Many of you already know what our family has been dealing with the past year. We have not publicly posted on social media but have reached to so many of you asking for prayer and support. With Brooke's permission we thought this might be an easier way of updating what has been happening. This could be a long post... October 2022, our daughter Brooke was diagnosed with stage 3C melanoma cancer. A mole on the back of her left thigh grew super fast. She saw Dr. Michael Murphy, a dermatologist, and he took a small sample to biopsy. Two days later we were meeting with Dr. Meyer, a melanoma specialist. November 2nd, Dr. Meyer would be the one that did the bigger biopsy of her leg. That was a 6" wide incision. From that surgery we learned that the cancer was in her lymph nodes. Dr. Raghavendra became Brooke's oncologist here in Indianapolis. She is the most wonderful person and she loves Brooke a lot! Treatment at this point is immunotherapy (Keytruda). Every 6 weeks Brooke would go to St. Francis Cancer Center for her infusion. She had a port place so that helped not having to be stuck for iv's. Friends and family would hang out with Brooke while she got her treatments so that really helped to pass the time. So the immunotherapy went on from December to May of 2023. The routine PET scan in May showed that the cancer had metastasized to several spots on Brooke's bones, mainly her vertebrae and right iliac bone. Unfortunately, that moved her into stage 4. Immunotherapy stopped a pill regimen started in early June. She took the duo Braftovi and Mektovi. It's a chemo type pill but not with the normal side effects like losing hair. Brooke was told she would have flu like symptoms until her body adjusted. About a week into taking these pills, the effects hit her hard. I was fortunate to be home the day it started. From throwing up, achiness, numbness in her arms and legs and extreme tiredness she finally made it through the worst of it. The medication dosage was adjusted a bit and that made all the difference. Every 3 months she has a routine scan to monitor progress. September's results blew us away. TOTAL REMISSION were the words from Dr. Ragahvendra. We were shocked. We shouldn't have been because we know our God can heal anyone! I went into that scan praying, please just nothing new. I figured the 3 spots that were on the vertebrae/iliac would still be there, I just didn't want anything new. Brooke continued taking the pill duo because it helped stop the cancer growth. So November came and another PET scan was scheduled. This one wasn't as good as the last. New spots have developed on the vertebrae and pelvis area. All mainly on the right side. Dr. Ragahvendra met with Kasey, Brooke and I for the next game plan. She referred to Dr. Kari Kendra of The Ohio State University cancer center (The James) for a clinical trial. December 20, the three of us spent most of the day in Columbus. After talking with Dr. Kendra and the trial coordinator, we felt this trial sounded extremely promising. Some really great results have occurred with many of the patients on the trial. And this trial is only being done at OSU. We are extremely fortunate that we live close enough to be able to participate. This trial is a mix of 2 immunotherapy drugs. One is FDA approved and the other is the trial drug. Brooke is scheduled for her 1st treatment on January 16, 2024. Every 3 weeks she will get another treatment for a potential of 17 treatments. Before the 16th she will have to go back to OSU to get some initial scans done. So that is where we are at this point. It's scary but we are a family of faith and full of hope for what lies ahead. We ask that you pray for Brooke, our family and our travelling to and from Columbus this next year. I should mention Brooke is 22 years works part time at a church daycare and is going into her final semester of college. This all started at the beginning of her junior year. She has rocked her classes and has even made the dean's list! Kasey, Brooke or I will post updates here or specific prayer requests for you. Feel free to reach out to any of us. Thank you for holding us in your prayers.
It's been a little bit, so figured we would give a quick update! Brooke has had visits from a couple of members of her hospice care team. They are really nice and have handled any need we've had super quick!
Brooke's got her own rockstar bed in the living room loaded up with her cows and favorite buddies. Puzzles are becoming a favorite pastime for us (especially me).
We're still overwhelmed by the cards everyone has sent her and all the prayers and love that you've all sent our way.
Brooke enjoys visitors! Let us know if you'd like to swing by and we'll figure out a time. With everyone that wants to see her, we just don't want her to get overwhelmed. If you do come over, you'll have to help look for the undiscovered mini cows hidden around the house. Some awesome friends from Village Bible Church stopped by and hid 200 of them while we were gone! We are finding them everywhere!
We have enjoyed walks and just being together. In spite of the circumstances, we are blessed with an amazing family and little grandsons who are growing like crazy. God's Word is not based on our circumstances. No matter what hardships a day may bring, we hold onto His Scripture which tells us "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Brooke Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Brooke 's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.