Caring Bridge Post From Paula May 19th, 2013

Sunday not Funday

Written 4 hours ago by Paula Pittsinger

Not a fun day for Brandi. She's not feeling very well with head hurting, steroids that make her feel even worse and make her grouchy. Those are "her" words and not "mine".
We will get through this one day at a time. Cannot get ahead of ourselves and live for today. God already knows the plans he has for her and Mom needs to relax and remember that. Prayers for better recovery every day when she wakes up. I know you all are wondering abut her everyday and I will be better at letting you know how things are each day. God Bless you and yours!! 

Caring Bridge Post from Paula May 17th, 2013

Post op day 1

Written 6 minutes ago by Paula Pittsinger

Brandi had a very hard night last night with the pain and getting comfortable. Needless to day they weren't giving her the right amount of pain medication to keep her comfortable. Once they figured that out she was good. 

She still has headaches today but has been up walking and visiting. 
As difficult as this is to say, we need a measurable amount of treatable tumor to grow in the body so we can get her on the Anti PD-1. BUT not in the brain. Stable brain is a must for the trials. I understand the why's and why nots but can't let that get to me. Staying focused on Brandi beating this sneaky and mean as hell disease is where my energy must go. Pray strength for her to keep fighting as these surgeries are wearing her out! 
Love you all and thank you for your continued love and support!! 

Paula's Caring Bridge Post May 16th, 2013

May 16th surgery

Written 14 minutes ago by Paula Pittsinger

Brandi's surgery went well and the tumor was removed without difficulty.
Dr Rao said part of the tumor had died from the radiation and that in relation with the growing tumor was causing the swelling in he brain.
She will be in the hospital for a few days then we will be at the hotel until gamma knife radiation next Thursday.

IF there are any more tumors that decide to show their ugly selves pray it is in the body and not the brain!

Thank you all so much!!! Very many hugs from us to you!!

Message from Brandi on the Prayers for Brandi FB page

Good morning to my amazing prayer group. 
I thought I'd give you all an update on me and what's going on In my world. 
Yesterday, we found out that the tumor in my brain that was radiated weeks back, is growing. I am scheduled for surgery to remove it this coming Thursday. I also have a new small tumor in the frontal lobe of my brain. I am scheduled for radiation to zap that tumor on May 23, 
After that I am believing that my brain will be clear and remain clear! 
I am still believing and still in fight mode. I am never giving in or giving up! PERIOD! 

Please know that I appreciate you all so very much. This group means the world to me. I love you all very much. 
I am praying for all of you. It amazes me that no matter what we are all going through we continue to support, pray for and love one another! 
Have a great weekend. 
If I do not update my mom does on caring bridge. Sometimes I am quiet please know its not personal or that I am not reading all I your post! 
Have a wonderful weekend! 

A picture of me being me :)

From Paula's post on Caring Bride Apr 16, 2013

We for great results this visit!! Finally!! Brandi's CT scan is clear! The oncologist is going to keep her off of her Zelobraf for now. She feels that staying on her Temodar for the brain needs to be our main priority. When she has the repeat MRI in 3 weeks depending in the brain stability ....and depending on if she has new disease in the body she will qualify for the Anti PD1 that everyone is having so much luck with. She has grown resistant to the Zelobraf which a majority of the patients do!
We are beyond grateful to God for this great news! Melanoma can keep trying.....her will is stronger!!!
Thank you all and love your friends and family like its your last time!!

Brandi's FB post April 1st, 2013

Good morning friends and family! I am happy to report we made it home from Houston. I am healing well from my latest run in with melanoma. Haha, take that! My incision is healing good and I'm sleeping with little or no headache. I am also fortunate to say my vision is back! I can not say thank you enough for all of my friends and family standing behind me through this cancer journey. You all have pushed me and made this possible. 

Now with my praise report, I come to you with prayer request. My dad is having another surgery today, hopefully his last and he will be on his road to getting better. It has been so rough for him and the family. More so on his body. I have faith this surgery will be the last and will go as planned. Please God take care of that man! So many people are missing him! 
Also, my beautiful nanny had a hip replacement and has now got an infection and in the hospital. She needs prayers to get that cleared up and get home so she can be with her family! She is tough and can do this... I just can't stand her being away and in pain. Nannys aren't supposed to be that way :(

My family is in a storm but we are bigger than the devil and this will all soon be a thing of our past.

I love you all and appreciate you more than I can say!!!

People, never take your loved ones for granted. Ever!!!

Caring Bridge Post - Mar 26th, 2013

Houston-again

Written 23 minutes ago by Paula Pittsinger

I wanted to update you all on Brandi's recent health changes.

She has developed a headache that will not ease up even with pain medication. We knew at the last visit she had swelling at the old tumor site on the left. They were unable to address at that time due to her recent bowel obstruction. The one she had radiation to was on the right.
The neurosurgeon has ordered an MRI to see what may have changed to cause the recent headaches. She is scheduled at 1:30 today. We are hoping maybe....just maybe this is residual effects of the gamma knife 2 1/2 weeks ago.

God Bless you all.....

We will let you all know what the next step is.