Note from Brianna's Family:
We have received many Christmas cards from family and friends and yet have not had the opportunity to send any out this year. Brianna's Mom and Stepdad have posted their Christmas picture on www.carepages.com and promise that next year we will definitely get cards out to everyone.
We hope everyone has a very happy and blessed holiday and we pray for a wonderful and blessed 2009!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
P.S. In a few days we will update you with more information about the holiday and the Make-a-Wish surprise!! Check back after New Year's Eve!!
Brianna's Family
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday - December 19 - Online Fundraiser
Note from Bree's Parents:
Hello everyone! We would like to pass along the website link to a online fundraiser for magazine renewals and new subscriptions! 40% of the proceeds will come back to Brianna's Medical Fund which was created to help cover what insurance doesn't cover! You will also see that there are some great prizes involved for those who recruit others to join!
Please visit the following link to learn more!
www.magfundraising.com/TheBriannaSharpMedicalFund
If the link doesn't work in this update just cut and paste into your browser and you should be all good to go!
If anyone has any questions don't hesitate to contact me directly!
Regards,
Brianna's Dad, Matt
630-670-8481
Hello everyone! We would like to pass along the website link to a online fundraiser for magazine renewals and new subscriptions! 40% of the proceeds will come back to Brianna's Medical Fund which was created to help cover what insurance doesn't cover! You will also see that there are some great prizes involved for those who recruit others to join!
Please visit the following link to learn more!
www.magfundraising.com/TheBriannaSharpMedicalFund
If the link doesn't work in this update just cut and paste into your browser and you should be all good to go!
If anyone has any questions don't hesitate to contact me directly!
Regards,
Brianna's Dad, Matt
630-670-8481
Thursday - December 18 - A Friendly Surprise!
Hi Everyone!
I am slowly getting back to my regular routine. I am a little nervous about going back to school. Part of it is because I have been gone so long and the other part is that the medicine they gave me made me puffy and it's a little scary to see my friends. I'm afraid they will think I look too different. But I had a really cool surprise. Some of my friends from school invited me and Kaitlyn over on Sunday and there was Haley and all of my friends from school! We played board games and they even had special organic snacks that are good for me and my friends liked them too! Now I know my friends are true friends and they won't treat me any different because I got sick. Today I went for a visit to Gregory Middle School and I got a big hug from some of my teachers and I have to admit I'm feeling great! I will do just about anything to go back to school and get back to normal! Sunday the Make-A-Wish people came to see if I had a wish they could grant. At first I wanted to go on a vacation with my whole family, but then when I thought about it, I decided that I would rather have my own puppy. A vacation doesn't last very long, but a puppy can be with you every day! I really want a Shih-Poo. It's half Shihtzu and half Poodle. It is SOOOOO cute! I really hope they grant my wish! Kaitlyn even told them what her wish would be, even though she didn't get sick! She wants to meet Miley Cyrus. That would be cool, too, but I still want a puppy. Last night the doorbell rang and Kaitlyn wouldn't answer it so I had to. There was Santa Claus! He just came by to wish us Merry Christmas and hopes that I feel better. It's really nice to know how many people are helping me get well. Thank you to everybody and I hope everybody has as good a Christmas as I'm going to have!
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
Our goal is to have Brianna return to school after the holiday break if only for a few hours a day and then eventually build to a full-time schedule. She is experiencing a little anxiety about returning to school. The swelling from the steroids is going down but we need to have patience. Part of her anxiety was reduced after she was surprised by a group of friends from school. Maddy and Camilla Ose invited Brianna and Kaitlyn over this past Sunday afternoon. Brianna was surprised to see Haley and all of her friends from school. Brianna has an extraordinary group of friends, a protective older brother (Eric-same school) and a sister (Haley-same school)who will be a huge support system when she returns. On our visit to Gregory Middle School, she admitted to Mrs. Binder (band instructor) that she is feeling, "Great!" Not good, but great! I asked her if being at the school makes her miss it and she said yes. I believe that she will do whatever it takes to return the first day back from break!
Sunday late afternoon we were visited by Brianna's Make-A-Wish team, Renee and Lissa. Brianna was interviewed and discussed how her two top wishes would be a puppy or a vacation with all of her family. When asked which one she would lean towards more she admitted a puppy. Since we returned from St. Jude, Brianna was asking daily if we could take her to pet stores so she could look at puppies. I think that after her experience with the therapy dogs at St. Jude she was convinced that a dog would be her number one wish. Ultimately, Brianna has wished for a puppy (she already had one picked out as she has her heart set on a Shih-Poo) and when I called Petland later that evening I found out that the puppy was still there. Petland and Make-A-wish are currently working on granting Brianna's wish which will take place the morning of December 31st. Last night there was a visit from Santa. Bob and I were not witness to this as I was taking part in an online volleyball training session while Bob and Eric were working on making holiday ornaments.
We will keep you updated throughout the holiday season, especially to let you know how her Make-A-Wish day was spent. We would like to wish everyone a blessed holiday season. The St. Jude commerical states, "Give thanks to the healthy children in your lives." and we ask that you pray for those who are not. Though we are home and Brianna is feeling great we would ask that you please continue to pray for her continued healing and for her to be blessed with God's mercy as He restores her to complete health. We also pray for all of the DIPG children and their families that they have the strength and courage to continue their journey with faith and hope. Please pray for all children with cancer that they may be blessed with God's grace and mercy.
Love,
Bree's Family
I am slowly getting back to my regular routine. I am a little nervous about going back to school. Part of it is because I have been gone so long and the other part is that the medicine they gave me made me puffy and it's a little scary to see my friends. I'm afraid they will think I look too different. But I had a really cool surprise. Some of my friends from school invited me and Kaitlyn over on Sunday and there was Haley and all of my friends from school! We played board games and they even had special organic snacks that are good for me and my friends liked them too! Now I know my friends are true friends and they won't treat me any different because I got sick. Today I went for a visit to Gregory Middle School and I got a big hug from some of my teachers and I have to admit I'm feeling great! I will do just about anything to go back to school and get back to normal! Sunday the Make-A-Wish people came to see if I had a wish they could grant. At first I wanted to go on a vacation with my whole family, but then when I thought about it, I decided that I would rather have my own puppy. A vacation doesn't last very long, but a puppy can be with you every day! I really want a Shih-Poo. It's half Shihtzu and half Poodle. It is SOOOOO cute! I really hope they grant my wish! Kaitlyn even told them what her wish would be, even though she didn't get sick! She wants to meet Miley Cyrus. That would be cool, too, but I still want a puppy. Last night the doorbell rang and Kaitlyn wouldn't answer it so I had to. There was Santa Claus! He just came by to wish us Merry Christmas and hopes that I feel better. It's really nice to know how many people are helping me get well. Thank you to everybody and I hope everybody has as good a Christmas as I'm going to have!
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
Our goal is to have Brianna return to school after the holiday break if only for a few hours a day and then eventually build to a full-time schedule. She is experiencing a little anxiety about returning to school. The swelling from the steroids is going down but we need to have patience. Part of her anxiety was reduced after she was surprised by a group of friends from school. Maddy and Camilla Ose invited Brianna and Kaitlyn over this past Sunday afternoon. Brianna was surprised to see Haley and all of her friends from school. Brianna has an extraordinary group of friends, a protective older brother (Eric-same school) and a sister (Haley-same school)who will be a huge support system when she returns. On our visit to Gregory Middle School, she admitted to Mrs. Binder (band instructor) that she is feeling, "Great!" Not good, but great! I asked her if being at the school makes her miss it and she said yes. I believe that she will do whatever it takes to return the first day back from break!
Sunday late afternoon we were visited by Brianna's Make-A-Wish team, Renee and Lissa. Brianna was interviewed and discussed how her two top wishes would be a puppy or a vacation with all of her family. When asked which one she would lean towards more she admitted a puppy. Since we returned from St. Jude, Brianna was asking daily if we could take her to pet stores so she could look at puppies. I think that after her experience with the therapy dogs at St. Jude she was convinced that a dog would be her number one wish. Ultimately, Brianna has wished for a puppy (she already had one picked out as she has her heart set on a Shih-Poo) and when I called Petland later that evening I found out that the puppy was still there. Petland and Make-A-wish are currently working on granting Brianna's wish which will take place the morning of December 31st. Last night there was a visit from Santa. Bob and I were not witness to this as I was taking part in an online volleyball training session while Bob and Eric were working on making holiday ornaments.
We will keep you updated throughout the holiday season, especially to let you know how her Make-A-Wish day was spent. We would like to wish everyone a blessed holiday season. The St. Jude commerical states, "Give thanks to the healthy children in your lives." and we ask that you pray for those who are not. Though we are home and Brianna is feeling great we would ask that you please continue to pray for her continued healing and for her to be blessed with God's mercy as He restores her to complete health. We also pray for all of the DIPG children and their families that they have the strength and courage to continue their journey with faith and hope. Please pray for all children with cancer that they may be blessed with God's grace and mercy.
Love,
Bree's Family
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday - December 14
Hi Everybody! I had a great weekend. The last time I was here at my Dad's house was when I went to the hospital and they found the tumor. This week I had a lot of time that I felt good and I got to laugh and play a lot. Kaitlyn is being really nice to me so we don't fight as much. My stepmom changed our room here and I really like it so I colored a lot and drew pictures on my dry erase board. Yesterday we went to see Grandma and Grandpa Spinello and then we went to see some people who work at Palmers. They told my I could come exercise in their gym any time I want! After that I ate a LOT of brocolli at dinner and then we watched Fred Clause. It was funny and I laughed a lot and played with Gianna. Today we are going to Grandma Mollos house and then back home to talk to the people from Make a Wish. I sure hope they grant me my wish! If they do I will get a puppy!
Love,
Bree
Note from parents:
We are in the midst of planning a few fundraisers so we will make sure keep doing updates as they are finalized. A fundraiser at Quigley's Irish Pub on the South side is starting to be planned today so keep your eyes out for that.
Thank you for stopping by and seeing what Brianna is up to. We really appreciate all of you that have kept her in your thoughts and prayers!
Brianna's family
Love,
Bree
Note from parents:
We are in the midst of planning a few fundraisers so we will make sure keep doing updates as they are finalized. A fundraiser at Quigley's Irish Pub on the South side is starting to be planned today so keep your eyes out for that.
Thank you for stopping by and seeing what Brianna is up to. We really appreciate all of you that have kept her in your thoughts and prayers!
Brianna's family
Wednesday - December 10
Home sweet home!
I am starting to get back to NORMAL. Now I can try to build up my strength and not be so tired all the time. I wake up, eat breakfast and then I have a tutor to help me with schoolwork until I can go back to regular school. Then I eat lunch, play and usually somebody comes by to visit. In the afternoon I get tired so I have to take a nap. Then I eat dinner, watch some TV and do my homework and get ready for bed. It's kind of hard to go to sleep right now cause I got used to Mom being in my room with me at Ronald McDonald house. She would watch a movie with me and then we would turn out the light. But now that I'm home it is different so Mom stays with me until I fall asleep. It's just a lot quieter at home but I know I'll get used to it again. I still have to take medicine but maybe pretty soon I won't have to.
Love to everybody!
Bree
Note from Parents:
Hopefully, Brianna will soon be able to be weaned off of her anxiety medication. However, it serves a dual purpose because it also serves as a back-up to her nausea medication. She has been fortunate enough not to have nausea as a side-effect. I am sure the prayers and the medication are serving her needs.
Brianna has a homebound instructor coming to work with her for 1 hour each day. Mrs. Romano is very nice and Brianna even has the energy to complete extra homework in the afternoons and evenings. Bob told her it is good to see her doing homework with her siblings...just as it was before we left. She is also enjoying the normal routine of playing with Haley and Kaitlyn and is looking forward to seeing her friends soon.
We have enjoyed visits from Uncle Jeff, Brendan, Aunt Jackie, Uncle Dave, J.J., Aunt Georgia, Grandma Close, Grandma Siemann, and Great Grandma and Grandpa. Everyone is thrilled to see that Brianna is feeling much better and has her personality back!
Thank you everyone for all of your support! Please continue to pray for Brianna's continued healing and all of the children fighting DIPG: Max, Kole, Keleigh, and Liam.
God Bless!
Brianna's Family
I am starting to get back to NORMAL. Now I can try to build up my strength and not be so tired all the time. I wake up, eat breakfast and then I have a tutor to help me with schoolwork until I can go back to regular school. Then I eat lunch, play and usually somebody comes by to visit. In the afternoon I get tired so I have to take a nap. Then I eat dinner, watch some TV and do my homework and get ready for bed. It's kind of hard to go to sleep right now cause I got used to Mom being in my room with me at Ronald McDonald house. She would watch a movie with me and then we would turn out the light. But now that I'm home it is different so Mom stays with me until I fall asleep. It's just a lot quieter at home but I know I'll get used to it again. I still have to take medicine but maybe pretty soon I won't have to.
Love to everybody!
Bree
Note from Parents:
Hopefully, Brianna will soon be able to be weaned off of her anxiety medication. However, it serves a dual purpose because it also serves as a back-up to her nausea medication. She has been fortunate enough not to have nausea as a side-effect. I am sure the prayers and the medication are serving her needs.
Brianna has a homebound instructor coming to work with her for 1 hour each day. Mrs. Romano is very nice and Brianna even has the energy to complete extra homework in the afternoons and evenings. Bob told her it is good to see her doing homework with her siblings...just as it was before we left. She is also enjoying the normal routine of playing with Haley and Kaitlyn and is looking forward to seeing her friends soon.
We have enjoyed visits from Uncle Jeff, Brendan, Aunt Jackie, Uncle Dave, J.J., Aunt Georgia, Grandma Close, Grandma Siemann, and Great Grandma and Grandpa. Everyone is thrilled to see that Brianna is feeling much better and has her personality back!
Thank you everyone for all of your support! Please continue to pray for Brianna's continued healing and all of the children fighting DIPG: Max, Kole, Keleigh, and Liam.
God Bless!
Brianna's Family
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday - December 8
Note from Brianna's Dad and Stepmom:
As I drove home from Memphis with Kaitlyn, my mind had gone back over the journey from day one when we had recieved the diagnosis. This diagnosis had us really thrown us for a loop and was something that we were certainly not prepared for. And as I thought about what got us through this time during her radiation treatment and being so far away from home I was reminded again that it was all of you that had kept us in your thoughts and prayers that helped get us through it all. We thank you for that as it was comforting to see how many people that Brianna has touched through this difficult time in our lives.
I would like to take the time to thank some people that were instrumental in helping Maria and I (as well as Brianna) get through these tough times. I would especially like to thank my parents. My mom and Mike found the time to make the trip down to Memphis to visit Brianna and take her to Corky's which has some phenomenal Memphis BBQ. And in the evening the kids were able to swim at their hotel. Thanks Mom and Mike for coming down!
My Dad and my stepmother Sue and my sister's also found time in their busy schedules to come down and visit Brianna a couple of times. Grandma and Grandpa Sharp brought Brianna her first IPOD and she was in love with that thing from day 1. She still listens to it everyday! My sisters Faith and Julie each came down and brought Brianna some things to help her pass her time. Brianna and Kaitlyn love spending time with them as they have their "nerd academy" which I am told I am a member of (its an inside joke I won't understand I am sure).
I would also like to thank my Aunt Michelle for her love and support and sending Brianna and Kaitlyn things to help them through this difficult time as well as sending Jennifer some great inspirational books to read as those helped her through some hard times while in Memphis as well. Also a shout out to my Aunt Kate and Aunt Shiela who have also helped us through a very difficult time by sending some gift cards and such to help get through this rough time as well. My cousin Kelly also sent Bree some iTunes gift cards and Bree put those to good use! My sister in law Lisa and her husband Brad have also helped tremendously as well, without them I would not be able to take my girls to Florida next month! They bought us airplane tickets so we could watch Madison compete in Disney World!! I am fortunate to have the family that I have and I can't really put into words how grateful I am but hopefully I can get the chance to see you all over the holidays so that I can!
I also want to thank my work family! From the time I recieved the diagnosis, they have been a great help in getting through the first few days. The "Brianna" team has been nothing short of amazing. They created the www.curebrianna.com website, the content and picture uploads to the website. They also helped with the Christine Magnuson visit which was really cool and coordinated the Olympic flag and other things Bree got from many Olympic athletes! So thanks!
I would also like to thank my wife's parents as they have really helped with some painting and home improvements in the home, including a little renovation and redoing of the girls' room here at my house as well! And finally I want to thank my wife for holding down the fort here in Chicago while I was down in Memphis. She is a tremendous partner and is my rock and support on a daily basis and I could not possibly get through this without her.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! We are preparing for Christmas just as you all are but find this holiday season especially unique because we have the great gift of all of our family and friends and we could not thank you all enough for what you have done for our families and especially for Brianna. I hope to put a holiday video clip of Brianna on the www.curebrianna.com website sometime soon here for everyone to see!
Have a great holiday and we will keep you updated on everything with Brianna throughout the holiday season!
Love,
Matt and Maria
As I drove home from Memphis with Kaitlyn, my mind had gone back over the journey from day one when we had recieved the diagnosis. This diagnosis had us really thrown us for a loop and was something that we were certainly not prepared for. And as I thought about what got us through this time during her radiation treatment and being so far away from home I was reminded again that it was all of you that had kept us in your thoughts and prayers that helped get us through it all. We thank you for that as it was comforting to see how many people that Brianna has touched through this difficult time in our lives.
I would like to take the time to thank some people that were instrumental in helping Maria and I (as well as Brianna) get through these tough times. I would especially like to thank my parents. My mom and Mike found the time to make the trip down to Memphis to visit Brianna and take her to Corky's which has some phenomenal Memphis BBQ. And in the evening the kids were able to swim at their hotel. Thanks Mom and Mike for coming down!
My Dad and my stepmother Sue and my sister's also found time in their busy schedules to come down and visit Brianna a couple of times. Grandma and Grandpa Sharp brought Brianna her first IPOD and she was in love with that thing from day 1. She still listens to it everyday! My sisters Faith and Julie each came down and brought Brianna some things to help her pass her time. Brianna and Kaitlyn love spending time with them as they have their "nerd academy" which I am told I am a member of (its an inside joke I won't understand I am sure).
I would also like to thank my Aunt Michelle for her love and support and sending Brianna and Kaitlyn things to help them through this difficult time as well as sending Jennifer some great inspirational books to read as those helped her through some hard times while in Memphis as well. Also a shout out to my Aunt Kate and Aunt Shiela who have also helped us through a very difficult time by sending some gift cards and such to help get through this rough time as well. My cousin Kelly also sent Bree some iTunes gift cards and Bree put those to good use! My sister in law Lisa and her husband Brad have also helped tremendously as well, without them I would not be able to take my girls to Florida next month! They bought us airplane tickets so we could watch Madison compete in Disney World!! I am fortunate to have the family that I have and I can't really put into words how grateful I am but hopefully I can get the chance to see you all over the holidays so that I can!
I also want to thank my work family! From the time I recieved the diagnosis, they have been a great help in getting through the first few days. The "Brianna" team has been nothing short of amazing. They created the www.curebrianna.com website, the content and picture uploads to the website. They also helped with the Christine Magnuson visit which was really cool and coordinated the Olympic flag and other things Bree got from many Olympic athletes! So thanks!
I would also like to thank my wife's parents as they have really helped with some painting and home improvements in the home, including a little renovation and redoing of the girls' room here at my house as well! And finally I want to thank my wife for holding down the fort here in Chicago while I was down in Memphis. She is a tremendous partner and is my rock and support on a daily basis and I could not possibly get through this without her.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! We are preparing for Christmas just as you all are but find this holiday season especially unique because we have the great gift of all of our family and friends and we could not thank you all enough for what you have done for our families and especially for Brianna. I hope to put a holiday video clip of Brianna on the www.curebrianna.com website sometime soon here for everyone to see!
Have a great holiday and we will keep you updated on everything with Brianna throughout the holiday season!
Love,
Matt and Maria
Sunday - December 7
I am finally home! When we got here my first surprise was that my bedroom was painted aqua, just like a tropical beach! I have a lighted palm tree and ornaments, a beach chair, shark teeth, grass skirts, surf board, signs and fish and all kinds of stuff! I LOVE IT! Thank you to everybody who helped do all the work.
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
We had a couple of obstacles to overcome in our trip home, but we made it and enjoyed our first weekend resting at home. In a previous update we thanked everyone in Memphis. This update is to thank the home team in Naperville. Matt will post an update tomorrow thanking his team.
Thank you to the White family for painting Brianna's room a beautiful Jamaican aqua color. It's perfect for her new tropical beach theme. Thank you Bob, Eric, and Haley for moving furniture and getting the room ready for painting. Thank you Aunt Pat, Uncle John, Dan, Aunt Jackie, & Grandma Close for beautifully decorating Brianna's room. Uncle John even suggested removing the dresser and adding a Tiki Bar. (Maybe give her at least a few more years!) She loved her new room and is very grateful to all who worked hard putting it together. Kaitlyn is planning on her theme and it appears she may go in the opposite direction as she suggested an arctic theme (polar bears, penguins, northern lights, snow, ice, skiing, etc!) If you get too warm in Brianna's room you can just head over to Kaitlyn's to cool down! Haley will take her time thinking about what theme she will go with...she always has a difficult time making up her mind! :-)
Bob, Eric, Haley & Kaitlyn met us at the airport. We thoroughly enjoyed the car ride home as Brianna was giddy with excitement...talking and laughing non-stop. When we turned into our subdivision we noticed that every single tree had blue, pink, and green ribbons tied on them (Brianna's three favorite colors). The Ose family organized a "ribbon team" so Brianna could see the love and support from all of our neighbors.
Bob and I would like to personally thank all of the neighbors for their help over the last couple of months. Jennifer Charboneau organized a meal team where many people provided Bob, Eric, Haley and Kaitlyn with dinners while we were gone.
Thank you Gina (Eric & Haley's mom) for providing a meal and also helping out by taking Haley and Kaitlyn to see the HSM3 movie so Bob and Eric wouldn't have to endure that torture!
Thank you to Max's and Brianna's supporters who coordinated the ornament fundraiser. The ornaments are beautiful!! If you missed out so far they will still be selling/taking orders at the 95th Street YMCA tomorrow.
Thank you to our extended Siemann family. Georgia, thank you for your spiritual support in getting us through the past two months. Bill and Connie for coming to visit and for taking care of Bob and kids while Brianna and I were gone. Mike, Steve, and Amy for offering any help and support when needed.
Thank you to Gregory Middle School teachers, parents, and students for their unbelievable support for Brianna, Eric, and Haley! Thank you for the wonderful cards and letters of encouragement for Brianna. Thank you 7th grade teachers for the holiday giftcard for our family.
Thank you to Brianna's friends and their parents for their love and support. Brianna has a remarkable group of friends that love her, support her, and protect her through everything. Please know that Bob and I feel very blessed to have the support of their families as well. Edwards', Didiers', Binkus', Oses', Whites', Riveros', and many more...thank you for everything!!
Thank you Eric, Haley, & Kaitlyn for welcoming Brianna home, making her feel loved, and helping her get back into her routine of playing and having fun. Saturday morning, Haley and Brianna decided to step out on the patio in their robes and winter boots to see if it was really cold and if it was actually snowing. When Bob found out he immediately ordered them back into the house...but only after taking a picture!
As we settle back in the comforts of our home and prepare for Brianna's return to school, we ask that you continue praying for her, that she continue to heal and that the tumor continues to shrink. Radiation will continue to work for another 3 months...so we will pray for the tumor to continue to shrink and to go into remission. The last MRI showed an overall 20% reduction since our arrival. (That number is only a guess by doctors as it is impossible to give an exact number. The doctors have to confer with the radiologists and others to measure a tmour that is not a perfect shape. The doctor said that different areas are shrinking at different rates.)
Please continue to pray for Brianna, Max, Kole, and Keleigh who are all fighting DIPG. Please pray for their complete healing, that they may all experience God's grace and mercy. We will enjoy this holiday season more than ever as we have grown in our faith and have been blessed with an outpouring of friendship and love from a community greater than one could ever imagine! God Bless!!
Brianna's Family
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
We had a couple of obstacles to overcome in our trip home, but we made it and enjoyed our first weekend resting at home. In a previous update we thanked everyone in Memphis. This update is to thank the home team in Naperville. Matt will post an update tomorrow thanking his team.
Thank you to the White family for painting Brianna's room a beautiful Jamaican aqua color. It's perfect for her new tropical beach theme. Thank you Bob, Eric, and Haley for moving furniture and getting the room ready for painting. Thank you Aunt Pat, Uncle John, Dan, Aunt Jackie, & Grandma Close for beautifully decorating Brianna's room. Uncle John even suggested removing the dresser and adding a Tiki Bar. (Maybe give her at least a few more years!) She loved her new room and is very grateful to all who worked hard putting it together. Kaitlyn is planning on her theme and it appears she may go in the opposite direction as she suggested an arctic theme (polar bears, penguins, northern lights, snow, ice, skiing, etc!) If you get too warm in Brianna's room you can just head over to Kaitlyn's to cool down! Haley will take her time thinking about what theme she will go with...she always has a difficult time making up her mind! :-)
Bob, Eric, Haley & Kaitlyn met us at the airport. We thoroughly enjoyed the car ride home as Brianna was giddy with excitement...talking and laughing non-stop. When we turned into our subdivision we noticed that every single tree had blue, pink, and green ribbons tied on them (Brianna's three favorite colors). The Ose family organized a "ribbon team" so Brianna could see the love and support from all of our neighbors.
Bob and I would like to personally thank all of the neighbors for their help over the last couple of months. Jennifer Charboneau organized a meal team where many people provided Bob, Eric, Haley and Kaitlyn with dinners while we were gone.
Thank you Gina (Eric & Haley's mom) for providing a meal and also helping out by taking Haley and Kaitlyn to see the HSM3 movie so Bob and Eric wouldn't have to endure that torture!
Thank you to Max's and Brianna's supporters who coordinated the ornament fundraiser. The ornaments are beautiful!! If you missed out so far they will still be selling/taking orders at the 95th Street YMCA tomorrow.
Thank you to our extended Siemann family. Georgia, thank you for your spiritual support in getting us through the past two months. Bill and Connie for coming to visit and for taking care of Bob and kids while Brianna and I were gone. Mike, Steve, and Amy for offering any help and support when needed.
Thank you to Gregory Middle School teachers, parents, and students for their unbelievable support for Brianna, Eric, and Haley! Thank you for the wonderful cards and letters of encouragement for Brianna. Thank you 7th grade teachers for the holiday giftcard for our family.
Thank you to Brianna's friends and their parents for their love and support. Brianna has a remarkable group of friends that love her, support her, and protect her through everything. Please know that Bob and I feel very blessed to have the support of their families as well. Edwards', Didiers', Binkus', Oses', Whites', Riveros', and many more...thank you for everything!!
Thank you Eric, Haley, & Kaitlyn for welcoming Brianna home, making her feel loved, and helping her get back into her routine of playing and having fun. Saturday morning, Haley and Brianna decided to step out on the patio in their robes and winter boots to see if it was really cold and if it was actually snowing. When Bob found out he immediately ordered them back into the house...but only after taking a picture!
As we settle back in the comforts of our home and prepare for Brianna's return to school, we ask that you continue praying for her, that she continue to heal and that the tumor continues to shrink. Radiation will continue to work for another 3 months...so we will pray for the tumor to continue to shrink and to go into remission. The last MRI showed an overall 20% reduction since our arrival. (That number is only a guess by doctors as it is impossible to give an exact number. The doctors have to confer with the radiologists and others to measure a tmour that is not a perfect shape. The doctor said that different areas are shrinking at different rates.)
Please continue to pray for Brianna, Max, Kole, and Keleigh who are all fighting DIPG. Please pray for their complete healing, that they may all experience God's grace and mercy. We will enjoy this holiday season more than ever as we have grown in our faith and have been blessed with an outpouring of friendship and love from a community greater than one could ever imagine! God Bless!!
Brianna's Family
Thursday - December 4
Start fast, finish faster. Start strong, finish stronger. That's exactly what I did! Today I crossed the finish line! Operation Radiation...Mission Complete!! The last MRI is over and we should know the results soon. Even after the last MRI I was still a little nervous that something might happen to keep me from going home tomorrow. Mom asked everybody to pray for a good test and it worked because she said the numbers were low. I was so excited I gave the BIGGEST smile! When I was waking up after the MRI the nurse asked who was going home tomorrow and all I could do was grin. And then I got more news because the doctors said I don't have to come back down here until February!!! I thought I would have to come back next month but they said the tests could be done at home! So I DO get to go home after all. I'll have school at home for a little while and some physical therapy and then - BACK TO SCHOOL and all my FRIENDS!!!
THANK YOU EVERYBODY!
Love,
Bree
Note from Mom:
I asked everyone yesterday to pray for a good EKG reading as that might have been one thing that would prevent us from making it home. Once again, our prayers were answered. The doctors told us today that the official reading was 436!! Yesterday we believed that number was 460!! I know God is answering our prayers! Thanks be to God! When the doctors told us everything is great and assured us we would be leaving tomorrow, Brianna was so excited she could not hide her biggest smile! As Brianna was waking up from sedation from her two-hour MRI the recovery nurse asked, "Who is going home tomorrow?" The nurse said Brianna gave her a huge smile. We got an early Christmas present as the doctors told us we do not need to return until February. Her December and January appointments and tests can be done back home!! She will return home, continue with physical therapy and home-schooling, and eventually return to school sometime after the holidays. She will most liekly return on a part-time basis and work up her endurance to return full-time.
Today we would like to thank numerous people at St. Jude for the outstanding care and compassion on Brianna's behalf. Dr. Baker & Dr. Piya are Brianna's neuro-oncologist physicians and they are absolutely the most caring men. Some family members were able to meet Dr. Baker and in their brief meetings were able to tell just how special he is. Nurse Dori from E-clinic and nurse Crystal were very sweet and they both work incredibly hard at making the children feel safe and cared for. Childlife Specialists Amy and Krystiana did an excellent job working with Brianna, especially early in our treatment when Brianna was afraid she would never make it home again and struggled with homesickness throughout. Amy and Krystiana were able to provide Brianna with activities an projects to keep her spirits up. Amy also did a wonderful job keeping mom's spirits up as well! Kimberly had a rough time with Brianna when she started working with her on physical therapy. When Brianna started therapy the side effects from the medication had her in no mood to do any activity and she would constantly complain about having to go. Kimberly is excellent and was able to see Brianna's real personality emerge and has helped Brianna make tremendous progress. Dr. Merchant is Brianna's radiation physician and he is also a wonderful man. He appeared on the Today show Thanksgiving morning when he was interviewed about the type of radiation therapy patients are receiving at St. Jude. There are way too many people to list individually so I will shout out a huge thank you to the ladies in patient registration that we had to meet every single morning for a new armband, patient services, radiation technicians, all of the triage nurses, schedulers, receptionists, shuttle drivers, and staff at Ronald McDonald House.
We would also like to thank Lori, Scottie, and Kole along with Gary, Valerie, and Keleigh...DIPG families and RMH neighbors who we have become part of our family. Everyone we have met at St. Jude and Ronald McDonald House will forever hold a very special place in our hearts and will forever be in our prayers. It is an unbelievable experience to be surrounded by an overwhelming number of people who devote all their time and efforts to care for children like Brianna. Throughout our stay and through all of the appointments and treatments we felt as though Brianna was the only patient at St. Jude. Everyone in every department works so hard to make sure each child is cared for in a very special way. Thank you St. Jude!!
Thanks be to God! We will continue to pray for Brianna's complete healing! We will also continue to pray for Max, Kole, and Keleigh along with all children with cancer, and that their families have the stength and courage to endure the difficult road.
I will pack my laptop and the next time I post an update I will be sitting at my desk back home!
Love and Prayers,
Brianna's Family
THANK YOU EVERYBODY!
Love,
Bree
Note from Mom:
I asked everyone yesterday to pray for a good EKG reading as that might have been one thing that would prevent us from making it home. Once again, our prayers were answered. The doctors told us today that the official reading was 436!! Yesterday we believed that number was 460!! I know God is answering our prayers! Thanks be to God! When the doctors told us everything is great and assured us we would be leaving tomorrow, Brianna was so excited she could not hide her biggest smile! As Brianna was waking up from sedation from her two-hour MRI the recovery nurse asked, "Who is going home tomorrow?" The nurse said Brianna gave her a huge smile. We got an early Christmas present as the doctors told us we do not need to return until February. Her December and January appointments and tests can be done back home!! She will return home, continue with physical therapy and home-schooling, and eventually return to school sometime after the holidays. She will most liekly return on a part-time basis and work up her endurance to return full-time.
Today we would like to thank numerous people at St. Jude for the outstanding care and compassion on Brianna's behalf. Dr. Baker & Dr. Piya are Brianna's neuro-oncologist physicians and they are absolutely the most caring men. Some family members were able to meet Dr. Baker and in their brief meetings were able to tell just how special he is. Nurse Dori from E-clinic and nurse Crystal were very sweet and they both work incredibly hard at making the children feel safe and cared for. Childlife Specialists Amy and Krystiana did an excellent job working with Brianna, especially early in our treatment when Brianna was afraid she would never make it home again and struggled with homesickness throughout. Amy and Krystiana were able to provide Brianna with activities an projects to keep her spirits up. Amy also did a wonderful job keeping mom's spirits up as well! Kimberly had a rough time with Brianna when she started working with her on physical therapy. When Brianna started therapy the side effects from the medication had her in no mood to do any activity and she would constantly complain about having to go. Kimberly is excellent and was able to see Brianna's real personality emerge and has helped Brianna make tremendous progress. Dr. Merchant is Brianna's radiation physician and he is also a wonderful man. He appeared on the Today show Thanksgiving morning when he was interviewed about the type of radiation therapy patients are receiving at St. Jude. There are way too many people to list individually so I will shout out a huge thank you to the ladies in patient registration that we had to meet every single morning for a new armband, patient services, radiation technicians, all of the triage nurses, schedulers, receptionists, shuttle drivers, and staff at Ronald McDonald House.
We would also like to thank Lori, Scottie, and Kole along with Gary, Valerie, and Keleigh...DIPG families and RMH neighbors who we have become part of our family. Everyone we have met at St. Jude and Ronald McDonald House will forever hold a very special place in our hearts and will forever be in our prayers. It is an unbelievable experience to be surrounded by an overwhelming number of people who devote all their time and efforts to care for children like Brianna. Throughout our stay and through all of the appointments and treatments we felt as though Brianna was the only patient at St. Jude. Everyone in every department works so hard to make sure each child is cared for in a very special way. Thank you St. Jude!!
Thanks be to God! We will continue to pray for Brianna's complete healing! We will also continue to pray for Max, Kole, and Keleigh along with all children with cancer, and that their families have the stength and courage to endure the difficult road.
I will pack my laptop and the next time I post an update I will be sitting at my desk back home!
Love and Prayers,
Brianna's Family
Wednesday - December 3
Tomorrow is my last radiation treatment - YAY! Then I have one more MRI for 2 hours - yuck. But at least I get to sleep through it. Dad and my sister Kaitlynn are going home tomorrow and they are taking a LOT of my stuff with them. On Friday I have a couple of appointments at the hospital and then I get to leave here at 3pm. I am Finally on my way home. Thank you to everybody for praying for me and visiting and doing all the stuff you did to help me get better!
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
Brianna has made it to her last radiation treatment. 8:30 AM will be treatment #30 and she will then follow up with another 2 hour MRI. We will also meet with the doctors tomorrow to finalize any/all paperwork and discuss all that we have coming up with the future treatment and visits. Everything looks good but we are a little concerned that her EKG score is once again above 450. The last 3 EKG test are 460 or higher. Still normal for her age, but the drug company in charge of the protocol wants the number to be under 450. Please pray that tomorrow and/or Friday's EKG is below 450. We don't want anything to hold us up from making it home Friday night!! We don't know if this would hold us back, but we would feel better knowing that the score is back in range for the protocol. We are sure the doctor visit will provide us with more insight.
Matt and Kaitlyn will be heading home tomorrow morning. Of course we are sending as much stuff home as possible yet still leaving enough to get by for two more days. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow and we even have an appointment or two Friday morning. We called for a shuttle to pick us up at 3 PM.
Thank you for all of your kindness and generosity! Hopefully, this is one of the last updates we type from the RMH. We will continue to keep you posted and appreciate your continued prayers! God Bless!
Brianna's Family
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
Brianna has made it to her last radiation treatment. 8:30 AM will be treatment #30 and she will then follow up with another 2 hour MRI. We will also meet with the doctors tomorrow to finalize any/all paperwork and discuss all that we have coming up with the future treatment and visits. Everything looks good but we are a little concerned that her EKG score is once again above 450. The last 3 EKG test are 460 or higher. Still normal for her age, but the drug company in charge of the protocol wants the number to be under 450. Please pray that tomorrow and/or Friday's EKG is below 450. We don't want anything to hold us up from making it home Friday night!! We don't know if this would hold us back, but we would feel better knowing that the score is back in range for the protocol. We are sure the doctor visit will provide us with more insight.
Matt and Kaitlyn will be heading home tomorrow morning. Of course we are sending as much stuff home as possible yet still leaving enough to get by for two more days. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow and we even have an appointment or two Friday morning. We called for a shuttle to pick us up at 3 PM.
Thank you for all of your kindness and generosity! Hopefully, this is one of the last updates we type from the RMH. We will continue to keep you posted and appreciate your continued prayers! God Bless!
Brianna's Family
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday - December 2
Yeah! Only two more days left! I bet Uncle Jeff would remind me of his cross country saying. "start fast, finish faster, start strong, finish stronger." I am finally feeling like my old self! I think I get to stop the medicine soon and that's good because it made my whole body swell up and I don't look like me right now. The doctors say that as soon as I get better and all the medicine is out of my body my muscles will come back and I won't be swollen any more. That's good news for sure! I am so excited to go home so I can sit by the fireplace and watch TV like I used to on movie nights. Kaitlyn and I got to visit with the therapy dogs today. They are golden retrievers and their names are Tank and Cooper. They both sat with their heads in my lap. They are amazing. It's like they know I have been sick. I was glad to see them one more time before I go home. That's all for now! I just hope that this cold I have won't keep me from going home, but Mom is giving me lots of stuff to drink and keeps telling me that a cold isn't enough to make me have to stay any longer.
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
Brianna has gone from 16 mg/day on the steroid medication down to .5 mg/day!! Hopefully, by Friday she will be completely weaned from the steroid medication and can focus on rebuilding her muscle mass and strength as well as enjoying being home for the holiday season. Brianna mentioned three times today that she is so excited to come home. She asked if we can have a fire and watch t.v. I don't think that will be a problem! We have been looking forward to the first full day back home with our family and enjoying our movie nights in front of a fire. We will sleep in, decorate the house, and undoubtedly enjoy a stream of visitors for a few days. I warned Brianna previously, "Be careful what you wish for!" As much as she has been homesick and wishing she were home, she is going to be overwhelmed by all of the people who will want to see her. That is a wonderful problem to have!! We can't wait!! I also took Brianna and Kaitlyn to the Chapel for communion. We enjoyed a moment to reflect, pray, and thank God for all of our blessings.
Brianna is fighting a bad cold and is trying to rest and drink plenty of fluids in an attempt to get back to normal by the time we return home. She is very nervous that her cold will keep her from being able to make it home Friday night. We continue to pray for her to continue her progress and we assure her that a cold will not keep her from flying home on Friday night.
As we prepare to come home we would like to thank everyone for their continued support and for their unending prayers. We grow in our faith everyday and gain courage and strength from all the kind words and expressions of love and support. Brianna inspires us every day with her courage. Despite everything she is going through she continues to show everyone that she cares and she is always in tune with others' feelings. She even wrote an note to Kaitlyn where she told her that, "You are the best sister ever and I love you!" The two of them still fight and tease each other (though not as frequently) but Brianna's note and Kaitlyn's immediate concern for every cough or sneeze from Brianna makes our hearts melt.
God bless! The blood of the lamb will heal Brianna. Have faith and be patient as God will heal in His own time.
Brianna's Family
Love,
Bree
Note from Parents:
Brianna has gone from 16 mg/day on the steroid medication down to .5 mg/day!! Hopefully, by Friday she will be completely weaned from the steroid medication and can focus on rebuilding her muscle mass and strength as well as enjoying being home for the holiday season. Brianna mentioned three times today that she is so excited to come home. She asked if we can have a fire and watch t.v. I don't think that will be a problem! We have been looking forward to the first full day back home with our family and enjoying our movie nights in front of a fire. We will sleep in, decorate the house, and undoubtedly enjoy a stream of visitors for a few days. I warned Brianna previously, "Be careful what you wish for!" As much as she has been homesick and wishing she were home, she is going to be overwhelmed by all of the people who will want to see her. That is a wonderful problem to have!! We can't wait!! I also took Brianna and Kaitlyn to the Chapel for communion. We enjoyed a moment to reflect, pray, and thank God for all of our blessings.
Brianna is fighting a bad cold and is trying to rest and drink plenty of fluids in an attempt to get back to normal by the time we return home. She is very nervous that her cold will keep her from being able to make it home Friday night. We continue to pray for her to continue her progress and we assure her that a cold will not keep her from flying home on Friday night.
As we prepare to come home we would like to thank everyone for their continued support and for their unending prayers. We grow in our faith everyday and gain courage and strength from all the kind words and expressions of love and support. Brianna inspires us every day with her courage. Despite everything she is going through she continues to show everyone that she cares and she is always in tune with others' feelings. She even wrote an note to Kaitlyn where she told her that, "You are the best sister ever and I love you!" The two of them still fight and tease each other (though not as frequently) but Brianna's note and Kaitlyn's immediate concern for every cough or sneeze from Brianna makes our hearts melt.
God bless! The blood of the lamb will heal Brianna. Have faith and be patient as God will heal in His own time.
Brianna's Family
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday - December 1 - MY LAST WEEK!!!
Finally I only have a few days left. It was kind of sad when everybody started going home but then Dad reminded me that in just a few days I will be back home and I can sleep in my own bed! That made me feel a lot better.
Note from parents.:
I think Brianna is starting to really see that her time to go back home is just about finally here! I think it really hit her when she was realizing that her visitors from the weekend were starting to head back. Maria and the kids went back early Saturday and she started to get a little sad about that and then Bob left but quickly reminded Bree that she was close to the end of radiation and that there was nothing to worry about and that she would be in her own home on her own couch and able to sleep on her own bed soon! Then Bridget, Bernadette and Lauren said their goodbyes Saturday night because they were leaving early to try and beat the bad weather that was coming Chicago's way on Sunday.
Once all the visitors were gone Jennifer and I reminded her of all that she has accomplished so far and that the radiation finish line was within sight! Brianna was beginning to come down with a pretty good cold later Saturday and we took her to the Medicine room at St. Jude to get checked out. The med room is kind of the equivalent of a conveinent care back home. The doctor checked her out and told us to come back Sunday morning to get a swab test done of her nose and throat. The following morning we did just that and the tests found that it is just a cold at this point. It has progressed a little more into her chest but I went to the store today to get her some cold medicine.
Brianna has done an amazing job since first arriving in Mid October to start this journey and has come so far! The love and support from all of you has definitely helped her and we thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We are proud of Brianna and couldn't be luckier parents to have her as our daughter. If we could clone Brianna the world would be a better place for sure!
As parents we are charged with caring for and teaching our children everything from tying their shoes to walking and everything else but I must say that I have learned alot from Brianna during this journey. She has taught me what it means to have grace and courage even when faced with a really difficult challenge. We all have challenges in everyday life but I think I will reflect on these last couple months everytime I am challenged with something that I feel is impossible. I think Brianna has taught alot of us what the true meaning of courage is.
I will be heading back to Chicago with Kaitlyn on Thursday morning and hope that she isn't bouncing off the walls during our drive! Brianna and Jennifer are still set to arrive back in Chicago late Friday evening. Our Make a Wish meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of December 14th and we will keep you all updated on the progress of that as well!
Thank you all again for your love and support and caring during these difficult times for our family. Your support has helped but the wind at Brianna's back as she is ready to cross this radiation finish line!
Gratefully yours,
Bree's Family
Note from parents.:
I think Brianna is starting to really see that her time to go back home is just about finally here! I think it really hit her when she was realizing that her visitors from the weekend were starting to head back. Maria and the kids went back early Saturday and she started to get a little sad about that and then Bob left but quickly reminded Bree that she was close to the end of radiation and that there was nothing to worry about and that she would be in her own home on her own couch and able to sleep on her own bed soon! Then Bridget, Bernadette and Lauren said their goodbyes Saturday night because they were leaving early to try and beat the bad weather that was coming Chicago's way on Sunday.
Once all the visitors were gone Jennifer and I reminded her of all that she has accomplished so far and that the radiation finish line was within sight! Brianna was beginning to come down with a pretty good cold later Saturday and we took her to the Medicine room at St. Jude to get checked out. The med room is kind of the equivalent of a conveinent care back home. The doctor checked her out and told us to come back Sunday morning to get a swab test done of her nose and throat. The following morning we did just that and the tests found that it is just a cold at this point. It has progressed a little more into her chest but I went to the store today to get her some cold medicine.
Brianna has done an amazing job since first arriving in Mid October to start this journey and has come so far! The love and support from all of you has definitely helped her and we thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We are proud of Brianna and couldn't be luckier parents to have her as our daughter. If we could clone Brianna the world would be a better place for sure!
As parents we are charged with caring for and teaching our children everything from tying their shoes to walking and everything else but I must say that I have learned alot from Brianna during this journey. She has taught me what it means to have grace and courage even when faced with a really difficult challenge. We all have challenges in everyday life but I think I will reflect on these last couple months everytime I am challenged with something that I feel is impossible. I think Brianna has taught alot of us what the true meaning of courage is.
I will be heading back to Chicago with Kaitlyn on Thursday morning and hope that she isn't bouncing off the walls during our drive! Brianna and Jennifer are still set to arrive back in Chicago late Friday evening. Our Make a Wish meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of December 14th and we will keep you all updated on the progress of that as well!
Thank you all again for your love and support and caring during these difficult times for our family. Your support has helped but the wind at Brianna's back as she is ready to cross this radiation finish line!
Gratefully yours,
Bree's Family
Thanksgiving Weekend
It has been really great to have so much of my family with me in Memphis. I started to cry when Bridget and Bernadette and Lauren got here on Friday. They got to go on a tour of Ronald McDonald house and Bridget made a special dinner for me with two of my favorites - spinach and broccoli- YUM! Bridget is going to cooking school and is learning how to make special healthy food for me. She even fixed a fresh pomegranate. After dinner we rode a carriage and went to a place called Silky O'Sullivans for something to drink and a snack. I was really tired cause we have done a lot of stuff this week so I went back to go to bed.
Note from Parents:
Bob and I took our time enjoying Beale Street with Lauren and Bernadette. When we returned to the hotel Kaitlyn still had energy to burn so she went swimming again.
Everyone met for breakfast at the RMH and Maria and kids said goodbye to Brianna and headed back home. Bob stayed until the afternoon as we needed to load his truck with as many boxes as possible. The girls and I will be living out of suitcases and with just enough activities to keep us entertained for the next 6 days. I can't believe we have less than 1 week remaining!! Radiation treatment ends on Thursday and Brianna also has another 2 hour MRI that day.
Brianna enjoyed today by spending time with Kaitlyn, Bridget, Bernadette, and Lauren playing a game, playing cards, watching a movie. My three very generous nieces (three broke college students) treated me, Matt and the girls to dinner. We ordered in so we could take full advantage of our relaxing day at the RMH. We are very grateful to them for making the long road trip with limited budgets. They are all sweethearts and it is easy to see why Brianna and Kaitlyn love them so much. They will leave tomorrow morning to head back home.
Finally, I have received word that Brianna's bedroom is finally complete! Thank you to the White family for having her room painted her favorite color (Jamaican aqua) and to Aunt Pat, Uncle John, Aunt Jackie, Grandma Close, Bob, Dan, and others who moved furniture, purchased items, and decorated her room to turn it into a real tropical, beach theme. We have only been planning her bedroom for over a year! It always seemed like we could never find a good time to get it all done! So thank you to everyone who helped make it happen!! We are so appreciative. I hear there are palm trees, surfboard, beach chair, grass bedskirt and valance, themed lamps, and much more. Knowing the talents of my mother, sister and aunt I can only imagine how spectacular her new bedroom will be. I can't wait for Brianna to see it!!
Let the countdown begin! Love to all and thank you for all of your prayers and support! God Bless!
Bree's Family
Note from Parents:
Bob and I took our time enjoying Beale Street with Lauren and Bernadette. When we returned to the hotel Kaitlyn still had energy to burn so she went swimming again.
Everyone met for breakfast at the RMH and Maria and kids said goodbye to Brianna and headed back home. Bob stayed until the afternoon as we needed to load his truck with as many boxes as possible. The girls and I will be living out of suitcases and with just enough activities to keep us entertained for the next 6 days. I can't believe we have less than 1 week remaining!! Radiation treatment ends on Thursday and Brianna also has another 2 hour MRI that day.
Brianna enjoyed today by spending time with Kaitlyn, Bridget, Bernadette, and Lauren playing a game, playing cards, watching a movie. My three very generous nieces (three broke college students) treated me, Matt and the girls to dinner. We ordered in so we could take full advantage of our relaxing day at the RMH. We are very grateful to them for making the long road trip with limited budgets. They are all sweethearts and it is easy to see why Brianna and Kaitlyn love them so much. They will leave tomorrow morning to head back home.
Finally, I have received word that Brianna's bedroom is finally complete! Thank you to the White family for having her room painted her favorite color (Jamaican aqua) and to Aunt Pat, Uncle John, Aunt Jackie, Grandma Close, Bob, Dan, and others who moved furniture, purchased items, and decorated her room to turn it into a real tropical, beach theme. We have only been planning her bedroom for over a year! It always seemed like we could never find a good time to get it all done! So thank you to everyone who helped make it happen!! We are so appreciative. I hear there are palm trees, surfboard, beach chair, grass bedskirt and valance, themed lamps, and much more. Knowing the talents of my mother, sister and aunt I can only imagine how spectacular her new bedroom will be. I can't wait for Brianna to see it!!
Let the countdown begin! Love to all and thank you for all of your prayers and support! God Bless!
Bree's Family
Monday, December 1, 2008
Friday - November 28 - Thanksgiving!
I've been really busy this week so I haven't been putting much in my blog. That's a good thing cause it means I'm feeling better! Everybody in my family was here! Mom and Kaitlyn and me got excited to see my stepdad on Tuesday and then we met my Dad and stepmon and my brothers and sisters and we all went to Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner. After that we all went back to hotels so I could have radiation and physical therapy and school. On Wednesday Mom showed me my plane ticket home - it's REAL and I REALLY get to go home to my own bed! On Wednesday afternoon we went swimming and then we went to the mall and went shopping.
On Thursday morning I got to have breakfast with everybody and then we went to Ronald McDonald House for Thanksgiving dinner. They had lots of fun stuff for kids to do. We made gingerbread houses and also played a game. We got to have dinner all together for once. The best part is that I don't have any doctor appointments for 4 whole days! After I woke up from my nap all of us kids went swimming at the Marriott and then we had some snacks before we went to bed.
On Friday we got up early so we could go to this famous hotel called the Peabody because they have this duck march. It was kind of weird but it was fun too. Everybody stood in line for like 2 hours to watch some ducks march from the elevator inside the hotel to the fountain. They said the ducks have been doing it for a long time. It WAS really cute the way the baby ducks followed the mother duck. Bridget is going to make a chocolate pie for me the healthy way and I can't wait cause chocolate is one of my favorites! Tonight we are supposed to go on a trolley ride and that will be fun.
Love,
Bree
Note from Mom:
While Brianna was attending school I picked up our plane tickets for Friday, December 5th. We will arrive at O'Hare around 10:15 pm. (Our only option....we don't care as we are just looking forward to being home in our own beds!) At lunch I showed Brianna the tickets and this is when she finally realized this is, "for real!" I warned her about being cautiously optimistic. Please pray that everything goes well this week so we can make our trip home Friday evening.
We also took time to begin packing up the room so we can send as much home as possible. Matt and Kaitlyn will head home 1 day before we leave so he can take any remaining items and drop them off with Kaitlyn returning home. We will attempt to live out of a couple of suitcases for the next week.
Friday morning Bob and I took the girls to the Peabody Hotel in order to watch the ducks march from the elevator to the fountain. We thought the ducks came out at 10am but they actually parade out at 11am. It was a good thing we were early as at least a few hundred people crowded the lobby and balcony to watch the 5 ducks parade out in a line from the elevator to the fountain. The Peabody is a gorgeous hotel and it is just an experience to see the architecture and of course watch the ducks. After the parade we left for RMH and again met Matt, Maria and kids. Matt and Maria decided to take the girls around town until Brianna's cousins. Bridget, Bernadette, and Lauren should be arriving any minute. Bridget, the future chef will be cooking some healthy, sweet food for Brianna. She is craving a chocolate pie and I think Bridget will be making a dairy free, sugar free pie. She has plenty of resources from culinary school so I am looking forward to more advice.
Tonight Bob and I will take the girls along with their cousins downtown on the trolley. We will go on a carriage ride, walk down Beale St., and go back to the Marriott and enjoy swimming or playing cards.
We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you for your support and your prayers!
Bree's Family
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