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