Today I received an email letting me know that this little blog was ranked as one of the Top 50 Brain Cancer Blogs and Websites on the Web. The blogs are ranked based on Google reputation & Google search ranking, popularity on Facebook and other social media sites, quality and consistency of posts, and reviews. We actually came in at #33. Pretty darn amazing.
I hope this little blog has helped others see that there can be hope found in some of the most difficult times, that throughout it all you can find strength and faith- and that no matter what, God is in fact oh so good.
Mom came up with the idea of a blog from the countless phone calls, text messages, and emails we received after Dad's diagnosis. We were overwhelmed with so many emotions and wanted to make sure everyone knew exactly what was going on, so they knew exactly what to pray for.
Well the blog that started by "helping everyone else know what was going on", became (in it's own little way) my therapy sessions. It has been a way to express every emotion that has consumed my body through our moments of triumph, and our moments of discouragement.
Those facing the battle against brain cancer, my hope is that our little story shows that the mountain can in fact be moved- sometimes it just takes a little time, and a whole lotta faith! We've done just about every treatment available to Dad and we've received every type of results from an MRI- and each time it's one that we weren't exactly hoping for, we remind ourselves that it's just a bump in the road.
Just the other day Mom said, there's a small percentage of people that beat this- and that's going to be us. And I couldn't agree more. Over 3 years later and Dad is doing so incredibly well.
We've had over 36,000 views on this little blog, something I could have never imaged when Mom came up with the idea for the blog- but after 36,000 views I hope it's impacted just ONE brain cancer family. A family that might feel as though the fight ahead is too incredibly difficult, that the mountain is just far too big- to that family, I hope we've shown that it can be moved, with the help of a great doctor, amazing friends and family, and most importantly a whole lotta faith.
Thank you all for continuing to follow our story, to continue to ask about Dad and how he is feeling, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Monday, January 30, 2017
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
This Mountain. Dad Update 1/25/2017
Just last night I shared one of my favorite quotes when discussing our brain cancer journey:
"We've been given this mountain to prove it can be moved."
And today I turned to my devotional to see the following:
"Nothing on earth seems as enduring or immovable as soaring, majestic mountains...Yes My Love and My Peace are even more enduring than the greatest mountain on earth!"
How incredibly perfect!
Almost 40 months ago (y'all 40 months!!) the mountain that we faced seemed so incredibly BIG. It seemed as though moving that mountain, conquering the battle was more than we could face- but man, we were wrong.
Dad has continued to feel GREAT after stopping his chemotherapy and Avastin treatments- no more dreaded chemotherapy weeks, no more hours spent in the chemo center getting Avastin, and no more bi-weekly trips to College Station.
He has proven each and every statistic wrong- he's moved that mountain inch by inch. And for that I'm so very proud.
We continue on, living life, enjoying each day, and trying to get back to a "normal" life- one before brain cancer. It's still all in the back of our minds- we still struggle with worrying IF the tumor is back, but just this morning I repeated to myself "Today Dad does not have cancer." Because that is what I know, that is what the last MRI showed- Dad's MRI showed no signs of residual or recurrent tumor- and that is what I will continue to repeat to myself.
Tomorrow we will celebrate my 29th birthday, and as much as I dread adding another year to my age, I'm thrilled that it's another birthday with Dad. I remember January 2014, we had just received Dad's MRI results from his surgery, 6 weeks of intense chemotherapy and radiation, and we were told the amazing news that Dad was in remission. Between then and now we've had some good MRI's and some that looked pretty bad- we've had LONG days of treatments and lots of arguments with insurance companies, but overall we've survived. So with another birthday comes another reminder of how good God really is, how he's managed to strengthen our faith, spread Dad's story and remind us that Dad's job here in the physical world just isn't done yet.
Our mountain has been one that I wouldn't wish upon anyone, but the beauty of this life is that mountains come our way in many ways, shapes and forms- thankfully life is also filled with others that know your mountain all too well and are able to walk with you through it all. That's another pretty amazing thing about cancer, it gives you a perspective and appreciation that some will never know- and for those that know it all too well, it gives you someone to lean on as you see the dark mountain looming ahead.
Thank you all for loving us and supporting us these last 40 months, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
"We've been given this mountain to prove it can be moved."
And today I turned to my devotional to see the following:
"Nothing on earth seems as enduring or immovable as soaring, majestic mountains...Yes My Love and My Peace are even more enduring than the greatest mountain on earth!"
How incredibly perfect!
Almost 40 months ago (y'all 40 months!!) the mountain that we faced seemed so incredibly BIG. It seemed as though moving that mountain, conquering the battle was more than we could face- but man, we were wrong.
Dad has continued to feel GREAT after stopping his chemotherapy and Avastin treatments- no more dreaded chemotherapy weeks, no more hours spent in the chemo center getting Avastin, and no more bi-weekly trips to College Station.
He has proven each and every statistic wrong- he's moved that mountain inch by inch. And for that I'm so very proud.
We continue on, living life, enjoying each day, and trying to get back to a "normal" life- one before brain cancer. It's still all in the back of our minds- we still struggle with worrying IF the tumor is back, but just this morning I repeated to myself "Today Dad does not have cancer." Because that is what I know, that is what the last MRI showed- Dad's MRI showed no signs of residual or recurrent tumor- and that is what I will continue to repeat to myself.
Tomorrow we will celebrate my 29th birthday, and as much as I dread adding another year to my age, I'm thrilled that it's another birthday with Dad. I remember January 2014, we had just received Dad's MRI results from his surgery, 6 weeks of intense chemotherapy and radiation, and we were told the amazing news that Dad was in remission. Between then and now we've had some good MRI's and some that looked pretty bad- we've had LONG days of treatments and lots of arguments with insurance companies, but overall we've survived. So with another birthday comes another reminder of how good God really is, how he's managed to strengthen our faith, spread Dad's story and remind us that Dad's job here in the physical world just isn't done yet.
Our mountain has been one that I wouldn't wish upon anyone, but the beauty of this life is that mountains come our way in many ways, shapes and forms- thankfully life is also filled with others that know your mountain all too well and are able to walk with you through it all. That's another pretty amazing thing about cancer, it gives you a perspective and appreciation that some will never know- and for those that know it all too well, it gives you someone to lean on as you see the dark mountain looming ahead.
Thank you all for loving us and supporting us these last 40 months, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Why I Run For The Rose.
Why do I Run For The Rose?
It's pretty simple.
This guy right here.
And the countless others just like Dad. Those diagnosed with what is considered a "terminal cancer", one with no cure.
The treatment options? Very few. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, Avastin, Novocure.
That my friends is the list of FDA approved treatments. That list is far too short.
Dad's has had more than enough radiation in his lifetime, and a second brain surgery is often highly discouraged (although not out of the realm of possibilities). Dad's next option IF the tumor returns: Clinical trials.
These clinical trials need to be funded in some way, and that way is through the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation. Through countless fundraising efforts, and through the love and support of so many impacted by this disease, the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation has continued to fund and support brain cancer research and clinical trials in Houston for 15 years.
The survival rate of someone with this disease is 14 months, with 20% of patients living past 3 years and 2-5% of patients living past 5 years. We are lucky that Dad celebrated his 3 year cancer-versary on October 5, 2016.
I have a lot more birthdays, holidays and every day life to live with his guy. He's my biggest fan, my number one supporter, and hands down one of the most influential people in my life.
By helping support our next trip to Run For The Rose, you're helping me (along with countless other families just like mine), celebrate more birthdays, holidays and every day life by providing other options for treatments- and, hopefully, helping fund a CURE.
Join us on April 2 at NRG Stadium for a day I assure you will never forget. You'll see a race course filled with maroon t-shirts supporting Dad, and countless other brain cancer survivors walking hand in hand with friends and family. On this day, regardless of it all, each person there is walking for a cure for a loved one, each person there is providing HOPE to a family.
Visit our team page. Join our team, make a donation, buy a "Team Lar" t-shirt, or send lots of prayers our way for a successful trip to the run.
http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer
Thank you all for the continued love and support over these last three years, and thank you all for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Our Year In Review. 1/4/2017
Our Year In Review.
What a year it has been!
Ever since Dad's diagnosis we have learned that the little things in life truly are the big things. We've learned that time spent with friends and family are some of the most precious memories one can have. And we've learned that God has blessed us in ways that we can't even begin to comprehend.
This year has been filled with lots of ups, and some downs. But I think it's safe to say it ended on a high note.
We welcomed a new little one to our family- Ms. Hallie Rae Lechler was born on July 4- and what a little firecracker she is! Her personality is really starting to come through, and the love that her big brother has for her is pretty special.
Mom officially retired from Brenham ISD and is excited to spend time at home with Dad, take friends out to lunch, and continue to watch her little grand babies whenever she is needed.
And we also are anticipating the arrival of another little one to our family- Mr. Reid Eliot Windham- in 2017. Oh how that little boy is already so incredibly loved!
The ups of 2016 far outweigh the downs, as we experienced a couple of scares with Dad's cancer- one that I would have bet good money on that the tumor had returned. Just another bump in the road and God reminding us that his hand is in the midst of it all.
Dad continues to be off of all treatments- no more chemotherapy or Avastin- and his last MRI showed no signs of recurrent or residual tumor. After 3+ years, we are thrilled with how well Dad continues to do each day.
As we look toward 2017, we also look towards a big event for the Glenz Family- our 4th trip to the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation's Run For The Rose. An annual 5k which brings awareness and raises funds to support brain cancer research at MD Anderson. In the last three years our team alone has helped raise over $21,000, and we've brought hundreds to participate as part of Dad's team.
The foundation has been such a huge part of our journey to beat brain cancer, as I've leaned on them for support and guidance throughout it all. We would love to have each of you join us this year as we flood the course with maroon t-shirts, all with the same goal in mind, to BTHO Brain Cancer. This event is such a boost for Dad, it gives him that extra push and positive energy to continue a fight that is so incredibly difficult, but one he does each and every day with a smile on his face.
If you would like more information on the run, please visit our team page http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer or send me an email (glenzwhitney@gmail.com). The run takes place on April 2, 2017 at NRG Stadium. It's an event great for the entire family with lots of kid events and free food for all. We will be ordering Team Lar t-shirts again this year, if you are interested in purchasing one let me know, they typically run about $12 each.
The love and support that has been sent our way these last three years is more than we could have ever hoped for- you all have truly helped us each step of the way. We look forward to 2017 and all the amazing things God has in store for our entire family.
What a year it has been!
Ever since Dad's diagnosis we have learned that the little things in life truly are the big things. We've learned that time spent with friends and family are some of the most precious memories one can have. And we've learned that God has blessed us in ways that we can't even begin to comprehend.
This year has been filled with lots of ups, and some downs. But I think it's safe to say it ended on a high note.
We welcomed a new little one to our family- Ms. Hallie Rae Lechler was born on July 4- and what a little firecracker she is! Her personality is really starting to come through, and the love that her big brother has for her is pretty special.
Mom officially retired from Brenham ISD and is excited to spend time at home with Dad, take friends out to lunch, and continue to watch her little grand babies whenever she is needed.
And we also are anticipating the arrival of another little one to our family- Mr. Reid Eliot Windham- in 2017. Oh how that little boy is already so incredibly loved!
The ups of 2016 far outweigh the downs, as we experienced a couple of scares with Dad's cancer- one that I would have bet good money on that the tumor had returned. Just another bump in the road and God reminding us that his hand is in the midst of it all.
Dad continues to be off of all treatments- no more chemotherapy or Avastin- and his last MRI showed no signs of recurrent or residual tumor. After 3+ years, we are thrilled with how well Dad continues to do each day.
As we look toward 2017, we also look towards a big event for the Glenz Family- our 4th trip to the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation's Run For The Rose. An annual 5k which brings awareness and raises funds to support brain cancer research at MD Anderson. In the last three years our team alone has helped raise over $21,000, and we've brought hundreds to participate as part of Dad's team.
The foundation has been such a huge part of our journey to beat brain cancer, as I've leaned on them for support and guidance throughout it all. We would love to have each of you join us this year as we flood the course with maroon t-shirts, all with the same goal in mind, to BTHO Brain Cancer. This event is such a boost for Dad, it gives him that extra push and positive energy to continue a fight that is so incredibly difficult, but one he does each and every day with a smile on his face.
If you would like more information on the run, please visit our team page http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/run-for-the-rose/bthobraincancer or send me an email (glenzwhitney@gmail.com). The run takes place on April 2, 2017 at NRG Stadium. It's an event great for the entire family with lots of kid events and free food for all. We will be ordering Team Lar t-shirts again this year, if you are interested in purchasing one let me know, they typically run about $12 each.
The love and support that has been sent our way these last three years is more than we could have ever hoped for- you all have truly helped us each step of the way. We look forward to 2017 and all the amazing things God has in store for our entire family.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Quick Dad Update. 1/2/2017
Dad had an MRI at the end of December and the MRI showed no signs of recurrent or residual tumor! Dad continues to take a break from all treatment and is feeling so much better.
God is so good!
God is so good!
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Retirement Celebration. & Dad Update 12/15/2016
Tomorrow will be Mom's last day at Brenham ISD after 28 years of service. It's crazy to think this chapter of her life is ending, and she is now turning the page to a new chapter- one filled with many unknowns, but lots of time for friends & family.
The last three years of work for Mom has been challenging. She's struggled through some really difficult days, each of which she managed through with a smile on her face and an unbelievable perspective on it all. Her positive attitude and outlook has never ceased to amaze me.
When I think back on Mom's 28 years of service, there is really one main phrase that comes to mind when describing her management style, one thing she constantly tells me when I struggle with a career decision:
"There are three priorities in life you need to remember, and they go in this order exactly. Your faith is first, your family is second, and then it's your career. If you consider the priority of each of those, you'll never make a wrong choice."
That's how she managed her office the last 28 years, and that's how she has managed our house (especially) in these last three years. It's a true testament to the type of manager she is, and most importantly, the type of person she is.
She ends these last 28 years with many friends she has met through her job as Child Nutrition Director at BISD. Friends that have laughed and celebrated through the good, and friends that have been there to love her and cry with her through the bad. She has been so incredibly blessed.
I joke that Mom and Dad may have survived cancer these last three years, but can they survive being with one another each day, all day long? And it's truly a joke because, if anything, they will thrive being with one another each day.
Everyone has commented on how great Dad is looking- and I couldn't agree more. If you just looked at him, you'd never know the fight he's put up these last three years. He's a pretty amazing fighter, and most importantly, a pretty amazing dad.
So after 28 years of waking up early, barely eating a lunch, and working late- Mom gets to set her own schedule. She can wake up at 7 am, or sleep until 10 am. She can make a sandwich for lunch or meet friends downtown. She can work on her own to do list until 8 pm, or stop at 3 pm. Her schedule is just that, HER schedule. And I know both her and Dad are thrilled.
We have no idea what Dad's next MRI will show, as we were told that 7-9 months post surgery the tumor would return- and here we are 38 months later with no recurrence. After being given just 14 months to live, I think it's safe to say God has another plan for Dad. I know he's using him in ways that I couldn't have ever imagined- and all because of cancer. If you look hard enough, you truly can see the good in it all.
Tomorrow at 5 pm, I'll be celebrating with Mom as she ends her chapter at Brenham ISD. We will probably have a glass of wine, or two...ok maybe three. We will talk about her favorite things about Brenham ISD, we will laugh (Mom will probably cry a bit), and then we will look to the future at all the wonderful things that are still left in this lifetime. We know from experience these things will involve laughter and tears, trials and triumphs, but most importantly amazing friends and family each step of the way.
Congrats Mom on 28 amazing years at Brenham ISD!
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Christmas Time At The Glenz Household. Dad Update 12/8/2016
On Tuesday we had a follow up appointment with Dr. Fleener and discussed our upcoming MRI. Dad has currently been off all treatments since August- he's thrilled to be done with the IV treatment Avastin, and even more thrilled to be off of chemotherapy. Three years of such intense treatment can really take a toll on your body.
It's been 38 months since we learned of Dad's cancer, and it's been 38 months where we learned a lot about ourselves, a lot about our faith, and even more so about the support system we have in this battle. Y'all, we are so incredibly blessed.
And the holidays are always such a wonderful time to remind ourselves of how blessed we are to have Dad still with us- how amazing it is that he's truly beaten the odds! I looked back and saw that just two years ago I posted the following quote, and after our most recent trip to see Dr. Fleener, it's all still so incredibly true:
"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."
Dad has this unbelievable amount of hope, faith, determination and strength- and what he lacks in staying positive on some of his most difficult days, Mom more than makes up. These two are an incredible team, two people that I'm so very proud to call my parents- they have looked fear, anxiety and stress right in the eyes, and have fought back with everything they have. Statistics in Dad's cancer clearly didn't take into account these two individuals in this battle. We were given 14 months. And here we are 38 months later. I think it's safe to say Mom & Dad's hope, faith, determination and strength had a lot to do with it- along with a lot of prayers and the good Lord on our side.
And the other part of our battle- a great medical team. I can't say enough wonderful things about each person at the Cancer Clinic in Bryan. After each visit Dr. Fleener gives Dad a hug and says "I love you." In a place that COULD be so incredibly cold and depressing- I honestly don't wish ANYONE a visit to an Oncologist office- the Cancer Clinic is FAR from that. I've been there at least once a month since Dad's diagnosis, and I've always been greeted with a smile, a hug, and a question "How's Larry doing?". They know us by name- we have no patient number that I'm aware of- and they answer each of my questions (no matter how dumb they may be!). We are blessed to have found such amazing people to care for my Dad.
On Tuesday we left with wishing each of the staff, nurses and doctors a Merry Christmas, and the words "See y'all in 2017!"
We have another MRI at the end of the month, but until then we are planning to focus not on the results and the scan-anxiety associated with it all- no, instead we are going to focus on celebrating the true meaning of the season. We plan to spend time with friends & family, celebrate the two little ones (soon to be THREE!) experiencing the JOY of Christmas, and soak up as much time as we can with Dad.
I know all too well the statistics associated with Dad's cancer, but I also know all too well the absolute grace God has given us these last three years. We've been given more time than we ever thought we would have, and for that I am so incredibly grateful.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year!
It's been 38 months since we learned of Dad's cancer, and it's been 38 months where we learned a lot about ourselves, a lot about our faith, and even more so about the support system we have in this battle. Y'all, we are so incredibly blessed.
And the holidays are always such a wonderful time to remind ourselves of how blessed we are to have Dad still with us- how amazing it is that he's truly beaten the odds! I looked back and saw that just two years ago I posted the following quote, and after our most recent trip to see Dr. Fleener, it's all still so incredibly true:
"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."
Dad has this unbelievable amount of hope, faith, determination and strength- and what he lacks in staying positive on some of his most difficult days, Mom more than makes up. These two are an incredible team, two people that I'm so very proud to call my parents- they have looked fear, anxiety and stress right in the eyes, and have fought back with everything they have. Statistics in Dad's cancer clearly didn't take into account these two individuals in this battle. We were given 14 months. And here we are 38 months later. I think it's safe to say Mom & Dad's hope, faith, determination and strength had a lot to do with it- along with a lot of prayers and the good Lord on our side.
And the other part of our battle- a great medical team. I can't say enough wonderful things about each person at the Cancer Clinic in Bryan. After each visit Dr. Fleener gives Dad a hug and says "I love you." In a place that COULD be so incredibly cold and depressing- I honestly don't wish ANYONE a visit to an Oncologist office- the Cancer Clinic is FAR from that. I've been there at least once a month since Dad's diagnosis, and I've always been greeted with a smile, a hug, and a question "How's Larry doing?". They know us by name- we have no patient number that I'm aware of- and they answer each of my questions (no matter how dumb they may be!). We are blessed to have found such amazing people to care for my Dad.
On Tuesday we left with wishing each of the staff, nurses and doctors a Merry Christmas, and the words "See y'all in 2017!"
We have another MRI at the end of the month, but until then we are planning to focus not on the results and the scan-anxiety associated with it all- no, instead we are going to focus on celebrating the true meaning of the season. We plan to spend time with friends & family, celebrate the two little ones (soon to be THREE!) experiencing the JOY of Christmas, and soak up as much time as we can with Dad.
I know all too well the statistics associated with Dad's cancer, but I also know all too well the absolute grace God has given us these last three years. We've been given more time than we ever thought we would have, and for that I am so incredibly grateful.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year!
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