Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Waiting

Not much else to do, so we are sitting in the hospital room with family.  We are talking about all kinds of silly things, like what to eat for Christmas Eve, the evil of credit cards, even a funny newspaper article about weather in Southern California.  We handed Scarlett to the surgery nurse at 7:30 this morning, and are now waiting for our hospital pager to buzz.  She was off of all the monitors and IV, so I got to carry her to the surgery check in instead of having her ride in the giant metal crib.

The hospital staff has been absolutely fantastic.  LPCH is a wonderful place to be when dealing with something like this.  They are knowledgable, understanding and kind.  It is such a different expereince than when I was in the hospital for Scarlett's birth.  The nurses here are wonderful and patient with us and Scarlett.  We have already met with the social worker who works exclusively with neurosurgery patients' families. 

A lot of people have suggested we contact St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  We asked our doctors about getting a second opinion from the St. Jude doctors; they said they would absolutely do so after the biopsy results.  The neuro-oncologist also explained that they work in concert with St. Jude doctors for research.  There are such small numbers of patients with these types of tumors that the hospitals much work together to get valid sample sizes for research.  We feel confidant that they will do whatever needs to done to help our little girl.

Biopsy results won't be in until next week.  We will see what comes next as soon as the doctor is ready to talk to us after surgery.

30 comments:

Don and Erin Peifer said...

We are praying and hoping for good news about Scarlett. Thank you for writing this blog. We will keep reading it as we keep you in our thoughts and watch for ways we can help.

Anonymous said...

I heard about Scarlett yesterday. I've been thinking about her almost nonstop. Every time I start crying immediately. I'm very sorry you, your family and Scarlett have to go through this. As a human and a mother to a three month old son, this completely touches my heart. I will continue to pray and keep Scarlett in my thoughts. I wish you all the best. Stay strong.

jennifer said...

Hopefully the anesthesia will wear off quickly and Scarlett will be back to her usual self.. eating and all. I'm crossing my fingers that you all will be together, at home, for the holiday.

Lots of love...

ACE said...

Haven't stopped praying for Scarlett since i heard the story. Know that Scarlett has many many people praying for her. Love to you, your family, and little Scarlett. Please continue to update us when you get the chance.

Amy said...

Brandi
Read your story on BBC yesterday and am praying hard for you and Scarlett today.

Anonymous said...

Lord I ask that you would wrap your arms around Scarlett and her family..
I ask that you would give Scarlett's family hope and peace.
Lord we know that you are good. Your love for Scarlett and her parents far exceeds anything we could ever even fathom.
Jesus come down like fire and do what only you can do.
Lord, you overcame death.
I pray that Scarlett's tumor be healed in the name of Jesus.

Cheryle and Pepe said...

Ive been praying since yesterday for our little Scarlet for she belongs in many mommies' hearts. I have a 5 month baby and I can't imagine how strong you all must be. Our group in BBC July 2010 and February 2007 have really been praying hard and I'm sure we will continue to do so. God bless and wishes for the best.

Jamilie said...

From the July 2010 Board here, but praying for your little girl. My hear is broken by this news. I will continue my prayers and sending more positive energy your way.

Anonymous said...

Your family and beautiful baby girl are in my thoughts. I have shared your story with others who are praying as well! You are very strong, and with that strength Scarlet will pick up on that and be a strong fighter as well! God bless!

Mary Tebault said...

Lord, we don't understand your ways. You are God in heaven, and we are here on earth. But we know you are good - all the time. Surround Brandi, Chris & Scarlett with your mercy & comfort. Be with Mike & Terri & Lindi as well. Grant wisdom to the doctors to properly diagnose & treat Scarlett. Thank you for the prayers going up to your throne from around the world. Awesome. Remind us throughout the day & night to lift this family before your throne for the grace & mercy they need to get through this dark place. May they find their deep and abiding joy in you, Jesus.

Krissy said...

I'm from the August 2010 board and I wanted to let you know my husband and I are praying for Scarlett and your family. The strength of you, your family and especially Scarlett is remarkable. She is a beautiful baby and we will be praying for her.

Anonymous said...

My heart and prayers are with you today and during this holiday season. Strong prayers being lifted up for baby Scarlett. May God walk beside you and hold in His arms through this trying time.

*mom* said...

I prayed for your little beautiful girl yesterday on my ride home from work and will be doing so again today. I see her when I look at my son born 9/30/2010 and the little miracles that God gives us. Thank you so much for letting us know what is going on with Scarlett - please keep us updated. God bless you.

Rachel said...

You all are in my prayers and on my heart. I've shared your story with three seperate prayer chains and we will continue to lift you all up. Kiss the baby and let her know how greatly loved she is by so many people who don't even know her!

4+1=5hopingfor7 said...

I put a prayer request on my facebook, to hopefully get the word out. I'm so sorry that you are all going thru this, and I have faith that God will walk you thru this terrible time. Just have faith in him!

Kristine and Jason Gamble said...

We were saddened to hear the news this morning. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. You all are in great hands at LPCH.

Heather said...

Hello! I am a Mom from the October 2009 birth board on BBC. We are all thinking about and praying for Scarlett and your entire family!

caryn payne said...

I am a mom from the BBC July 2010 and Dec 2007 boards. I have been praying for little Scarlett and your family. Stay strong and thank you for updating us on her. Sending prayers, love and hugs from one momma to another.

Anonymous said...

My sister passed shared your (and your daughters) Journal with me. I just wanted to leave you a note, to say that you and your family will be in my prayers. I cannot wait to read the entry saying she is on her way home and everything is good.

All the best wishes and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Baby Scarlett has not only her family praying for her, but also thousands of people online. All praying for one thing... Scarlett's Miracle.

alex tebow said...

Brandi, you and your family are in my prayers. I hope you can spend Christmas at home and make some happy memories for Scarlett.

Mrs. Purdin said...

Brandi, I am from the July 2010 board on BBC and I knew I needed to talk with you. My daughter also had a brain tumor that I discovered when she was 3 months old. I could've written your story just a few short weeks ago. We had test after test and it was determined to be benign (as in not spreading to other parts of the body), but still growing. It ended up being the type of tumor that if they weren't able to remove all of it then it would keep coming back. The day before Thanksgiving she had her first round of surgery. There is still some of the tumor near her ear and we're likely going to have to have at least one more surgery to remove that part of it.

I understand the helpless feeling that you have. Just knowing that there is something wrong with your little girl and knowing that there is nothing you can do is absolutely the worst feeling in the world. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. If you would like to talk further I'll leave you my email address. elf_kind1980@yahoo.com
Just know that I'm here if you need to talk. You are not alone.

The Macons said...

We are praying for your family so hard right now. Stay strong and I am so sorry you are having to go through this.

Anonymous said...

I read your story on BBC. My heart immediately broke and tears ran down my face as I read it. I will continue to follow your blog and pray for your sweet Scarlett. She's so blessed to have such wonderful, loving parents. God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

I am from the September 2010 board. Like many others I am praying for your sweet baby girl and for you and your family through this difficult time. I hope that God performs a miracle and grants your precious little Scarlett complete healing and a long and healthy life. May God bless you and give you the strength you need to come through the difficult days that your facing.

Anonymous said...

I'm from the April 2010 board. Like everyone else, I'm keeping your family in my thoughts. I also know, even if they are not commenting here, I see A LOT of signature blocks that saying "Hoping(or praying) for Scarlett's Miracle". There are soo many people, even just internet people that are thinking of your family, and hoping for a positive outcome. I hope you and your family(and new dr family) remain strong, it sounds like they are awesome!!

Anonymous said...

Today I kissed my children a little more and hugged them even tighter..and we said a prayer for your little girl that you can do the same very soon.

Unknown said...

Dear Brandi,

I have to hope that the surgeons are angels to heal your daughter. I assume they have hope that they can cure her, or they would not be doing the surgeries. I understand that babies brains can grow at an amazing rate, and I pray that with all the loving care G-d has provided, she will be fully healed.

Elana

amanda assaley said...

sending lots of love and prayers your way....will be thinking of you and your precious baby.

moishe kahan said...

Best wishes & hopefully the new new year will be a happy one

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