Tuesday, December 30, 2014

7 out of 12

Those weekly treatments can be counted on one hand now! What a blessing! Side Effects have been minimal. Praying the other 4 segment ones are the same. Heard they are tougher! Yikes,being more tired won't be fun. This feels like I am in a hibernation season of my life. Taking it slow. Not rushed. I am a lets go, what are we gonna do today kinda of girl. So this has knocked the wind out of me. Over the last week I've been stuck inside. The weather has been so gloomy and plain ol' depressing! I need sunshine! Today was sunny, but stuck inside this infusion room most of the day. Not cool. Not cool at all...
I think this post might be blah! Sorry but I want to share what's on my heart. Chemotherapy is going good. But man I am ready for it to be over. I could of took a week off today because my regular Doctor was out of town but I chose to see someone else today to keep pressing on. Waiting a week is too long(I've said it before, I am ready to be done) Feb 3 should be my last weekly treatment and no more study drug. Pray these next treatments will be so benifical to to study,and to me! Thank you in advance. Let's claim healing and protection of my heart and other organs. 
Today was long and I was ready to be done and go home. I did not feel like my bright bubbly self today. I know you all have felt that way at times. Those times I hate! I hate being sad and not myself. I know I will have those days and I need to process them and understand them just like you. All I could do was think Lord this could be worse. Toughen up Brandi it's not much longer. Look at those around you. Be the light. Just know I feel your prayers. I know you may not pray for me everyday. But you might after reading this post. Or in the morning when you see it on Facebook or check out my blog. Or when the moment pops in your head! Just know by you stopping and praying God hears you. I pray for lots of people daily. I try to pray right away for people I respond to in a comment or message. I stop right there and send those words to our creator. Prayer is a powerful thing. Don't take it lightly. 
On to other things... A lady loved my wig and called and made an appointment for Friday to get her a wig at the HPI. She loved the way mine looked so real. She said I need one that doesn't look like a helmet. :) I sure hope she gets one and makes her feel like herself again. She said "It was great meeting you and talking with you today." God had the perfect timing! I was feeling kinda down today and he used me anyways to give others hope! In return I was blessed! 
I leave us with the verse: (2 Corinthians 4:8)
 
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Round 6


Today was the half way point of my first segment! Six more left of going once a week! It has flown by so fast to me. I see the doctor again for my check up and double dose of chemo! Taxol and Carbo! Today was good. I showed up in my new long wig. The nurses were like OMGoodness it looks like your real hair before you cut it. They all were touching it and admiring it. Even getting this wig was a blessing. My insurance would not cover wigs. So I knew it would be an out of pocket expense. Never thought I be asking for a wig for a Christmas present.  I looked a tried on several but could not decide on one that was me. Or that made me felt like myself. I went to HPI and had a free consultation(which means these were pricey). I got excited that they could make a wig to look like my natural hair before I chopped it off. They matched and made the color match and even gave my my thick hair back. The lady was great and knowledgeable about insurance and told me to check with our Cancer policy since insurance wouldn't.  So I was reluctant to call, So I waited to call the next day trying to not get my hopes up just in case it wasn't covered and told God in my prayers I was not going to get upset or be too vain about not getting the wig. But God amazed me even with the way he worked this wig issue out. It was 100% covered. I have seen God in the smallest of my details and the biggest ones too through this journey. I know I am sensitive to His presence during this time and I am humbled and in awe of His details and plans He has for me! Praise God from all blessings flow!

I had a visitor the other day and they had so many questions about everything and I was so excited about recalling all what the Lord has done and WILL do on my behalf. It brought tears to their eyes. I prayed the Lord touched their heart and and spoke to them. In our conversation I said I felt like Peter when they were in the boat in the storm. Peter looked out on the water and saw Jesus walking on the water. Peter called out and Jesus told him to step out and walk on the water like He was. Peter had to keep his eyes on Jesus and if he took his eyes off or he would sink. I am Peter right now and I am focusing my eyes on Jesus through this "storm" I am in. I will not sink! I will press on. He says to ask and He will give you the desires of your heart. I am claiming healing and to bless others through this battle! Love ya'lol and thanks for your prayers! They are what is keeping my eyes focused. 

I leave us with this verse:
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lordand he will give you the desires of your heart.

Brandi

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

"Christmas"

Quick update on today before I get in to my post for today: Today went good. Blood work was okay I guess. They didn't mention anything to me. I claiming no news equals good news! I go back to my regular Tuesday Chemo Day next week. It will be week six. That's half way through my first segment! Praise the Lord! 
Okay now I want to get to the whole Title of this blog post is: Christmas! Christmas for most people would say it's a Holiday season in December. The Holiday after Thanksgiving. A night when Santa comes and brings good little boys or girls their special Christmas wish/wants. Or the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Would you agree? Well of course you would! All the above are correct in some people's beliefs. In the post tonight, I pray you hear my heart.  My heart has seen something so amazing and it is what I want you to stop and think about. 
Okay, let's get started. Since October my mind and emotions have been on a roller coaster. Since day one of finding out I had Breast Cancer, so many people have showed me love, compassion, kindness , goodness, faithfulness(in praying for me), encouragment, thoughtfulness and even tenderness. I have been overwhelmed in a GREAT and HUMBLING way. It has felt like "Christmas". Are you wondering what I mean? Well what I am referring to is all the ways you have showed me as I mentioned a few sentences ago. That is all the things I think of especially around the Christmas season.  We see tons of these things people are doing. We see it out in stores with Angel Trees. We see it with people collecting food for those to have a nice dinner to eat. Making sure those precious children get that shoe box filled with their basic needs/supplies and a treat that lights up their eyes. Most of our kids would just toss it aside and not see what we wanted it to be. Even that family struggling to make ends meet we dig in our pockets to make them have a special Christmas and it bring them joy. But in return it fills our hearts too that we were able to do that. That's what Christmas is to me. All the things Jesus taught us about loving others and making his presence known throughout the world. For people to recieve that special gift of salvation.  
I truly have felt the "gift" of all my friends and family and even strangers. It has been Christmas feeling. Some people have asked what I wanted for Christmas and I am so glad to say nothing. I feel like I have everything I need or want! Going through this journey has opened my eyes to a whole new perceptive of life and how fragile it is and not as much time as we think we have. I have Jesus, my healthy beauty family, and amazing family/friends. I am in great hands at the Oncologist office, I will be healed(claiming it as He tell us too)and people have help feed us, help raise funds to meet our deductible. Even tonight I received an anonymous typed letter and cashiers check that wanted to help us during this journey we are facing and I cried! It was so humbling to think someone thought of me and my family. I pray this family is blessed tenfold for their sacrifice and obedience for showing the true meaning of Christmas. I was able to be in a study which covers so much of my treatment. And having an additional Cancer policy that cover crazy things like my custom wig I had made. God has blessed me more than I could ever IMAGINE! There is so many more amazing, mind blowing things that HE has done I am saving for another post.  

As I close I want to say and ask God to bless everyone that has thought of my family during this journey. Prayerfully and Financially.  I also pray that we will be able to give back all which what was given to us and be able to help others when they face what we were given. 

I leave us with these verses:  
You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 
(Acts 20:34-35 NLT)
 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Blessed and Bald!

Yesterday was a huge step for me! I went and got my wig. I really like it. We kept it kinda long so I can get use to it. It's the perfect match to my natural hair color! Well what was my natural hair color! Spencer got to buzz the remaining hair off yesterday afternoon. Truthfully I was so scared! But Izzy held my hands. I just focused on her beautiful brown eyes and just kept saying I need to be brave for her. Brave like Queen Esther! The hair was gone and she told me I was still beautiful! That meant the world to me! For me to have my daughter see my inner beauty like Jesus does. Not what the worlds might think is beautiful. If having to go through this for her to know what true beauty is and what matters most to me. 

Last night was our Christmas party at work! I loved seeing my friends! They were so sweet and made me a beautiful canvas. Each square is a heart that my friends made and they wrote a single word that describes me. I am so humbled by their kindness! These are the things that keep me motivated to keep on trucking. I will cherish this painting forever! I have ready found the perfect place for it! 

I leave us with the reminder that beauty is in the eye of the beholder! And that friends are the best medicine. 

Verse: 
You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.
 (Song of Songs 4:7 NLT)

Friday, December 12, 2014

Scalp'em

That's is what a Seminole Fan says! But tonight looking in the mirror that's what I saw! My scalp is starting to show more and more these days. 
I still have a lot to loose. But seeing my hair come out is such a visual of my Cancer on the outside! Visuals are hard to take! I also know when I see my hair falling out I know the Chemo is working! I pray and claiming the tumor is breaking down and shrinking just like the number of hairs on my head! This is the only thing I am going to let this Cancer take! 

Well... I ask you for a few prayer requests this week! First of all please pray my liver enzyme levels go back down to a normal range. And the rest of my labs look good next week! Second I need you to pray my family stays healthy. Izzy came home with a cough. I have her on essential oils and some cough medicine. Please pray it goes away. I also have a sore throat. Not good since I can't be getting sick! I am on essential oils too and Zyrtec to stop any drainage. Ugh, this is going to be a long Winter Season! 

Tonight I leave us with this verse: 
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT) 

Brandi

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Fourth Round

My first cycle is done! This weeks chemotherapy is just like my first dose! Medical Exam looked good! Blood work was good all except my Liver enzymes are elevated some. They said it's probably the drugs. So please pray that my level looks better next week. I am writing you as I am on my last bag, Carboplatin is what's on the drip now! Should be out of here in 30 mins or so. 

Thanks for your prayer! 

I leave us with this verse:

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see! 

Brandi

Monday, December 8, 2014

Wigged Out!


Well I got one being dyed to suit me better! Thank you Rose! She is an awesome hair dresser! Message me if you want her number and a beautiful new do! I also picked one out online and can't wait until it gets here! I have an appointment and HPI in Nashville for an consult about a wig fitting and such! So pray I get "wigged" out! Haha! I made a funny! 

Oh! I have a few pics  below that will make you LOL! 
This is the 100% human hair one that's getting dyed and styled. Who looks better in it? Stay tuned for the final results! 


Saturday, December 6, 2014

Subtracting -

I wanted to give an update on my week. I went looking for a wig and had no luck. Which I figured they wouldn't have many younger looking wigs. I did get a free one from the American Cancer Society it was a short wig and not a color I'd pick. But it was 100%  human hair and can be dyed and cut to hopefully match me better. I dropped it off to my hair stylist. Rose will work her magic! So she will get with me this week and hopefully have something for me by the end of the week. I have an appointment on Tuesday with the HPI to be fitted and design a wig that matches my hairstyle. So pray they won't cost an arm and a leg! I might be asking Santa for some hair! 
As I've said early this week the Lord has been busy subtracting all the hair coming out of my head. I really am surprised I am not bald yet! My Mama was rubbing my head tonight because it was hurting. When she finished I said my head felt fluffy. Well I got the brush and my hair kept coming out in the brush. I am amazed the process of this. I was reminded that the chemo is working because my hair is falling out, so I am claiming its stopping the tumor from growing too. I am claiming it to be shrinking!! I am finding the positive even in this! It's been tough and I think once I shave it off it will be freeing. That's what I've heard anyways. 
This week the my treatment is Thursday. It will be Taxol, and Carboplatin just like my first chemo treatment. This will be my 4 out of 12 treatment. All has been well! I am so thankful! I have been tired but that's to be expected. Praising the Lord for his mercy! Keep your prayers coming and I covet each one of them. 

I leave us with these verses:
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 
(James 1:2-3 NLT)


Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Loosing My Hair :/

Well today I woke up to lots of hair in my bed and I ran my fingers through it and I pulled out 10 or more strains at a time. I called Spencer and said it was coming out and he reminded me it was day 21. That's when we were told it would start to come out. As usually my body has perfect timing! I freaked out a few times today because my hair just kept falling out. I have already vacuumed my bathroom floor once today and had to go over it again before bed. I was in the bathroom at the sink and I told Spencer we might have to shave it sooner than I thought. Then I busted out crying. I guess I am stressed or overwhelmed by it. It's just another step closer I guess to the outside world knowing what I have. I share with you all because you are my friends and acquaintances. I don't let strangers on Facebook or my google circle from this blog.  But as I walk into my neighborhood Publix I don't want all of them to know. That's the part that gets me. I have to release that. But that's what bothers me. I don't want someone to look at me and define me by what I have. I said early in my wig post when you see a bald head you know it's cancer! 
So tonight please please please pray I find a wig. I am going to the American Cancer Society tomorrow with my friend Amanda to look for a wig. If I strike out there we will try a few other places. Thanks for your prayers! I will be needing them in the days ahead! 

I leave us with this verses:
And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:30-31 NLT)

Brandi

Wig Shop!!

I
I decided since every time I run my fingers through my hair I get a few hairs that come out each time. I thought I'd better get to looking at what wig suits me! Wow... never thought I be doing this. First time for everything right? Bald is something that freaks me out. I want to be transparent with ya'll. I love my hair. It's like my crown and glory! It's me! And the thought of loosing it just ticks me off! 
When someone gets sick they can hid it for the most part. You could walk into a store and know one would really know. But with cancer not so much! You see a bald head and you just natural assume oh they have cancer. Face it we all do. I do it now. It's seems like I am aware of it more since finding out I will be loosing mine. Don't get me wrong bald is beautiful in it own way. I see these ladies and they are gorgeous. I think to myself wow... I wonder if I can pull that off. I will be finding out soon enough! I have told Spencer he better not staring at my bald head when I am asleep or I will punch him in the nose if I wake up and catch him! He's been so sweet to me through all of this. He even said he'd shave his head with me when the time comes! Sweet...but NO THANK YOU! One bald head is enough. 

Well for a good laugh I took pictures of my trip to the wig shop! Luck you! You can see I tried different styles to see what look more natural for my style I already had. I love long hair. But I tried a few colors out. I am NOT a blonde(even though I act like one sometimes). I am not a black haired lady either. I am a true brunette! But apparently my Hubby has a thing for redheads! I tried on a Auburn colored one and it was his FAVORITE! I even tried on a fun one. I have know idea who would even buy this type but I had fun with it! I made the best out of this trip! I was scary trip for me but found the blessing in it. It will give you a good laugh! Enjoy! 

I leave us with this verse: 
Sorrow may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
 (Psalms 30:5 NLT)

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Segment I: Round 3 and 9 More to go!

Hello Everyone!


Today Spencer's Mom(Angela) took me to my treatment. I got there at 9:30 to get a blood draw from my Surgeon's Office for a study I am in for them. The study he is doing to see how my body reacts to Chemotherapy after treatments. Then I headed down to my Oncologists office for my treatment. I had another blood draw and it was a go for round 3. Yay 9 more left. I was excited I got my same chair. I sure hope I get my spot every time(I almost didn't, I had to wait about 5 minutes and moved to it) I call it my lucky chair. Even my sweet nurse Denise expected me to be there today when she came to clean my port she looked there. 
Today as I got my Benadryl, Steroids, my Taxol had a hole in the bag and had to stop. Which was a little scary. I was not sure what was going to happen. But the Sarah Canon Research Center had to mix and send a new bag over to my Doctor's office. It caused me to run an hour later than expected. But the cool thing was during that time #TeamMartina came and passed out Christmas stockings out to all of the cancer patients. They sang Christmas Carols and visited with each of us. They had special stockings for the Breast Cancer patients. If you are wondering like I was Team Martina is Martina McBrides charity that she does every year. I thought it was so cool she had a team come and brighten our day with those sweet stockings. I got candy, a Amy Grant christmas cd, pens and a cute pink hipster bag with a pink ribbon on it. I will post a picture of it on Facebook. 

Next week I will have a treatment on Thursday since my Doctor will be out of town next week and I will see another on call doctor. I will have Benadryl, Steroid, Taxol and Carboplatin. Plus I take my study drug 2 times daily. Then for the next 2 days after that I have to take steroid pills. This is my treatment every 4 week.  The in between weeks I take just the study drugs, Taxol.  I seem to be getting the hang of it. I am trying to make the best of it. I have been so blessed by all of this. Finding the beauty and blessings in everything makes you put things into perspective. It makes you see that things could be far worse and it not as bad as it seems. God's got this! 
While I was at my treatment today looking around I could see so many others battling for their lives. It sure makes me want to go in there and give them Hope and be a light. I met another Breast cancer lady today. Her name was Kim. It was her last day of treatment. She was so beautiful. She was a warrior. She was the total opposite of me. She was triple positive. It really amazes me how every kind of BC is so different. Every treatment is different. But we are all so supportive and open with each other. It was so neat to talk to a lady that was a first time Chemo patient today. She was a newbie and got to give her some helpful tips and encourage her. Plus she had her surgery before treatment so she shared with me.  

As I said before and will always say God is so good. He gives us everything we need and always has the best time. Thanks for your txts, and calls today. I felt them as the day went on. I will leave us with this verses:

Romans 12:2, 6-12 (NLT)

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you ,which is good and pleasing and perfect.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have the gift of showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically! Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.


Brandi ;)

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Good Early Morning!
We just had friends leave from a Fellowship,Food and Fun Night at our house. We had a blast! Walking Tacos for dinner and Homemade From Scratch Brownies for dessert. We played Mad Gab, Fish Bowl, Charades and Uno! I love being blessed with great friends. 
Well... In a few hours from now lots of you will be getting up and start to rush and prepare for Thanksgiving lunches or dinners! I just wanted to say hope all of you following my blog have a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family and friends! Try not to rush and miss the moments in your day that will fly by and you can get back. Slow down! Be Intentional. Be Blessed! 

Love,
Brandi 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Round 2 in Da Books!!! :)

Good Evening! 
I am so blessed to even be able to type that. God is so faithful! He heard our prayers today. Today I was able to take less Benadryl so that was great. No Benadryl high!  My body is responding to the treatment good thus far! That's a huge praise! Praying next week will be the same. And hoping for a good week.I did get a Rx for heartburn like symptoms I had last week. Being tired is okay(that's part of the healing process). Being healthy and side effect-free and not nauseated is the icing on the cake! Can I get an AMEN?
 Continue to pray for the tumor to shrink each week and to respond the way we hope. Basically to be gone in Jesus name and never ever return in my body again! Also that this study will hit a break through and help lots of TNBC ladies be survivors and overcomers! I plan to beat this Cancer's bootie! I will be fighting like a girl!! Let do this prayer warriors! ;)

I had a sweet friend at Crummy Cookies(find her on FACEBOOK) make me some "nurse cookies" today. I brought them today to my treatment and handed them out. They loved them and were so thankful! I loved seeing their face enjoy them! I wanted them to know I appreciate how kind and caring they have been to me since I started this journey weeks ago! They always treat me like I am the only patient when I am there. That means the world to me. I love my Nurses and Doctors that they Lord has given me during this journey. He gives us what we need. He is so faithful! He never promised it would be easy. But He did promise we would never walk alone! 

Well I will update later this week! Keep those prayers coming! I am grateful! 
Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Be blessed and stop and take time tonight or this week and please count your blessings! I promise you, you will be blessed when you stop and see how amazing our Lord is in EVERY part of your life. Please post here or FACEBOOK me at least one thing you didn't realize until you stopped took the time to count your blessings! 

Love Ya'll

I leave us with this verses:

He will bless those who fear the LORD, both great and lowly. May the LORD richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
 (Psalms 115:13-15 NLT)

Brandi

Thursday, November 20, 2014

11-20-14 Update



Hi! Thanks for all the prayers they are working! 3 days into my 1st round of Chemo all seems well! Taking my meds as I should. I haven't missed a meal. Taste buds are still alive! No nausea meds need yet. Stomach has felt a little weird but not queasy! That's huge praise! 

Please pray for my Izabella Grace she went to the doctor today because she had a low grade fever and terrible headache and sore throat last night. Spence took her to the doctor first thing and No flu, no strep! Just a cold. So I will keep her on the essential oils that I started her on last night. My new diffuser is working overtime. Glad I am ordering another one. I feel like I need them going in every room of the house. I am trying to not freak about about germs but man going through Chemo is a big deal and I don't need complications. So pray we all stay healthy and I don't turn into a germ-a phobic person! Man my OCD kicks in sometime and I have to remind myself it okay. My count isn't down low just yet.

Tuesday Nov. 25 is my 2nd round. Pray it's another successful one. No reactions and another good week with no side effects and a healthy heart! 

Thanks for your love and support with prayers, meal train, well wishes, encouragement, and your financial support through Go Fund Me and they checks coming in the mail. 

I leave us with this verse today:
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord , and He will give you your heart's desires. 

Brandi

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

1 Down 15 More To Go!


Well Good Evening! Sorry I haven't posted until now! I was under the influence of a few drugs today. :)  I want to start from the beginning. First of all let's acknowledge that Jesus hears our prayers! My morning was a little cra-cra! Spencer and I left a little bit later than we wanted and TRAFFIC was a nightmare getting downtown! I was late for my 1 Chemo appointment. But got there about 20 mins later than I should of. I got right in and they love my blood...They seem to not get enough of it! 10 vials today! 10!! The poor nurse felt bad she had to take that much from me. I was a good patient and my veins were covered in your prayers so it was not a problem today. Thank you Jesus! Then after the labs I went for a routine check up and cleared for Round One. Yay!! Well.... Not really Yay! But you get my point.
So on to the crazy Part 2 of the morning. So my lovely hubsters had an issue over the weekend and didn't feel to well. So while we were telling(I was telling) my Oncologist what was wrong with him,she called in a favor and got him in to see the Hiney Doctor. He had a friend down there that was not going away. I know, I know TMI but his whole blog is kinda transparent so ya'll just hang in there! 
So Spence left me to go see the doctor which was a huge blessing. He was not feeling spunky at alI. I went to the infusion room and started getting my port ready and lots of info was being thrown at me and explained to me what my day would be like. So an hour went by and the nurses started my infusion I started felling loopy with the Benadryl drip. It was getting harder and harder to focus and not close my eyes to listen to the nurse. So I was a little nervous since Spence was not back yet. I opened my eyes and I got to see a familiar face. Mrs.Pam from our church. She was just dropped off a gift for me and asked where Spencer was. I had to explain! Poor guy! So she ended up staying with me most of my treatment until Spence got back. He was gone so long because he had to have a little outpatient surgery! I know! CRAZY!! Not what we had expected but it was so nice to have Mrs. Pam there because she and I have the same surgeon and Oncology Doctor. She is a BC SUVIVIOR! It was a divine appointment. She kept me calm and helped me all day! Spence got there last 30 mins with me and the nurse talked and explained things to him. Over all it was a great day! I know I said great day! It floors me too. But nothing is impossible with God! 
Thanks to everyone who prayed,called , txted, and social media messaged me. I was covered in your prayers! I hope to have a good rest of the week too! I wasn't sick at all. I ate and drank all day and held down my dinner(Pot Roast and Veggies). 
I have meds to take for the trial everyday. 2 pills twice daily. And then on days I get my Carbo drip I take 2 pills for 2 days after that. I have my Zofran for nausea and I have Ginger(oils, cookies and natural ginger ale).

So I will leave us with this verse to chew on: 
I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God! Bend down and listen as I pray. (Psalms 17:6 NLT)

Brandi 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Run For God #RFG



Most of you know I was leading a class at my Church on Sunday afternoons. It was called Run For God. The class was geared for people who had never really ran a 5K. We would have a devotion and share our thoughts and then it went into different parts of Running. The basics and built up from there in preparing us for a 5K at the end of the study. So yesterday was our 5K we picked to do! It was freezing due to the Polar Vortex. So I had 4 consistent faithful ladies that ran yesterday's race. I was so proud of how hard they worked( 3 days a week of training and 1 of those days was training as a group). They showed themselves yesterday they can do anything. I waited at the finish line to snap all their hard work into a treasured picture. These ladies ran their race and no one else's! 

The study reminded us over and over  that God gives us our own race and it is one we must run! I thought the whole time I was running and preparing myself for that race yesterday. But in reality it was my race to beat TNBC! The Lord was preparing me physical and mental for what lies ahead of me! So Tuesday is my "Starting Line" at 7:45 and my "Finish Line" will be that last dose of Chemo! 
I have so many friends that will be cheering for me and lifting up up along the way! I will Fight Like A Girl! 
#fightlikeagirl #teambrandi

I leave us with this verse:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! 

Brandi

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Mid-Week Chat

Hi Ya'll!

Hope everyone is having a lovely week! So far so good for me and my family! I am just counting down the days for my first chemotherapy appointment. Sorry if I rush the weekend away. :) I am ready to start and kick cancer's bootie! I have been so uplifted by all the love and support. It feels so surreal. I mean I have been so blessed by all your kind words and encouragement. But it has been what's kept me calm. I got a cute little key chain the other day from a fan of Spencer. The key chain says Keep Calm and Pray! And that is what we are doing! 


Have a Blessed rest of the week!


Brandi

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Chemotherapy & Generosity

Just wanted to remind all of you I had my first chemotherapy pushed back a week. It is now scheduled for November 18 at 7:45 The reason is the BRAC test that I had mid October was done by my surgeon and my insurance would not pay for it. It was expensive! Let's just say I could set up a finance plan they said. So my Research Nurse tried to have the billing changed(the study would pay for it because I need this test) and we thought it was a go! But since we have HIPPPA laws they informed us it would not transfer. So yesterday I had to go to my Oncologist and get another wonderful lovely vial of my blood! Can you see the sarcasm dripping off that last sentence? But I am reminded of a Devotional my Mother In Law read to me one morning that she was here and the Devotional was titled: God's Waiting Room. So I feel that it is another long week of anticipation, its God's timing and not mine. Right? 

So I also wanted to say a HUGE thank you to so many people that have sent us money to help out with  all this craziness! It is humbling but we are so grateful! It will help us out due to me not being able to work and for the days that Spencer has already missed and will be missing! We have seen the hands and feet of Jesus and I will never be able to express our appreciation to you in words that my heart and mind want to say to each of you! So I will just say I love you and I am so blessed! God is faithful and He gives us everything we need.


I leave us with this verse:

2 Corinthians 9:12-13

So two good things will result from the ministry of giving -the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ Jesus.

Brandi

Saturday, November 8, 2014

On The Mend!

Good Evening!
I am just giving a quick update. I am on the mend. Praise the Lord. Still sore. The swelling in my neck and the port site has gone down some. It looks so weird with bump now on my chest. I have glue to hold the skin together. I will be glad when it heals enough to see how it looks. Its pretty small. It is called a Power Port. It's purple. But no one will see it since it is under the skin. I will be glad to start chemo and get blood drawn this way instead of in my veins that don't like to cooperate! Less pain and bruising I hope. You should see my arms they look pitiful. Bruises on both arms in many different areas. My friend washed my hair tonight. When she saw the bruises she said "Look at your arms!" Told y'all they look bad! I can not get the site wet and its very tender leaning over so she washed my hair in the sink tonight! It is that or greasy hair! I am very thankful her and for the new kitchen faucet Spencer put in a few months ago! It now comes in handy. 

Well I will say Sweet Dreams and Good Night! I am spent!! I need some good rest tonight! Have a blessed evening and I hope you all make time to Worshipping the One who created us! Make time and do not make excuses!


I leave you with this verse. It is a reminder that who I am now is not who I was in my past.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come!


Brandi

Friday, November 7, 2014

JOY comes in the morning!

Hello World!
I woke up this morning feeling like I could run a 5K. Just joking! I did feel better than yesterday that is for sure! Thanks for everyone's help that took the kids, picked them up, cooked dinner for us, and most of all prayed for us. God is so good. In the good times and the bad. When we are in the storm the devil tries to take our eyes off of Jesus. It is so helpful to have others besides us encouraging us along the way. As I was feeling bad yesterday I was scared and I had to remind myself over and over that God was with me. I would feel a peace come over me and I knew that it was everyone that was praying for me. 
I got a call this afternoon from the research nurse. She informed me I would have to come in Monday for a blood draw. The BRAC test the was done was done under a different doctor. My insurance would not pay for it, so the research nurse called to change the billing code so the test could be run. Well all the HIPPA crap that we now have won't let us use the blood thats all ready there. So I get to go Monday and get 1 more tube of blood. It has to be FEDEX'ed overnight to get this test needed so I can start my chemo. I am bummed she informed me we will have to push back the 1st round to the following week. So Chemo should start the 18th of November. I know it all in God's timing but I am so ready to start this journey and count down the weeks.
So please pray for my patience. I hate this cancer is still in me and can attack me for one more week and I am ready to show it where the sun doesn't shine! :) 

I leave us with this verse. 

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning!!


Brandi

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Oh Me Oh My!!!

Oh my, today was a day that kicked my butt! My veins were not cooperative today. The first nurse tried 3 times with no success! They had to call in someone else. He had a hard time as well! While I was miserable getting stuck over and over I was having my Echocardigram at the same time. My nerves were shot to say the least! People working on both sides of me. Poor Spence was sitting in the chair looking helpless! But he's the only thing that kept me from not crying. 
So once I finally got my IV in they had to stick me again to draw blood for my labs! The whole time I was begging the Lord to let them find the veins! 
This port thing was sounding better and better. 
We ended up waiting hours but finally got wheeled back to get my port placed. The placement was weird. I was awake the whole time but didn't feel much. Pressure mostly. It is so weird being in the operating room and awake. I feel loopy. Drugs are a double edge sword. Because I feel like crap now. Going from healthy to all this crap is horrible. I know this is my battle to fight. So I am just a wounded warrior today. My body hurts tonight. Your prayers are so appreciated. I had tears flowing afterwards because this is getting more and more real. This thing is overwhelming at times but I will fight.
  Here is a picture of my port. I just got back to my room. I will be giving you the good, the bad and the ugly! I want to be transparent with my journey. I will praise you in the storm Lord. 

Brandi 

Usies- St.Thomas Midtown(Baptist)

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Tuesday was a busy day.

Wow! What a day! It started at 5:30 this morning getting up and ready. We had to be at the PET scan at 7 am. Drank a lovely red drink! 2 glass of it. Then got a IV and some radioactive sugar shot in me. Was reminder no one need to use the same bathroom as me. Now that's just scary! Had to wait a hour so it could circulate in my system. Then in the machine for 10 mins or so. Then Spence and I were on the the other appointments. I got a EKG was informed my heart look great(at least I have that going for me)! Then got poked again for blood work, and then peed in a cup! Sorry guys you want all the juicy details right? :) After that I headed to my last appointment. The 2nd biopsy and marker placement. Chewed on a Valium on the elevator to be ready for the biopsy. All went well! I did good since I already had one. This time is was a little different. They didn't need a lot of tissue. This time I got Spence to take some great pics! 

The picture is the sample tissue of the tumor. 

Thanks for your prayers. I will just be laying in my bed for the evening. My day has finally caught up with me! 

Love ya'll

Brandi Maige: making breast cancer look good since 10/21/2014!


Not cool boobies, not cool at all!


Monday, November 3, 2014

Encouragement

Hello, 

Just wanted to say a quick THANK YOU to everyone that has sent me a message, text, cards, flowers, T-shirts, DoTerra Oils, gifts and talked to me in person. Your thoughtfulness has touch my heart. I am so humbled by all kind words. At church yesterday we had a sermon on The Power of Our Words: Source of Encouragement. Here are some of my take aways that I jotted down.

-Build Others Up: 
Its so important to lift one another up.
If you can not say anything nice, then do not say nothing at all.
If we are not encouraging others in this life then it makes God so sad. God tells us to love others not treat them like crap. 
-Be Different. Do not be like the world.
In Ephesians 4:29-32 it tells us specifically what to get rid of in our lives. As Christ followers were need to be a better example then what the world tells us to be. We need to remove those characteristics that henders us from being all that God has called us to be. 

I have been guilty at times. But I do try to live each day for the one that created me! We are not perfect. But we should try daily to live as Jesus did. He's the only one that I have ever found to be perfect.
But as I read your sweet words I have been so ENCOURAGED. When I have needed to be lifted up BOOM I get the sweet messages from you. It reassures me that my God is beside me. 

That is why I wanted to write about this today. You have been building me up! And I have so needed it. You are doing the Lord's will. You are being obedient to the Lord. You are being the hands and feet of Jesus. So thank you! I leave us with this verse.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 

Brandi



Saturday, November 1, 2014

Makes My Head Spin!!

Good Morning,

Yesterday was the day I had my first Oncologist Appointment. Talk about a lot of info, GINORMOUS  words that I can not and will never pronounce or spell correctly. It was one tough appointment! I found out what type of Breast Cancer I have. It is called Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It more aggressive than other types of breast cancers. Which SUCKS! That means I will have to fight a little harder. I have been asked to be in a Clinical Study Phase 3. I will not bombard you with the all the details except this is how my journey will start.
Tuesday November 4th I will go for a PET scan. After that I will go back to my Surgeon for another biopsy. The study needs fresh tissue to determine which part of the study would I benefit more from.
Then I will be wrapped back up in an Ace bandage and icing for the rest of the day and next.
On Thursday I go for my Echocardiogram at St. Thomas Midtown. Following that I will stay and have my Port Placement. Then if all T's are crossed and all i's are dotted I should start Chemo next week on the 11th. The chemo treatments should go like this.

Chemotherapy Segment 1

12 weeks of Chemo once a week for 12 weeks.

Chemotherapy Segment 2

4weeks with 2 weeks in between.

That is a total of 20 weeks that is way more than I had hoped for. But God knows this journey and knows I must be able to handle it. Which is awesome to type and even say. But really my heart is pounding thinking OMGoodness can I really do this? Of course I am freaked out about chemotherapy but I am trusting the Lord and squeezing His hand SUPER tight! The appointment made this so really yesterday. Yes finding out was a huge shock but nothing really changed. Then this appointment yesterday and all the prep work that I have ahead of me this week is like reality hitting me in the face. I was so freaked out about loosing my hair, now loosing my hair doesn't seem half bad!
During the appointment yesterday all I could think about was Queen Esther again. She was brave and scared but she was faithful to the Lord in the command that He needed her to do. That is what I am feeling right now. God has gave me my command to battle this cancer. I must be brave and fight. It won't be easy and it's going to be challenging but I will fight. God is on my side and I have so much love and support from family and friends God has placed in my life.
Promise today you will look around you and truly LOOK and see the beauty in everything. God is alive and all around us. Be blessed and never take things for granted again. I am just as guilty as the next person. Until my next post. I leave us with this verse.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid!


Brandi

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Oncologist Appt.

 Prayer Warriors! 
Tomorrow is my first oncology appointment. So around 10:30 if you remember please pray! I am a ball of nerves! It's just the unknown of everything and waiting that has me this way.

Also I want to say thank you so much for the calls,texts,the messages, and the cards! It has been so encouraging to me! God has blessed me with amazing friends and family!! Love ya'll! 

Psalms 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. 

Brandi




Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Finding Out

Good Evening!
As promised I said my next post was how I found out. Many of you have asked "How did you find the lump?" So hold tight and here we go… 
I had my annual check up in May all was good. Nothing was said when they did my breast exam. But over the summer I felt something that did not feel normal. I put it off in the back of my mind and went on enjoying the summer. Well time after time I kept feeling it wondering, thinking is this a lump? Surely not! I am so young. Stop worrying. So again off to the back of my mind. Again I felt it but really started to become scared. What if its a lump? I told myself. What if its cancer? I have not done anything about it these past few months. So I prayed "Lord if its something then please help me know what I should do". Well the end of September I woke up from my sleep and the Lord came to me and said "Brandi you need to tell Spencer about the lump". I was like really? What if it for nothing? I fell back asleep. I was woke up again still being warned I needed to tell Spencer. I was reminded what I had asked the Lord earlier. Well I was scared and the Lord reminded me of my favorite Bible lady Esther! I am thinking Esther really Lord? He was like you need to be brave like her. I was like "she was super brave and Lord I am not". He reminded me He was with me!
 So as morning came I was scared as can be and asked Spencer to feel the lump. He asked "what is that"? So we decided that I needed to get it checked out. So I got in to see my OBGYN on October 2 and she referred me for a Mammogram and Ultrasound for the following week. October 7 was that appointment. They knew I felt the lump and confirmed it was not a cyst and needed to get a biopsy. I got in to see the Surgeon on October 16. This appointment was just a new patient appointment and to set up the biopsy(even said so in the paper work). Well Spencer and I went in to the room. They did another ultrasound and then exam. The Doctor came in and introduced himself and then said "We are going to go ahead and do the biopsy today". I was a little shocked. Today? When the paperwork and sign at the front desk tells new patients no biopsy will be done this visit. So Spencer was concerned and asked "why today?" They just said since we were here lets do it. So I was put in the surgical room while Spencer went to get the Valium they prescribed to relax me for the procedure. So after that I was told we should have the results back on the 21st. Well that was my birthday. Happy 36th Birthday! How crazy! So the waiting game started. Now ya'll know the story! 

I hope if nothing else comes from you reading this YOU will do yourself a favor. Go and google how to do a self breast exam! It just might save your life. 

I will end this post with this verse from John 16:33

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you WILL have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."


Brandi

Monday, October 27, 2014

Setting up the blog!

Hello Everyone!
Well are you ready to start this journey with me? Are you ready to see where God is going to take us? Are you scared? Probably not as scared as me!  So hold on daily to Jesus as you journey this path God has set before me and my family! Before you read each post I want you to PRAY for strength, healing, peace and how God can be glorified through this. 

The verse that I have kept close to my heart since finding out that I have Breast Cancer is in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That is why I take pleasure in my weakness and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and in troubles. For when I am weak then I am strong."

I know this is a HUGE shock to me and my family and all of you! I think I am in a nightmare waiting to finally wake up. But as I am typing the reality is. Its real! 

Thank you to all my family and friends that have reached out. It means the world to me! I feel so loved! 
Thank you for the prayers. I have truly felt them. I have been able to function way better than I had thought. I already see God working and helping me get through this. Its one day at a time. One appointment at a time. 

I am sleepy and headed to bed. I will post tomorrow about how I even found out I had Breast Cancer.

Brandi
 photo credit: Mari Wilkes