Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Biopsy

First, we are astounded at the response to this blog and our daughter's case.  In just two days, we have had over 3,000 readers all over the world.  It means a lot to us that people are keeping us in mind.

The doctors are performing a biopsy tomorrow morning at 7:30am (PST).  To our relief, they have decided not to do any painful pre-operative procedures until Scarlett is under anesthesia.  We want her in as little pain as possible, and watching nurses repeatedly try to insert an IV into my baby has worn me down.  Scarlett is a "hard stick", meaning that her veins are very small and hard to manage.  This is just like her momma, Grandma and Auntie, so no surprise there.  Today, they had three different teams of nurses attempt to get the IV back in (it slipped out this morning), even using ultrasound to try to nail it down.

We had to sign our consent for the biopsy procedure.  This included a conversation with the resident neurosurgeon regarding all possible risks.  There are always risks of bleeding and infection in these types of procedures.  There would be some risk of brain damage, though they do not believe they will ever have to touch her brain; the tumor is large enough that it is easy to access.

We signed our consent for "stereotactic left frontal biopsy for brain mass under image guidance."  Basically, they will use the MRI images to guide the extraction of a small piece of tissue from just under the skull.  It involves just a small incision in the skin, a small hole in the skull and a few stitches to close up.  We were sure to ask what we should expect her to look like when she comes back to us.  They told us they should only need a small bandage to cover the stiches.  I had images of her head mummified by gauze.

Results will take 3-5 days.  We do not expect to hear much from the doctors until midweek after Christmas.  We will be home with our families, trying to enjoy any last "normal" days with Scarlett.  Even then, a home care nurse is being assigned to us.

We are glad she is currently unattached to any monitors or IV, and just taking oral medications.  We are going to give her a bath and hopefully put her to bed for a good night's sleep.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read your story on BBC. I want to say so much and yet I am speechless!
Please know, I am praying for u and ur family for miracles!!! and I AM SOOO SOOOOO SORRY!!!!

If we can help in any way, please let us know!! MANY AND MOST will try to help! Please keep us updated

Thoughts and Prayers to Scarlett!

Anonymous said...

Scarlett, yourself and chris are in my prayers.
I hope all turns out for the best, i will definantly be reading your blog and keeping up to date.
Enjoy your Christmas with Baby Scarlett.

Bossy said...

Hi again Brandi and Chris. I just wanted to wish you our very best and let you know Scarlett has been on my mind all day. I am asking everyone I know to pray for/send good thoughts to her and yourselves- just as all of the other 3,000 people are. We would like to send something to your family, is there a P.O. box or some other way to do this? It isn't much, but having had a very sick little girl ourselves at one time we know how tough things can get.

Our Love,
Team Scarlett

Anonymous said...

I also saw your story on BBC. I am inspired by your courage and the strength of sweet baby Scarlett. I am praying for you every day and wish for a miracle for your family.... Know that you have so much love and support from all over the country and the world.... We are all pulling for precious Scarlett.

Much love and prayers,
Lyndsey

Sinead said...

Best wishes for the procedure. You might see some swelling around the face and eyes in a few days. It will pass.

Kimberly said...

I posted a link to your blog on facebook along w/the shortend version of what's goin on in your words. I posted it on a discussion board on Dr. Mercola's page. Please please go check it for other people's responses if you can.

http://www.facebook.com/Venusgirl214/posts/175741012447721?bcode=-xYaW#!/topic.php?uid=114205065589&topic=15395&post=85061&notif_t=board_post_reply#post85061

There are some people that may be able to help. Will be looking for your next update. Wondering if you have talked to St. Judes yet? How is that looking?

Lori Kelly said...

You are in our prayer's all day long. We are praying for Scarlett's miracle. Love, Lori, Justin, Jonas, David, and Tessa,

Anonymous said...

I saw your story on BBC and I'm praying for you and your family. Hoping for a miracle for little Scarlett.

Krista

Anonymous said...

Praying for little Scarlette. Praying that God will guide the hands of her Dr's!

Anonymous said...

Stay strong. I have read about your story on BBC. My own little girl was born on Oct. 9th and I don't know if I would be able to hold it together. I am praying for your family and your beautiful little love. May God and the Universe keep her pain free and grant you all a miracle.

Sam said...

Thinking of Scarlett this morning!

Kristin said...

I have read your story on the October BBC board, my little guy was born 10/15 and I can't stop thinking about baby Scarlett Grace, you, Chris, Scarlett, all your family are in my T&P through this ordeal. Praying for a Christmas Miracle!!!

Ten said...

Trying to reach out to you every way I can! I am sure you are in great hands there, but want to offer to help get your family to Memphis to be seen at the brain tumor program run by Le Bonheur Children's and St. Jude (the largest in the country.) Just want to do something to try and help your precious family if possible. Sending prayers. Email me at heath.kristen@yahoo.com.

(http://www.lebonheur.org/lebonheur/Our+Services/Clinical+Specialties/Neuroscience+Institute/Pediatric+Brain+Tumor+Program)