Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Waiting

We thought today we might be in a place where we could share some solid answers however, that is not the case. Yesterday we spoke with the doctor regarding Bri's decision. He said he needed to run a few tests to: 1. Determine the cause of Bri's pain (wanting to rule out pancreatitis, gallstones, liver, etc. ) 2: Stabilize her medication regime, explore options and 3: Gather some additional data surrounding her leukemic blasts in her blood and marrow. So yesterday CT's and ultrasounds were done. This morning she had a bone marrow biopsy as they want some solid data on the blast level in the marrow. The doctor indicated that he wanted Bri and us to have as much information as possible to evaluate. He is now satisfied with Bri's level of competence in decision making as she has improved. The nausea and vomiting has subsided and her alertness is increased. In a few days we will give more details but right now we are asking for continued peace and prayer for the family.

The doctor said Bri needs to remain a few more days. She can have visitors however, presently she is in need of rest to gain some strength, so right now the visits should be short. Additionally, if you have been sick or exposed to someone who has been sick (cold, flu, etc.) please save you visit for another time. If you plan on visiting call either Bri's, Brenda, Joshua or Chris by cell phone to let them know you would like to come. Also, be careful to not wear any perfumes or cologne as it triggers nausea. We are at Emory University Hospital room 622E.

The prayers and communication of love, encouragement, hope and peace have been like a "balm to our souls" We are being sustained and kept by Gods amazing Grace and we know that we know that we know "the prayers of a righteous man availeth much"

Bless you all and thank you.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brianne,
You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you!
-Jessica Morgan

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear about Bri being more alert, etc. We're still praying!
Jon Brown

Anonymous said...

Rob forwarded this Louie Giglio video, and when I watched it, I thought of you, Bri. Watch it when you feel like it, and remember that Jesus holds your life in his hands.
Love,
Danielle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4

Anonymous said...

Brianne,
We heard the latest update and just wanted you to know you hold a special place in hearts and thoughts. We will continue to pray for you and the Tsevatewa family--yes, even your nutty brothers. We love you Brianne!
Ross and Kristin Campbell

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for you everyday, Bri. Sending all my love! Ruth

Anonymous said...

Hi Brianne -- I receive a daily devotional from the Girlfriends in God website. Today's devotional was so good that I wanted to share it with you. I hope that you can find comfort in the words. I will continue to pray for you and your family. You have fought so hard and made the best of the situation at hand. May God bless you!

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Friend to Friend

I once saw a refrigerator magnet that said, "I know that God promises to never give me more than I can handle. But sometimes, I just wish He didn't trust me so much." When trials come and life seems hard we plead with God to deliver us from the problem when many times, His plan is to deliver us in the problem. Praise does not depend upon an understanding of the circumstance or trial. Praise depends upon an understanding of and faith in God.

As humans, we will never fully understand God -- this side of heaven. God is holy and without blemish. God is all powerful and omniscient. He is Creator of the universe and yet lives in me. He is the only true, living God! We may understand some of His ways and comprehend the reasoning behind some of His plans. We may even come to the place of knowing him on what we call an intimate level, but a full understanding of God is reserved for heaven. Until then, we walk by faith, not by sight. We praise him in the darkness, knowing that the light is just ahead. We trust him for things we cannot see and turn to him in the valleys. Honestly, the thought of serving and relying on a God I can understand is not a reassuring thought.

Most people who know me well would describe me as a strong person, someone who can usually handle what life holds. I thought the same thing until, in 1995, I found myself a powerless, prisoner of the darkness as I battled clinical depression. It took me two long years to climb out of that pit and not a day goes by that I am not reminded of that wonderful, horrible time. One of the many lessons I learned from my "pit experience" was that I cannot depend upon my own strength or my fickle emotions. God often asked me to praise him when, as far as I could tell, there wasn't a whole lot to praise him for! I didn't feel like praising him. I began to understand that praise is not a feeling but a choice, a step of obedience taken without the assurance of a changed circumstance or the elimination of a trial. Praise focuses on God, not the circumstance, and fixes its gaze upon God's truth and God's character instead of the trial at hand or just ahead. That is why we can celebrate the battle before it begins. The outcome is neither our responsibility nor our goal. Praise begins and ends with faith in the very nature, personality and integrity of God...and that never changes.

No matter what lies ahead, God is faithful. No matter how hot the fiery trial may be, God will deliver us. No matter what man says or does, God loves and accepts us. So praise God! Thank him today for every victory tomorrow holds! Celebrate - knowing that the battle belongs to God and because of that single truth, victory is certain. Devotional by: Mary Southerland

Shared with you by Teresa Hollingsworth

Anonymous said...

Hello Brianne,

My name is marquis Boone and I am the youth pastor of New mercies and a friend of Willie Miller. I just wanted to stop by your page and let you know our youth group prayed for you last night and are touched by your story. We are in your coner praying, believeing, and pushing you on. Be bless and we love you

nstoudemire said...

Brianne,
I have heard so much about you and your battle through a family friend (Coach Willie Miller). I want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. I pray that God will continue to strenghten you as well as give you PEACE in this time of a storm. Last night at church our praise and worship leader was stuck on the phrase "JOY IN SORROW". As I was typing this email this morning that phrase began to ring out in my thoughts. I just want to encourage you that no matter what happens God is still on the throne and He reigns over all things. Even in this difficult time just remember to trust in God for He is truly our Joy in sorrow. God Bless You!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Bri Bri,
We are all waiting with you to hear the latest test results.
'Be bold. Be strong. For the Lord
thy God is with thee.'
I love you,
Betty

Anonymous said...

Hi Bri i am a friend of willie miller and he spoke very highly of you. i just wanted you to know that i/we are praying for you. coach talked about your strong faith; i applaud you. Our God is a strongtower and he is great and mighty!

Anonymous said...

Just a note to let you all know I am thinking of you today. I have added you to our prayer list a church. I love you all!

Anonymous said...

Bri!!
I'm praying for you! I went through some pictures and found one of me and you on several different TSA Trips and such!! I know that God has some awesome things in store for you and that he is the Almighty Healer! Stay strong, and i hope to we all get to see you soon!! We all love you very much!!

Stacey Matthews