Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Schedule

Our team of doctors and other personnel continues to grow.  This morning, I tried to count how many people were in our tiny room for this morning's rounds and updates; I got to 10 before I was too distracted to listen to the doctor.  Doctors, residents, fellows, social workers, nurses, not sure who else.  We came to a realization that this is our new extended family; they will continue Scarlett's care no matter how long and what direction this takes, so we better get cozy.

Scarlett will have a biopsy at 7:30 tomorrow morning, December 22, 2010.  This process is minimally invasive (or as minimally invasive as a brain biopsy can be).  There is a portion of the tumor that has been eroding through the skull, so the bone is very thin.  This is where they will enter for the biopsy.  The actual procedure should be only 30 minutes, but preparations, anesthesia, etc. will make it about 2 hours.  She will have just a few small stitches, and should feel very little.

Afterward, she will be monitored closely.  Our doctor hopes to keep her out of PICU, but we will go wherever we need to.  If she is recovering well, they want us home for the weekend.  We're betting on Christmas at home.

22 comments:

Jessica said...

Brandi,
I read your post on BBC, and you're in my thoughts and prayers. I'm wishing you all the best for your darling baby girl. Best of luck, and sending you love and prayers.

Anonymous said...

God bless your baby girl, you and your family are in my prayers everyday. you are so brave

Mary said...

God bless your baby girl and your family. im praying for you

candace said...

Your beautiful baby girl and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Unknown said...

I am from the September BBC board. Our babies are so close in age. I am praying now for a miracle for your sweet girl. I am from Memphis so if you end up at St. Jude I would love to help you out in any way you may need it.

Sara

Jennifer said...

I am from the October BBC board and just wanted to let you know that I and a LOT of my friends and family are praying hard for a miracle for your sweet baby girl. Prayers from across the country are coming your way.

Vanessa said...

I heard about beautiful little Scarlett on BBC September board. I am thinking of you and your family. My hugs and prayers go out to you.

Vanessa

Meagan said...

Scarlett and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am from the BBC October board. We are all praying for a Christmas miracle. Keep strong.

Anonymous said...

Bless you and your beautiful little baby girl. I live in Maine and one of my friends that lives in Texas linked your story on Facebook and asked us to pray for Scarlett. I will definitely be praying. I will also be linking your story on my Facebook page. Hopefully the whole world will be praying for little Scarlett soon.

Sheila said...

From Oct 10 BBC board. Your story has already touched so many. Praying for Scarlett's miracle!

Kate said...

I am from the August 2010 BBC board. I will be praying for Scarlett every night. Please continue to update us on your daughter's progress. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

4+1=5hopingfor7 said...

I saw your post on BBC and I am praying for that Christmas Miracle. I know that God is great and he is able to do anything! He has blessed you with a beautiful little angel, and I know he has many years of adventures ahead for her. I have faith that God will take control of the doctors, and the healing of the tumor. I pray that the Tumor shrinks and goes away, in the astonshment of all the Doctor's and Nurses! God Bless you and your beautiful baby girl!

Anonymous said...

From the July 2010 board - you have many ladies praying for Scarlett and your family. You will be in my prayers daily. Thank you for sharing your and your daughter's story. May peace be with you.

Anonymous said...

Scatlett has constantly been in my thoughts and prayers since i read your story on bbc. I cannot imagine your pain but truly admire your strength and courage. I will continue to pray for you and your beautiful daughter as i know many others are as well. She sounds like a strong little butterfly, dont lose hope!

*mom* said...

I think about your daughter constantly since I read your BBC update. I can't imagine the reality of what you are going through. I love Scarlett, I think we all do.

Please PLEASE let us know how we can help, if you need supplies, money, anything that would help you out.

God Bless you and my prayers will continue for you and Scarlett and the rest of your family. God is with you and your sweet baby.

Leeta said...

A friend just showed us this blog, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that she is well soon and that you get to take her home. If there is anything you need help with, let me know. Till then all I have is *hugs* sorry that they have to be over the internet from a stranger.

Laura @ Our Messy Messy Life said...

I am praying for a miracle for Scarlett.

I can not imagine what your family is going through right now but I am sending my love and positive thoughts your way.

Shay said...

Praying for Scarlett and passing the word on to everyone I can think of. Will be thinking and praying for her tomorrow.

greeneyedgirl said...

praying for you Brandi...and Scarlett and Chris. Thank you so much for sharing with us...I am so proud of you!

Shannon said...

Oh Brandi, I don't even know what to say. Please know that Scarlett will be in our prayers. And prayers for you and Chris for strength and courage. Tom works at the hospital and knows just about everyone on the LPCH side. Please let us know if there is anything you need.

Sinead said...

My baby had brain surgery for epilepsy. One thing I had to deal with was the need to keep family updated while not falling apart. I was trying to protect them. A few of us moms talk now on a yahoo group called brain parents. If you have any questions at all pop on there and we can help with parent answers. Most of us have kids who had part of the brain removed for epilepsy. One of the little ones had a brain tumor. It's a lot to take in and you might have some fears you want to express in a safe place among people who share part of your journey. Hope we can help. Praying like mad for miss Scarlett.

Stacey from Wales, UK said...

I read about your story via Birth Center. I am so sorry to hear your story. I just wanted to pass on my love and thoughts to you, Scarlett and your family. This must be such a hard journey for you all, but I really hope and pray everything goes well. You are in my thoughts. Stay strong xxx