Back in February we had an MRI that showed no change from the prior January MRI. This allowed Mom’s oncologist to encourage her to take a break from the IV chemo infusions. This was also something mom was asking for. The last couple of rounds of chemo had seemed to really knock her down for a solid week, and she had very little energy to engage with family or friends. Ben and I have seen a HUGE improvement on her overall positivity and joy just feeling better off the chemo. 

Mom is still receiving infusions of Avastin every three weeks to continue to keep the body from making new red blood cells, starve the tumors, and keep the swelling in the brain down. Thankfully, these infusions are shorter and have no real side effects. 

We have a next MRI scheduled for the end of April to see if, and how the tumors have changed or grown in the chemo break. We know that whatever that imaging shows, we have been so thankful to have time with mom who seems much more like herself. She has been more full of joy! Cancer is like no other balancing act I have ever experienced. Trying to fight progression while simultaneously also trying to soak up each moment and memory. 

One year ago we received the worst possible news that indeed mom has a brain tumor. In the past year her world has turned upside down, and it has been unbelievably hard and yet she has proven to be such a fighter. Ben and I are so thankful that we have been able to walk this road over the past year in such a close way with our mama. She is amazing! 

We have no idea what is ahead, but for today we are able to celebrate another year of time and memories. God has been, will be, and IS Good and Faithful. Thank you for walking this past year with us.