Chemo Round 2

Well maybe you have figured out that when I don't write for awhile I'm usually struggling a bit. I'm doing much better. I have already had 1 chemo treatment and we have another on Tuesday My father- in- law (Doc) went with me to my Doctors visit. (he's so sweet). The plan is 6 months of chemo if my body can tolerate it. They put me on a different chemo drug that my body should tolerate better. The down side is that this one makes your hair fall out. It took some time to come to grips with that one. I think the drugs really start to take affect after your second and third treatments. The kids didn't really like the idea of me losing my hair so we told them about our friend Heidi Llona who had long beautiful blonde hair and she buzzed it off during the Fire Academy because all the other guys did it and she was part of the team. So we convinced them that its COOL to have a buzzed head. I'm feeling much better I have all my Christmas done so that I'm ready to go on Tuesday. Please pray that we have strength, energy, and peace throughout the Christmas season. Love you all, and thank you for all the prayers.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 5:1

Today I start chemo at 1:30. It usually takes 4 to 5 hours. I still do not have all the details. All I know is that its 2 different drugs then the ones I had last time that I was allergic to. I meet with my oncologist tomorrow and will finally see how long he wants me to do this round. I really only received one complete dose the first time, and I was supposed to have 8. My Father-in-law Doc Sham will be going with me to my appt. (I'm bringing out the big guns. ha ha). Mike and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I keep remembering the first time Mike and I went to see my oncologist. The first thing he told us was"If you give me one year, I will give you forty, that is the goal. But its going to be a tough long year, so try and view it through that perspective." Okay were in, Mike and I said we can do that. So were half way through. I hope the worst is over. I'm just praying my body will tolerate these new drugs and I can finish the process. Please join me in prayer and pray that I'm protected from sickness. I feel good both emotionally and physically. My mom is going with me today and we will be doing my Christmas cards. I also finished all my Christmas shopping yesterday so God's timing is perfect. Thank you again for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. It means so much to me. My faith and your prayers are what sustain me. Have a wonderful day. Love Bran

Jim Cymbala describes FAITH as......

What is faith? It is total dependence on God that becomes supernatural in its working. People with faith develop a second kind of sight. They see more than just the circumstances, they see God right beside them. Can they prove it? NO. But by faith they know he's there.......Faith alone is the trigger that releases hope and power.

round 3 THE GRIND

Since this is the last part of the process my husband named it, "THE GRIND". I will start chemo next week. I still don't have all the details but I will find out Monday how long he wants me to do this. I'm pretty sure it will be anywhere from 4 to 6 months. We were having complications with my insurance co. because of the new drugs, but my Doctor is so cool he said "I don't care if it hasn't been approved yet I want her in ASAP and I will worry about the rest." In the beginning I asked for people to pray for the Doctor God wanted me to have and not only did he give me an awesome aggressive doctor, but a very personable and compassionate one as well.. I'm so thankful. He always tells me in his Indian accent "Brrrandi don't be so hard on yourself this is hard stuff". Isn't that sweet.. I do know that I will only have to go once every two weeks. That means if I start next week that's usually a hard week and then the week of Christmas I should feel good. My husband is ready for me to get started, he told me that if he had to he would carry me across the finish line. Even though nobody wants to go through tough times such as sickness, or relationship problems etc, I believe if you hold on to God he will not only get you through it but you will see many blessings. Our friends and family have been so good to us, just yesterday a fireman showed up at our door with his 2 kids and said its pizza night, here are two pizzas for your family and then left. Those things happen to us all the time. what a blessing it is that my children get to see such caring people taking care of us and thinking of us all. Mike and I are so humbled and thankful. I also want to give a shout out to my husband who has been a rock throughout this process. Words can't describe how good he has been to me and my children. I actually called his Dad this morning and thanked him for raising such a loyal and trustworthy man. I'm not saying these things to be cheesy I just want to give hope to people who are struggling. Your not alone and you can make it through, hold on tightly to God and your family. The struggles we face will only make us stronger and more compassionate towards other. Have a merry Christmas I'll let you know how the first round goes please pray my body tolerates this new medicine..We love you Brandi

Our broken lives are not lost or useless. God's love is still working. He comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out his wonderful plan of love.. Eric Liddell

We had a great Thanksgiving, I can't believe Christmas is here. I'm going to try and get all my shopping done next week. My Doctor called last week and he wants me to start chemo right away. Even though they consider me cancer free if you had it in your lymph nodes, even one, you just bought yourself 6 months of chemo. Like I said before I love my Doctor he's very conervative yet extremely aggressive and does not want to take any chances that this will come back. I should find out on Monday when I'm going to start. It will be once every two weeks. My P.A. said the concoction of medicine they came up with to give me was BRILLIANT. Hopefully my body will agree. HA HA Mike and I are actually ready to start again, the sooner we start the sooner we'll be finished. The kids don't like it at all and were not very happy that I was starting before Christmas. Lexi said "don't those Doctors know you have two little kids".HA HA If all goes well I hope to be done by summer. Please pray that my body will tolerate the new medicine and that we still have a good Christmas since it is about the big "C" Christ and not the little "c" cancer. Thank you for all your prayers, food, and cards. We love you have a beautiful Christmas. Love Brandi

In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. Psalm 120:1

We went to Prescott...and I lost my phone....

I can't believe its almost Thanksgiving it came so fast, maybe I'll gain some weight on that day!!Everyday I feel a little bit better. My surgeon said everything looked great. My next appointment is with my oncologist the second week of December and I'm sure I will start chemo soon after that. Even though they consider me cancer free (AMEN) they still want me to have 6 months of chemo. Like I said I have a very conservative Doctor and he doesn't want to take any chances. God has blessed me with these very compassionate Doctors who truly have my best interest in mind and I am so thankful. Please pray that my body will be able to handle the chemo they choose for me. Some people think that I have been very strong through all this but the truth is I get very weak and tired. But God says "when you are weak I am strong" When I feel weak and tired and ready to give up I hold on tightly to my Fathers hand. God says "though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend, Stay on the path that I have chosen for you." This is just a season of my life that
I have accepted though I don't know why, but all I can do is trust that God has a purpose and a plan through it all. I have already seen many blessings. My son gets to see his Father take care of his mother and show me unconditional love that is a true blessing. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Love Brandi

Sorry I haven't blogged, although my surgery went great I had to spend a few more days in the hospital after I got home. All our prayers were answered. The surgeon felt good about getting all the cancer. Unfortunately I lost weight again!!! The next step in the process is to give me time to heal (about 6 weeks) and then they want to hit me with chemo again just to be safe. I'm thankful that the surgery went well. Now its time to gain some weight and mentally and physically prepare for chemo. Sorry I haven't text or made phone calls, I lost my phone and will not get a new one until Tuesday. Mike and the kids are still going strong. Thank you for all the food, cards, and flowers. My kids love to guess what were having for dinner. Thank you again for praying for me and my family. God is faithful. Love Brandi

It's all good...

Aunt Barrie again... just wanted you all to know that Day #1 Post-op is going very well.  My brother told me that Brandi is feeling so much better, and that she has been extremely tough and strong these past two days.  All of your prayers are certainly manifesting themselves in a great way.  Thanks to all of you for caring, and praying and loving on Brandi, Mike and their kids.

To God be the Glory-

Aunt Barrie here... I just got the call from the hospital that Brandi is out of surgery and everything went as planned.  After 3 1/2 hours, the surgeon was able to remove the diseased tissue laparoscopically.  This is wonderful since that means she won't have any major incisions to deal with.  Thanks for all of your prayers and keep praying hard for a quick recovery!

 

HERE WE GO!!!!!!!

Okay here we go. My surgery is tomorrow at 1:30, Mike and I have to be at the hospital at 11:30. Were both ready yet a little anxious. I had a rough week last week but now I feel ready to move forward and get this surgery behind me. There are a lot of my friends and family who are praying and fasting for me.. One of them isn't going to eat for 3 days. Thanks to all of you for thinking of us I will never be able to express to you how thankful I am. It gives me such peace to know that I am covered in prayer. I have asked Aunt Barrie to write tomorrow so that you will all know how the surgery went. I myself will be out of commission for awhile. (Hopefully not to long). This is what I have been reading. "When adversities strike, the human instinct is to doubt my goodness. My ways are mysterious, even to those who know me intimately. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways and thoughts higher than your ways and thoughts. Do not try to fathom my ways. Instead, spend time enjoying me and experiencing my goodness." God has been so good to us and is a faithful God. He has me in the palm of his hand and I am so grateful that he is watching over us. I hope you all have a wonderful day I love you guys and please pray hard. In HIM, Brandi

12 days left......

My surgery is in twelve days I can't believe how fast time flies. Mike and I just got back from Coronado we had such a good time laying on the beach and sleeping in (with no kids). It was so relaxing. I thought this month would be really easy but I've had to have quite a few tests done before my surgery and thank goodness my test results have all come back good. I've gained weight and my blood tests showed that my nutrition levels were excellent. We have been staying very busy with kids, field trips, and work. Mike is taking Blu and his friends camping for his birthday. Blu said "NO GIRLS ALLOWED" he is such a little "booger". Other than that there's nothing new were just waiting. My dad invited me to his bible study last night its mostly retired fireman. I had such a good time. There was a fireman there who had just found out that his wife's breast cancer had just come back after 3 1/2 years. I was crushed to hear the news but he said that they were going to "fight it again" His wife is an absolute inspiration to me. I will definitely be praying hard for them. I want to thank the guys in the bible study for praying for me and letting me be a part of their bible study Itruly enjoyed it and left their feeling so encouraged. Thank you again. It seems that there are so many people going through difficult times. My prayers are with you too. Thank you so much again for the prayers and all the support we have. We are so blessed to have family, neighbors, and friends. Thank you mom I couldn't do this without you. I love you guys. sissy

When you cross turbulent waters, I shall be with you. Isaiah 43:2

Hi this is lexi.This is hard on a 9 year old when her mom has cancer.In the beginning when my mom did chemo radiation. I used to have days when I thought I could not make it through the day.Then my mom talked to me and said pray and you should not have those days.So i did and i did not have those days. The lesson here is that when you go through hard times always pray and God will answer. So you need to thank the lord that you do not get too many hard times always say lord help me and get me through this hard time and i will always trust you and pray to you and i know you will get me through. So know the Lord is always there for you and will help you at all times. John 3:16 For god so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that who ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. love lexi

Were counting down.........

Hope everyone had a great week. This morning I had a small procedure done by my surgeon prior to my big surgery. He needed to look at my tumor and see what kind of reaction it had to the radiation. Basically he found that the tumor had shrunk to about half its size. He was happy with the result and said that we were on the right track. Of course, I was a little disappointed and wanted him to say there was nothing there but then again that's why were having the surgery. The nurse who was helping with the procedure saw the port in my chest and said "I have a port too" She had just finished fighting stage 4 breast cancer and was in remission. She said that I was very fortunate to have a curable stage 3 cancer. Honestly when your going through this you really put everything into perspective. I know it can always be a lot worse and I was reminded of that this morning by my sweet nurse. I have another scan tomorrow and then I'm basically done until my surgery on October 26th. Mike and I are going on a much needed vacation on October 9th. Were going to stay at my parents place in Coronado. I'm very excited and ready just to hang out with my husband and have some time alone. The kids are doing very well. Blu is enjoying kindergarten with all his buddies and Lexi just got a big part in the school Christmas play. I'm very proud of them both. I'm really trying to enjoy this month before the surgery. I feel great. Please keep praying and have a wonderful week . Love Bran

Psalm 61:5 Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

Lexi and her cousin Presli

Hope you had a great weekend! Mike, the kids, my friend Kathy, and her two kids, went to the cabin this weekend. The weather was beautiful and cool. Kathy had never been there so it was fun showing her around. We actually stayed up until 2:oo a.m. talking. Oh my gosh, were way to old to be doing that. We were sooooooo tired the whole next day but we had so much fun riding motorcycles and hanging out. Okay, my surgery is scheduled for October 26th at 1:30 in the afternoon. That's the day after Blus' birthday and like I mentioned before it gives me a little more time to put on weight and get healthy. I've gained ten pounds and would like to gain ten more. (don't you all feel sorry for me I have to eat ice cream every night HA HA) I've never in my life tried to gain weight its so weird. Second, Mike and I saw my oncologist yesterday and no matter what I will have to get four months of chemo if my body can take it after I have healed from my surgery. We will use different chemo drugs but were going to at least try. I have to admit I did get upset even though I knew that's what he might say. I guess I wasn't really ready to go there (emotionally) but I know its the best thing for me. My doctor is ultra conservative and that has been his plan from the beginning. He told me the goal is to have 1 hard year to give me 40 more good years. Mike and I say AMEN TO THAT!!!! Everybody wants to know SPECIFICALLY what to pray for so I'm going to be specific. 1. That I'm cancer free after surgery. (or right now would be fine to.) 2. That their are no complications with surgery and no infections. 3. That my family and I have no fear, and peace that surpasses all understanding. I would really be grateful if you would join me and all the people who are praying for me and my family in praying for these specific prayers. Prayer has truly given me peace through this time in my life. I pray for all of you to and thank God that so many people have us in their prayers. We are so blessed and lucky. I can't even tell you how many people that I don't even know come up to me and tell me I'm on their church prayer lists and they won't stop praying until I'm healed. How cool is that! Alright I've talked your heads off. Enjoy this weather and have a great week. Thank you again Pray Hard! love you Brandi
one of my favorite verses. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME Philippians 4:13

This picture just makes me smile.......

I know its been a while since Iv'e written but we just met with my surgeon yesterday. I will find out the exact date of my surgery on Monday, but it will for sure be at the end of October. That gives me five weeks to put on weight and get as healthy as I can prior to surgery. Mike and I both love our surgeon. Lets just put it this way, he is extremely confident ha ha and we like that. He asked me if I was ready to go and I said absolutely lets do it. I will be in the hospital anywhere from three to five days if all goes well. He will go in (maybe with a robot) which I hear is very cool and take out the tumor as well as any tissue around it ( a pretty substantial amount). They will then send the tissue out to pathology and that will determine wether or not we are done, or I may have to go round 2 with chemo. I want you to know that my hope and prayer is that I'm done after surgery, but I also want you to know that I have made peace with whatever I have to do. God has taken care of me throughout this ride and he will continue to do so until this process is over.
Secondly, prior to me starting chemo my best friend Kathy and about 20 other women came to my house and prayed for me...We had so much fun. We ate dinner sat on the floor and sang, laughed, cried, and prayed. It was a time for women to encourage women and it was a blast. Were going to do it again before my surgery so I will let you know the date as soon as I find out the exact date of my surgery. If this isin't your cup of tea its totally okay. Please don't feel obligated to come. I would only want you there if you want to be there. And most importantly its not a time to be sad! We like to have fun.
The kids and Mike have been doing extremely well. Emotionally Ive been doing pretty good. I do have my hard days especially when I get to tired but for the most part I have a tremendous amount of peace. I know its because of all the people who pray for us everyday. It gives me such great comfort to know that people have surrounded my family with prayer. Words cant describe how grateful we are to have such beautiful great friends. Honestly we couldnt have made it without you. Thank you again for all you have done. We are humbled from the bottom of our hearts. I love you guys. Brandi

And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide, and long, and high, and deep, is the love of Christ for you.Eph.17

WEEPY GIRL........

So Michael and I went to see Dr. Halepota today for a check-up since leaving the hospital...I'll admit I had a very weepy day. I was upset because it was taking me so long to gain weight and feel better... They were like "you do know you were in the hospital for a month on feeding tubes right". Oh I don't know whats wrong with me. For some reason I was struck with the realization that this is going to be a hard year. HA HA... What is wrong with me? So the next step is to go in and get the tumor out if there's still one left and clean out any remaining tissue. I see my surgeon next Thursday so he will let us know when our surgery date will be scheduled. Depending on the surgery they will then know if I have to go for more chemo. Of course my prayer is that I don't. Please join me in praying that I am healed healthy and whole. Most of you know I do a devotional every day to keep me focused, positive and not have pathetic pitty partys for myself. This one was especially meaningful to me. Sorry its a little long one.

FOLLOW ME ONE STEP AT A TIME. THAT IS ALL I REQUIRE OF YOU. IN FACT THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO MOVE THROUGH THIS TIME. YOU SEE HUGE MOUNTAINS LOOMING, AND YOU START WONDERING HOW YOUR'RE GOING TO SCALE THOSE HEIGHTS. MEANWHILE, BECAUSE YOUR NOT LOOKING WHERE YOUR GOING, YOU STUMBLE. AS I HELP YOU GET BACK ON YOUR FEET, YOU TELL ME HOW WORRIED YOU ARE ABOUT THE CLIFFS UP AHEAD. BUT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TODAY, MUCH LESS TOMORROW. OUR PATH MAY TAKE AN ABRUPT TURN, LEADING YOU AWAY FROM THOSE MOUNTAINS. THERE MAY BE AN EASIER WAY UP THE MOUNTAINS THAN IS VISIBLE FROM YOUR DISTANCE. IF I DO LEAD YOU UP THE CLIFFS, I WILL EQUIP YOU THOROUGHLY FOR THE STRENUOUS CLIMB. I WILL EVEN GIVE MY ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU,TO PERSERVE YOU IN ALL YOUR WAYS. WALK BY FAITH TRUSTING ME TO OPEN THE WAY BEFORE YOU.... THANK YOU JESUS LOVE BRAN

Look at that face.......

Blu lost his first tooth last nite he said "it was the coolest thing that ever happened to him", and he cant stop smiling.....sooooo cute.

So all is good. All I have been trying to do is eat and gain weight. I lost 30lbs in the hospital so its going to take me a while. The next step will be meeting with my surgeon in two weeks while my body recuperates and see when he wants to do surgery... I'm looking forward to this as well because its just one more step to get to the finish line. I heard that compared to what I've already been through the surgery is a piece of cake. Possibly 5 days in the hospital. (easy peasy)ha

Prior to my surgery my best friend is going to come over one nite and have food, prayer and worship. We bring pillows and sit on the floor its very casual. We did this prior to my chemo and it was just a very encouraging experience for all of us who are going through difficult times and need a little boost. I'll let you know when it is, trust me if its not your thing you will not hurt my feelings. I have a friend who just went into surgery this morning for a lumpectomy or possibly masectomy. Please send your prayers to her this morning. I know shes in good hands and will beat this as do many women every day. I'm so proud of their heart and strength to stand steadfast during this time of battle.. I love you guys. Hope you have a wonderful day and stay strong. sissy

Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying my presence. Walk by faith,not by sight,trusting me to open up the way before you. psalm 18:29

IM COMING HOME I WANT TO CRY!!!!!!!!!

Well last thing I REMEMBER IS TAKING MY KIDS TO THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ON THE 18TH. THAT DAY I had to get chemo, radiation, and a blood transfusion. While getting my blood transfusion I spiked a fever of 103. They stopped all treatment and admitted me in the hospital for the third time this month. Obviously that chemo and my body do not like each other very well! My mom and I were relieved when the Doctor said no more chemo for you....It made me so sick.....All my blood counts were down, I couldn't break my fever and I couldn't keep food down and they started feeding me intravenously to which I was very thankful for...Slowly I started recovering and I did finish all of my radiation treatments while being hospitalized ....YIPPY I'M DONE. Needless to say its been a rocky ride. While your in the hospital all they do is run tests and its very scary. They throw things out that that make your mind wonder and get you worked up emotionally. Like what if my cancer has spread? This is where the real fight is, right in your mind. This is when you have to focus and press into God...I want you to know that it is not easy for me to share my deep inner feelings with a bunch of people its extremely uncomfortable for me but this is the journey I have been put on and this is who I am and how I deal with the circumstances I'm in my life. During the times I would get scared the most I would cling to the promises of God and pray. For example, one of my devotionals I read on a very hard day was this......"Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem free life. Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties. This is a false hope. As I told you my disciples in the world you will have trouble." God is also the Father of restoration and compassion to his beloved. It is his nature to bless and restore us after we have walked through the storms of life. And it is our nature to confidently trust and receive this promise: I my self has seen this happen many times in my own personal life which gives me more faith to hold on to truth, and that Gods word never fails, for he has overcome the world.(Joshua 21;45) Thank you again for your steadfast prayers and encouragement I'm so blessed to have friends, family, my mom ,Dad, sister and all the people who are faithfully on their knees praying for us. We are humbled.....That's all I can Say.... Trust in God and Lean not on your own understanding.....I love you God Bless. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday. Now I need to go eat I'm nothing but skin and bones. Yuckkkkkkkkkkkk

There's a light at the end of the tunnel

Aunt Barrie... again... but hopefully not for long!  Brandi had a good day today and is geared up for one final appearance at the radiation clinic  AMEN.  I bet they are going to miss her a lot more than she's going to miss them.  The docs took a look into her tummy today and found that it was swollen, but nothing too far out of the ordinary.  Rumor has it that she even gulped down some chicken soup cooked up by someone's Jewish grandmother.  Nothing like a chicken soup made with love.  I am so proud of Brandi and Mike and the kiddos.  They have rallied through this like a team of champions.  It hasn't been easy and it's not over yet, but I think they've reached a plateau, and will have some time to rest up, be together and re-group.

Brandi and I have a very amazing and wonderful friend who went head-to-head with cancer a couple years ago.  She has been a prayer warrior for Brandi from the beginning.  I thought it would be cool to share some of her words about what she and Brandi have both faced:

God is NOT the author of sickness in disease.  We are God's beloved! God's word says "Beloved, above all else, I wish for you to prosper and be in GOOD health, even as your soul prospers." The devil's only purpose in life is to steal, kill and destroy, but God has come to give us life, and life MORE abundantly!  The enemy is trying to use cancer to take God's people out, but we need to remind the enemy, that he is a defeated foe!  He is no match for us, THE GREATER one lives in us!  The devil is no match for those who believe God and His Word.  We need to receive our healing by faith, just like we did our very salvation.  By Jesus' stripes we were healed!  Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Hope Rocks.

Monday...

Well... I thought I should add a little music to Brandi's blog to lift all of our spirits.  Of course I was thinking about some soothing Chris Tomlin praise music, but Brandi asked me to also add "Fight Like a Girl".  She's got a few days left to power through these treatments and I know she can do it.  (Maybe the Rocky theme song might even fit here... but Brandi's so much cuter than Sylvester Stallone!)  Anyway, please keep her in your prayers.  Ask God specifically to heal her inside and keep her mentally tough so she can finish strong.

Paul was one of my favorite heros of the Bible.  In the book of Acts, he said: ²²"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."  Go Brandi and continue praising your Father in Heaven along the way!  He is proud of you.  Love, Aunt Barrie

(Note: you can see that "Fight like a girl" is on the playlist...not sure why it won't play...I'm working on it!"

From Thursday to Thursday

Aunt Barrie again... just talked to Mike. Brandi is coming down the stretch as far as chemo and radiation. She has been experiencing some of the nasty side effects of these treatments. Good news is that the cancer is being blasted, and we're all happy about that. The plan is to put her through 5 more radiation treatments, and then sit back and wait... not sure how long we'll wait to decide on surgery, etc., but the main thing is that we pray her through these last 5 radiation treatments. Stick a note on your Bible, or on your refrigerator and say an extra prayer tomorrow, Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs. If we can pray this family through this next week, they will feel as though the first leg of this race has been won.

"I am not moved by what I see or by what I feel or by what I hear. I am only moved by what I believe, and I believe God." ~Smith Wigglesworth

Keep the faith!

Tuesday Temp

This is Aunt Barrie... Again.... Sorry about that.  Apparently that fever finds Brandi irresistible and it just can't stay away.  So, Brandi is back in the hospital where she (and her fever) can be monitored closely.  I feel like this drill is getting old, and am pretty sure Brandi and Mike feel the same.  So maybe we could all spend a little extra time praying for her today and over the next couple days.  Sometimes I just take a walk around my neighborhood and leave my ipod home so I can spend the time praying for Brandi. Maybe some of you can post a comment on this entry in the form of a prayer and we can all pray it together. 

The Bible has so much great stuff in it.  John 3:16 always gets lots of attention & I love that verse; but another favorite verse of mine is John 16:33 where Jesus says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  I can just see Jesus' eyes twinkling when He spoke those words... letting us know that He is even more loving and powerful than we can imagine.

Back on Track

It's Aunt Barrie again... Brandi made it home from the hospital last week and has been working hard to get rested up for today's chemo.  The latest tests showed that Brandi was anemic so they have ordered blood transfusions to help combat that symptom.  The good news is that home health care nurses can come directly to the house and hook Brandi up to IV's of blood transfusions, as well as fluids to keep her hydrated.  I love those proactive steps!  Maybe we can find out where we can all go to donate blood in Brandi's name.  Not that she would want any of our blood, but it's always nice to replenish the bank!  I will check on that.

The kids start school tomorrow.  They are both excited.  Lexi is such a great big sister helping Blu get all of his supplies in order.  (I love you, Lexi!)  Please pray for them as they adjust to a new schedule.  One of the first verses my kids memorized from their school was in Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."  Good advice.  I happen to think the next two verses are really great, too. "Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your soul." vs.7-8

Let's PRAY HARD for that healing and strength for Brandi and her family. 

Firemen always end up at the ER in the middle of the night...

This is Aunt Barrie blogging again for Brandi.  I tell you, it sure is hard to keep firefighters out of the ER!  Mike took Brandi in again this morning with symptoms similar to last week.  They hooked her up to some fluids and she began to perk up.  Seems that there are some hydration issues.  (If you've ever had a really bad case of food poisoning, triple the experience and then you have some idea of what I'm talking about.)

I got to sit with Brandi around noon time and she looked great.  The doctor is hoping that all the excitement is due to the dehydration and fortunately that is easily solved.  He's not too concerned that the chemo schedule may be modified because he put Brandi on the highest dosages imaginable and he said she has lots and lots of wiggle room.  Yeah.  

As you pray for Brandi, please pray for all of her doctors and nurses, too.  They work so hard and probably don't get half the credit they deserve.  The nurses can turn a bad day into a good one just by their compassion...

As I sat with Brandi, I was so encouraged by her faith.  I know she is always encouraged by all of yours, too.  I was reminded of Romans 1:12 "When we get together, I want to encourage you in your own faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."  Let's all keep praying hard and encouraging one another in the process.

Drama............

Okay, so we had a little drama this week but I'm finally home and recovering. Monday night I went to sleep feeling fine and woke up at 4:00 am with a horrible fever. I called my husband from work and he drove me to the hospital. When I got there I had a fever of 103, my blood pressure was 70/5o, and my heart rate was 12o. After about an hour in the E.R they had me stabilized but said "I just bought myself a bed, and I had to stop my chemo." The only thing they had found so far was a urinary tract infection but said I was very sick so they would be running all kinds of tests on my kidneys, blood, etc. looking for infection. They said if I got to go home it would be in a couple of days and only with IV antibiotics and a home health care nurse. My mom and I started calling our friends to pray hard, and asked that the only thing they find was a UTI infection. My mom and I then held hands and prayed for the same thing. I did not want to go home with an IV or deal with a blood infection. The next night my dad was with me when the Doctor came in and all he kept saying was "I can't believe how good you look (I swear he said it 3 or 4 times). He said all your tests came back negative except your UTI, I don't know what your doing but keep doing it. He then said I could go home the next day on oral antibiotics."

You have know idea how thankful I was to the Lord and for all your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!

The last thing that happened is that I asked my dad to take me for a walk after the good news. We walked around the pod and on our way back to my room there was a room that was two doors down from mine. I said, "Dad look at that." Just above the door it read, JANET SCHAMADAN R.N. FAMILY LOUNGE. This room had been dedicated to Mikes mom 20 plus years ago when she passed away......Mike didn't even know it was there...Janet was right down the hall from me the whole time....God is good! Love you Sissy and thank you Aunt Barrie for the beautiful blog I loved the verse,

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions: stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you....2 Chronicles 20:17

Excitement and Drama- prayer needed

No great cancer victory story is complete without a little drama and excitement.  Well, yesterday Brandi had a little bit of excitement.  (This is Aunt Barrie... Mike's sister blogging on behalf of Brandi today.) Early Tuesday morning, Brandi awoke with a fever.  My brother Mike, being the great protector that he is, assessed the situation and concluded that she needed to head to the ER. (Remember that Brandi was in the middle of Chemo Round 2 and had that crazy pump attached at the time.) She was admitted and evaluated.  It seems that the new chemo drugs that were being mixed in with the standard chemo drugs weren't getting along so well.  Adjustments have been made to the chemo cocktail, and it looks like things will get back on track.

In the meantime, the fever is still a concern. Fevers signal infection, and the only infection they have identified (so far) is a urinary tract infection (UTI).  That's actually a pretty typical infection seen during this type of cancer treatment.  Brandi has asked me to ask you that we all pray hard that the only infection causing her fever is this UTI.  When infections get in the bloodstream, things get a lot more dramatic than we need.  Her fever is down to 99 degrees or so this morning compared to 103 yesterday.

The presence of infection reminds us all that Brandi's condition is serious.  We need to be on our knees and praying, but we also need to be taking some practical steps as well.  Please do not call or visit for the time being.  I know we all love her and want to be supportive, but we can not risk carrying infection into her home.  Also, please don't send flowers as they may carry germs.  I'm sure that plain old "snail mail" would be a great encouragement for her.  The bottom line is... the more she isolates herself from physical contact with others, and the more she sleeps/rests, the better chance her body has of battling through this.  Heidi is coordinating food and I know while Brandi may not be that interested in eating, Mike and the kids need to eat, and eat well.  Thanks for keeping all these things in mind.  And thanks for those extra prayers today!

My "One Year Bible" included the following Psalm for August 4th and I found it quite timely:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation... so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?..... Even when I am attacked, I will remain confident....For He will conceal me when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary.  He will place me out of reach on a high rock... At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music."  Psalm 27:1-6

ROUND TWO!!!!!

It was Lexi's 9th Bithday Yesterday. She wanted her ears pierced and a slumber party. We had 9 little girls stay the night. My wonderful mom stayed the night too because Mike had to go to work and I have round 2.....So I left my mom with 9 little girls who went to bed at 1:00 am and woke up at 6:00...(sorry mom I had to go. ha ha ha)...So my sister and I are at round two this morning I'm very excited were almost half way done. I'm praying this new patch works for my nausea.(thank you Andrea for telling me about the patch)...Please pray it works. I started the nausea patch late last time, so I'm hoping it will help me.... I will let you know how I'm doing Wed..the medicine I take tomorrow is the one that tries to get me.... Have a great week.... Love you. sis

Lord What you are commanding me to do today is not to difficult for me or beyond my reach. (Deutteronomy 30:11)

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

There is a story in the Bible about Moses and the Israelites going to war. Without going into much detail during the battle Moses stood at the top of a hill with his two friends and a staff of God in his hands. As long as Moses held up his hands the Israelites would win, whenever he lowered his hands, the enemy would start to overcome them. Eventually Moses would get tired and weary and his hands would start to fall. His two friends would then get on either side of him and hold his arms up for him. Needless to say they won the battle! I say all that to say this...When I first received the phone call from my Doctor saying that I had cancer one of the first people I called was my best friend Kathy. Of course I was in shock and crying. After telling her the news one of the first things she told me was that when I get tired (emotionally or physically) she would be there "holding up my hands"......I just want to thank you all again for standing by me and my family. The support we have is overwhelming... Thank you for the prayers, food, cards, and encouragement. Words can't describe how thankful and blessed we are... My heart and prayers go out to people who do not have the network of support that has been graciously given to us. Please pray for the people who go through this alone.(single mothers, elderly with no family, children etc.) My heart aches for them. Even though I know we are never truly alone there are people who feel like they are. Pray hard and have a wonderful day! Love you Sis

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

NEVER GIVE IN.......

My kids are having a great time on the beach with Daddy. Even though I wish I could be with them I'm glad they are there..Blu's been skin boarding every day (He's a little shredder) and Lexi has been boogy boarding and of course working on her tan...Ha Ha.  I've been feeling great so I worked yesterday and I'm going to work today.  I love it.  It makes me feel somewhat normal. I've been reading a lot while I'm at the Doctor's getting treatment.  In one book I'm reading there's a part in it about Beethoven and all the difficulties he suffered.  At one point in his life he was completely deaf and had numerous medical problems, but still he composed music.  He said"I will seize fate by the throat; it will certainly not bend or crush me completely".  Don't you love it.. We all have something to overcome regardless if it's sickness, finances, marriage, etc. whatever it is we can overcome it.. As Winston Churchhill once said in a speech "Never,never,never,never,never give in!"

YOU MY LORD ARE A WARRIOR;THE LORD IS YOUR NAME. (Exodus15;3)
love sissy

A joyful HEART is good......

Hope you all had a great weekend ours was very relaxed but fun. I Have been wanting Mike to take the kids to Calif. for a couple days this week, since we already had a trip planned.. We go to Coronado every year and the kids love it. Blu loves to skinboard and Lexi loves to play with her friends. Mike finally said he would take them even though I wouldn't be able to go. But, my little Lexi would not have any part of it. She said "no way I'm staying with mommy". Mike and I decided that we wouldn't make her go, but I wanted to talk about why she didn't want to go. After an hour or so she finally told me that she was "worried" that we might get some bad news or something "bad" would happen. I said honey "We already got the bad news so that parts over with. Secondly all worrying does is make your heart sad.." When you worry just pray....In the end she decided that she wouldn't worry and she really wanted to go....... I'm so happy for her. We all worry but really we worry about things we have no control over so we just have to choose to trust and pray....Have a great week.
A JOYFUL HEART IS GOOD MEDICINE!!!!! Proverbs17:22 Luv you sissy

GOOD MORNING.......

WEEKEND BREAK.......

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer I don't know about you but this summer has flown by...I wanted to take a second and thank my sister for organizing meals, (familiy) and Erik Kalkbrenner is organizing my favorite fire dept. meals..The food rocks' I havent seen my husband smile like he did when he was getting ready to eat Billy and Laura's meatloaf....Yum. I think instead of a chili cook off we need to have a CANCER COOKOFF...between Heidi and Erik..ha ha This week wasn't to bad even though it took five different prescriptions to finally find one that worked for my nausea...Its a patch that I wear on my arm and it has helped me so much.. So I have the weekend off with no Doctors. (Yippy) Thank you again to all my friends and family I love visiting with you and all the encouraging texts I get throughout the day they always seem to come just when I need them. Im so grateful to you all. I hope you enjoy the summer we are trying to make the best of it....... Love You sissy
I sought the Lord and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.Those who look to him are radiant: their faces are never covered with shame This poor man called and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and he delivers them...Psalm 34:4-7

One down two to go,,,

One down two to go..Today at 12:oo I officially finish my first round of chemo. Three days of medicine is one round. I go to the Doctor and they give me 3 hours at the office and then they attach me to a portable pump that I wear around my waist and do the same thing until the next day and we start over again...AHHHHH. For the next week and a half I just have radiation every day then I start round 2...I actually feel pretty good I'm a little nauseated and tired, basically I feel like I did when I was pregnant..ISN"T GOD FUNNY...The kids are having a ball. Papa took us shopping and Grandma takes them swimming, bowling, and to the science center..

They have it made..My husband is trying to do it all.....Thank you again to all our friends , family, and prayer we couldnt do it without you...We are so grateful....

My daughter Lexi had to learn Psalm 139 for school (Its very long she obviously takes after Dad) she said this verse reminds her of me vs 12 Heaven and darkness will not be dark to you,the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.. How sweet...love sis

We finally got everything done that we needed to do so that we can start on Monday at 8:30 am. Chemo for 3 hours followed by radiation every day for five to 6 weeks. My husband said put your game face on and lets do it....You' ve had two babies and been in a working fire so your totally going to smoke this ha ha!!. I am so thankful to our friends, family, and my fellow prayer warriors....One of our firemen friends wrote me a letter and said "You are so lucky, if I was going to battle Mike would be the first person I would want standing by my side"....This is exactly how I feel. There is no other person I would want standing by me than my husband....Thank you honey I love you sooooo much.
So here we go. Keep praying for us...It sounds weird but were very excited to be moving forward...My kids are doing great...Thank you again for all the support and love you have given us....



Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know?Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak, even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall. but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strengh 'They will soar like eagles they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.

When we first had kids Aunt "Barrie" gave us a red "I am special plate" we would try and give it to our kids at dinner on special ocassions.. Needless to say it never worked out because if Lexi got the plate Blu would spend the entire dinner crying "but I want to be special I want the special plate" and our family dinner would be ruined , so the plate got shelved and we forgot all about it!!!!!! Last nite as we were getting ready to eat dinner my little guy Blu said "mommy get the I am special plate I think you should eat on it tonite"...

And there were no tears.........that was very special to me...

Love sissy

Yesterday my sweet cousin Natalie woke up at 5:30 am (she likes to sleep in) to take me to the doctor to get my "smart port" put in...It was placed right under my right clavicle..I think its new name should be "pain port" Ouchhhhhhhh.. Actually everything went well..I had a great time spending the day with my cousin.. Mike and the kids went swimming and had play dates. (very masculine play dates) ha ha... I'll be going to see Doctors for the rest of the week so that we can be ready to go by Monday at 8:30...My doctors have been wonderful. I'm truly ready to start this process.. Thank you Nat for dinner and the hand made book of scriptures..I love them and you...Please keep us in your prayers, they are definitely working..My kids are doing great...Have a wonderful day....Thanks for all the support we are getting its truly overwhelming... God is Good.. Love sissy

Tomorrow my cousin Natalie is taking me to get my "port" put in...Mike is staying home to spend time with the kids....I loved my radiation Doctor he was very nice...Hopefully we can start Monday....Im ready and looking forward to get this show on the road...Thank you Aunt Barrie for the web site, its very pretty...Everything is good....We are very blessed!!!!!!luv u
sissy

The beginning of the journey

Everyone ought to google "symptoms of rectal cancer" so they can be aware of any disease in their own bodies. My symptoms began intermittently a few months before my diagnosis on June 26th, 2009. After I had all the standard tests and procedures the doctors concluded that I was facing Stage 3 Rectal Cancer. My aggressive treatment is going to include 6-8 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation... chemo for two days every other week, and radiation 5 days a week. After that 6-8 week attack on the tumor, the surgeon will go in and remove any suspicious tissue that happens to be remaining. (I hope you are all joining with me in prayer that the entire tumor rots, whithers and dies!)
After surgery and about two weeks rest, I will likely take additional chemotherapy for four months in order to take a very proactive and aggressive approach. Surrounded by your prayers, my family and I are ready for the battle.
I have already felt so loved by the outpouring of everyone's love and concern and I thank you for that. I invite you to read the verse at the bottom of this webpage. It is the verse that I am encouraged by daily.
My sister Heidi has graciously offered to coordinate meals for my family. She can be reached at mailto:HeLanini@yahoo.com or 602-380-6050. Above all, I thank you for your prayers for me and my family.