Saturday, May 17, 2008

Update from Brenda

We wanted to post some new pictures but my mind lately has been surrounded by "confusion and delay". Hopefully, I can get them posted by the first of the week.

This has been a very rough week for all of us but certainly more for Bri as she endures the physical aspects of weakness and pain. She is nausated regularly and is throwing up and as a result has barely eaten in the past 11 days and is only drinking water. They are giving lots of meds to help with the nausea but it has not been eliminated. The strongest med, Ativan, causes her to sleep. She is very weak and tired. Since Tuesday, she has slept probably 20 hours out of every 24 hour day. They think it's the cumulative effect of all the chemo and the last dose given on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this round will be much harder on her. A CT scan was done yesterday to see how the pneumonia has responded. Good news is she has been fever free for 48 hours and that is a TERRIFIC sign. If a few other things fall into place she may be able to go home soon (the Hope Lodge and hopefully home a little bit).

On Thursday, We had a conversation with Dr. Heffner our hematologist/oncologist regarding treatment and care. I asked some questions that were difficult to say the least. In summary this was the last chemo treatment. If this chemo does not reduce the leukemic blasts to transplant level AND her other systems stable, there will not be a transplant. Without transplant, her leukemia is terminal. We will know the results by next Thursday. Should the chemo not work, then decisions will be made by Bri regarding quality of care and end of life options. I apologize for being so blunt and factual but it is the medical reality of where she is. We believe that you who are her family and friends who love and care about her should know.

I cannot, at this time, elaborate or reflect as it is far too overwhelming. The bottom line is we trust and believe God. We grieve and we hold onto Hope. I pray for a miracle that looks like healing for Bri here on earth. A miracle will happen that I know one way or another it will happen.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brenda and Family,
We, too, are praying for a miracle of physical healing. May the God of Heaven continue to bear you up and sustain you as you face the uncertainties of the next few days. Never give up hope.

Love,
GGR

Anonymous said...

Brenda,
We are praying for a miracle also. May God give you the strength that only He can give during this most difficult and uncertain time. Please know that you, Bri and the family are loved deeply. Hope is what we must hold onto.
Love,
Gail