St. Jude Checkup - February 5

Well, I had to go back to St. Jude for 2 days for more appointments. We just got back home today. I had another MRI and I was disappointed that they said it didn't show that the tumor is shrinking. But the good news is that it doesn't look like it's growing either! :) The doctors said there is one part of the tumor that they are going to watch real close because it looks like the shape is changing and it looks different than before. They said it looks more "dense". I'll let my mom write about that stuff cause I just want it to go away!
Thank you to everybody for praying for me and helping me be strong. Love, Bree

Note from Jennifer, Brianna's Mom:
As Brianna said, part of the tumor looks more "dense." The doctor said it could be one of two things...either a reaction from the radiation that is still at work or a beginning of "an angry tumor." This would mean that the tumor will begin growing again. The doctors, nurses and therapists were amazed at how well Brianna is doing and how great she looks! I guess that is why the news was difficult to take in as everything seems to be going so well.The doctors have labeled the tumor "STABLE" and our goal is to keep it that way. Brianna will continue with her strict diet and she has started taking the vitamins and supplements recommended by the nutritionist. We believe all of the proactive methods we are introducing will keep the tumor stable. I explained to Brianna previously that people can live with tumors as long as they don't grow or cause symptoms that make people sick. Our goal is to shrink the tumor or at least keep it stable where she does not exhibit any symptoms.While we continue to pray for her healing and for the tumor to shrink or at least remain stable we are also exploring options in case the tumor does progress. Brianna's father, Matt, will be traveling to Houston to visit a clinic that treats recurrent DIPG tumors. We will also be researching other options and praying for a breakthrough which may prove to be the cure. We feel it is better to be armed with knowledge and prepare for the worst case scenario rather than wait it out. We hope we do not have to utilize any of these other resources but if we do, we need to be prepared. Insurance companies usually do not cover experimental treatments but we hope that the FDA approval of the clinical trial in Houston might convince the insurance company to pay at least part of the cost of treatment.We have been told many times by many people to take one day at a time. I will admit that it seems to be an impossible feat for me as I have always planned my future by days, weeks, months, and even years. I am lucky to have a lot of support from people who are very positive and have a deep faith in God. My faith is tested every day and I question whether it is enough! I am blessed to have a wonderful network of family and friends who are able to keep me focused on the positive. I remember Fr. Ted's homily where he made it very clear that we must make a choice to live in the light or live in the darkness. Whenever I am pulled into negative thoughts or experience negative feelings I always have someone that can guide me back to the light. Though I am struggling with this news and disappointed in the fact that the tumor did not shrink, I will try to focus on how well Brianna is doing right now and be glad that the tumor is stable and has not grown.We are scheduled to return around April 7th-10th. Please pray that the radiation continues to work the next few weeks and that the diet and vitamins provide what Brianna needs to continue to fight the tumor. I will continue to pray for guidance and for a deeper faith in God's power to heal.
Thank you for all of your support and prayers.
Jennifer