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Monday, May 18, 2009 10:40 AM CDT

I have not updated in sooo long. Brianna is doing GREAT!! She is playing soccer and is the team's star player. She has a power kick no one can stop:) She is doing awesome in school and is just a beautiful young lady. I will have to upload a picture soon. We will be going for a check up soon. They are just so different than they were at the beginning. I still worry a little, but have faith that she will remain cancer free!
Thanks for checking in on us!

Saturday, June 23, 2007 7:43 PM CDT

I know I am just so bad at updating. I think I'll be able to do a little more during these next 2 months. First of all I finally did graduate in May with my Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling so I don't have to go to summer school and I FINALLY have high speed internet!! I can't believe I was on dail-up for such a long time!

I also updated the picture on the main page. Allysa did her First Holy Communion at the end of May. As you can see Brainna is so big now! She is really enjoying summer and loves to go swimming. Little David is not so little any more. He is sooo active. The girls were so calm compared to him. I am so thankful to God to be where we are right now. I sometimes go back and think about the year 2003 and can't believe I survived it! It seems like such a long time, yet I remember everything so vividly as if it happened yesterday.

Before updating today I was visiting some of our old friends. It is also so nice to see so many doing well. However, I also get so sad when I go to our friend's web pages that are up in Heaven. It's really hard not to ask why? Then I went to the Wilm's Tumor pages and couldn't believe all the new little ones that have been diagnosed! It is just too many. I really wish there would be a cure where if a doctor told some one they had cancer that they could go to the drug store and buy medicine and it be all gone!

Cancer touched our family again. My cousin was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He has finished treatment and is doing well. It did not spread, so we are soooo thankful for that.

Well I will get back here sooner than later now that I can update in 5 minutes rather than 5 hours!
Until next time
tootles

Pat and Brianna

Monday, April 2, 2007 4:34 PM CDT

Hello
I have been so bad at keeping up! Well no news is good news....all is great around here. Brianna had her check ups in February and everything came back clear. Our next appointment won't be until next year! She is growing like a weed and is missing her 2 front teeth. I am going to post a picture of all 3 kiddos so you all can see how big they are.

I should graduate in May with my masters in Guidance and Counseling. I am so excited because I've been at it for 4 years now and I am ready to be done! I really enjoy helping others, even though sometimes I hear some really sad stories:(

Well all is fine for those that still check on us. I am going to take sime time to visit some of our old friends, since all my school work is starting to dwindle:)

Unitl Next time
tootles

Pat and Brianna

Tuesday, November 7, 2006 9:15 AM CST

Wow
I can't believe it's sooo long since I've updated. All is going well in the Tellez household. Brianna just celebrated her 7th birthday. She is just getting so big. She really loves school and is learning to read. She is such a perfectionist when it comes to school work and tests. She just has to get 100's on her spelling tests.

Her next scans I believe are in December. I think after those set of scans we will probably go to yearly check ups. It is just so hard to believe what we went through. Sometimes I sit and reflect and I start to feel this horrible anxiety. I hate to go back and "re-live" our experience.

I am just so happy and grateful to God for where we are today. It gets me very depressed though to visit websites where little ones were not able to get cured here on Earth. I pray for them and their families.

Thank you for those of you that still stop by just to check on us. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Take Care
Until Next time
tootles
Pat and Brianna

Monday, May 22, 2006 2:33 PM CDT

We are back and we had a BLAST!!!!!
It was truely an amazing time and I wish we could have been there longer!!
When we first got there I was a bit nervous becasue I didn't know what to expect...when we drove up to the village I got a little teary eyed. I was just so happy to be there and it was so beautiful that I just couldn't hold it in.
When we first got there, we were given a short orientation on the village and were given a package. Then they sent us to the ice cream place to eat some lunch. We all sat there with these huge smiles on our faces. Brianna couldn't wait to finish her sandwich so that she could have some ice cream. After that we went back and they gave us our key to the villa. The girls were soooo excited when they saw where we were going to stay. It was just awesome. That first day we just hung around and both girls went swimming while I attended the orientation meeting. After that we ate dinner and had ice cream for dessert:)
Our first adventure was to Magic Kingdom and that's exactly what it was MAGIC! We all had such a great time. We were there 12 hours...non stop. By the end of the day we were pooped. We sat there watching the fireworks which were truely amazing..brought tears to my eyes (again). Great way to end the day. We went back to our villa and went to sleep ready for the next day.
The second day we went to Animal Kingdom. Brianna and I got lost and it took us a while to find Daddy and Allysa. There were soo many people I was not sure we'd ever find them! Finally we did and continued having a great time. Let's see this was about a 9 hour stay. Again we were exausted at the end, but well worth it!
The third day we went to Sea World. It was so cool seeing Shamu and the amzing show they put on. We sat in the soak zone and Brianna was the one that got really soaked! We actually liked it because it cooled us down a bit. This was another long adventure another 7-8 hours at the park
The forth day we went to Universal Studios. It rained that day but that was not going to stop us! We bought some rain panchos and continued to go through the park. We loved the shows and the girls especially loved the Shrek-4D. It is truely amazing on the things they can do now-a-days! We were there till the park closed (again).
The fifth day we went to Epcot and MGM studios. Loved every minute of it. We were there the entire day and we ran out of time!! We ate at these really cool restraurant at MGM called Sci-Fi and we were sitting in a car watching a big screen TV just like we were at a drive in. It was just way too cool. We closed down the park again.
Our last day we packed up clean up the villa and went to check out. I got teary eyed again because we had had such a wonderful time. We loved our stay there and we loved seeing the girls so happy. We loved the way we were treated and we loved eating all that ice cream at the Village.
It was truely the BEST vacation I have ever had. We had an amazing time and it created memories that will last a life time. I remember when Brianna was first diagnosed I didn't know what the future had in store for us..she started radiation and chemo May 2003 and 3 years later May 2006 we were having the time of our lives!!
I thank God for letting us have this time now and that we have Brianna here with us, because while I was there I couldn't help but think of our friends that are no longer here with us.
I could go on and on and on....it's really hard to put into words the way I felt when I was there. Now I am back home and I keep thinking about what we were doing at this time last week :). Now I have to call the clinic because Brianna needs her next check-up..,but I feel it in my heart that everything is going to be ok. I'll update with the results.

Until Next Time
Pat and Brianna

**NEW PHOTOS**

Friday, May 5, 2006 10:17 AM CDT

May 11. 2006
I can't believe we leave tomorrow!! We are just sooo excited. I looked back in our journal and 3 yrs ago on May 12th Brianna had already had the tumor removed, she had had her first chemo treatment (which got her quite sick) and she was about to have her first of 8 radiation treatments to her lungs. Now 3 years later we are going to DisneyWorld! It's just amazing how our world was falling apart and now we are celebrating and going on a trip. I am just so thankful to God because He's given Brianna a second chance at life here on Earth. I know this trip is going to be **magical** and one that will be forever in my heart! I will update with all the juicy details and pictures too.
Tootles
Pat and Brianna



Hello:)

I know it's been a long time since my last update....I just have had so much going on with school, work and taking care of my family...it is really an overwhelming task:) I turned in my last final yesterday and I have one more quiz to take today and I'm done!! I should finish with my masters next year! This year went so fast, that I know that I'll be done sooner than I know it. I can't wait!!!

Well as you can see...we are counting down until next week. I just can't believe that we are going to DisneyWorld. The girls are so excited and the first thing they do when they open their eyes is tell me how many more days until we get on an airplane. I think it's really going to hit Brianna once we get there...I don't think she really gets it. I've showed her on the internet where we will be going, but I think once we get there her reactiion is going to be priceless!! I can't wait.

I tried to upload a picture but it was way too big and I couldn't resize it here at work. I'm going to try from home. Well I hope all of you that still read our website are doing well...and thanks for still visiting. After all this time I still love to read the guestbook! Well I will be sure to update as soon as we get back!!

Until next time
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, February 16, 2006 9:24 AM CST

Hi everyone
I've got some great news!
We are going to Disney World!! Yeah we are sooo excited. We will be going May 12th and will stay there for a week. Brianna is so excited, even though she said she didn't want to miss school and ruin her perfect attendance! Well she had to miss 2 days because she got sick. So she said, "mommy I don't have to worry anymore I've already missed school so going on the Disney trip will be ok! Having perfect attendance was very important to her..she even asked me if we could go to Disney just for the weekend so she wouldn't miss school!

Everything is going great around here.. I couldn't be happier! God has blessed us and I am so ever greatful and thankful!! Praying for all our caringbridge friends!!

Until Next Time
Pat and Brianna

Friday, January 13, 2006 9:23 AM CST

Good morning!

I feel horrible--I can't believe I have not updated the site in such a long time. I have just been soo busy. Our little one is now walking and to try to sit at the computer at home is just IMPOSSIBLE! HA! Little David is into everything and I have to make sure I'm following like a hawk because he sticks everything in his mouth! I cleaned out the girls playroom and got rid of all those little toys they had. Somehow he always finds something.

So, I had a few second so I'm updating from work--I better do it fast though! :) Well we had a wonderful Christmas and New Year as well! I felt blessed being around all those we love. Brianna is doing absolutely wonderful! Las year when she was at pre-k se was sick ALL the time and missing school too--those darn tonsils. Since they removed them, this year has been great ...not one absence in kindergarten. She is sooo excited because she is shooting for perfect attendance and receive a trophy at the end of the year. So removing her tonsils has made a world of a difference!

As for her eye patch--that's gone too!! She started patching her eye ALL day, then we went to patching it 6 hrs to 3 hours to nothing now!!! She is really excited about that too. She always felt bad because she would tell me that people and kids would stare at her and her friends in her class would ask her often why she had to wear a patch. My poor baby, I just would tell her it was to get her eye better and soon she would not have to wear it--and now her wish came true!

She still asks me about her next test (x-rays, ab ultra sound) and she gets teary eyed each time. She always asks me when we are going to stop going to those visits. It just breaks my heart!! I all do is reassure her that we will be there with her each time. She is just terrified on the finger poke!! When they poke her you think they were doing a worse procedure--you hear her screams and cries thoughout the clinic. I need to show her some coping/relaxing techniques.

Well, I do want to update the pictures as well-hopefully I'll do that sooner than later! :)

Thanks for still visisting and leaving messages in the guestbook ---I love reading them, they make my day!!

We still visit all our caringbridge friends--I just need to sign guestbooks too-- We're praying for all of you even if we don't leave messages.

Until Next Time!
Tootles!
Pat & Brianna

Thursday, October 27, 2005 9:40 AM CDT

CLEAR TESTS!!! Thank you for all your prayers!



November 9,2005

Wow I'm updating again so soon.... Well I just want to ask all the still visit Brianna's sight to keep her in your prayers today. We go for her check-up today. She will be having a chest x-ray and an abdomen ultra sound. She is pretty happy about the switch in the tests because she will not have to drink the contrast and she won't need an IV. Mommy is pretty happy about that too. I do feel pretty calm--I just hate waiting for results--that in itself is very nerve wrecking! After the tests we'll probably go out to eat and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. I will post the results as soon as I get them.

Thanks for your prayers in advance....
Pat and Brianna


November 3,2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIANNA!!!!
WE LOVE YOU LOTS!
Brianna is just absolutely so excited about her birthday! We brought cupcakes to school and she just feels so special.
She says she's in the 6yr old club!
I'll update soon!
Pat and Brianna




Hi everyone
Well as you can see from the ticker factory countdown today is 2 years since Brianna had her last chemo treatment. Wow, 2 years I can't even believe it!! It's wierd because it seems like it was such a long time ago, but yet I can still feel all the feelings I did 2 years ago like it was yesterday!!

I can say it has gotten a little better. Cancer does not consume my life. I do though, look at her every single day and see a miracle right before my eyes. I am so very greatful that she is a healthy little girl. She is full of life and has the darnest cutest personalitly! There is not one day she does not say something that just makes me crack up!! She's such a goofy little girl.

Life is a lot better 2 years later --and I pray that we continue to have many more years to come!!

We'll be celebrating her birthday in a couple of days--turning 6 years old!!!

Signing off a very happy mommy
Pat

Tuesday, October 11, 2005 2:37 PM CDT

Hello
I can't believe it's been so long since I last updated. Where is all the time going? Well we are all doing grrrrreat!!! I am just so thankful each and every single day that our family is where we are right now. It's amazing how I am not consumed by cancer. I am just so very happy that we are all healthy at this point.

David Jr. turns one year old today!!! He is just growing so fast and wants to get into everything. He hasn't started walking yet and I can just imagine when he does--so much for mommy sitting down to relax. I won't complain it keeps me busy and I exercise at the same time with all the running around:)!

Allysa just celebrated her 8th birthday and we had a birthday party and both her and Brianna had a great time. Next month we'll be celebrating Brianna's 6th birthday on November 3rd. We will also be having scans next month. Not sure why I don't feel full of anxiety as I've done in the past. I just feel in my heart and have faith that she's A-OKAY!:)

As for me I am going to school 3 times during the week and I'm so tired! I figure though that when I finish it will all be worth it! So for now, I push myself and just do what has to be done. I really just take one day at a time with everything that I have to juggle.

I'm going to try really hard to update sooner. Trying to juggle work,school and my family leaves me very little time to sit at the computer. I still do check on all of our friends to see how everyone is doing. It is just something I HAVE to do. So if I don't sign the guestbooks know that I am thinking of each and every single one of you!

Until next time
tootles
Pat and Brianna

I took some pictures of Brianna in her kinder class and I uploaded them --enjoy!

Wednesday, August 10, 2005 8:54 AM CDT

Good Morning!
Wow I can't believe I didn't update all summer long!! Time just went by soooo fast and we were quite busy. We participated in the Relay for Life in June and we had a BLAST!! We can't wait until next year and Brianna the Brave relay team will be ready to party all night again.:>

Well Brianna started kindergarten here with me. It is so nice to be able to go peek in on her. The first day of school she woke up at 5 in the morining!! She went into my bedroom and asked if it was time to get up....I told her she still had an hour. She layed down with my husband and she couldn't fall asleep. She told me..."Mommy it's because I am just soooo excited." I hope she stays excited about school forever:>!!! So she's had very good days here at school. Allysa is now in second grade and is also loving it! As for little David....well he's not too little anymore!! He is getting bigger everyday and loves to eat!! He is just adorable and the girls give him so much attention.

I feel so blessed to be able to be enjoying those little things with my family. I constantly think about those parents, friends we've met through the years that have lost their children. So incredibly difficult to understand why some do well and others go to heaven. I sometimes feel guilty because we are doing well while others are suffering. Uhhh (big sigh) the only thing I do is pray and support those that need it.

Well it was nice to finally update. I will get around to visiting and signing guestbooks. The computer here at work is ALOT faster and hopefully I can do some visiting during my conference. It is just so hectic when school begins. So I'll be visiting everyone soon..in the meantime we are thinking and praying for all of you!!

Unitl next Time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, June 9, 2005 7:22 PM CDT

Hello everyone,
Well so far our first week of summer vacation has been GRRREAT!! I feel I'm a taxi driver taking the girls here and there, but I'm having fun doing it. Allysa is relaly enjoying her church camp and she says she can't wait until next year to do it again. The only bad thing it's only for 1 week. It would be nice if it was longer. Now I just have to find something else for her to keep her busy.

As for Brianna she's doing AWESOME! She's having fun at school and all of the end of year activities. She'll be graduating June 20th. We are really looking foward to that. As you can see I got her graduation pictures today and she looked so adorable that I just had to post it!:> She did really well and learned a lot at pre-k. Next year she'll be going to kinder at my school. Should be fun having both girls with me.

I forgot to mention last time that our next scan is not until 6 months! I can'[t believe it. So they will be in November, right around her birthday. Well I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

We have 2 special friends that we would like for you to pray for--Haily and Brook-- both are Wilms friends and thay need your prayers.

Thanks for stopping by
Until Next time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, May 26, 2005 10:49 AM CDT

Good Morning everyone!
Well one more day of school and we are officially on summer vacation!! Actually Allysa and I start our vacation, Brianna has to go until June 23rd. That is the nice thing about being a teacher--I have time to spend with my kids. It used to be 3 months--but now it's 2 months. Time does fly and by the time I know it I'm preparing to come back to work. I'm really going to enjoy each and every single day with all my kidos. I plan to have them out and about and just having a great summer!

Allysa is going to be attending a summer bible camp for a week. It sounds like she is going to have a lot of fun. I might put both girls in swimming lessons--we'll see if there is something that fits our schedule. We have a pool and Brianna taught herself how to swim under water with no problems. I'm sure she'll learn a couple of tricks this summer! It's amazing what kids can teach themselves. I think my daughters know more about the computer that I do!!

Well, I turned in all the Make A Wish Foundation paper work. I'm so excited--now it's just the waiting game. Brianna is just sooo excited! I'll let you all know what happens.

As you can see the new picture is of Brianna at the survivors fashion show. She had a really good time! There are also new pictures in the photo album.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Until Next Time
tootles
Pat and Brianna

Monday, May 16, 2005 1:29 PM CDT

Just wanted to update...Clear scans!!! I am so happy. I really worried and got myself really sick!! Thanks for all your prayers!!
We have 2 more weeks until school let's out. I'm really looking foward to summer vacation. I spoke to someone from Make A Wish and they are going to send us some paper work. Looks like they are going to grant Brianna a wish!
Thanks for stopping by and checking in on us.

Until Next Time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 10:18 AM CDT

Hello!
Just have to let you know that we had a BLAST at the fashion show on Saturday!! Brianna looked absolutely adorable. When she got up in the morning she told me she didn't want to do it. I asked her why and she said that she was scared. I asked her why and she said that there were going to be too many people watching her. I begged and I pleaded:), but she still was not convinced. I practiced with her at home and I told her just to look at me when she was on stage and that I would give her hand signals to let her know what to do. She said she didn't want to do turns or put her hands on her hips. I told her that was fine. She seemed a little more comfortable. When we got to the mall she saw that other little kids were going to perform (there were other kids performing different dances for Mother's Day)so she quickly got her confidence. At one point she was asking me when it was going to be her turn!! She got on stage and got the whole crowd cheering for her. She was the youngest survivor modeling so she was getting everyone's attention:>!!

I took a lot of pictures and I'm going crazy looking for the USB cord. I just can't remember where I put it. Now I know what 7 months of little sleep is doing to my brain!! If I can't find it I'll develop the ones from the regular camera and scan those and post them as soon as I can!

It was really nice to see 2 young girls--one was 11 and the other was 13. Both had Wilm's when they were little. One of them was dx when she was 2 years old and the other when she was 5 years old. They looked so beautiful, it just made me look into the future and imagine Brianna modeling for the same fashion show as a teenager!! I really needed to see that because I have been feeling down in the dumps. I feel terrible because she is doing so well and I'm feeling depressed because of the constant worry of what lies in our future. Not to mention her scans are tomorrow and of course I'm worried because everything could change in one day. For now though I'm trying very hard to keep up my positive attitude that all is going to came back clear. I have to have Faith--and I do. She's going to be fine!

So remember us in your prayers. Her scan is at 3pm. I'm not sure we'll get results right away since the scan is so late in the day. I hope the doctor will be at the onc clinic. If not we'll just have to wait--huh!!!

I'll update as soon as I get results. Thanks for checking in on us. Don't forget to sign the guestbook--I need a little cheering up and reading the entries always does the trick!

Thanks
Until next time
tootles
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, May 5, 2005 2:43 PM CDT

**New pic in the photo albulm

Hi everyone,
Well we have a busy weekend ahead of us:) Let's see, Brianna is going to be in a fashion show this weekend!! It's being done to promote Relay for Life. So it's going to be a fashion show "showing off" cancer survivors. We have to go to Mervyns to pick out some clothes tonite (should be fun!) On Friday we are going to have rehersal for the show on Saturday. Brianna was practicing her walk--she is so silly. Then on Saturday she has a PE presentation for school and right after that we are going to zoom to the mall to get there in time for the fashion show. I'm looking foward to everything!
Next week on Thursday Brianna will have her scans. I don't know why, but I wish we didn't have to do them! I don't know I'm a little afraid. I guess I've been reading some other sights and when I read that kids have relapsed after 18 months I PANIC (it's 18 months off treatment and 2 yrs since she was dx). So please remember to keep her in your prayers!
We have a team for Relay for Life this year! Our team name is: Brianna the Brave. Our relay will be June 10th and 11th. I know we are going to have a blast. I have to get busy and start collecting donations.

Well please keep all those still fighting,those that have relapsed, those currently in remission in your daily prayers.

To all moms have a wonderful Mother's Day
One of my Friends sent this to me
it made me cry!! Thanks Jessica

Before I was a Mom - I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth
everyday.
Before I was a Mom - I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Spit on.Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom - I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom - I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart
outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a
hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.
And before I was a Grandma, I didn't know that all those "Mom" feelings more than doubled when you see that little bundle being held by 'your' baby...

Until next time
Pat and Brianna

Friday, April 22, 2005 2:52 PM CDT

Tomorrow will mark two years since Brianna was diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to write more of my thoughts, but I have to do some stuff here at work and I don't have a computer at home. So I'll just post the poem I wrote. Have a great weekend!!

Two Years Ago


I remember that very day,
like it was just yesterday.

I went to work like anyother day,
not knowing what was coming my way.

The doctor said, “This will have to be an overnight stay.”
“We’ll run some tests, but don’t worry look at her play.”

He didn’t know what was wrong with you-
until he gave us the devastating news!

Oh my daughter you had a tumor that was out of sight-
I knew we were up for a BIG, BIG fight.

You did all that you were told-
all you needed was mommy and daddy to hold.

You fought that battle with all your might-
we finally saw in that long tunnel, a bright light!

It’s been two years since that very day-
the day that changed us in oh so many ways!

You’ve taught us what life is all about,
we love you dearly without a doubt!

My dearest Brianna, thank you for your strength when we were weak.
To all of us a TRUE HERO you will always be!

Love Mommy
written 4/22/05

Monday, April 11, 2005 9:50 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,
Well I'm finally updating the webpage!! I just have had no time. I could have stayed up really late and updated from home but my computer is on the blitz!! The computer teacher here at school is trying to fix it, she's not sure what's wrong with it. I hate that it's down because I really do depend on it! Any ways, I'm at work at decided to do a quick update before having to got to my next class.

So as you can see I finally posted a new picture. I still haven't found my USB cord. My sister emailed the picture of Brianna and Joshie (her cousin), and I thought is was soo cute so I took the opportunity to post it. As you can see Brianna is wearing her glasses. Since that picture I cut her hair and she wears this cute patch over her left eye. Let's see when I get to post the new pictures. I feel I'm soo behind on EVERYTHING!!

Well Brianna's vision has improved dramatically!! We went from her seeing only fingers from about 4 feet away to 20/40. Dr. was very happy to see such improvements and so were we! She has to continue to wear the patch all day for the next 5 weeks. She's pretty used to it so there is no problem there.

She also had tubes put in her ears and tonsils/adenoids removed. (two different surgeries) She's finally recovering from the tonsillectomy. She wouldn't eat, couldn't swallow, and was just miserable!! I am just so happy she is starting to feel better. She is now breathing so much better too! That is the reason we decided to have her tonsils and adenoids removed because she was diagnosed with sleep apnea! My poor baby. I think she's had it with doctors, medicines, pain... just so much she has been through. I can say though that everything has turned out great and she's in good health--so I won't complain. My heart just aches when something goes wrong.

So I'll end by saying that we've been through a lot the past month, but now the storm is calm once again. I thank God everyday for all the blessings and for all He does for us. Thanks for checking in on us and please remember to keep those still fighting for their lives in prayer.

Until next time
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, March 3, 2005 11:12 AM CST

Good Morning everyone!

What a beautiful day it is today!! We finally have sunshine and it's warm enough not to have to wear a jacket! I was really getting tired of the cold weather! I don't know how people in Seattle do it all the time with the rain:) Anyways, I had not updated because I just have not had the time. I get to work and check on all our friends and then well I have to work! HA! By the time I get home there is definately no time for me to get on the computer...I always tell my husband that I get home to get ready for the next day. By the time I'm done with everything..dinner,washing dishes, girl's homework, baths, etc it's usually 9pm and I hit the sack bacause my day usually starts at about 5:45 (that's if I don't snooze it a couple of times!)

I had to take the time today to update though because I want to share the GREAT news with everyone! We got CLEAR scans!! Yepeee I always get this great feeling knowing everything is still ok! Of course I was nervous all day at the hospital until about 4pm when we got the news. So our next scans are in June. We'll be going every six months after scans in June (I think!)

Brianna is doing better, she had strep throat and missed school. Gave her some anibiotics and now she's feeling much better and went to school today. She's still congested, but we have an appointment with the ENT today and we are going to talk about removing tonsils and adenoids . We'll see what happens!

Let's see she was dx with lazy eye so she had to wear a patch ALL day long!! She's such a good sport though, She had a little difficulty at the beginning, but now she's doing great with it. She looks so cute too. I've been wanting to post pictures, but I can't find my USB cord to my camera. Not sure where I left it. As soon as I find it I'll post some new pics:)

To all our caringbridge friends. Sorry I haven't signed too many guestbooks lately..my list of friends has growm so much in two years!! Rest assured that I think about all of you all the time and pray for each and every single one. Take care to all~~
Unitl Next Time
Tootles!
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, February 3, 2005 9:33 AM CST

Hi everyone,
Well little miss Brianna got her glasses and she looks soo cute. I'll have to post some pictures. Let's see her appointment with the ENT went pretty good. She has fluid in BOTH her ears so of course my poor baby is not able to hear. He gave her some antibiotics and he wants to see her back in 4 weeks. If they are not cleared up he will have to put tubes in her ear:( I know she still can't hear because I'm always having to repeat things over and over to her. So I have a gut feeling that she will need the tubes. As for her tonsils he did recommend that we have them removed. I think we are ging to wait on that one just for a while. She's doing better and does not seem as congested as before. We put the vaporizer every night, so I guess that is helping her. She doesn't snore as loud anymore either (I used to be able to hear her all the way to our room!!!) She still sleeps with her mouth open though. So we'll give her a litte more time to see if the congestion disappears.:)

Let's see what else, well I'm still not getting a full nights rest. My little munchkin still wakes up through out the night! He's very diffrent from the girls they were both sleeping through the night by 2 months. He's already going to be 4 months and he's still waking up!! He's just so cute and getting very very big! I'll have to post some pictures of him too.

We are going to have our friends and family over for the Super Bowl on Sunday. Brianna is so excited she loves get togethers--last time she told me --"Mommy I looooove parties!" I'm really not a football fan, but it's fun to have everyone over.

Prayer request:
One of our friends Haley is at St Judes hospital right now. They were going to start her on a treatment, but they are going to wait bacause some if her tests were not what they expected. So now Dr's have to talk to see what the next step is. Please keep this family in your prayers, I'm sure they are going through A LOT right now. If you'd like to leave some words of encouragement visit her website at www.caringbridge.org/ne/haleygirl

Until Next time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Friday, January 21, 2005 11:15 AM CST

Hi everyone,
Ok I'm a little sad right now:( I guess I just worry and I always think of the day they told me Brianna had cancer. Don't let me scare you!!! She's still doing well and very active, but I got a call from the school nurse that she failed her vision and hearing test! Well when we took her to the eye doctor we found out that she could not see out of her left eye! I was shocked because she never told me she couldn't see. She does fine at school, colors fine, writes her name perfectly, doesn't bump into things. The thing that I did notice was that she was getting too close to the TV. Well anyway the dx was that she has a lazy eye. She'll be wearing glasses pretty soon (she looks ADORABLE!!) and then we have to go back to see the doctor to see if we are going to have to patch up her good eye to strengthen the weak one. I know this is rather common (I've already talked to 2 of my friends here at work and they also knew of someone with lazy eye) I guess I just think she's been through enough!

Now about her hearing. She has been congested for such a long time--that has to be effecting her hearing. Her tonsils are enlarged so I assume that has something to do with all her sinus problems. So there we go to another doctor! We'll be going next week to see what he tells us (BIG SIGH) I just hate going to doctors and I'm sure my Brianna does too! But we have to do what we have to do to keep her healthy! I look at her and she gives me all the strength I need. Her smile, her giggles, and the silly things she says keep me going!

So please keep her in your prayers and I'll update once we know more about her throat and hearing problems.

Thanks for everything!
Until Next Time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, January 6, 2005 8:53 AM CST

Good morning everyone!!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I can say we had a very nice time. I really enjoy the holidays and getting together with friends and family is so much fun:) The only thing that was not so good was that my sister had to go into the hospital. She spent New Years Eve and day in there--that was a bummer! She's out now and doing a lot better.

I am back at work and trying to catch up on sleep. It's funny, but little David did so well during the holidays with his sleeping and now that I'm back at work he's not doing so good. As soon as a get up to take a shower he wakes up right along with me--I guess he doesn't feel me right next to me and starts crying. He is so cute and getting so big! He's already going to be 3 months on Jan. 11th. Time definately does fly.

Brianna is doing well--a little congested AGAIN! I'm not sure what is going on inside that little nose of hers:) I just can't wait till the cold season is over so she won't get sick anymore. Our next scans will be in February. So until then I won't worry (try not to!!) and enjoy what I have today.

Just wanna say sorry to all our caringbridge friends for not signing the guestbooks. I have been busy at work and at home I really have no time to get on the computer. So just remember Shiri, Kamryn,Haley,Josh,Autumn,Mason,Kate,Savannah,Ella,Brock,
Brook, Tess,Kayle,Andrew B,Mickenzie,Logan,Cameron,
Teena,Nikki,Jessy,Andrew S, Nicholas, Drew, Georgia, Andrew P, Brandon,Olivia,
Gabriel,Richard,Ellie Anna,
Jackson,Kyle,Matthew, Christina, Star, and Martine that we think and pray for you ALL the time. Even our friends that are angels we think of every single day. I hope I didn't forget anyone:) Have a nice day to all!

Take Care
Unitl Next Time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Wednesday, December 1, 2004 11:10 AM CST

Hi everyone,
Well I'm back at work and boy is it an adjustment!!! I'm the kind of person that needs sleep to function and sleep is NOT what I'm getting. Little Dave is up throughout the night to eat. He sure is a good eater!! He sleeps with me and that makes it a lot easier to nurse. I guess the uninturrupted sleep is what gets me. Even though he let me sleep about 4 hour straight last night and that was a treat!!!

Brianna's new picture was taken at the UTEP football game. UTEP has been in the news lately because they have had such an awesome season. We went to their last home game and had a lot of fun. Brianna is doing fairly well--we just can't get rid of the conjestion!! It's so frustrating because she has a hard time breathing. The doc told us her tonsils are enlarged and he wants to do a sleep test on her to see if she is getting enough oxygen if not we will have to remove them--not another surgery!!!! And yesterday I took her to the eye doctor because I got a referral from the nurse at school and the doc I took her to told me he didn't feel comfortable doing the test because she was too little and his test their at the office required a lot of questions and he wasn't sure she could do the test. He said I should take her to an optomologist (sp?) He would be able to do an acurate test on her. He did say that she definately did need glasses!!! My poor Brianna--if it's not one thing it's another. The nice thing I can say is that I'd rather deal with these problem and Not cancer or cancer treatments!!

Well gottta go please remember Haley in your prayers today she is getting some very important tests today and also Tess she is getting a cell transplant.

Thanks for visiting

Tootles
Until next time
Pat

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 3:42 PM CST

****November 24th****
Just wanted to let you all know that scans came back NORMAL!! Thank God.
signing off a very thankful mommy!




Hello everyone :),

All is good here at the Tellez household:) David and I are on a routine now (for the most part) He pretty much nurses every 2 hours on the dot! He's awake during the day and sleeps at night--except when wakes up to eat. At least he knows the difference between day time and night time! I didn't realize I didn't give you all the details about little David! I think those first two weeks I was a walking zombie. My body was not used to getting so little sleep, so when I updated the site I forgot to give you all the juicy details--thanks Val for reminding me. Better late than never huh?? Ok so David was born on October 11 after about 16 hours on labor!!! It wasn't too bad because I had an epidural to keep the pain AWAY! When in was time for him to be born I pushed 2 times and he was out--so that part was pretty easy:) I know I have two other little ones, but I was still in awe when he was born so tiny and so perfect. We did collect the blood from his cord. My family has a history with cancer so I decided to bank the cord--it's peace of mind for me. I figure there is so much research on stem cells that it would be good to bank the blood--everything went well there. So let's see he was 7lbs. 5 ounces and 19 inches long. He 's a good baby I must say I just can't wait till he sleeps through the night--not sure how long that's going to be!! I go back to work November 29th. That should be rather interesting--that will definately take some getting used to. I really didn't want to go back until next semester in January, but we can't afford it--gotta pay those bills! I'm just lucky that my mom will get to watch him!

Okay I'm going on and on..so let me cut it short now. Brianna's scans will be next week on November 24th. How much I HATE these check-ups. I know she does to because she tells me she doesn't want to do them anymore--poor baby. So God willing we will get the best Thanksgiving present--clear scans! I think after these scans we will go every 6 months instead of every 3 months--that's nice. So please remember to keep us in your prayers. I'm hoping to get the results before Thanksgiving day--our oncologist is pretty good and checks the scans for us, so hopefully he'll do it for us this time too. Just thinking about it is getting me nervous and anxious, but I have to have faith that the good Lord above has healed my little Brianna!

I'll update with results as soon as I get them. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday. So many things to be thankful for! Keep praying for all the families that are fighting the beast as well as for those in remission. Also extra prayers for our friend Hayle--www.caringbridge.org/ne/haylegirl

Until next time
Pat and Brianna

Friday, October 29, 2004 12:31 AM CDT

November 3,2004

Happy Birthday my precious girl!!! May you have many many more!
Love you lots
mommy, daddy, Allysa and David


Prayer request:
Our friend Haley needs extra prayers right now. Her recent scans showed a spot on her brain and on her spine. Pray that doctors find the best way to treat this beautiful young lady. It is so troubling to know that one of our friends is still going through this! Prayer is power!

Friday, October 8, 2004 10:17 AM CDT

I had extra time this morning to check on some web sites and all I could think of is WHY? Why do such young innocent children have to suffer. I see how beautiful these children are on the outside and I know inside their little bodies there is a disease that they are fighting to beat. I got inspired to write a poem for all these little ones that I have met here on the caringbridge web pages. I know I don't know them personally, but some how there is a connection.
So I dedicate this poem to ALL the children I have met on this website, whether their fighting wilms, leukemia,brain tumors, or any other diseases that has attacked their precious bodies.

The Chosen Few

Today I wondered why there is such disease,
that will make a child oh so very sick.

A child is like an angel, so innocent and pure,
then why does this child have this disease,
I'm really not quite sure.

You see this child's eyes, they sparkle like a star,
their smile puts a smile inside your heart.
They fight with no complaints, they fight and
fight again.
They have the strength it takes to fight until
the end.

Some stay here with us on earth,
some go with our Lord above-
There is one thing we know, these children
have taught us courage, faith and love.

They are the chosen few-
who have touched our lives in many ways
They are the chosen few
who in our hearts will always stay!

Hope you all like it
Until Next time
Pat

Monday, October 4, 2004 9:53 AM CDT

Hi everyone,
It's been such a long time since I've updated. I have just been really busy at work! I was running a book fair here at school and it took a lot of my time. I don't think I touched the computer that entire week.

Well everything is going pretty well. Brianna got sick AGAIN!!! Took her to the doctor and had her on antibiotics for an ear infection. That cleared up but now she just seems to be congested. The change of weather always does this to her. Allysa also got sick on me. (they keep playing--pass the germ!! hee)I know it's inevitable that she will get sick, but I just worry sooo much. Brianna also had a nasty cough which also gets my mind running---I always think of her lungs. The doctor said they sounded clear and now she hasn't been coughing that much. So frustrating to constantly be worrying and thinking. Sometimes I wish I had my own machine at home that I could do my own tests to make sure she is still cancer free!! Ha....I know I'm crazy.

Well as for me I'm HUGE and I'm not exaggerating. A maintenance guy here at work asked me if I was having twins!!! It looks like I stuffed a big basketball (or two) down my shirt. Everything with this pregnancy is going well, all tests have come back normal so I am thankful for that. I just can't wait to meet little David. I'm about 38 weeks so he is almost here! Probably the next time I update I'll be a mommy again holding our new baby boy!!

To all our caringbridge families, I haven't had much of a chance to sign guestbooks, but I still check on each and every single one of you. Our thoughts and prayers to all!
Thanks to everyone for checking up on us. We truly appreciate it!

Until Next Time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Wednesday, August 25, 2004 1:24 PM CDT

Hello everyone,

Well nothing much is happening here. Brianna got sick on me again! I guess all those germs at school are going to do that! Of course I just worry. She did complain of a sore throat and then the fever came so I was a little relieved because the fever is "linked" to something! She's better so today she went to school.

My sister had her baby yesterday! She had a litlle girl, 7.2lb and they named her Madison. I am so excited just knowing that I'm next!! I am 32 1/2 weeks. I am feeling really tired. By the time I get home I feel like my feet are two giant bricks! We all can't wait until we meet little David. It was funny, when I told Brianna she had a new baby cousin her first words were--"Mommy that's not fair I want our baby out of your tummy. Go to the hospital and have them take it out!" Both Allysa and Brianna are very anxious. We are counting down!

I was having lunch and one of the third grade teachers told me one of her students dropped because they found cancer in the little boy. (BIG SIGH) It just breaks my heart knowing that another family has been affected by cancer. I thought childhood cancer was supposed to be "rare". I think I hear about it now more that I'd like to. Just keep these family in your prayers, many of us caringbridge families know exactly what they are going through.

Hope everyone is doing well. We'll update soon. Until next time~
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Wednesday, August 11, 2004 8:56 AM CDT

Well we made it through our first day at pre-k. Brianna had loads of fun. She couldn't wait to go to go to school again! She was pooped, as sson as I put her to bed 2 minutes later she was fast asleep. Allysa got sick on me and had to leave school:( I guess there is some kind of bug going around. She didn't have fever last night so she's back. I hope she does ok. Well just wanted to update and let you all know that there are new pictures in the photo album. Enjoy! Have a great weekend!
Tootles
Pat and Brianna








Hi everyone,
It's been pretty hectic around here. Let's see my car broke down the day I was taking Brianna to get her scans, I've started work, Brianna got a little sick on me fever and sore throat--but above all these things I am so excited because we got clear scans!! Such a relief! Thanks for everyone's prayers. I feel good knowing that we have so many people praying for my little Brianna.
She starts school tomorrow!! Her first day at pre-k. I'm hoping she is feeling better and won't miss her first day at school. I'll take pictures and post them:) Thanks again for the continued prayers and support.

Until next time
tootles
Pat and Brianna

Monday, August 2, 2004 10:10 AM CDT

Hello everyone,

Well I have 4 more days before going back to work:( This summer went by so fast. I can't complain though because it was nice to be here with the girls. Now they will both be at school! Hard to believe.

We have a pretty busy week. Tomorrow I have to go to an orientation meeting for the pre-k Brianna will be attending. On Wednesday I take her to meet her teacher(even though she already knows her because she is one of my close friends) she gets to get aquainted with the room/suroundings. I guess they figure this is the first time away from home and they want the kids to feel comfortable. Brianna is just so excited that I don't feel she will have any trouble. I just wonder how she will react if she sees other kids crying. On Thursday August 5th is a big day---scan day. Her scans are at 3p.m. so like always just keep her in your prayers and pray for good results.

I had been feeling that anxious feeling, but I prayed on it and I am feeling better--let's see how I do from today on. Then on Friday it's back to work:( It's always fun to start off the year because everyone is so excited at the beginning, you feel the energy walking down the hallways. They bad part about it for me though is that I don't have my own classroom. So I guess it's very different for me.


Well I've babbled on like always! Just wanted to update on Haley. She made it through her brain surgery and is at home recovering:) and Tess is somewhere in Australia right now on vacation! Another little girl that I follow her name is Katia. Her and her mom are FINALLY home after 11 months of being at the hospital! Tracy her mom is so exicted to be at home. I can relate to those feeling when I came back from Houston. I just LOVED being here at my home sweet home! Well all three of the links are below if you would like to visit. I'll update after scan results!

Until next time
tootles
Pat and Brianna

Haley's page

Tess's page

Katia's page

Tuesday, July 20, 2004 11:09 AM CDT

PRAYER REQUEST:
One of our friends just found out that she will have to have brain surgery on Monday. It appears that wilm's might have spread to her brain. PLEASE pray for her and her family. Her website is www.caringbridge.org/ne/haleygirl. I'm sure some words of encouragement would be very helpful!

Another friend of our Tess, has also received some unwanted news. It appears that a tumor on her lung has grown and will have to have surgery. Please pray for her and her family too.

Thanks for your support~PRAYER goes a LONG WAY.





Hello everyone,

Well it seems like our summer vacation will soon be over:( I have about 2 1/2 weeks left. This summer flew by! Anyways Brianna continues to do well. She did give me a little scare about a week ago. She complained of a headache for about 3 days and like you all know a simple headache is really not a simple headache! I took her to her to get her shots (she has a total of 4) and only 2 shots were given. We just wanted to see how she would react to them. She did o.k. was a little down, but then a day or so after was back to her normal self:) Now I have to take her back next week to get the other 2. I feel so bad because she is terrified of shots, needles... my poor baby. I think I forgot to mention that we registered her for pre-k. She is really excited to be going to school. I taught her how to right her name and now every paper I pick up has her name on it:> The cuttest thing is the way she makes her n's backwards.

I'll be done with school soon--thank goodness. Wednesday I have a final and then next Saturday I'll be done with my second class. I guess it's been tough because it is sooooo hot around here and being pregnant doesn't help either. My tummy is just getting soo big. I think I have a future soccer player in there. He has some powerful kicks!!

I have a favor for all our faithful visitors. I have a friend and her sister has been battling breast cancer for over a year. She left El Paso to see if they could give her another option in Houston because the cancer kept coming back. Well, the doctors told her that she had to stay in Houston for the next 6 months. They are looking at a bone marrow transplant and are going to test her familly for a match. She has 2 young boys and is really upset because she will have to stay there for such a long time. Her family has not given up hope and is putting it in God's hands. She asked me to pray for her and her family and now I ask you to please pray for her also. Her name is Thelma and she wants prayer to help her through this. I know the caringbridge families depend a lot on prayer--we are the prayer warriors:) Thanks for keeping her in you prayers!

Well I thought this was going to be a short update, but I always ramble on. I'm pretty sure Brianna's next scans are next month sometime. I just wonder how they are going to be now that she doesn't have her port. Starting an IV for the contrast should be a pretty challenging event. Well I hope everyone is having a good summer! Thanks for visiting us and don't forget to sign the guestbook!

Tootles
Until next time
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, July 1, 2004 8:07 AM CDT

Good morning everyone,
Well the port is out!!!! It was such a long day for me yesterday. I knew that this port removal was going to be a simple procedure, however, gone through what we have--anything now that deals with Brianna and hospitals, surgeries, blood work..etc is just a big deal to me!

We started out day at 5:30am. We were told that she could not eat anything after 6am so I decided to make sure she ate something before then. Brianna has a HUGE appetite so I knew there was no way she would be able to be with out food. I woke her up and she was pretty sleepy, but I guess the smell of bacon woke her up:) She had 2 eggs,3 pieces of bacon and half a pancake and of course milk! I wasn't joking about her having a HUGE appetite! After breakfast we went back to bed and we both got a little bit of extra sleep:)

We left to the hospital and they were already waiting for us. We got all the paper work done and then we were off to the surgery holding room. They took some blood and then we waited, and waited and waited...the surgery was supposed to be at 2:30, but the doctors were runnung late so they finally began the procedure at 3:00pm. I could tell that Brianna was nervous, she kept asking me if it was going to hurt, and if I was going to be with her. When the wheeled her away she was crying so much, it just broke my heart. I just wanted to run and be there by her side. I can just imagine the fear she must have felt being alone with so many strangers!

David and I went to the waiting room and waited AGAIN! We know how to play this waiting game now:) I said a couple of prayers for Brianna and waited some more. I decided to go to the hallway and of course pace back and forth (like so many of us cancer parents do) and then I saw the doctor coming out. I couldn't believe it, only about 25 minutes had passed! So he's coming down the hallway with NO expression on his face and I asked my husband..isn't that him?!@#! I guess he didn't recognize us because as soon as he was about 5 inches from us he FINALLY smiled and said that everything had gone exactly like planned, no problems or complications!! Thank God. So shortly after we went into the recovery room and tried to console Brianna, she would not stop crying. She kept holding my hand. I reassured her that I was NOT going to leave her. It took her a while to stop crying though--I'm pretty sure she was pretty frightened with the monitors, IV etc. She got to sit on my lap and then she began to color. She was a happy camper and so was mommy. I was just happy to have her in my arms again. She then had 2 popsicles, some juice and crackers. We waited (again) and were finally discharged. On the way home she did throw up ( there was so much traffic) I think she just got really car sick (of course the anesthesia didn't help). She ate some chicken noodle soup and was able to keep that down. At around 8 pm she was ready to play soccer! She said she didn't feel sick any more!!:) I told her we'd play soccer another day.

Today we are just going to take it easy. I think I'll take Allysa and Brianna to the movies. That should be relaxing. I am just so happy right..no cancer, no chemo, no port! Well thanks for the extra prayers for my little Brianna. I really couldn't do it myself without all the support from you--the caringbridge family!! Have a fantastic weekend and a great Fourth of July!!

Until Next Time
Tootles,
Pat and Brianna

Friday, June 18, 2004 10:51 AM CDT

UPDATE June 23,2004

Just wanted to let you all know that as of now it looks like Brianna will be getting her port removed next week on Wednesday June 30th! They are supposed to call me to make sure it's a go. She's soo funny she keeps asking me so many questions about this surgery. The one question I loved the most was--"mommy are you going to lay down next to me when they are taking off my port?" I love her to pieces!!! Well if I don't update before then assume the surgery is on Wednesday and please remember to say an extra prayer for her that day! Thanks for all the support. I'll update after the surgery.







Good Morning everyone:)
Gosh I haven't updated it what seems like forever!! I have just been so busy. Everytime I wanted to update, something would come up. When I am at home I get so many interruptions and they usually start something like this...mommy can I have a snack, mommy can we go swimming, mommy come look at us on the swings! So in between house work, reading and wrapping up assignments for school it's really hard to get to the computer. The biggest reason is that I tell myself I'll be on the computer for say half hour--and well that turns into more like an hour and a half! Not to mention that I have dail-up and we all know how s...l...o...w that is, the worst thing is I finally get on line and then it kicks me off! Not fun at all! I would like to let everyone know that even though I don't sign the guestbooks as often as I used to I still check on the websites. Everytime I get on line to complete an assignment for school I check the sites. I just have to, these websites, families and children have become so much part of my life. So on that note...

Brianna continues to do well:) The only thing is we still have not had her port removed!! When we went to see the surgeon, after waiting about 45 minutes, the receptionist told me that we were not going to be able to see the doctor because of the insurance!@!#@ She said I needed a referral and I told her that my insurance did not require them. She insisted that we did...well I was right. My insurance didn't need one but my husband's did. My insurance is primary so we could have seen the doctor that day. Now we have our appointment for this Monday. I think everything is squared away with the insurance so we'll see how it goes. I have been having trouble with my insurance, but that's a whole different (and very frustrating) story!!

Other good news for those that are not CB families, a lot of our friends are doing well!! That is always so nice to read. One of our friends Shiri just got CLEAR scans!! When a family gets good news we all celebrate! Well I'll try to update sooner this time, but I start my next class this Saturday so let's see how much spare time I'll have. Thank you to all who still check up on Brianna and also sign the guestbook! Oh I forgot to tell you all- I contacted Make A Wish Foundation here locally and we are putting in for a wish for Brianna. We'll see what happens!

Well I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Please keep all those children still fighting this beast as well as those who are in remission in your prayers! Have a great day and God Bless!

Until Next time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Thursday, May 20, 2004 9:27 AM CDT

Good morning~
XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY

Any guesses why I'm starting off the entry the way I did? I'll tell you all in just a bit:)
I finally got a call back from the oncology clinic and an appointment to see the surgeon will be on June the 7th. Rowena, our nurse said that soon after this appointment her port would be removed. I can't believe it! Brianna continues to be full of energy and I mean FULL of energy. Sometimes I wonder where she gets it all from. Ok. got a funny story~We went to the store and I told Brianna not to grab the balls and play with them. I explained that the sign said "Please do not play with the balls". She very nicely told be OK. Well we passed by the display 2 more times and both times she grabbed the balls and bounced them! Of course I was beginning to get really upset at her and then I told her when we got home she was going to sit in her time-out chair. Well when we got home she jumped out of the truck and went to sit down. (funny part) then she said,"Mommy I have to think right?" I said yes you do. Then she got her little pointer finger and started tapping the side of her head (some thinking going on!). After about 2 seconds she said"OK, I'm done thinking!!!" Gosh I just wanted to burst out laughing. I kept it in and I said --"No your not young lady" Then she realized I was still upset and started tearing up. I feel guitly when I discipline her, but I know I still have to. Well needless to say she listens to me a lot more because of that time out chair. She HATES to be alone in a room and she HATES to sit in one place for more than 1 minute! She's just a funny girl!

Ok now for my other exciting news--I went to get a sonogram on Tuesday and we are going to have a baby BOY!!! I cant believe it. If you all knew my family history you would know boys are hard to come by:D! With the girls I didn't find out their sex, but I just was anxious to find out the sex of this one. I figure I will still be surprised when he is born---the way he looks, how much he weighs..just so many things to look foward to. Not only that, let me tell you just having a boy is going to be a BIG surprise to me because I've never really been around or watched little boys. So any advice would be greatly appreciated:D!

Everything else on the sonogram looked good---thank God. I really do not take anything for granted now-a-days! When they start mentioning spina-bifida, downs syndrome..etc I start to worry. I guess I always figured not my baby, but then that's what I thought with my Brianna. So I am just a very happy,blessed mommy that everything in our lives right now is going well. I just wish I could say that about all our friends on caringbridge. I get very happy when I read good news on the sites, but when I read news that is not so good, or that a parent has just lost a child it breaks my heart into a million pieces! I just wished innocent children did not have to suffer!

Well I've written quite a bit~I gotta get back to work:) I've got 3 more days, then we go on summer vacation!! Until next time!

Tootles
Pat and Brianna

clear scans+no antibiotic+port removal+new baby boy+good sonogram+Allysa+David= a very blessed, grateful and happy mommy!

Thursday, May 13, 2004 9:28 AM CDT

Good Morning~
(BIG SIGH) Just needed to vent. I really just HATE scan days!! I hate the feeling of having the scans done then waiting...just because those results really determine so much in my daughter's life. I was doing OK until last night. I really did not want to think about it because I didn't want to give cancer the satisfaction of taking over me. Well last night though it just came crashing in...I felt this terrible anxiety in me and then just a feeling of wanting to cry. (I'm sure being pregnant does not help) Anyways, I quickly tried to get myself out of it and got up and washed dishes.

I told Brianna that she was going to have to do the washing machine and she said, "Mommy I dont want to drink the shake!" She just hates the contrast. Then Allysa said," Mommy can I taste it?" I told her it tasted like bannana. Brianna then said," That shake is just for sick people like me." I just look foward to the day that she will no longer need to drink that "shake".

Well I gotta go back to work. I'll be leaving half day so that I can go "bribe" Brianna into drinking the contrast. As you can tell I'm not having a good day at all....so I'm going to put all my faith in God because that's all I can do.

I'll update with the results when I get them. I'm going to stick around to see if the doctor can go take a peek today--i just Hate to wait!

Be Back~
Pat


***UPDATE****
Thanks for those of you who signed the guestbook--always brings a smile to my face! Well I got the best Mother's Day and early birthday present I could ask for--Scans were normal!!. What a relief. She'll be having her port removed but I'm not sure when-- I have to call back on Monday. No more antibiotic either--Brianna was happy about that one:D It's amazing what stress can do to your body. When I got home I felt EXAUSTED-I felt like I had run a marathon. I guess after hearing the great news that big boulder of stress and worries I was carrying rolled off my back! Anyways I'm feeling great today--for obvious reasons! Thanks for checking up on us today. Praying for ALL our caringbridge friends!!

Signing off a very happy mommy!
Pat

Monday, May 3, 2004 11:01 AM CDT

**PRAYER REQUEST***
Please keep our little angel Mason's family in your prayers. He passed away 2 days ago. It is just so hard to read when one of our brave soldiers has had to leave us here on Earth. These little ones become part of your family. I think about them. pray for them just like they were part of my family. Mason fought a long battle and it my eyes he did WIN--a true winner! You can visit his site at www.caringbridge.org/ky/mason_d.

Good morning everyone,
Thanks for checking up on us today. Let's see not too much has been going on~just a lot of laughs thanks to Brianna. She is just so funny without even meaning to. Her sense of humor is just like her daddy's. :D
Funny story~Last Sunday I was getting ready to go to church. The girls had gotten dressed and were watching TV. They were just waiting for me to finish so that I could comb their hair. Well I am at that stage of pregnancy where my regular clothes doesn't fit, but the pregnancy clothes is still big. I was having a hard time finding something to wear and I finally found something that wasn't too big. The blouse that I chose flared out at the bottom so it made me "look" more pregnant than I really was. Ok here comes the funny part---I called Brianna to get her hair combed and she came to me and looked at me,her eyes sparked and got soooo big. Then she gave me that cute little smile and said "Mommy where did you get that big belly, you didn't have it this morning!" Did I laugh, she then lifted the blouse and started rubbing my tummy and could not stop giggling. That whole day she just kept asking if she could touch my tummy. Totally a PRICELESS moment.

On Friday we went to the Relay For Life. I didn't form a team this year because I found out about it a bit too late. So I just took up a donation here at work and we decided to go to see how it was. I was looking foward to Brianna walking the first lap-survivors lap. I made sure I left work early and bought something for dinner. I just didn't want to be late. Well guess what? We were late because they changed the time!! The pamphlet said start time 8:30 and it actually started at 7:00. I was soo upset. Later on though they had the luminaria ceremony and Brianna, my mom and aunt all participated. It was so touching to see. Wow, my mother, daughter and my aunt--it's incredible to see how cancer has touched our family--one too many times! I did take a lot of pictures so I'll post them soon--I forgot the camera today. To sum it up we had a great time:D!

Well May is now here and May 13th is right around the corner. (BIG sigh) Brianna will get her scans that day. I just HATE the anticipation/ that feeling I get right before. I've read a lot of websites where they say time makes it better--I'm not sure if it ever will--I'm a worry wart at heart!!! Anyways I will update with results and hopefully with a date for port removal. I just can't wait. Please pray that her scans come back crystal clear!!

Until next time~
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

**NEW PICTURES ADDED in the photo album**

Friday, April 23, 2004 8:46 AM CDT

A year has passed my baby,
when my world came crashing down.
Grandma found that lump on your tummy-
puzzled we were because you active and running around.

I took you to the doctor’s,
to see what it could be.
The news that I received,
was unbelievable to me.

He told us you had cancer,
Oh please don’t let it be.
Oh please dear God don’t take my baby,
she is so very precious to me.

They took out that ugly tumor,
and you started chemotherapy.
You handled the treatments well,
and played so happily.

We marked our calendars excitedly
that 27th day of October.
You made it through my baby,
the treatments were finally over!

A year had passed my baby,
and I thank the Lord above.
He gave you all the strength,
but most of all--His LOVE!

Love you Brianna
you are my world!

Today marks a year that our world was turned upside down. I thank God every single day for how far we’ve come and for the everyday blessings!

Friday, April 16, 2004 8:56 AM CDT

Good morning everyone~
Brianna went to the clinic to get her port flushed and some blood work also. Her counts all came back good. They were all in the "normal" range--whew what a relief! I just get so happy to know her counts are well. It's funny the things that make me happy now a days:D! I remember when I was in Houston and she would have blood work every week to see if she would get the chemo or not-well believe it or not that was the highlight of my week! Just to get those results back that her counts were good and she would be able to get chemo would actually put a smile on my face. I guess I just saw it as her bouncing back and recovering!
Anyways as "the day" draws near I seem to feel a little more anxious. I guess I feel that on April 23rd I am going to go back and experience all those feelings I did last year. I try to SNAP myself out of it and just look at TODAY and that we are so blessed to be where we are at! It's just wierd because so many things that went on last year are happening again this year--Easter of course--last year I remember taking Brianna to the doctors the Wednesday after Easter. So on Easter Sunday all I thought about was last Easter and the great time we had then 3 days later my life was shattered. A dinner I was supposed to go to last year I never made it to because I was on my way to Houston and this year that same dinner is on the 22nd the day before "the day". It's just wierd how so many events are happening as they did last year--but like I said before I do feel very blessed for how far Brianna has come!
So I lead a pretty "normal" life until scan day--then I start feeling a little anxious. Brianna's next scans are on May 13th. I just can't wait until they tell us the good news and then her port could be removed and she could stop taking the antibiotic:) Like I said before these things make me happy hee!
Ok I've written a book:D Please remember to keep all of the kidos fighting for their little lives in your prayers. If you notice in the guestbook we have made a lot of friends through this journey. Many of them leave their URL address after the message~take some time to visit some of them, all these kids are very special to me and all have an amazing story to tell!
Have a GREAT day!
Until Next Time
Tootles~
Pat

Thursday, April 8, 2004 9:37 AM CDT

Good morning everyone~
Just wanted to update and let you all know that Brianna continues to do well. She is such an inspiration to me! Let's see we cut Allysa's hair!! This is her first cut ever!! Her hair was just so long and we struggled every morning when I had to comb it. So we will be donating to Locks of Love. She looks so cute and grown up. Now it's extremely easy to comb it every morning. I think she really likes it!

Please continue to pray for all our friends that are fighting so hard. Please keep our friends Josh and Mason in your prayers--they need a liitle extra help right now and we just gatta make sure that God is listening:)

This will be a short one---wishing everyone a very Happy Easter! Unitil next time
Tootles
Pat

Monday, March 29, 2004 10:52 AM CST

Hello everyone,
Just a quick update to let you all know everything continues to go well with miss Brianna. She is full of energy and just does the funniest things. Gotta tell you all about this one~~ on Sunday we came back from church and I heard her singing. She likes to sing and she has her "favorite" church song. Well at church there was a new song and part of the lyrics were "The Lord is merciful" I guess she enjoyed the song and was singing. Well instead of singing The Lord is merciful she was singing "The Lord is Mexican"! She's something else--I laughed sooo hard. I'm just grateful she's doing well. The one year point (I surely don't want to call it anniversary!) is drawing near~I just can't believe it's almost been an entire year! She'll be having her port flushed in 2 weeks and along with that they also do blood work. Her next CT check up will be in May. That's my birthday month so a CLEAR reading would definately be the BEST birthday gift ever!! May is going to be a pretty exciting month--if everthing turns out clear (which I believe in my heart it will:D) her port will finally be removed!!! She'll also stop taking the antibiotic! That will be reason to celebrate.


Please keep our friend Josh in you prayers (www.caringbridge.org/ne/josh) he had surgery and they found more tumors. He'll probably have to start a new chemo regimen. Our friend Mason (www.caringbridge.org/ky/mason_d.)will be having a transplant soon--please pray that everything runs smoothly. Finally our long time friend Savannah passed away on Saturday. This really hurts me because she was one of the first internet friends we found when we started our journey--She fought soo hard soo long. Her website is www.caringbridge.org/il/savannah. I HATE CANCER.......


Until Next Time
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Don't forget to sign the guestbook:D

I changed the background of Brianna's site to pink in honor of Angel Savannah Olson.


Beautiful quote from her site.....
Thank you, Savannah, for teaching us that despite limitations, we can achieve...and that despite so much pain, the world is beautiful.

Sunday, March 21, 2004 11:16 PM CST

Hi everyone,

Well we had spring break this past week and boy did we have fun! My plans were to get some spring cleaning done;however I figured there is ALWAYS cleaning to be done, but having days off to have fun with the girls-- well I had to take advantage of our vacation.

We did something every single day. I think I need a whole week to to recover:D!! Let’s see we went to the zoo on Brianna’s request. She was so funny , she’d run from one place to another paying little attention to the animals. Allysa on the other hand was very observant. She’d look at the animals carefully and then ask questions. I would try to get Brianna to notice things but her response was--”mommy I already saw it!” Needless to say, we had a lot of fun and definitely an adventure!

We also went to Peter Piper Pizza and we were there forever!! My girlfriends wanted to get together so we decided to go where the kids could have a good time while the adults could chat. Well we definitely got caught up and the kids had a blast. At one point the manager told one of my friends--”you guys have been here since what time?!@#” We had lunch there and we could have also had dinner!! It was nice though because it’s hard to get together with all of my friends at once (we do make an extra effort during vacations--the good thing is we are all teachers and have the same days off) We’ve been friends for years! When it was time to leave Brianna still did not want to leave--too much of a good thing for her. Mommy was pooped!

Let’s see we also went to Western Playland (amusement park) The high light there was watching Allysa get on the roller-coaster! I couldn’t believe she wanted to get on it. She is really not that daring--well she proved me wrong. There was no way when I was 6 years old that I would have tried a roller coaster. Brianna cried because she couldn’t get on. She was not tall enough. She was hilarious though, because she kept going to the sign to remeasure herself. I’d tell her that she couldn’t go and she’d make this really silly face. She’ll be riding that roller-coaster next year. I sometimes wonder--Is Brianna afraid of anything?@#$:D I took some pictures-I’ll be posting them soon.

I really do treasure the times I spend with the girls. They mean sooo very much to me. Sometimes when I’m posting my good news I think of some of our friends that are still fighting the beast. I checked on one of our friends Josh and they had found a mass -- they found more cancer-UGH It just gets me so upset because he was 1 treatment away from finishing. He will be having surgery on Tuesday. Please pray that everything go smoothly for Josh (his website is www.caringbridge.org/ne/josh) Stop by and offer some words of encouragement. That always helped me a great deal!! Another little girl I visit often is Katia. She had a transplant and seems to be doing pretty well. I think what amazes me is her and her mommy have been in the hospital for over 200 days!! Wow that is such a long time. Her mom Tracy is such a neat person--she always looks at the positive and can’t wait to go home to be with her family. You can visit her website at www.cairngbridge.org/fl/katia_leukemiapage. You’ll really enjoy her site. Please keep Katia in your prayers too. Last but not least our friend Savannah has been fighting this terrible beast for a while now. She was on a Disney cruise so just pray that she feel well enough to have the fun she deserves!!

I’ve written quite a bit. I just wanted to share all the fun we had. I know when I read other sites and read the exciting things that others do it always brings a smile to my face knowing that kids are having fun--just like they deserve! I also like to post prayer request because I know I felt a sense of peace when soo many people were praying for Brianna--now I want to do the same for others--prayer is the BEST medicine.

Until Next Time,
Tootles
Pat

Monday, March 8, 2004 9:41 AM CST

**UPDATE**
March 10,2004

Well the visit to the clinic was a good one. Brianna's counts came back better that ever!!! Let's see her WBC 8.76 HEM was at 12.2, platelets at 366,000 and her ANC was 4555! This ANC was even higher than before she started treatment. Wow I really just pray that her immune system is getting back to "normal" :D I updated the pictures with our recent Cloudcroft get away--you can really see how much fun the girls had!
Until Next Time
Tootles
Pat






Good morning to all~
Wow I had not updated in a while--I think it's time:)
Well first of all I have some exciting news to tell you all;however I won't say it till the end to keep you all in suspense hee!

Well two weeks ago we went to Cloudcroft New Mexico to see some snow. Here in El Paso it is very rare that we get snow so we decided to drive 2 hours away to have the girls experience playing in snow. Wow and did they have a GREAT time! We went tubing and would climb up a big hill and then slide down. I thought Brianna would be afraid (she's afraid of heights) well I was wrong!! She had NO FEAR and would climb and slide all by her self. She's my tough cookie! Allysa also enjoyed the snow and the tubing as well. We got to build a snowman and that was exciting for the girls too. I took pictures so I'll be posting them soon. We spend the night and it started to snow--it was sooo beautiful. The girls were amazed and couldn't wait until the morning to go out and play again. Of course as soon as their eyes popped open the first thing that came out of their mouths was "mommy can we go out to play again!" They played for another long while then we headed back home to sunny El Paso. We had such a wonderful time. I can honestly say that it was the first time in a LONG time that I didn't think about cancer--when I was home I thought--Hey I didn't think about cancer for 2 whole days!!

We got back and both girls got sick! So that was a bummer because every time Brianna gets sick I PANIC. She was throwing up too to of course my mind starts racing!! She's better now, but the only thing that breaks my heart is that she really HATES to be sick. She cries and says that she doesn't want to be sick anymore. I try to explain that everyone gets sick, but I guess she associates sickness with hospitals, pokes, chemo, etc. and I know that is what goes through her little head each and everytime she gets sick. My poor baby!! She's feeling a lot better now so I pray things stay that way. Eventhough Allysa woke up with an ear ache this morning--oh no!:(

Brianna will be going to the clinic on Thursday to get her port flushed and have her blood work done too. Last time her ANC was a little low (considering she's been off chemo since October. I think it was at 1400 and all the other times since October it had been over 2000.) So there I go again and start to worry. Rowena,our nurse, said that was normal and that it usually take 6 months to get the immune system to get back to "normal". I'm really curious to see her counts this time.

Well as for my exciting news---we are going to be adding a new family member to our family!!!:> I can't believe I'm going to be a mommy again--I feel so blessed. I think the best part of this pregnancy is the fact that Allysa and Brianna are old enough to understand what is going on. They keep looking at pictures of babies and they giggle and laugh. Their favorite question is--"mommy when is your tummy going to get big?" I reassure them that it will soon!! So our new little one will join us in October. October the 18th is the estimated due date. I timed it perfectly--Allysa's bday is October 1st , Brianna's bday is November 3rd--our new little will come right in the middle. I am soo excited--not to mention tired and nauseous!!

Thanks for checking up on us. I'll update soon!!

Until next time,
Pat and Brianna

Please remember to pray for all our friends that are currently fighting cancer, and others that are in remission-- Also for those that have left Earth, but that will NEVER be forgotten!

Tuesday, February 10, 2004 4:52 PM CST

UPDATE
February 12,2004
I just got back from the clinic after a very long day. It was worth the wait because we got the results we so much wanted to hear!!! Brianna's scans were clear and remains cancer free!!YEEEPEEE! I stuck around until the doctor got to the clinic and he is always so good at telling us the results. I just did not want to wait the entire weekend! Thank you to all of you for your continuous support and prayers! Thank our dear Lord above!!

Happy Valentines to all!!!



Hi everyone,
I feel like it has been a long time since my last update:) Well it's almost here--CT scan day or as Brianna knows it washing machine day. We call the machine a washing machine because it sounds like one(to us:>) when they start to scan her. She is not afraid of it anymore, but what she HATES is the contrast she has to drink. Actually the one that they give her here is different than the one in Houston. The one in Houston she was able to drink it with little problems. The contrast here though is a banana tasting one and she does NOT like it:( The nurse told me last time that I could put some kool-aid to make it taste "better". I'm going to try that--hopefully it will work.

It's been a busy week so far at work and the work has kept my mind occupied. It was wierd though when I was driving to work today I went back to the day David and I went to the clinic at Texas Children for the very first time. We were there to find out about Brianna's treatment and also her first chemo treatment. I just remember sitting there not believing that I was there. I soo much wanted it to be a terrible nightmare. I start feeling anxiety even now as I am typing. It's funny it seems like it was so long ago, but the feelings are so fresh like it happened to us yesterday. Ok enough on that.....Now that my little Briannca (that's what I call her sometimes) is DONE with her treatment we just need to continue to have faith in our dear Lord above because He has been watching over us every single day. I have to stay POSITIVE and believe that my stinky will remain cancer free. It's funny but my school district had a writing contest for students, teachers and parents and the topic was POSITIVE ATTITUDE (humm...appropriate topic for me). I entered the contest (as a teacher) and won 2nd place! Of course I wrote about Brianna and how keeping a positive attitude helped me get though this experience. So I just have to continue with my positive attitude.

Quick story before I close. I let you all know that Brianna was complaining of her teeth, well I called the clinic and they advised me to take her to the dentist (which we are going soon) . She still complains so I told her that she needs to stop eating so much candy because she has the BIGGEST sweet tooth ever. Well I noticed that when she does not have too many sweets she does not complain, but according to her she claims the candy is NOT the reason they hurt. She was even crying because she thought she was never going to get to eat candy again. Then just about 2 nights ago she comes up to me and says,"Mommy my teeth do not hurt---can I have some pie?!!!" Such a little stinker. Well I think I've written enough---please remember to keep us in your prayers--clear scans and that Brianna remain cancer free!!! I'll update as soon as I get results (I just hope it's before the weekend--I'm just gonna bug them:>)

Until Next Time
tootles
Pat and Brianna

Monday, January 26, 2004 9:20 AM CST

Good Morning everyone,
Thanks for checking in on us:> Well everything with Brianna was going good until Friday. When she woke up her checks were rosy red. I touched her she was burning up! I took her temp and it was at 101.7. I gave her some Tylenol and she stayed with daddy to rest and try to get her to feel better. She continued with the fever on Saturday. It finally broke Sunday morning. She seems to be doing better.

The only thing that worries me is that she said her teeth hurt!?@#$ She wanted me to give her medicine for that. Then later she said her fingers hurt from the inside--UGH of course I start panicing and my mind starts racing!! I woke up at 3am this morning and could not go back to bed just thinking....I guess I'm starting to worry because her scans are coming up soon. I TRY not to think about it but I can't. I guess even when I am not thinking about it---deep inside it's there. I do see though that it is wearing me out. I feel tired all the time and it is not due to lack of sleep.

I asked her last night if her teeth and her fingers hurt and she said no--whew. I just wonder what it was. Well again thanks for checking in on us and remember to send prayers our way--I really need them right now. Remember us on Feb 12--she'll be having her scans done that day.

Until next time
tootles
Pat

Friday, January 16, 2004 8:56 AM CST

Good morning everyone,
Thanks for checking up on us. (BIG SIGH) These past couple of days have been full of stress!!! It's funny how everything in my life had been settling down (just a bit:>) and then the BIG storm hit again! Anyways, my mom had to have surgery yesterday and we thought we were going to have to leave El Paso to get the procedure done. Luckly we DIDN'T and we got a 2nd opinion and opted for surgery. After talking to the doctor I'm soooo glad we did go with the surgery because the 1st procedure that was recomended would not have worked! Cancer came back to haunt us 35 years later. My mom had radiation 35 years ago beat the cancer and the radiation effects came back. She had carotid stenosis and the doc said that it was one of the worst cases he had seen and that it was caused by the radiation she had 35 years ago. We were soo very lucky to have done the procedure now because she could have had a massive stoke. The blockage on the artery was greater than 85%, so she was not getting enough blood and oxygen to her brain. That explains her vision loss and her dizziness (mini strokes--as the doctor explained--OH MY!) She's in ICU right now, but the doctor said last night she is recovering nicely--I definately thank God for that!

When I was waiting at the hospital while my mom was having her surgery so many memories came back to me. I just remember waiting for Brianna to get out of her surgery. It was the longest wait ever. I rememeber feeling calm,anxious,mad~~so many feelings! I've done this one too many times. My dad has had major surgery 2 times, my mom has had her share--with this one that she just had, my little Brianna--ugh--I don't want them any more!!! I know I'll have to WAIT again when Brianna gets her port out--I'll worry about that when it comes. The only thing I can say is that as a family we have been through so much and I thank God that he has been with us every step of the way. Everytime, I tell myself He is in control and remind myself that I have to walk by faith rather than by sight! Sometimes I find it hard though because soo many things have been happening to us--I guess it's human nature to feel you can't handle it anymore. I just CONSTANTLY talk to myself and remind myself that God has a plan for my family and me and that He will guide us through it!

Well after my mom got out of surgery I called the clinic to get results on Brianna. Good news-all her blood work came back good! She grew 2cm and gained weight--38 pounds my little chubby checkers!! After my latest storm I saw the sunshine again, I just hope it stays that way!:> Until next time~~
Tootles
Pat and Brianna

Tuesday, January 6, 2004 9:27 AM CST

Good Morning everyone,
Well it's back to work:(. It was hard for me to come back--I really just want to stay at home just a little longer. I was telling Brianna that mommy was going to have to go back to work because she needed the money. She was sooo cute because she told me that she would give me all of her money from her piggy bank so that I wouldn't have to work. She is just sooo precious!

We had a very nice holiday--a lot of get togethers too! Allysa and Brianna absolutely LOVE to get together with friends and family. Everyday they would be asking me--"mommy where are we going today/or who is coming over? When I was putting them to bed at about 1:00 a.m. on New Years Day--Brianna , of course did NOT want to go to bed she wanted to continue to mingle with our guests. Then she said--"mommy I want to have another one of these parties" She has more energy that I do! Needless to say we did have a lot of fun--I think I'm still recovering!

As for Brianna she continues to do very well. She did get the sniffles and had a little bit of a cough. I always freak out with he cough because I immediately think of her lungs and wonder if it's cancer!#*$@#!& I quickly begin talking to myself and tell myself that God is watching her and is taking care of her--I start feeling better:) She has an appointment next week to flush her port and also for blood work. In Feb. we will be having our next CT scan--I TRY not to think about it too much!! I just enjoy seeing her because she is the one that gives me ALL the strength that I've got. That leads me to the song I posted "In My Daughter's Eye's" by Martina McBride. My friend Sandy gave me the CD for Christmas because of that song. I had never heard it but the minute I listened to the lyrics I fell in LOVE with it. It brings a tear to my eye everytime I hear it--I listen to it al least once a day! She is the reason that I am soo strong and positive--I can't be any other way--she deserves it!

Well I've written a book. Thanks for checking up on us and don't forget to sign the guestbook--I love to read them--I'm like a little kid opening presents--I can't wait to check to see who has signed in! HEEEE!

Until Next Time~~
Pat and Brianna

Friday, December 19, 2003 10:34 AM CST

Hello everyone,
Well today is my last day at work:) We have a 2 week vacation and I will not return until January 6th! I will definatly enjoy my break with my family.

Let's see Brianna has been doing well. She's up and around asking me when Santa is going to come. She is soo funny. I gave her the Toys R Us ad and asked her to circle what she wanted Santa to bring her--well I think she circled EVERYTHING on that ad. She claims she doesn't have any of those toys! Now as for Allysa she really sat there and looked carefully at every toy and circled the ones that she said she really wanted. They are just so different--love those differences!

Allysa was in a school program and Brianna came to see her. She was soooo excited! After the program she wanted to go on stage--she wanted to be like her sister:) The next day in the morning she asked me if she could go to school with us--she just can't wait till she's in Pre-K. She is pretty popular here at my school--everyone was amazed at how good she looks!
Everyone kept asking is that Brianna?!!! I tell you I am soo blessed this school really pulled together for us when Brianna first got diagnosed.

My sister will be coming in from out of town so we are going to have a very nice Christmas with all our family getting together. I feel soo blessed and lucky to be surrounded by love. I guess I just feel sad when I know that I am updating with good news and I have friends that have recently lost their babies--so diffcult to understand. Please remember to keep both Martine and her family and Jeanie and her family in your prayers this holiday season. Pray for peace and comfort to touch their hearts! Another one of our friends just got CT scans results and it was not the news we were all hoping for! Please pray for little Savannah that the next plan of action be the one to get rid of all cancer once and for all!!

Wishing all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!! Don't forget to hug the ones you love!

Love,
Pat and Brianna

Wednesday, December 17, 2003 10:15 AM CST

Dear friends,
I had not updated in a while and was going to do it today~I got to work checked our friends website quickly and then checked my email. I checked my email and received an email from one of my friends that I've made over the internet. Cam's mommy emailed and informed me that Cam had earned his angel wings.....such a special friend of ours.

I was about to send little Cam a special package that had some cards that some of my students here at school had made~~the big envelope sits on my desk ready to be mailed......

Please remember Cam and his family in your prayers~~Cam in my heart you will remain....
If you'd like, visit his website at www.caringbridge.org/mt/my.little.cam

Love
Pat

Friday, December 5, 2003 9:19 AM CST

Good Morning everyone,
Let's see quick update--My husband took Brianna to the clinic yesterday. Dr. Canales wanted to check her blood. I was curious on how she would do since her last treatment was over a month ago--her counts were ALL in the normal range! Her white blood count was at 5.1 HEM at 12.1 platelets were at 403,000 and ANC was at 2189. I went back to look at her blood results before she bagan treatment and there is a bit of a difference--her wbc then was at 6.6 and her ANC was at 3149 her HEM was at 10.3 (it's better now:>) I asked our nurse if she thought they were good and she said YES! I guess it just takes time for her body to get back and build her immune system--I think I read it was about 6 months. Anyways just glad everything was in the NORMAL range. We will have to go back Jan 15th to flush her port and then they will go ahead and do another CBC. In Feb. she will have her next CT scan--3 month scan. I'm not even going to start thinking about it now!!:>

As for everthing else in my life, my mom should be going to the doc next week--she says she's been feeling well. I just want her to get her appointment done and over with so we know what the next step is. My grandmother was doing well until she fell about 4 days ago! She was going to the restroom in the middle of the night and fell and bumped her head--BIG bump on her head--poor grandma!. My aunt took her to the doctor and everything came back fine--thank God. I just get so worried about everyone sometimes I just feel soo runned down. I guess what keeps me going is that all the bad that has come my way has come out with positive results and I thank God each and every single day for that.

My husband and I will be going to my work Christmas party--I debated over going just because, like I said I just feel emotionally drained and really not in the mood to go out. However my hubby convinced me and said I need to get out of this slump I'm in and get into the Christmas spirit. He's right--I've got soo much to celebrate and I'm sure going out with my husband and being around my friends will be good for my soul!

Before I close please remember to keep Marianne and her family in your prayers--Martine is now watching over them from heaven. And also please pray for one of our other friends, Cameron, that he be filled with energy and strength this holiday season!

Until Next time
Love
Pat

Monday, December 1, 2003 9:24 AM CST

Good morning everyone,
Well just like to say that we had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday. We ate tooo much:) and had a lot of family time. It was an extra special holiday because I am so thankful for so many things.

I really didn't get on the computer since Wednesday. (sometimes when I am on, minutes turn into hours:> and I didn't want to be on the computer and take too much time away from the girls.) Anyways, when I get to work I usually check my email and some wilms websites to check up on our friends. When I checked this morning I just found out that one of our precious friends, Martine earned her angel wings on Saturday. I met Martine and Marianne, her mom, this summer over the internet when I was in Houston. They are from Norway. I am just soo saddened by this news. So many times I ask myself why?? Please keep Marianne and her family in your prayers at such a difficult time. Thanks again~~
Love,
Pat

Monday, November 24, 2003 2:39 PM CST

Hello everyone,
Well--we did get my mom's tests results and it looks like there is a problem. We are still waiting to see what her primary doctor wants to do--it just seems to be taking too long. I'm very inpatient knowing sometihing is wrong and they don't hurry up and do something about it. Anyways hopefully she will here something today.

As for Brianna, she is doing GREAT! She's up and running around, making us giggle constantly~~she is just soo silly:> As Thankkgiving draws near I sit back and Thank God for everything I have~~even though we are trudging some difficult waters right now, I am grateful for the things I do have this very minute! I found this poem and I thought it was appropriate bacause cancer has made me a very different person~~

Making Friends with Cancer
by Dawn Nelson


You make friends with cancer by heeding its call to consciousness, by letting it change your life. You slow down. You pay attention. You stop doing things you don't really want or need to do. You prioritize. You pace yourself. You respect your body. You spend time with those whose presence is healing.


You make friends with cancer by noticing the small miracles that occur daily--the chorus of bird songs in the morning air, the intoxicating fragrance of one pink rose, the melody of raindrops, the heart melting sweetness of your children's smiles, the eternality of an ocean wavy, the exquisite beauty of asetting sun, the presence of your beloved--which, before cancer, you may have overlooked or been to "busy" to enjoy or appreciate.

You make friends with cancer by letting love in.
You open you heart. You tell the truth. You ask for help. You accept the profound generosity of friends. You let
whatever you may have given return itself to you.


You make friends with cancer by allowing it to remind you of what is actually important in life and what is less so, by forging a relationship with it that fosters new insight, by seeing the uninvited guest as an opportunity for learning and growth.


You make friends with cancer by accepting the myriad gifts and joys which life offers. You don't waste time complaining about things you cannot change or which you wish were different. You dance when you can, you weep when you must. You notice what you have instead of what you don't
have. You practice thankfulness, and forgiveness.

You make friends with cancer by not hiding from it or
hating it, but by acknowledging it, accepting what it has to teach you and continuing on your Journey, one step at a
time.

HAPPT THANKSGIVING TO ALL OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!
Love
Pat and family

Thursday, November 20, 2003 12:53 AM CST

Hello everyone,
I'm breathing a little bit easier today. I just came back from the doctor's with my mom and the news today was NOT as bad as I envisioned---WHEW!! The tumor she has is 1 cm (which he said was very small to cause any symptoms) and he says is 99% benign. He said that is a very slow growing type of tumor and we have time to think about the options. Actually she could do nothing and just have check-ups every 6 months to see if there is any growth. The only thing about that is that tumor was ever to get larger than 3cm they would have to do surgery. The other option was doing radiation--it's called gamma knife, it's a one time radiation that is very localized and precise and she would recover very quickly. I believe it would only require a one night stay at the hospital. Technology is AMAZING. So I'm relieved at that news. Now tomorrow she'll be getting other results that have to do with her veins/arteries--I guess to see how they are functioning. I'm a little worried because the side of her throat that she had radiation 35 years ago is the side that hurts and gives her trouble. I am no doctor, but I could only assume that the radiation has a lot if not everything to do with her problems now. So I just ask you to PLEASE continue to have her in your prayers. I just pray that it is something that can be controlled with medication. I still soooo much need my mother here with me!!

The other GREAT news that I have is the my darling little angel's scans came back CLEAR!!!! I can relax until the next scan which will be in another 3 months. I was reading this entry from another cancer mom --which made a lot of sense to me. She said that she does have a normal life right now, that she is not going to worry about relapse because she is NOT going to let cancer do that. She also said that she doesn't think about cancer 24/7 because then cancer would be winning-I really liked the way she put it. I'll live my life as normal as I can for the next 3 months:> those nerves just attack right around CT scans. I just try to tell myself--having faith is believing and seeing what has not yet happened!

Thanks for the prayers and support and don't forget to sign the guestbook! I'll update with my mom's results (but please continue to pray for her!)

Until Next Time
Pat

Sunday, November 16, 2003 9:47 PM CST

Hi everyone,
I wasn't going to update until CT results, but I need prayers started quickly! I received some devastating news from my mom yesterday. She had an MRI done and they found a 1cm tumor in her left frontal lobe. I don't know the details--I am just at a loss for words. I can't believe this is even happening. I'm not sure how much more of this crap I can handle. When I first found out about Brianna, my mom was very, very supportive and told me Brianna was going to get passed this and that I had to have faith. All I can do right now is pray and ask you to help me pray for my mom. Please pass this as a prayer request to everyone you know! She has to be Ok---she just has to.......

Pat


***November 19, 2003***

Just updating to let you know that Brianna's counts came back good (finally something to smile about) Her ANC was 3298, HEM 12.1 and WBC 5.3 and platelets at 365,000. She also had her CT scan yeserday and we should be getting results sometime today(with all the bad news I've been getting lately Brianna's CT scans WILL come back clear!) I posted the news about my mom, but my grandmother who is 83 was DX yesterday with Chronic Leukemia. I know I couldn't believe it myself. The doctor said she's had this condition for a long time and told her she would NOT die of this leukemia. BIG SIGH---My mom's doctors appointment is tomorrow--I'll be going with her so I should know more by tomorrow. My mom is such a strong person--I called her and she made ME feel better. She told me "God has been taking care of me for many years (she's a cancer survivor 35 years and has had other health issues) and He is going to watch over me again..." "I'm not worried and neither should you!" I just can't believe her strength!! I just told a friend here at work that I just don't know how to handle all this--she said you know God does not give you more that you can handle--my reply to that was I CAN:T HANDLE THIS--she then said "God thinks more of you than you think of yourself!" I'm glad he does, but God I'm telling you right now---HAVE MERCY ON ME AND MY FAMILY! Please God----

I'll update with Brianna's and my mom's update~~~
Pat

Thursday, November 13, 2003 8:22 PM CST

Hi everyone,
Well I wish I could update with good news, but unfortunately we hit another little bump. Brianna had been doing pretty good until yesterday. She complained of a sore throat. Well last night she had a fever of 100.4. I was sure the doctor was going to tell us to go to the hospital last night---but he didn't. He prescribed an antibiotic (it was finally ready at 1:30a.m.!) That seemed to help her and cut her fever.

{Just to let you all know everywhere you turn, there is someone that is SICK--someone is coughing, sneezing you name it!! David and Allysa were sick last week. Brianna and I were doing well. I wast just hoping Brianna would not catch the bug!! I guess it was the inevitable.}

Back to my story--She finally was peacefully sleeping at about 3:30a.m. When David took her to the clinic today her ANC was down to 300!! That's the lowest it's ever been. We have to take her back to the clinic tomorrow. I just hope she is able to shake off what ever it is she got. She seems to be doing pretty good right now. She tells me ---"Mommy my throat hurts just a little, can I touch Allysa:>?" They are playing nicely right now and she has no fever--hopefully she'll do OK tonite!

Please send some prayers our way--I'll update with tomorrow's clinic visit. Thanks for checking up on us.

Until Next Time
Tootles
Pat

"Life is good but with God it's better!"

**November 13, 2003**

Just to let you know that David took Brianna to the clinic and her ANC went up to only 500. I am grateful though that it went up. We'll just have to stay home this weekend. I don't mind we'll just cuddle up, rest and relax! She seems to be doing well. My husband said that she was running around the clinic. I'm sure she'll recover. Please remember to think and pray for us on Tuesday. Brianna will be having a CT scan. Please please pass on as a prayer request--thanxs! Well I'll update when we get results! Thanks again for checking up on us!

Monday, November 10, 2003 8:42 AM CST

Hello everyone,
Well Brianna went to the clinic on Thursday and her counts came back very good. Her ANC was 2938. HEM at 12.1, WBC at 5.0 and platelets at 368,000. We'll be going back on Thursday for blood work again. I think after this week we will only have 1 more week with blood work. In about a week and a half we are going to have another CT scan (sigh). This is the last CT scan in her protocol. After that we are going to have a CT scan every 3 months for the frist year, then every 6 months after that. I asked Rowena our nurse when we stop going--her response was "Oh Dr Canales likes to follow them until they get married!" I just laughed and told her--"He'll definately be invited to her wedding:>"

Thanks for checking up on us. Don't forget to sign the guestbook--I'm feeling a little blah and reading the guestbook entries always makes me feel better. I'll update soon.

Tootles
Until Next Time
Pat

"Life is good but with God it's better!"

Monday, November 3, 2003 8:44 AM CST

Hello everyone,

Want to start by saying that we had a fun, fun, fun time on Friday!! We went out treat or treating at about 6:00 and returned at about 7:15. Would you believe Brianna wanted to continue??!!! She was full of energy and was sooo excited that she was getting soo much candy!! On Saturday when she woke up at 8:00 in the morning she already had a candy in her mouth! I had to hide it if not she would probably finished it in one day!

Well today is a very special day---Brianna's Birthday!! She turns 4 today. I can't believe such a little girl has been through more than any person will go through in their lifetime! She's already a strong little one, this experience is only going to make her unstopable!!:>

Please don't forget to sign her guestbook and wish my little stinker a Happy Birthday!

Until Next Time,
Tootles
Pat

"Life is good but with God it's better!"

***November 5,2003****
Just wanted to update and let you all know that we had such a wonderful time on Brianna's Birthday. We went out to eat (just the 4 of us) to Peter Piper Pizza. She was having so much fun and said--"I don't want my birthday to end" then yesterday she was crying because her balloons were "down" she wanted them to stay "up":>! Anyways we really did have a great time. Tomorrow we'll be going to the clinic for blood work, I;ll update with the results.
*There are new Halloween pics--can you tell who Brianna's favorite cartoon character is?:)
Until Next Time
Tootles,
Pat

Tuesday, October 28, 2003 9:51 PM CST

Hi everyone,

Well I’d like to begin by saying that Brianna DID receive her LAST chemotherapy treatment yesterday. Her counts came back good --her ANC was at 2484 her HEM at 12.1 and her white blood cells went up to 4.2. I knew they were going to come back good enough for her to get her chemo. I’ve been thinking sooo much--my feelings now vs. my feelings when I first found out our little Brianna had cancer.

Six months ago when the doctor told us Brianna had a mass on her side and that it was probably malignant I just about died!! The first thing that I associated with cancer was death. I couldn’t even say the word cancer--I just hated to tell people my child had cancer. I would always begin by telling people she had wilm’s tumor, I just found it a lot easier explaining it that way.

Any ways, like all parents that are told that their child has cancer--it’s the WORST thing that one can be told. I couldn’t believe that it was happening to us, to my little innocent little girl. I was soooo ANGRY and so many times I questioned God and why he was doing this to us. I was the kind of person that always tried to do the “right” things. I always would look at the positive side of things and would always counsel others encouraging them to look at the brighter side of things. Now that I was faced with this situation I felt all but negative and bitter. I just would question--why would God do this to me when all I ever did was try to help others?!! I remember reading the statistics and reading how RARE this disease was and how 1 in about 8,000 children were be diagnosed with wilm's. “1 in 8,000”-- I thought --that’s like winning the lottery--but t the kind of lottery that I would have rather NOT be a winner of.

Now six months later, I reflect and realize that I did win the lottery, but a different kind of lottery--the lottery of life. In such a short time (well short in time, but long at the same time waiting for treatments to come to an end :>) I have learned so much. I learned so much about myself and about others. I remember feeling that anger and negativity that I described earlier and I knew that that person was not me! I knew that it was going to take a lot of effort on my part to start looking at things in a more “positive” way. I was then looking at the positive side such as--ok Brianna has wilm's tumor, but it has a high cure rate. I remember a couple of doctors telling us that if your child has to have cancer you want them to have wilm's--I couldn’t believe they were telling me this ---- to me cancer was cancer and cancer was bad!! Now that I’m here I do look at it like that and let me tell you why--I’ve run across so many children that have inoperable brain tumors, or other types of cancer that are rare and hard to treat!! I don’t know what my life would be like if I knew from the get go that my child had an inoperable brain tumor and eventually would die. At least in my situation I could hold on to FAITH and HOPE. Another thing that I am thankful and look at it in a positive way is the duration of treatment--six months is so much shorter compared to the 2 years that children with Leukemia have to endure.

I also won the lottery because I’ve met some amazing people that have offered sooo much support (yup I’m talking to you Grace, Salina, and all the people on the Wilm's server list) without them I don’t know if I would have made it this far. The most amazing thing is we don’t even know each other, yet are so supportive of one another. I hope someday we do meet each other ( I think I’ll write to Oprah:>) I also realized that people are so caring and giving in time of need--soo many offered us help without expecting anything in return----simply awesome.

Like anyone that has experienced some kind of traumatic experience you learn to enjoy the little things in life and I mean little!! I now look forward to the end of the work week when I know that David, myself and the girls will end up cuddling and watching TV. Or even the simple things like eating dinner together or even having the girls help me bake cookies. I notice everything they do and everything they say and it becomes a loving memory engraved in my heart--that I know will last forever.

Our immediate family has also helped us so much. My sisters just doing things like the fundraiser, the yellow ribbons, the extra efforts just for us. It feels great knowing that they love us so much. My friends from high school pulling together also to raise money and immediately starting this web site for me and also immediately starting the prayers for Brianna. I won the lottery, but the lottery that makes a difference in someone’s life!!

Last but not least, I remember when Brianna went into surgery April 28th I had this vision of Jesus holding her in his hand. I pictured him cradling her and watching her every second. Somehow I felt that she would do very well in surgery(which she did) and somehow I feel right now that Brianna will be Ok and she’ll grow up to be a strong healthy girl. I feel that He has put His healing hand on her and has been with her and with us every step of the way. It is because of Him that I have this positive outlook on life and how I can turn something like cancer (at least wilm’s) and look at it in a more positive way. It’s NOT easy by all means, but I constantly pray and ask our dear God above to give me the strength that I need to help me --and so far He has done exactly that!! I know that we will have tons of check ups and follow ups and you name it, but I know in my heart in years to come I will be able to tell people my story and talk about my little Brianna--my solider in disguise--a cancer survivor!!

Well I definitely wrote a book, I just felt I had to write what I was feeling. I hope that when a parent is told that their child has wilm's and frantically searches the internet that they find this site and read this entry and find hope and know that with love and support and positive thinking anything is possible!

Until next time,
tootles
Pat

“Life is good, but with God it’s better!”
“Don’t put a period in your life where God only meant to put a comma”

Thursday, October 23, 2003 8:46 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Well I've got good news and bad news. I'll start with the bad--Brianna didn't get her LAST chemo treatment today her ANC was still way too low at 678. Doctor Canales told us to go back on Monday that she should be ready for it then.

I guess I was a little dissappointed, I wanted to start the next chapter in this journey!!

As for my good news, Brianna has not had a fever and is able to do the bathroom with no pain at all! I know she's back to herself--she had dessert today:> She's also running around and fighting with her sister--so I suspect that she'll be fully recovered on Monday.

Please keep us in your prayers and remember to say an extra prayer for us on Monday. I heard this on a Christian radio station I listen to and I thought it was pretty cool---"Life is good but with God it's better!!"

Until next time,
Tootles
Pat

Tuesday, October 21, 2003 10:38 AM CDT

Hi everyone,
Thanks for checking up on us. I usually would not have updated until Thursday, but just wanted to let you all know that we had to take Brianna to the hospital on Sunday:<.

We went to a birthday party on Saturday and she had a great time. I did notice though that she was not her 100% self. I knew something might be wrong when she said she did not want any cake. She NEVER turns down sweets!! Well I took her to my mom's. She was going to spend the night so me and David could go out. We have not gone out in a looooooong time. (We had a great time:>) Well my mom called and told me Brianna was feeling a little warm. She took her temperature and it was at 98.9. I told her if it got worse to call me. She didn't call so I assumed she was doing ok. When I picked her up on Sunday morning I took her temp and it was at 100. Took her home and took her temperature again and it had gone up to 101. We called the doctor and I won't get into that story but it was a total MESS!!

She was not getting better so we decided to take her to the ER. By this time when she went to the bathroom she was screaming that it burned to go pee. When I wiped her I saw BLOOD on the toilet paper. I just couldn't believe it we're almost done--last treatment on Thursday and here I am with my little one ready to go to the hospital! I just couldn't believe this was happening. We got the the ER and they put is in a room right away. Ran some tests and thak GOD it was not an infection.

When the doctor checked her he said it was VERY irrated down there and that's why it was burning. I always make sure I wipe her when she goes to the bathroom. I failed to let my mother in law know so being the independent little person that she is I'm sure she wipes when she is at grandmas. I learned my lesson--such a little detail that I forgot to relay turned out a hospital visit!

Yesterday David took her to the doctors for a follow up and her blood counts came back LOW. Her ANC was at 500. This is the first time that it's been that low. Doc let her come home, gave her an antibiotic and just told us to take her back if she got a fever over 100. She hasn't whew!!!!!
I could tell she was starting to feel better last night because she was jumping and doing summersaults on the bed--that's my Brianna.:>

Once again my 3 year old has taught me sooo much just this weekend. When we got back home from the ER at about 1:30 a.m. We were trying to make her got to the bathroom again. She didn't want to because she said it burnred tooo much. We tired and tried. No luck-- at about 2:30 a.m. she told my husband "Daddy I just have to be brave....." and then she did pee. I started to cry when I heard her. Now it's mommy that has to continue to have FAITH, HOPE and be BRAVE!!

Please keep he in your prayers and pray for our upcoming visit on Thursday. God willin her counts will be back up and she'll be able to get her LAST treatment.

Unitl next time
tootles
Pat

Thursday, October 16, 2003 11:00 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
Thanks for checking up on Brianna. Well our days continue to be good ones:) Brianna is doing soooo good. Her mouth sore is gone so she's eating with no trouble.

Let's see we had a very busy weekend. We shopped for Halloween costumes, baked Halloween cookies and on Sunday went to a birthday party. Needless to say we were very busy and had such a great time. I soooo much enjoy time with my Brianna and Allysa.

Brianna went to the clinic today for blood tests. Counts came back pretty good--ANC at 1862 HEM at 12.4 platelets at 295,000. So now we count down until our last treatment!!! Next Thursday Brianna will receive her LAST treatment. It is soo hard to believe! We have been incredibly blessed because she has done very well through out this whole ordeal. I just remember the very first treatment back in May. That first treatment got her soooo sick. I thought it was going to be like that for the entire 6 months. Thank God for His blessings and with the help of Zofran she's been my normal little girl! No hospital stays, no blood or platelet transfusions---and I thank God for that every single second:>

Before I leave you guys I'd like to ask for prayer for one of our internet friends. His name is Cameron. I believe I had asked for prayers for him before. Well his mom was told that he would not be eligible for a bone marrow transplant because he has another type of chromosome abnormality and the bone marrow would probably not work. Leukemia looks likely and after that doctors really don't give him much time. I just can't even imagine what Cameron's mom is feeling. Please pray for them and pray for another option to come their way. I have a difficult time accepting when a doctor tells someone how much time is left for them here on Earth. NOBOBY knows but God. He is the only one that knows. I truely in my heart BELIEVE in miracles. Please pray for Cameron and let's ask God to send a miracle his way. If you would like to send additional support you can visit his website at www.caringbridge.org/mt/my.little.cam Let him and his family know that you are praying for them.

Well I'll update next Thursday after our LAST treatment!

Unitl next time!
Tooltes,
Pat

Friday, October 10, 2003 9:12 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Thanks for checking up on us. Brainna went to the clinic and her counts were back up:> Her ANC was 2420, HEM 12.0, platelets at 355,000. She's been feeling very good lately. The only thing is she's got a mouth sore on the tip of her tongue :< and sometimes it gets in the way of her eating. She adjust pretty good though--she pushes the food to the back of her mouth and then chews and swallows. It's amazing how she just adjusts and problem solves. It's also funny because when she does not want to eat she tells me her blister is hurting. Then she'll ask me for dessert--my reply to her is "I thought your blister was hurting" she then says "mommy the cake doesn't hurt my blister!" Heee pretty sneaky!

I posted some new pictures on the site. You all have to take a minute to look at them. I especially like the 2nd picture. Just by the way the are dressed--you can see their personalities!! The 3rd picture was taken about a week and a half ago when we went to Bear In the Big Blue House.

Well as you know we a nearing the end of treatment. Next week she'll have some blood work and October 23rd God willing will be her last treatment. Please help me and pray that all cancer cells were destroyed with this treatment. I just can't even think of relapse right now!!! I try not to think about it if not it totally starts overwhelming me! I am just so thankful that she has no cancer living inside her precious little body right now and that's what keeps me SMILING!! I just have to continue fighting my fears with HOPE and FAITH and trusting the Lord, that he will take care of her!

Until Next time
Tootles
Pat

Thursday, October 2, 2003 11:42 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Okay--are you ready? CLEAR...C...L...E....A....R SCANS!!! Yipeeee I feel so so very happy today! Before I go on I’d like to thank all of you who prayed for Brianna. I’d also like to thank everyone who passed on the prayer request. I always feel GREAT knowing that soooo many people are praying for her. So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!

Well, I woke up knowing that today was going to be a very important day. The results of this CT scan could make a difference in the journey we’ve been traveling thus far.

Brianna woke up in such a good mood--like she always does! (Unlike her mommy) I told her it was clinic day and that we were going to do the washing machine. The CT machine reminds us of a washing machine so we’ve called it that for a while now:> (I try to explain to her what we’ll be doing so it won’t be a suprise to her. It seems to help things go a lot smoother.) I had to get her to drink some contrast before going to the hospital. They had given David 3 bottles for her to drink in 30 minutes 1 1/2 hours prior to study. It seemed like quite a bit of contrast for her to drink so I decided to call to make sure the directions were correct. I’m glad I did because the guy that I spoke with said that 3 bottles was too much and that was given to adults. Hellloooo do they not have her age on ALL records.?!!So she only had to drink 1 1/2 bottles in 30 minutes. It took her a little longer but she finally finished! So we headed to the hospital.

We got the the clinic and they accessed her, took blood and then we were sent to take the test. We waited about 30 minutes until we were called. I had soo many emotions-- one minute I was calm then the other I felt like running outside and felt like screaming from the top of my lungs!

Brianna did great, she did EXACTLY what she was supposed to do--she didn’t cry, didn’t move--pretty good for a 3 1/2 year old! As the test was being performed I so much wanted to go into the little room where the techs were looking at the screens. I wanted to ask them how everything looked, or if they saw anything in her lungs. As they took the last picture I closed my eyes and said a prayer. The nurse then told us--”You’ll know results in 2-3 days." How could I wait that long I thought to myself!! We finished and went back to the clinic.

It was about 11:30 so we decided to go to lunch. Brianna had had nothing to eat. It was nice to leave the hospital for just a bit. I pretty much have come to the conclusion that I hate hospitals--everything about them, the smell just everything!--never did I think that I’d be spending so much time in one! We got back to the clinic at about 1pm. Brainna's counts were pretty good again--her ANC was 1053 her HEM was 12.8 and her platelets were at 355,000--so she was clear to get chemo.

I teased our nurse Rowena and asked her--”So when can I start bugging you about the results?” then she said “Oh I told Dr. Canales he said he was going to go look at the scans today” Oh my goodness I thought to myself--I would be getting results TODAY! My heart started racing--would I get the news I’d been praying for?!! Dr. came and told us he’d be back and he’d let us know the results. I felt soo helpless--out of control all I could do was say to myself “Jesus I trust in you” and “Don’t be afraid, just believe--(A statement said by Jesus to parents that thought their daughter had died). On Wednesday I had been reading my bible and that’s the story I read when I FIRST opened it!! Any ways he took about 20 minutes, but seemed like 45!!!He finally came and told us what I’d been wanting to hear for 5 1/2 months!! Everything was NORMAL and nothing in her lungs--no evidence of disease!!!!! SWEET MUSIC TO MY EARS!!! I hugged Brianna and began to cry--All I could do was thank God for listening to all our prayers! Dr. Canales gave her a big high 5 and said ONE more TREATMENT TO GO!!!!

I just can't believe that almost 5 months ago my whole world came tumbling down --and now on October 23rd GOD willing if all goes well Brianna will be DONE!! I just get a “gut” feeling that she is going to come out of all this at the top!

The next 2 weeks will just be blood work--then like I said her last treatment on the 3rd week. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. I’ll let you all know how she does next week. Thanks for ALL THE SUPPORT. I’m going to go to bed now--I think I’ll have a pretty good night’s rest!!:>

Until Next Time
Tootles,
Pat

Monday, September 29, 2003 9:13 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Took me a little longer to write this time--we've just been having tooo much fun. Once again my little soldier came up on top on Thursday. Her counts were very good:> Let's see her ANC was 2367 her HEM was 12.1 platelets were at 404,000 and even her white blood cells were at NORMAL range at 5.28. She's has just been doing super, duper, good!!

We took advantage of her counts and we had a ball this weekend. On Saturday I decided not to do my house cleaning (that usually takes up my whole Saturday!!) The girls and I went shopping, went to the mall and had some ice cream. We were out and about the whole day--I think we got back home at 8:40 pm! Needless to say we were pooped!

On Sunday My sister and I took the girls to see Bear and the Big Blue House. We had so much fun!! You all should have seen Brianna doing the Cha Cha Cha!! She's just adorable! When we got home after the show we had visitors, my sister-in-law,Bonnie, and her friend Cynthia. Well the girls were so excited because they got to play with Cynthia's kids. When Cynthia was leaving Brianna said "mommy I don't want them to leave" I just told her we would invite them again. I can tell they had a BLAST. (I did too, just wathing them:>)

Ok so we've had some great weeks--but to me this week is going to be full of stress! I'm already feeling all the anxiety! Brianna is going to have a MUGA on Wednesday to see how her heart is doing (the last test EKG came back normal) so I guess I'm not to worried about that. On Thursday along with her chemo she will be getting a CT scan. If you all recall before leaving Houston she had a smudge on her lung 2mm SMALL. So now I just pray that it is not there. Our doctor here seemed pretty optomistic when he reviewed the scans with us and told us that maybe that smudge was dead tumor--calcified. He said this next scan should be clear. I'm just so nervous--that's all I've been thinking about!!!! Anyways, please remember to keep us in your prayers. Please ask our dear Lord above to keep Brianna under his protection. Please pray for good results!! I'll update soon.

I'm asking for another prayer request for two of our internet friends. Please keep Cameron in your prayers he just had surgery and seems to be recovering nicely. His mom was told that he has symptoms of leukemia and is now dx as pre leukemia--please pray that the leukemia not touch him in ANY way. Please keep Mansi in your prayers as well. Her aunt just informed us that the cancer just came back and relapsed in the bones. It's hard enough dealing with cancer one time--these families now have to deal with it a second time. Remember them in your prayers.

Until next time,
Tootles
Pat

Friday, September 19, 2003 6:30 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Thanks for checking up on us. Well yesterday Brianna went to the clinic and everything came back fine:) Her ANC was 2575, HEM was at 11.8 (a little higher than last week) and platelets at 291,000. I am just so thankful that she recovered!! So next week she'll be having blood work only.

Like I said on the last journal a CT scan will be done in 2 weeks. When Rowena, our nurse, told me my stomach suddenly had a huge knot. I just get soooo nervous. Even though in my heart I feel the scan will be clear, I guess there is always that little bit of fear.

Speaking about fear, It was wierd because on Monday I was not having a very good day. I kept thinking about the CT scan, Brianna's future, the What ifs...Well I am in a prayer group at my school it's called GAP (God Answers Prayers). Anyways we are reading a book called The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. It's actually an excellent book and it really gets me thinking about myself and my purpose here on Earth. Well on Monday I read Chapter 3--What Drives Your Life? and it was just about how everyone's life is driven by something. It might be driven by guilt, resentment and anger, materialism etc..Then I got to the part where many people are driven by fear--fear that may be a result of a traumatic experience (which is what has happened with me and Brianna's situation) As I read it said "Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of LOVE and FAITH. The Bible says, "Well formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life--fear of death, fear of judgement--is one not yet fully formed in love."

I just found it so ironic that the day I was having such a bad day that I read something that hit home. I thought about it and again realized that I have no control. I have to give it to the Lord and have COMPLETE faith that everything will turn out for the best. I can't live in fear because I'll be waisting all my energy and not enjoying the great days that Brianna's been having. So after reading that chapter I reflected and felt A LOT better. I think that God had a little part in me reading that chapter on my terrible day! He is watching and taking care of me too!! His LOVE is just amazing.

Well, I think I've written enough for now!! Please pray for Brianna and our family. Please also remember in your prayers all those children that are fighting cancer--or just fighting for their lives with any disease.

Please stop by next week. I'll update again either Thursday or Friday and let you all know how everything went!

Until next time,
Tootles
Pat

Friday, September 12, 2003 11:32 AM CDT

Hi everyone

Another treatment down 2 more to go!!!!! I just can't imagine being done. Time has gone pretty quickly now (at first it seemed that the days would just drag). Anyways, we went to the clinic yesterday and we were there pretty much the entire day. Brianna almost did not get her chemo yesterday--her ANC was 973 and it has to be at 1000 in order for her to get her medication. Well Dr. Canales said it would be ok for her to get the chemo--he said she has been doing so well and recovering well too so that he did not see any problems. I was glad we did not have to wait until next week--I kinda want to stay on schedule. :> I know I have no control and the Man upstairs has ALL control so of course I Thank God that she was able to go on with treatment.

Let's see other than that everything has been going well. Brianna is just such an amazing little girl. She has been looking, acting, eating just perfectly:> Oh I forgot to tell you all she gained another pound (she's gained 2 pounds since we got back from Houston) she's at 36.5 lbs! I did notice that when I try picking her up it's a lttle more difficult! She's so funny because she's always ready for dessert!! There is not one day that she skips her ice cream, cookie, pie. I always make sure that she has her heathy food first--I use the dessert as a bribe!

As you all know September is Childhood Awareness Month (I never knew until now!) My sister Angie made some beautiful cards with Brianna's information and info. on the gold ribbon and its history. She attached a yellow ribbon that can be worn through out the month of September to show support for Brianna and all kids fighting cancer. They are AWESOME. I've had a great time passing them out to EVERYONE. The first day I gave them to all the teachers at school and everyone wore it--it was sooo cool. So Brianna thanks her aunt Angie for being so caring and she sends hugs and kisses:)! Love you Angelica.

One more thing before I leave you all---I would like for you to help me pray for one of our friends (we have met a lot via internet) her name is Martine. I just got an email and her mom just informed us that the cancer came back. They found tumors in her lungs once again. She's already been through some very aggressive treatment and now the doctor's are going to try other medication. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. I'm sure her family is very upset and frustrated at this time. Prayer is one medication that can be done at ANY time and we all know is the MOST effective too:>!!! Please remember Martine as well.

Thanks for checking up on us! I'll update again next Thursday or Friday and let you all know how everything went at the clinic. Thank you all for your continuous support, prayers----

Until Next Time
Tootles
Pat

Thursday, September 4, 2003 10:35 PM CDT

Hi everyone:)

I was going to try to update earlier but just didn't have time! Well I'll begin by telling you all about our Labor Day weekend.

On Friday we went to the Diablos baseball game and we had a ball--hee! Brianna, Allysa and their cousin little Josh were up and around. They were jumping, running, rolling in the grass--yup you read it right, there is a grassy area where kids play and run around and well they fit it just fine!! I don't think we watched much of the game. We were too busy doing everything else. At the end of the game they were supposed to run the basis, but it started to rain. We were a little dissapointed, but we had already had soo much fun that we got over it pretty quick:)

Let's see on Saturday we relaxed and hung out at home.
Sunday I took the girls to St. Anthony's bazaar. We went to go buy some food and also for the girls to play some games. They had a blast. They played games and won a couple of prizes. When it was time to go Brianna did not want to leave (I knew she wouldn't!!) She wanted to continue to play and also wanted to get in the jumping balloon. However, it started getting sooo crowded. I was carrying food and trying to keep up with them-- very, very difficult! So we left and I just told Brianna that we would do something fun the next day. She wouldn't buy that, so then I told her we'd rent a movie at Blockbuster--that worked!:)

Monday we went to the mall and grocery shopping. I wanted to get all my shopping done before having to go back to work. Needless to say we had a GREAT weekend---memories that I will never forget!

Brianna went to the clinic today and everthing went well. She got blood work and everything still looks good--Thank God. Her ANC was at 1394, hemoglobin up from last week to 11.8 and platelets up from last week at 396,000. So next week she will be receiving chemo. After that treatment we will have 2 more to go--hard to believe. I was looking at her road map and if everything goes according to plan her last treatment will be October 23rd--2 weeks before her 4th birthday. It's hard for me to look so far into the future--I just like to take things day by day because if I don't I start to worry and panic about the future! I figure I can only let God take care of the future while I enjoy the PRESENT!!

I would also like to thank my cousin Jorge and his family from California for the great surprise! My cousin had a fundraiser for Brianna---so, so sweet and caring!!!! We THANK you from the bottom of our hearts.

Again thank you for checking up on us and for your continued support! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. A CT scan is coming up soon (won't worry about it yet) but let's start praying for good results:) Thanks for everything!

Until Next time,
tootles
Pat

Friday, August 29, 2003 4:51 PM CDT

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for checking up on us:> Well Brianna went to the clinic yesterday and had her blood checked (no chemo this week:>) Her blood came back good--her ANC was 2570 her hemoglobin was 11.1 and her platelets were at 366,000. Next Thursday she will get her blood checked (no chemo).

We are going to take advantage of her counts and we are going to go to a baseball game today. Brainna, Allysa and their cousin little Josh will run the bases. I'll take some pictures and post them:)

Everything at work is going well. I had a meeting today and I met this teacher who's daughter has some type of rare disease and is going to Dr. Canales. That is Brianna's oncologist. We had so much to talk about and we hit it off instantly. It's just weird how sometimes you think you are the only one going through turmoil and then you meet someone that is going through the same thing. Anyways, now I have a new buddy to chat with and to give eachother support. We were also talking how we are going to fix up that waiting area at the hospital it is just soo BLAH! Now all we need to find money:>---I'm going to write to Oprah HA!

Allysa loves going to school. She had to miss school Thursday and today. It seemes like she was going to catch something--but seems to be doing better. She has the sniffles--but now I'm thinking it might be allergies.

Well I'll update again and let you all know how our Labor Day weekend went. Thanks for all your support! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Have a wonderful LOOONG weekend:)
Tootles
Until next time
Pat and Brianna

Friday, August 22, 2003 9:06 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Another one down 3 more to go!! I can't believe we are closer to the end. Well anyways daddy and I took Brianna to the clinic and we were there pretty much the whole day. We got there at about 10:30 and left at 3:00. Very long day indeed! Her echo and ekg that were done on Monday came back NORMAL. Thank God for that. She also got her chemo (which she almost didn't) Her counts just made it---her ANC was at 1028 and it has to be at 1000 in order to receive the chemo--well she just made it! Her hemoglobin is still in normal range st 11.3. So the next two weeks she will not receive chemo, they will only check her blood.

It's amazing how at this point in my life I still count my blessings. I thank God every single night (actually more than that:>) that Brianna is doing well. She looks soo good, eats well and is full of energy!! God has been very good to us through this whole ordeal--and I thank Him from the bottom of my heart. I also would like to thank all of you who continue to keep in touch with us. I know your prayers have helped us sooo much. I feel like a very lucky person! Please continue to pray for us and for all the little ones that suffer from cancer. Again--thanks for EVERYTHING! It is greatly appreciated!

Until Next time
tootles
Love
Pat, Briannna, Allysa and David

Thursday, August 14, 2003 4:09 PM CDT

Hi everyone:)

A lot has happened since my last entry. Allysa started kindergarten on Wednesday. It was so exciting taking her to her new classroom. The BEST part of it is that she is here with me and I can keep an eye on her. That first day was hard for me because I wanted to keep peeking in her room. She had a great time! She was pooped at the end of the day so it was very easy to put her to bed! She also has a GREAT teacher that I know will take good care of her--thanks Mrs. Amie:)

Brianna continues to do well--praise the Lord. She is just such an inspiration to me. She is such a tough cookie!! Today daddy took her to the clinic and got her blood work. Her ANC was 1560 which is above 1,000 (which is good) It did go down from last time--sometimes the medication doesn't lower her blood until 7 to 14 days after the medication is given. So hopefully she is recovering now and next week her counts will be even better--because next week she will be getting chemo. That means we will be closer to the end! Her hemoglobin is 11.9--yeah that went up from last week:)! and her platelets remain in NORMAL range 366,000:)

I had a very difficult time coming back, but it's been getting just a tad bit easier. It is so nice to see all my old students and all the parents. Everyone is just so nice and caring always asking about Brianna. Everytime I walk down the hallway there is someone asking me how Brianna is doing:)

Please continue to pray for Brianna. She will be getting an EKG on Monday to see if her heart is doing OK. Then in September she will be getting another CT scan to see if the tumor in her lung is gone. Last time is was 2 mm SMALL. I just pray to God that it is totally GONE this next time it has to be!!!!! Thank you for checking up on us:) Keep us in your prayers.

Until next time
Tootles
Pat

Thursday, August 7, 2003 10:30 PM CDT

Hello everyone,

Well today was a very busy day for me. I went back to work and it really hit me hard. We were at a workshop and the entire morning was a waste for me because I was not really there! I felt guilty for leaving Brainna. Even though my mom was watching her (which we all know is the BEST!!) I still felt I had to be with Brianna.

It was nice to see everyone from work--I would get emotional everytime someone would ask me how Brianna was doing. Everyone is just so supportive and caring!!

Well Daddy took Brianna to the clinic today to get her blood work. Unfortunately they had to access her because the blood from the finger poke was clotting. So they put the magic cream on her port and had to wait an hour for it to work so daddy and Brianna went to eat at Denny's. :) Blood work was good --it just amazes me how she recovers--her hemogobin 11.1 (this has been the highest yet--even when we first got blood work done, I remember it was 10.3 back in April) ANC 2151 and platelets at 360,000. Next week she'll only be getting blood work again. It's nice that she gets such a long break--now she'll really be unstopable:>!!

I just wanted to share this I think it's cute--every night we say our prayers and she added this to her prayers: "God please help me to not spit up" (her word for throwing up:>) She sounds so cute when she is saying her prayers!

Well gotta go get ready for another day at work--hopefully it will be a better day for me! Until next time!

Tootles
Pat

Keep those prayers coming--God is listening closely!
Thanks again for everything!!

P.S. Don't forget to sign the guestbook--we love to read what you all have to say--even if it's just a HI!!

Tuesday, August 5, 2003 8:53 AM CDT

Hello everyone,

Well I just love to write when I've got good things to report:) Brianna continues to do well. Remember I had told you all that she had been looking a little tired--well I've got her back on routine, making sure she takes her naps everyday and she's back to normal. Full of energy!!

Allysa got sick on us this weekend and we tried keeping them away from each other and was that a challenge. I was running back and forth from one room to another to see how both of them were doing. It's funny that they'd been fighting (not bad fighting--you know sisterly fighting) and now that they had the opportunity to be away from each other they didn't want to be without each other. They wanted to play and be together. Brianna was soo cute, she made her sister get well cards and then would tell me to take them to her. Then they'd throw each other kisses across the hallway. This was actually they most creative thing they did--I wanted to keep them away from each other one more day (this was yesterday) well it was impossible. Allysa came up with the most creative plan yet--she seperated the room in half with chairs and a belt and told Brianna to stay on her side of the room:> HA!! Well that worked for a while, by the afternoon they were playing together, laughing, just being sisters!! Those silly girls. Allysa is doing better now-just hoping that the bug is totally gone!

Thanks for checking up on us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Brianna will go to the clinic on Thursday, but only for blood work--Yeah!! Again thank you ALL for everything you do for us!

Tootles,
Until next time,
Pat

Friday, August 1, 2003 10:59 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Well another treatment down 4 more to go!!! I can't believe we are closer to finishing her treatment. When we first started it just seemed like it would take forever and now we are closer to the end! I just pray to God that it will be the end FOREVER!! There is a chance she could relapse, but for some reason I feel that she won't-- I have FAITH that she won't. So just remember when you are praying for her to include in your prayer request--NO RELAPSE:) It is just so scary I hate to even think about it! Well the next two weeks Brianna will NOT have to have chemo. They will only be checking her blood counts--which by the way were good this week. Everything was with-in normal ranges.

We were at the clinic for pretty much the whole day. We didn't get home until 5. They gave her IV fluid to hydrate her and that took a while. Then they gave her the magic medicine (Zofran) and then her chemo. They gave her some more fluids after her chemo and then finally we were sent home. When we were in Houston they only gave her IV fluids once--and that was because she was dehydrated because she would not stop throwing up. I asked the nurse why they were giving her fluids and she told me they were "conservative" here:) They want to make sure she was hydrated before giving her the medicine and that way if she was to throw up she wouldn't get dehydrated as fast. She hasn't had any vomiting so far whew!!

The nurses noticed that Brianna looked very tired yesterday. She has just been up and around since Sunday. On Sunday we had a barbeque with our family to celebrate daddy's birthday so she of course skipped her nap. Then on Wednesday my friend Sandy and her daughter stopped by and they played the entire time and again she skipped her nap. She much rather play than nap and the only way she falls alseep is if I lay down with her. I think it just all caught up to her and was just exhausted. I made sure she took her nap yesterday and we went to sleep early and she looks better this morning:)

I'll be starting work next Thursday. I'm looking foward to it because I'll be in a new position and I'll also get to see all my wonderful friends at work. The only thing is that I know I'm going to miss being with the girls soooo much! I also think it will help me because I'll keep my mind occupied on other things other than always thinking about Brianna. I'm just the luckiest person to work at such a wonderful school!! Everyone at work is also very supportive and understanding!

Well I think I've babbled on long enough. Thanks for checking on us. Again thank you for everyone's continuous support and prayers--we couldn't survive without both!!
I'll update soon---

Until next time
tootles
Pat

Brianna has a new link you'll find it at the bottom of her page--check out her quilt it's adorable:)!!!

Thursday, July 24, 2003 6:14 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
Well went to the clinic and glad to report everything went well. It was actually the shortest visit!! They poked her little finger got the blood and that was it! No treatment until next week. Her counts also came back good--ANC up to 1296, her HEM was at 10.4 (highest it's been in a while) and her platelets at 405,000. Whew--I'm feeling good now:)

It's just sad to see sick kids:( They are so young to be suffering. But yet they are also sooo strong. I really wish there was a children's hospital here in El Paso---our kids deserve one!!

Brianna has taught me more than any text book will ever teach me--life is precious and I'm enjoying every minute with her, my family and my friends.

There might be a fundraiser for Brianna soon. I have to get the details (I just haven't had time this week I've been up and around!) I'll let you all know.

Thanks for checking up on us! Let's thank our Lord for everything He has done for us so far--pray for Brianna and a cure:)

Until Next time
tootles
Pat

Tuesday, July 22, 2003 5:28 PM CDT

Hi everyone
Just a quick update to tell you all that Brianna continues to do well. She's had a lot of energy and continues to eat well. We will be going to the doctor's office on Thursday. She will not be receiving chemo this week:> They will only be checking her counts.

Sometimes I still have some hard days, but a friend of mine gave me some excellent advice and I've been feeling better ever since (thanks Liz:>) I know I have no control over this situation and that it is in God's hands. Prayer has gotten us this far and it will take us and guide us until the very end.

Again thanks for checking up on us. I'll update on Thursday.
Please continue to pray for us and spread the word about Brianna. Prayer is POWERFUL!!!

Until next time
Tootles
Pat

Thursday, July 17, 2003 1:50 PM CDT

Hi everyone
Well we just got back from the clinic. Everything went well. Brianna did soooo well today! Actually it was the best she's ever done! She just whimpered a tad when they accessed her. We also saw her new doctor, Dr. Canales, he said she looked very good. It was just nice to hear that from the professional. Her counts were OK. Her hemoglobin was 8.8 and her ANC was 1160. I always worry about the ANC because like I said before that is what helps her fight infection--anything over 1000 is good.

It was so wierd going to the clinic here. It is just sooooo different. But actually it was nice--it felt like home. Our nurse today Roina was also very nice!!

Another treatment down 5 more to go!!!!

Thank you for your prayers--please don't stop sending those prayers our way!!! Love you all!!

Until next time
Tootles
Pat

Monday, July 14, 2003 9:21 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Well just a quick update to let you know everything continues to go pretty well with Brianna. On Friday and Saturday she didn't have much of an appetite. I could tell she was feeling a little nauseated. I gave her some Zofran and that did the trick whew!! She got her appetite back and she was up and around again:>!

I don't know if you all have heard the song "Flying Without Wings" by Ruben Studdard (the new American Idol) If it comes out on the radio take some time to listen to the lyrics--it's a beautiful song! I feel like I'm flying without wings!

Well I'll update soon--Please keep those prayers coming!!!!

Until Next Time,
tootles.
Pat

Saturday, July 12, 2003 1:09 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
Well we're home and it feels GREAT!!! I just can't explain how happy I am right now:> I can't believe I'm gonna say this but it was nice to wash dishes, pick up after the girls, make lunch, wash--things that I would frown upon --now I'm just glad I'm here with my family!

Yesterday for dinner we ordered pizza and ate outside in our new porch--awsome, just awesome!! Brianna and Allysa playing together the entire time--no fighting either HAA! I don't even think I'll mind them fighting! They just look so cute together, they constantly give each other hugs:) Allysa just looks so grown up now too.

It's funny but at a time like this I still count my blessings:
Brianna doing well with the treatment, having my family, having all of you with the continuous support, and of course being able to come back home!!

Well we will continue with our treatments here. We will be going on Thursday for our next treatment. That will be treatment #11 after that we will have 6 more. Those treatments will be a little more spread out. She will not have to go everyweek. She will have a treatment then 2 weeks off--that should be nice!

Please continue to pray for Brianna's health and CURE of this terrible beast. I'll update soon--now that I'm at home it will be a little tougher:> but I'll make sure to keep all of you updated!

Until next time
Tootles (from home:>)
Love
Pat

Thursday, July 10, 2003 2:56 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
Guess what I'm doing--PACKING!! Yeah we are going home. Scans came back good (not crystal clear YET but clear enough!) Doctor says very faint--so I take it like almost gone. I always worried about other tumors growing in her lungs or for that matter in other organs--but NONE there!!!!! He said nothing to worry about. I just have to have faith--he knows what he is talking about. The rest of the scans were good also--her abdomen, her other kidney,everything looks good. I can't believe it-I'm going home yeah!!!!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support, that is why we are where we are at right now!! Thank you GOD!!!!! Couldn't have done it without His constant guidance over us!

Well next time I'll update I'll be doing it from the comfort of my home!!!

Until next time
Tootles,
Pat

Tuesday, July 8, 2003 5:34 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Well tests are done now all we have to do is wait! Brianna did very well. She had to drink 9 oz of contrast(mixed with fruit punch), that might not sound like a lot but I'm sure it did not taste good at all! They brought in the drink 3 oz at a time. Everytime she was almost finished they would bring her the next 3 oz. It felt like she would never finish--but she finally did:) Then she was next in line when another child from ICU had to get his scan done before us--I guess it was an emergency. So we were at the hospital a total of 5 hours. I think everything else took longer, the actual CT scan took about 5 minutes! She did so good, she held very still at all times. The nurse even said she did better than some 10 year olds--that's my girl:)

So, afterwards we treated ourselves to some Krispie Kream Donuts(to take home) and then went out for uh you could say breakfast,lunch, and dinner. We were at the hospital for so long that breakfast and lunch were skipped and by the time we got to the restaurant it was dinner time.

So now we will just RELAX the rest of the afternoon. We are going to watch Brianna's favorite show tonight--American Juniors. She LOVES it--she dances and sings and then waits for us to clap and cheer for her after her performance. She's sooo cute.

Well I'll update again on Thursday with the good news:>

Thanks for all your prayers--but don't stop praying!

Until next time,
tootles
Pat

Monday, July 7, 2003 11:23 AM CDT

Hi everyone,
Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Brianna continues to do well. She has soo much energy I always poop out before she does! I'm NOT complaining though, I love to see her running and playing around.

Well tomorrow we go get the CT scan and AB ultrasound. I'm already feeling on the edge. We probably won't get the results until Thursday when we see the doctor. Please say an extra prayer for Brianna that all turns out fine. If they do we can go home!!! We will head back to El Paso that same day on Thursday. I can't wait to be with my family again!!

One of my friends,Lu Ann, send me a card with Brianna's name and it's meaning. Brianna means "STRENGTH" and "HONOR". With all that she has gone through these two adjectives definately describe her!!

Thanks for everything! I'll update soon::>

"For we walk by faith, not sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Until next time,
tootles
Pat

Friday, July 4, 2003 4:03 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Happy Fourth of July!! :) Hope everyone enjoys family time, fireworks, and the extra day off of work.

Well yesterday we went for a little cruise and we ended up at the dog races, yes you read it right the dog races. It actually was fun. It was family night and hot dogs and popcorn were 50 cents--not to mention margaritas for $1.00:)

I usually don't spend my money on gambling, but I decided to give it a shot. The first 2 dogs I picked were 3, I picked this one because of Brianna's age and 5, for Allysa's age. Grandma asked Brianns to pick a number and Brianna picked 7. Guess who won the race--Yup dog #7!! (I should have gone with my daughter :>!)
O.k beginers luck for Brianna. We asked her to pick a number again and she picked 7 again so we bought 7 to WIN the race--guess what it won again!!! Maybe it's more than beginers luck I thought. We asked once again and again she picked 7 and you are not going to believe it but dog #7 won for the third time!! We were having fun now so we asked her again and this time she pointed to dog #6 Yup you guessed it dog #6 WON!! I don't know how she did it but she was right on track!! The next race was not a successful one, but hey how could we complain!! I stopped betting and we were outside enjoying the fresh air and just for fun I asked her which dog was going to win. She told me dog #5 would win. I didn't buy a ticket but I should have because dog #5 won the race and I would have won 22 bucks!! Ha!! I just couldn't believe Brianna's luck! Needless to say we had a fun time. We left a little early because she started looking very tired and I didn't want to exhaust her:)

Today we'll probably go and park somewhere and enjoy the firework displays! I'm hoping Allysa gets well soon so they can head on down. She did not do very well last night, daddy said she had fever the entire night and he couldn't get it to come down (more things for me to worry about!) but he said she looked better this morning and no fever. Hopefully if they don't leave on Saturday then maybe on Sunday. Please say a little prayer for my Allysa.

Well I better go for now--hope all of you enjoy your day. Remember to keep us in your prayers especially on Tuesday --tests will be run at 10:30 a.m. I have a feeling in my heart that results will be good:) Keep sending your prayers over to us--they are being answered!

Until next time,
tootles
Pat

Thursday, July 3, 2003 3:40 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Another treatment down 7 more to go. I can't believe she's already had 9 treatments!! I don't think I've mentioned this but she has not lost her hair up to this point. That to me is a little miracle God has given us!!:) She still has more treatments, so if she loses hair maybe it won't be totally gone.
Anyways, things went well. Her blood counts were also the best they have been since we started. Her white blood counts were in the NORMAL range at 5.0, her hemoglobin a little low but still in acceptable range at 9.6, her platelets in NORMAL range at 414,000 and her ANC (which is important because this is what helps her fight infection is at 2600. I was pretty happy after I found out her blood results! It's funny the things that get me happy and excited now-a-days!!! Well I talked to the nurse and her tests will be done on Tuesday, July 8th. So just remember to keep us in your prayers especially on that day:) Pray for good results too!:)

Well David and Allysa were going to come visit us and possibly take us back with them but now there is a short delay:( Allysa woke up with a fever and and Daddy had to take her to the doctor. Doctor gave her medicine for a throat infection and he said as soon as the fever is gone for 24 hours they can travel. So now instead of them leaving on Friday morning they'll probably leave on Saturday. I just can't wait to see them. It's been 2 loooong months and I can't wait to hug and kiss Allysa. She is so cute, when I was talking to her on the phone today she said, "Mommy can I still go I promise not to touch my sister so she won't get sick!"

Well I better go now, we are going to go for a little cruise:) Happy Fourth of July to all of you! I'll update you all soon:)

Until next time
Tootles
Pat

Monday, June 30, 2003 5:32 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone had a good weekend--we did!:) We went shopping--Lucy, Grandma Gloria, Brianna and myself. Shopping is very theraputic!!:) It was nice to get out of the house and try to "forget" just for a little while what my precious little angel is going through. I feel I eat, drink, sleep,(you name it) cancer. Sometimes it just overwhelms me!! But anyways, on Sunday when we went to church I asked God for strength to get through the next couple of months--I felt a sense of peace that when all of this is said and done Brianna is going to be just a-okay!:) Everything I have asked God so far He's done for me! He's been listening to ALL of our prayers. Praise the Lord!

Well I called today to see when the tests were going to be done and they had not scheduled them, but the nurse did say that they would be done in the next 2 weeks. I hope they are done sooner than later so we can go home:) We will be going to the clinic on Thursday. She will only be getting 1 drug--vincristine.

Well until next time--thanks for everything! Keep those prayers coming!!

Until next time,
tootles
Pat

Thursday, June 26, 2003 3:13 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

We just back from the clinic and all went well. Brianna did very well getting accessed and hardly even cried. Her blood work was also very good. Everytime we go it's supposed to get a "little easier"--well it really doesn't:( Usually after the clinic visits I feel so drained, I guess just emotionally drained. It is just so hard to see so many kids that are sick. Before all of this we were in our own happy little world. This has definately opened up my eyes and it is something I will never ever forget.

A little mouse told me that Allysa looked so cute at graduation--I can't wait to see the video tape. Brianna continues to do well--up and around, sometimes I think all the treatments affect me more than her:)!!! We should have 2 more treatments before we go home yip peee!!

Brianna will be having a batch of tests soon--I'll let you know exactly when. But hey we can start praying now for good results and get a head start!!! Thanks again for everything.

A special thanks to Lu Ann Amie a teacher friend I work with. She always visits Brianna's website and signs her guestbook every single time with very powerful and encouraging words!! love ya!

Until next time
tootles:)
Pat

Monday, June 23, 2003 11:30 AM CDT

Hi Everyone:)

First of all I'd like to say a big "HELLO" to all of our new friends that have signed the guestbook. Reading the new entries brings a smile to my face. It is very, very comforting knowing that there are so many people that are praying for my little Brianna. Our Dear Lord has been watching over her since this whole ordeal started. Brianna always wears a little guardian angel pin that one of my very dearest friends--Sandy gave to her. On the other side close to where her port is she always wears a little medal that my mom gave to her. She wears them 24 hours a day 7 days a week!! There was one time I forgot to put them on and I just did not feel right:) But anyways, I feel comfort when she wears her pins.

I'm glad to report that Brianna had a GREAT weekend. Grandma Gloria came down on Saturday and Brianna was quite excited! We went grocery shopping and grandma bought her those pink cookies she had been wanting! That's what grandmas are for! I usually use cookies as a bribe when Brianna doesn't want to finish eating--it always works!:)

I've already been in Houston for over 2 months--it's hard to believe!! We only have about 3 weeks to go and then we head back home. We really miss daddy and Allysa! Allysa is going to graduate from Pre-K on Wednesday. I made sure to tell daddy to record the ENTIRE ceremony. I really wish we could all be there! I comfort myself knowing that very soon we will all be together as a family:)!

Thank you again for the prayers--God is GREAT!

Until next time:)
Tootles
Pat

Thursday, June 19, 2003 12:39 AM CDT

Hi everyone,Well we just got back from the clinic and everything went well:) Her counts were up so they were able to give her the chemo. She got 2 drugs today. They also gave her zofran--that is what keeps her from getting nausea and vomiting. She is sleeping right now--we got up tooo early this morning:) I love just to look at her she looks like such an angel. She did well today when she got accessed--she got to do it sitting up (they usually do it with her laying down-but she doesn't like it!) Her nurse was really good today. So I can honestly say it was a MUCH better day than Tuesday!

We won't be going back until next Thursday--but I'll let you know how we are doing before then. Thank you for the prayers.

p.s. Thanks for everyone that signed the guestbook yesterday--it was really nice hearing from everyone!!

Until Next Time
Tootles :)
Pat

Tuesday, June 17, 2003 4:33 PM CDT

Hi everyone
Well we went to get chemo today but Brianna could not get her treatment. Her counts were not high enough. Well actually most of her counts looked good but her ANC was at 940 and it has to be at least at 1000 in order to get the chemo she was going to get today. So we are going back on Thursday. She did give us a hard tome though-she cried a lot because she did not want to get accessed. (this is when they put the needle in her central line {port} to draw blood and give her the chemo. So today we ALL cried Brianna, Lucy, and me! I don't know why I was having such a rough day:( So we have to go back on Thursday.

We also saw the doctor and he said she looked good. I got to see the CT scans from last time and I saw the nodule that was still there on her right lung--well you could barely see it! He showed me the ct scans from May and then the latest one and there was a HUGE difference! The tumor could only be seen on 2 slides compared to 6 slides in May. He said the chemo should take care of the rest! I pray to God it will. Our next series of test will be right before we head back home in about 2 1/2 weeks.

Well I'll update you all on Thursday again. Please pray that her counts go up. I really don't want to get off schedule too much:) Thanks again for everything.

Until next time tootles:)
Pat

Sunday, June 15, 2003 3:06 PM CDT

Hi everyone

Happy Father's Day daddy, we love you and we wish we were with you!:) Thank you for always doing the best for our family.

Well Brianna has had a pretty good weekend. She had been looking a little pale, but yesterday her lips and cheeks were a nice rosy pink! We went shopping and rented some movies. We'll be going to church later on.

Today Brianna seems unstopable! She's up and around. There are 2 drugs that really affect her blood count 7 to 14 days after they are given. I can really tell those days, and I can only assume her counts are down because she's just not the same. That usually last 1 or 2 days and then she's back to normal. I am grateful though that she does not get really down!! That's my girl!!

We'll be going to chemo on Tuesday and also visiting the doctor-I'll update you all on that on Tuesday. Thanks again for all you all do--we couldn't do it without the support!


Happy Father's Day to Grandpa Joe and Grandpa Richard
My uncles: Rick, Matt, Josh and John
and to all the Daddies that visit my website:)
Love Brainna Lynn Tellez

Until next time
tootles
Pat

Friday, June 13, 2003 10:19 AM CDT

Hello

Well today is Friday and I can honestly say that this week flew by!! That means that we are closer to going back home! Anyways, Brianna continues to do well. Yesterday she was looking a little tired but she still managed to gather up enough energy to play. We colored in her coloring book and she was also playing doctor with her aunt Lucy. It's amazing the kind of words she uses when she is playing. I guess she listens to us while we are talking and then uses those words. She sounds so cute:) We would like to thank you all AGAIN for your continuous prayers and support--it is because of you all that Brianna continuous to do well. You all can just imagine how all this has changed our lives--however it's also taught us that this world is full of caring and generous people that care and give in time of need!! Thanks A LOT:) :). Well we'll write to you again and let you know how our weekend went!

Oh I just wanted to share this with you. I joined this list where there are parents that have kids with Wilms tumor and last week I met someone from Norway!! This list is actually very helpful because these parents know exactly what we are going through and offer great advice!

Until next time
Tootles:)
Pat


"I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words." Psalms 17:6

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 2:36 PM CDT

Hello everyone,
Well we did it--we just came back from chemo treatment and Brianna was such a trooper. She usually cries at the beginning but then does fine! I think her aunt Lucy cried more that Brianna! She got the drug vincristine today and the side effects for that one usually don't get to her--thank the Lord:). We will probably go to Walmart later just to get out. It's raining over here--how's the El Paso weather?

Please don't forget to sign the guestbook. I can tell you all have been visiting the website, but don't sign the guest book. Just say hi to us:) I love seeing who's been keeping track of us!!!!

Love you all
Until next time--tootles

"I hope in You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God"
Psalm 38:15

Monday, June 9, 2003 1:13 PM CDT

Hi everyone:)

Well Brianna and I are doing well. Yesterday we went to church and Brianna was clapping and singing along with the choir. It was such a GREAT feeling. Well tomorrow we are going to go to chemo treatment. The only thing that is going to be different is that daddy won't be joining us. That is definatley going to be difficult, because David always went with us and it was just nice for all of us to be there. Tomorrow it's going to be Brianna, Lucy and myself. I really miss being in El Paso with everyone! I know I have to sacrifice for my daughter:) I've met other parents that have kids with wilms tumors. Please keep Brianna and myself along with all the other little ones that are suffering with this disease:) in your prayers. Until next time! Tootles

"Faith is to believe what you do not yet see;the reward for this faith is to see what you believe"

Friday, June 6, 2003 12:05 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Well just to update you--Brianna is STILL holding up quite well. She continues to have plenty of energy and continues to eat well. Sometimes when I look at her it is hard to believe she is ill. I just pray to God that she continues to hold up well. Well Daddy left back to El Paso. Before we came down to Houston our house was having some construction done to it. Well David went back to finish up the work. We really didn't want Brianna to go to a house full of dust. So David is getting everything done so we can go back home--hopefully in 3 to 4 weeks!

So we are still here with Lucy my sister-in-law. She is really a blessing in disguise!!!! She is sooooo good with Brianna. They are constantly playing, laughing, running around. They both have soo much energy they tire me out. I'm NOT complaining though-I've really enjoyed watching them having such a fun time:) I really enjoy those precious little things in life! I'm sure everyone's prayers are helping Brianna get through all this--but I also feel all the laughing and playing also has a lot to do with it--sometimes laughter is the best medicine! Well until next time. Thank you again for your continuous support! Love you all
Till next time--tootles

Monday, June 2, 2003 10:26 PM CDT

Hello everyone,
Well we received some good news today. The doctor told us that he reviewed Brianna's ct scan and she will not have to receive anymore radiation!! Thank the Lord for that! Now our journey will continue with her chemotherapy. She has been handling it pretty good so far. I just can't believe what my 3 year old daughter is going through. Sometimes I feel she is being stronger than me!!! She has just taught me so much!

Well today we did a little bit of shopping:) Since Brianna was feeling good we decided to go for a spin. (We have to take advantage that she is feeling up to it and that she has energy!) We had a good time Brianna,daddy and myself.

We went into a book store and I bought a book titled There's no place like HOPE. I opened the book and one of the first sentences I read was "Never place a period in your life where God only meant to place a comma." God placed a comma in our lives and we've come to a point where we have to continue to be strong for Brianna. Sometimes I've had days that are very difficult, but then I turn around and see Brianna jumping, screaming, playing...Is this God telling me not to worry that she will be OK? I trust in the Lord with all my heart! I know that he is listening to all of our prayers:) Please continue to pray for us!

We'll update you soon:) tootles

Friday, May 30, 2003 5:18 PM CDT

Hi everyone
Well we got the results and they are pretty good. Her left lung is clear but her right lung has one nodule that is still being seen. Now the doctor told us that that particular nodule did shrink comparing it to the original ct scan. Now we have to see if she is going to need additional radiation just to that nodule. Pray that she doesn't--that's it is small emough that the chemo will melt it away!! I was just praying that both her lungs would be clear, but I still trust in the Lord and I know in my heart he will clear her up. Have a good weekend! I'll update you all on Monday:) tootles

Wednesday, May 28, 2003 4:53 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
Well our visitors are all gone, but we had a great time while they were here! We went to an Aquarium down town and Brianna had a super duper fun time! She is doing so well-you would never think she was sick just by looking at her! She had another chemo treatment yesterday and received 2 yucky medications! One she had received before (vincristine) and the other one (doxurubicin) was a new one! I was really afraid of the new one because side effects included vomiting and nausea. They gave her Zofran before giving her the chemo which is supposed to help with the vomiting and nausea--it worked!!! She has not thrown up once--she is eating and running around--Thank God for that! Tomorrow we are going to take her to get her CT scan--to check on her lungs. We should get those reults on Friday. Please say an extra prayer that everything comes out clear. Like I've said before Our God has been listening because my little angle has been doing so well. I'll let you all know about the results on Friday. Again thank you for all your continuous prayers and everything everyone has done for us!
Until Friday! Tootles:)

Sunday, May 25, 2003 12:11 AM CDT

Brianna's Aunt Martina, Aunt Angelica, Uncle Josh and cousin Joshua are here in Houston visiting little Brianna. We must say that she looks GREAT! She looks like she's grown a couple of inches in the last four weeks. Her hair looks so cute. We have made another webpage for her where you can see pictures taken during this weekend. The link is at the bottom of the website. She's happy and playing with her cousin and enjoying all the gifts that were brought to her. We went to dinner last night and had a great time, Brianna ate like she always has. We will keep you updated on her activities.

Wednesday, May 21, 2003 10:06 PM CDT

Hello everyone:) Today was the last day of radiation. In about a week she will have a ct scan to see if the radiation took care of the tumors in her lungs. Please continue praying that everything turns out clear! She had her 3rd chemo treatment yesterday. It was the same medication she had last week--vincristine. That medication really doesn't do that much to her--thank GOD for that. Next week's chemo is going to be a tough one. The medication is a lot stronger. I know God is listening to everyone's prayers so I know my little soldier will be tough. Oh, I almost forgot-- we cut her hair really short--she looks so cute!! I'll make sure we post a picture so you can see for yourself:) Thanks again for everything. Until next time--tootles

Sunday, May 18, 2003 12:43 AM CDT

Hi everyone. Just wrinting to let you know that we've continued to have good days.:) Brianna got a little sick on Thursday, but she was up and around in no time. The medicine they gave her this time had little effect on her. Her last radiation treatment is on Wednesday. Please pray that the CT scans show that the tumors in the lungs are no longer there!(I'm not sure how soon after the radiation will the CT scan be done--I think the doctor said 1 to 2 weeks) Anyways thank you again for all your prayers. Brianna is doing good, now I think it's mommy that's having a little bit of a hard time--please pray for me too:)!!

Wednesday, May 14, 2003 5:37 PM CDT

Hi everyone. I want to thank everyone for praying for my little Brianna. Yesterday she had her 2nd chemo treament and also her radiation treatment. Guess what? She did very well!! I haven't seen any side affects from the medication she received on Tuesday. I know God is listening to everyone's prayers. We've had some good days lately. Brianna has been very active--her normal self! I really love seeing her up and around! Thanks again for everything to all. Reading everyone's messages really helps out a GREAT deal. Until next time--tootles!

Sunday, May 11, 2003 4:52 PM CDT

Brianna had a very good day yesterday, the best yet since her first chemo treatment. She ate better and we could even hear her laughing and having a good time in the background on the phone! They took advantage of the fact that she was feeling so well and they were out and about. Pat asks that you say an extra prayer for Brianna these coming days as she gets her first of eight radiation treatments tomorrow. She also gets her second chemo treatment on Tuesday. Pray that now that she's got the anti-emetic in her system she will tolerate the chemo treatment better this week.

Also, for any of you that haven't seen, Pat signed the guestbook with an update the other day.

Thanks again for all of your prayers!

Thurday, May 8, 2003

No changes in Brianna to report today except that she continues with nausea. She went in today for IV fluids to replenish her due to the vomiting. Other than the nausea and vomiting she is reported as doing well.

Wednesday, May 7, 2003 11:02 PM CDT

Brianna had a tough day. She's had some nausea from the chemo treatment. Luckily she won't receive more for another week. She will also be starting radiation next week. Thank you to everyone who is keeping her in their thoughts and prayers.

Tuesday, May , 2003

The biobsy results are in. They were not as favorable as we were all praying for so Brianna will have to have both chemo and radiation. This means she and her parents will have to stay in Houston for three or four more weeks. Brianna continues to be strong as she received her first chemo treatment today. Continue to keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Monday, May 5, 2003 8:11 PM CDT

Brianna, Patty and David have an appointment at the clinic tomorrow at 0730. They will know more tomorrow about biopsy results and expected chemo. Brianna says she is having fun playing with her aunt,Lucy. We are told she has occasional pain but looks good.

Sunday, May 4, 2003 9:05 PM CDT

Brianna got to leave the hospital today. She is staying at her aunt Lucy's house until she needs to go back to the hospital. Hopefully, we will know more tomorrow.

Saturday, May 3, 2003 10:46 PM CDT

Brianna is doing wonderful. Her Mom tells us she is up on her own now and in little to no pain. Everybody is amazed at how quickly she has recovered from surgery. She is getting around at the hospital and making new friends. We still await the results of the biopsy before she begins her first round of chemo. Continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Friday, May 2, 2003 11:50 PM CDT

Brianna was up and on the move today. She was up riding the wagon on the unit. She also got to eat some jello and soup today, which made her very happy. We haven't received any information on the biopsy.

Thursday, May 1, 2003 11:59 PM CDT

Brianna is doing well today. She had a full nights rest yesterday. She is looking foward to have her first full meal. We are still waiting on the biopsy results and hoping she comes home soon.

MAY 30 2003 10:57 MDT

Our little trooper brianna is doing well today. She got up and did some exercises with her legs and arms.

Tuesday, April 29, 2003 11:00 PM CDT

Pat tells us that Brianna continues to do well. She's in some pain but is receiving medication and being well taken care of. Her grandma tells us that despite everything she has gone through already, Brianna is still trying to smile. The doctor said the surgery went well yesterday and now they're just waiting on biopsy results.

Tuesday, April 29, 2003 1:22 PM MDT

Our little fighter Brianna underwent surgery yesterday. All went well. She was still a little sleepy this morning but she had a good night. The first step is behind her, now we are looking to the next. We will update as soon as we hear from them again. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Sunday, April 27, 2003

Just writing to let you all know that it looks like Brianna will be having surgery tomorrow--Monday April 28th. They will be doing some tests in the morning and sometime in the afternoon she will be having her surgery. Please have her in your prayers and maybe you can even say an extra one tomorrow. I'm not sure when I'll get to read my mail again.
I'm going to have some long days ahead of me.
Again thank you for all your support so far! Think of us tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Pat

Monday, April 28, 2003 2:25 PM CDT

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