Long time ...most recent update

Unfortunately, I’ve put off writing this blog post for over a month.  Since the last time I wrote, I’ve had two relatively major milestones.  The first is making it past a year since my surgery with no evidence of recurrence.  The second, which is almost as exciting to me personally, was finishing chemotherapy.  Until a recurrence happens, God forbid, I can pretend like there’s nothing wrong with me for two months at a time.

I can honestly say I’ve never been happier to take a pill than that night.  I came in late because a friend I’ve met through dealing with this whole thing took me to a concert on the last day, and I was strongly tempted to wake Eda up to get some sort of congratulations, but I decided it was much better for my health not to do that.  I let her know what a big deal it was to me the next day instead.

What became interesting and immediately apparent to me is how much a creature of habit I really am.  When I was first faced with the diagnosis, I told myself I would change the way I approach things and appreciate every moment much more.  I’m still trying to do that when I think about it, but I don’t think I’m that great at it yet.

Since I just finished chemotherapy, and now I don’t have to worry about taking anti-nausea meds or the chemotherapy pills themselves at night.  But since I’ve worked that into my routine, I still make sure I have the right pills before I go to bed and often feel like something’s missing.  It’s ridiculous, but inertia is a pretty strong force.  I think I should also feel ridiculous for not making every minute as important as it should be.

My grandmother passed away a couple weeks ago, and even though I’m going to make this about me for a second, I was happy to meet people who said, “I haven’t met you before, but I’ve been praying for you every night.”  I get that from friends of friends all the time, and it’s nice to know that people have a much higher opinion of me than I oftentimes do of myself.

Thank you all for reading again, and please know that "no news has actually been good news.''

In summary, since I last wrote a post:
1. Had a fabulous surprise 1 year since diagnosis celebration of life is sweet party.  Thank you for all who came out and were a part of that.  Really meant a lot to me and my family.  Your continued support has been tremendous
2. Had another stable MRI in September.
3. Finished last round of chemotherapy for this year in September.
4. Participated again this year in the Head for the Cure 5K walk

Specific Prayer Requests:

1. That we remember to thank God for all the things we do have and to live in the moment.
2. Continued prayers that we have the support and help of others along this journey as we continue every 2 months with MRIs to assess William's brain.
3. Prayers that I continue to experience God's healing power and that my brain continues to show no tumor re-growth, especially on the next scan that will be November 18 with results on Novemeber 19.  (MRIs will continue every 2 months).
4. Prayers of thanksgiving that my last MRI showed change in a positive direction and that Eda and I are able to rest easier knowing I am experiencing healing.
5. Prayers of thanksgiving that William has completed his first full year of radiation concurrent with chemotherapy and another 12 months of chemotherapy.   

   

   Life is sweet party!

   
   

   

   Friends who came out to William's 1 year celebration

   
   

   

   Thank you all for being there!

   
   

   

   William and Jeff - fellow GBM survivor

   
   

   

   More of our plethora of treats we had that day!

   
   

   

   We love our Team William banner!

   
   

   

   William and his mother

   
   

   

   Charlotte and I - Charlotte organized all of this!  William and I are so blessed by her support it has been more than unwavering!  We love you Charlotte!

   
   

   

   William surprised...he had no idea. I had him blindfolded.

   
   

   

   This happened since last post - Abigail started Kindergarten!

   
   

   

   Abigail and mommy selfie on first day of school!

   
   

   

   Still super heros fighting cancer...

   
   

   

   The batgirl crew with batman himself!

   
   

   

   Just love this one of Audrey.

   
   

   

   Part of our young survivor group

   
   

   

   Head for the cure 5K walk.  Raising money for head for the cure.  Team William walkers!  William received keeping the faith award.

   
   

   

   William and the family with his MD - Dr. Mark Gilbert

   
   

   

   Cute one of the girls - Abigail 5.5 and Audrey 21 months

    

    

    

    

    

   Thank you all for your continued love and support it means a lot.  Will try to continue to update as able.  Will definitely post something after the next MRI and results.  I am so blessed.  Please do not stop the prayers. We will continue to fight and the journey is not over!