It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I learned I had brain cancer. One year ago life was so normal and I never dreamed my life was about to change so drastically! Well….. Here I am 4 brain surgeries, 7 weeks of radiation, 5 months of chemo and 1/3 less of a skull later. Honestly I am healthier now than I was a year ago. I am seizure free and I aggressively fighting off this terrible disease! Life changes and moves so fast….. July 23rd was the actual year anniversary of my diagnosis. It was a quite normal day until late in the afternoon when Shea realized what day it was, so what did we do???? We celebrated!!! Some people thought it was a little strange to celebrate a year of brain cancer, but I was celebrating a year of LIFE! So dinner, a bottle of wine, bowling, and a few Ben’s later we had a great celebration!
On Friday I had another round of doctor appointments in Dallas. Those days are always packed with anxiety and wonder. The first stop in the list of appointments was an MRI, so unfortunately I get to ponder about what the machine is seeing for an hour while I listen to what sounds like a baseball bat hitting the side of a barrel with me in it. The second stop is to the blood lab where I get to have my blood drawn…again… It is funny to think that a year ago I HATED needle and went years without ever being poked with one, now we have weekly encounters! My third and final stop was meeting my Dr. Maher my oncologist. I am glad to say they the appointment went very well. For the first time she told me that the tumor has visibly shrunk!! Those words were GREAT to hear. All of our prayers have been heard! She will continue to watch my brain very closely to make sure there is no growth and determine how many more months of chemo I will have to take. While in her office we confirmed that my fifth (and hopefully last) surgery will be on September 22nd. They will go in and replace my missing piece of skull with a plastic mold. September 22nd could not come any faster. Some may wonder why and how I am so anxious to have another surgery??!! Well, after 4 of them a fifth one seems like a walk in the park if it gives me my freedom back. I am so ready to be able to live and not be held back because I have a hole in my head!! I will be well recovered and ready to hit the slopes come November!!
Looking back….. WOW….what a year it has been! I feel like I have been to hell and back a few times but I am SO lucky to be able to tell about it!!! God has blessed me incredibly! God is the reason I am able to tell this story today! He has been so good to me! I would not be here without the love and support of my family and friends! I have not gone through this alone! Thanks for supporting me throughout this past year with your love and prayers! God Bless and NEVER FORGET…… GOD IS GREAT!!
God Bless,
Brian
