Treatment

B starts treatment tomorrow.  Our bodies are but flesh.  Our spirits so much more. Tonight I made a list of physicalprayer requests... I'll be lifting her up in many other ways as well, but I wanted to capture some actual physical mechanisms that I claim victory over.

 “…Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.”                     Matthew 15:13  

Prayer Requests
RADIATION

• The radiation oncologist’s ability to precisely target radiation beams will be enhanced supernaturally, permitting stronger doses to be more effective.
• The radiation will be dosed optimally – that the radiation will be as intense as possible to kill the tumor cells while not exceeding the tolerance in B’s brain. 
• The radiation will kill the malignant cells while preserving the health and vitality of the healthy cells around the tumor.  The tumors will shrink away into NOTHING. 
• The swelling of the cells just prior to cell-death will be short-lived.  The cells will recede again quickly and prevent complications from swelling. 
•  B will not experience headaches, vomiting, impaired vision, or impaired speech as a result of the swollen brain tissue.
• B’s hair loss will be minimal, and that it won’t cause her any discomfort.

CHEMOTHERAPY

• The Temodar (Temozolomide) will be powerful and concentrated on the tumor cells. 
• The Temodar will slow the growth of the active tumor cells and cause them to die and never return.
• The Temodar will induce cell death by triggering O6-methylG:T mispairs  and forming O6-methylguanine apoptotic signals.  
• The tumor cells will not be able to repair the DNA damage and reform as malignant cells again.
• B’s body will tolerate the addition of the Temodar.  B’s body will accept and absorb the Temodar in order that it may attack the tumor cells faster and more efficiently.
• The Temodar will provide a barrier in B’s brain that will prevent reoccurrence in the affected cells.

NAUSEA 

•  Zofran (Odansetron) will work quickly and effectively to prevent nausea throughout the treatment regimen. 
• The Zofran will block the serotonin receptors in B’s central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.  It will be an effective treatment for the cytotoxic drug nausea.
• Brandi will not suffer from decreased appetite as a result of nausea.  Her appetite and ENJOYMENT during family meals will be sustained, and even increased!
• The Zofran  will not cause Brandi to experience any stomach discomfort, fatigue, or dry mouth during treatment.

STEROIDS

• Decadron (Dexamethasone) will continue to be effective in absorbing the excess fluid and reducing the swelling. 
• Even in reduced dose, the Decadron will continue to provide additional ways for B’s body to grow stronger and maintain progress in her mobility and strength goals.
• Brandi will not experience any anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, or bruising as a result of the prolonged corticosteroid use.  
• The Lord will bless Brandi with deep, peaceful, restorative sleep every single night.
   

PNEUMONIA 

• Bactrim (Co-trimoxazole)will effectively eliminate any bacteria in B’s body and prevent any rare cases of pneumonia.
•  B’s lungs will stay clear and strong.  Her breathing will not be encumbered by excess fluid or fatigue.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

• Any physical pain in her joint, muscles, and/or tendons will cease immediately.  There will be no cause to take the hydrocodone, which Brandi finds very unpleasant.

BLOOD WORK

• B’s body will continue to make lots of platelets, keeping her safe from bleeding risks and giving her more energy throughout the treatment.
• B’s immune system will be strong and stable.  She will not contract any illnesses or infections.

PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

• Physical and Occupational Therapists will have an open heart, and will accept God’s direction in which exercises are best, and when.
• The muscles in Brandi’s right side will fully awaken and absorb extra nutrients from her food as they strengthen and increase their function. 
• The PT and OT will provide encouragement as the treatment progresses.
• The PT and OT will bring innovative ideas into the Greer home as B continues therapy throughout the radiation and chemotherapy. 

Praises! 

I want to revisit this one… We praise God that Brandi is able to receive her therapy in an out-patient manner.  Being at home with her family is a great source of encouragement, joy, and comfort.  I think it’s important to remind ourselves that this is a HUGE gift!

Thank you for praying with us, rejoicing with us, weeping with us and encouraging us each step of the way. God has been and continues to be good….ALL THE TIME!

Have to start somewhere... again.

B has brain cancer.  My sweet B.  My lovely B.  My God's Gift B.

She is the inspiration for this blog. (Remember this?)  I could feel my heart being tugged to write about her, and what she brings to my life.  I've had a thousand poignant thoughts, feelings, and revelations in the last 15 days - and I don't want them to waste away in my overfilled mind.  I need to get them down on bloggy-paper so I can come back to them and rediscover God's gift of peace each time I read them and remember the special moments I've shared with my friend and my Savior.

B blogged on Wednesday.  If she can get back to it with only her left hand, I really have no excuse.

I can say with some certainty that my stories and reflections will be all over the map.

Speaking of maps, I wish my tiny blue flag pin was poked in the Heart of Texas right now.  It's where I desperately want to be.