03/04/10 p.m.
Bri experienced an “interesting day,” today. After installing the halo, the medical team realized it had been improperly positioned. They had to remove the halo, drill new holes and reinstall it in the correct position. As the second set of holes was drilled, the team ruptured a couple of blood vessels. It took a while to stop the bleeding. Bri reports that when she finally returned home, her hair was matted with dried blood.
The radiologist examined the 4 tumors that were radiated last week. He told Bri what he saw was amazing . . . all 4 tumors showed definite signs of dying. He told Bri that patients seldom show such a quick, positive response to the treatment.
I reminded her that priesthood blessings, and the blessings of fasting and prayers by numerous family and friends, and temple worship with her in mind were being manifest before her eyes.
Today the dr. radiated 4 more tumors. She mentioned that solid tumors typically respond to radiation much better than soft, liquid-filled tumors. Of the 4 that were zapped today, one was a liquid-filled tumor. It was a relatively larger tumor that has been affecting the vision in her right eye (seeing spots and floaters). The dr. told her the results of the radiation treatment might not be clearly evident for awhile because the efficacy of the treatment on the liquid-filled tumor was often difficult to determine right away.
This evening, Bri is feeling tired, but she’s doing well. She has a full schedule of activities planned for tomorrow and this weekend as her oldest, Kaden, will be celebrating his 9th birthday on Sat., Mar. 6.
Sunday, Bri’s ward is having a special day of fasting and prayer for Briana Stephen. Very nice! Much appreciated! It will bring wonderful blessings to her life and the lives of those who participate and witness the continuing miracle.
Mon., Mar. 8, Bri will begin chemotherapy . . . yes, chemotherapy. The original plan was to hold-off on chemo until after all radiation treatments had been completed. However, today, while consulting with her radiologist, Bri suggested that if there was concern about any cancer spreading elsewhere in her body, including more in the brain, perhaps it would be good to begin chemotherapy as soon as possible as a preventive measure. The radiologist agreed saying, “That’s what I’d do if it were me.”
So, the plan is to go to her dr. (I don’t know which one) Mon. morning at 10:30. He’ll do a full-body PET scan, including the head, to determine if there’s cancer anywhere in her body. Based on the results, the chemo specialist will determine what mixture (cocktail) of medications will be administered to combat whatever they find.
Chemo treatments will continue throughout the month of Mar. and the first week of Apr. She’ll undergo another full-body PET scan on Apr. 7. If the chemo has stopped or reversed any cancer, the radiologist will then decide if he needs to continue pinpoint radiation for any remaining brain tumors.
Her spirits are high. Her head is sore . . . no kidding. Her love and appreciation for all is overflowing.
Your ongoing faith, fasting, prayers and temple worship are witnessed in blessings that are visibly manifest in Bri’s physical improvement.
I have some thoughts that I’ll be sharing with Bri this weekend. I’ll share them with you, too.
Until then, take care.
We love you,
Rick
Faith is not believing that God can . . .
it's knowing that He will.
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