease, something no treatment can give to you, yet something that is essential in beating this beast.
I encourage each of you to check out the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and that "little" 5k they put on in Houston (I assure you there is nothing little about it!). If you have any questions or would like to join our team, make a donation, or purchase a Team Lar t-shirt, feel free to send me an email (glenzwhitney@gmail.com).
http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Again, thank you all, and thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Dad has been off of chemotherapy since August, and also stopped the Avastin treatment shortly after- it's a weird "new" world we are living in since stopping his treatments, but a weird, new world that we are all enjoying so very much!
Mom has been officially retired since Dec 31- and y'all, she is loving each and every minute of it! She runs errands during the day (sometimes even for me, thanks Mom!), she goes to lunch with friends, her and Dad go to the movies, or out to the land in Burton- for the first time in a long time she is getting to do what she wants to do. You can just look at her and tell that retirement is treating her pretty darn well.
And in the midst of our new normal, we are gearing up for our 4th trip to 'Run For The Rose'- a 5k that supports brain cancer research through the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation.
I don't think I can accurately put into words what the foundation or what the run has meant to our family, but I'll do my best!
Hearing the words "brain cancer" is a moment that I honestly will never forget. I remember walking out of the hospital, Mom looked at me and said "I just want to throw up." It was the quietest car ride home I've ever experienced. We all sat in disbelief.
There were so many things we had to figure out on our own. And there were many nights that Mom and I sat on the couch and just cried, wondering if we would ever be able to figure it all out, wondering if we would ever be able to survive it all.
We were thrown in this brain cancer world- filled with lingo we didn't understand, and treatments we had no clue even existed. We felt lost. We felt alone.
And then we found a group of people that knew of our struggle, knew of our confusion and knew that we JUST needed someone to lean on with questions and concerns. We found the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and the Run For The Rose.
The Rose Foundation has followed us since the day I signed up for our first Run For The Rose, as when I immediately created a team I received an email shortly after asking questions about my Dad. They wanted to be that resource for us, they wanted to be a place where we could ask for advice on clinical trials and doctors- and they have been exactly that to us these last three years.
Each day Dad sees each of us in his corner during his fight- we are all there for MRI results and treatment days- he knows he has his four girls in his corner, but what I don't think Dad could have ever imagined or understood was the true depth of his team. Visually, it's hard to understand, that is until you get 100+ of your friends and family (some that had never even met Dad), wearing maroon t-shirts for a little 5k. And even bigger, seeing over 5,000 people show up for a little 5k to support brain cancer research.
That my friends is what the Run For The Rose is all about. Sure, it raises a lot of money for brain cancer research- money that is so badly needed!- but at the center of it all, it visually shows each brain cancer survivor, and family impacted by this disease, that you have a huge army of people behind you. Those that have been through it all, those that understand the devastation of hearing those words "brain cancer", and those that have BEAT the disease. At the center of it all, it gives the brain cancer survivors a BOOST of energy and desire to FIGHT this disease, something no treatment can give to you, yet something that is essential in beating this beast.
I encourage each of you to check out the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and that "little" 5k they put on in Houston (I assure you there is nothing little about it!). If you have any questions or would like to join our team, make a donation, or purchase a Team Lar t-shirt, feel free to send me an email (glenzwhitney@gmail.com).
http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Again, thank you all, and thanks for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
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