The Diagnosis

There is no easy way to share hard news. Yet we have to often. Today is that day for us.

Yesterday, we sat in the oncology doctor’s office stunned as she delivered the news that Josh’s tumor is one that starts in the brain and is highly aggressive.

More specifically, the cancerous tumor is called a Glioblastoma (also called GBM)*. The tumor is located in the middle of Josh’s brain with the most significant part in a location that they do not recommend operating on for fear of causing neurological damage. This means it cannot be removed surgically and that managing it happens with radiation and chemo pills.
 
This is not the diagnosis we want to hear. And it is not a light story to retell, message, text or post. It’s tough all around.
 
As I sit here looking for the words to say, I almost feel blank. This is most likely the shock phrase of grief which easily bounces between anger, sorrow, disbelief and more.

So, what does this mean?
We’ll keep praying, of course, and hoping for a miracle. We’ll also take the next steps that the doctor has for us, which begins soon with six weeks of radiation and a chemo pill. The radiation is the primary treatment. The hope with this plan is that it will help to keep the tumor from growing. As treatment happens, we’ll see how the tumor responds to determine future steps. However, treatment is not expected to get rid of the tumor. While, we trust and value the doctors here in NWA, we are planning a trip to the Mayo Clinic to seek additional counsel, just in case.

At this point, I didn't ask the question of how long. Instead, I see this as we are here now so let's take steps and enjoy all the moments we can. 
 
As this news will land on many on May the fourth, I can’t help but think of Star Wars. While goofy, it is also fitting. There appears to be little hope with news like this, but we hold on to it as tight as we can and move forward one day, treatment and step at a time.

We all want more time with Josh, me more than anyone. I love our adventures together both big and small. This really puts a damper on my plans. But I am thankful for our story even today.

For now, I'll ask that you Join me in taking a BIG deep breath as we trust in the full force of God’s goodness be with us. 

* Researching this can lead you down lots of hard paths. Here's a site we recommend that covers a lot of the same information we've heard from doctors and our treatment plan.

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