Sandi's Brain Tumor - My Fight for Life

Good News...

2011-11-18T23:30:00.004-05:00

It is now November and my medical status has not changed :-) everything is still "stable" inside my head. The tumor is not growing or shrinking (it shrank a little at the beginning of 2011, but no recent progress). I'm still feeling good and my energy level is slowly coming back. I rejoined LA Fitness and I've started working out again. I hate that I lost so much muscle in 2010 while I sat on my butt watching TV. But, I had to give my body time to recover. Looks like I'm finally coming around now. I've got to work out first thing in the morning or it does not happen. I was like that before getting sick, so it's nothing new.

Thank you all for the support both mentally and financially. Can you believe that my hubby and I have had to pay over $12,000 in the last 2 yrs in medical bills (after insurance). Cancer is expensive!!! Have a great day/week!

Update on latest MRI

2011-04-22T10:29:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone, I did end up getting to meet with my neurologist yesterday and we got positive feedback. It is still stable, not growing, not shrinking but definitely not growing. Dr. Barnett stated that if she had 2 dozen neurosurgeons who all had seen my scans and the mass inside of my head that she would have 2 dozen people who would be unbelievably shocked that I was sitting in her office, and that I was still alive, because based on my medical reports I should be dead.

So good news is that my tumor is not growing that it is stable and that my super-neurosurgeon is still optimistic. She said to me, "I don't know what you are doing, but keep doing it." I am following the instructions of my MDs and drinking about 3 glasses of red-wine per week. Just wanted to tell everyone the good news :-)

Thank you all SO much for your thoughts and prayers!!!!

With much Love,
Sandi

Update from my Neurologist :-)

2011-01-31T14:28:00.001-05:00

Praise God!!! This morning my Neurosurgeon told me that she has never seen someone react this well to treatment and that the majority of people, given my diagnosis, are dead within one year; but that I am still doing great in her opinion. Guess all of those hrs in the gym paid off, thanks Sonya for the motivation. She said that she could tell a big difference between my Oct scans and the scans I got in Dec. Karen (mother-in-law and nurse) got a copy of the MRI report and said that from what she can tell the tumor has shrunk a decent amount.

Thank you all SO much for your continued prayers, God is listening... and responding.
Love to you all and I hope that everyone is doing great :-)

The difference a day can make...

2011-01-07T13:58:00.004-05:00

As happy as I was and optimistic yesterday, leave it to the government to Mess it up. Last night the FDA pulled the approval for Avastin to treat Breast Cancer. There is a debate if this is the beginning of rationing because it is a very expensive drug. Granted, I don't have Breast Cancer but this gives my insurer an excuse to deny treatment. I called United HC and she said that if the FDA pulled their approval then they probably would drop the medication as well. As I understand it, Avastin has been the super drug that was really helping my tumor and preventing the blood from being able to re-route and form new vessels around the tumor. Thanks for listening guys!

Sandi

MRI update...

2011-01-04T14:28:00.008-05:00

I got great news from the Doctor yesterday. Dr. Szabo (my oncologist) said that
the MRI last week showed that the tumor is stable and that I am "exactly
where 'we' want you to be." "we" would be my 3 doctors (neurologist,
oncologist, and radiologist). I am feeling ok, my energy level is
coming back and my appetite is finally returning so it's not torture to
eat anymore. I've lost about 20 lbs over the past 6 months, for the
longest time all I craved was fruit or sweets. Not a diet I would
recommend for your health but you will lose weight.

I have been lucky enough to have a hoard of people praying for me, and I have no doubt that God had his hand on my entire recovery/surgery. Looking back there is no question that He went before me and prepared the way. The PA (physician's assistant) that I met with the morning I got my diagnosis, had enough drive to call United Healthcare and argue with them so that my insurance would pay for the CT scan. I was across the street from Emory Hospital, and the on-call neurosurgeon just happened to be one of the best in the southeast. My surgery was supposed to take 4 hrs and she took 7 (she used the extra time to cut off the blood supply to the back of the tumor, which worked because the blood supply is still cut off). God worked through Dr. Florence Barnett to save my life http://barnettneurosurgery.com/ and I am so grateful! She is one of the best doctors I have had the privilege of knowing.

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers, please keep them coming because I don't have this thing beat yet. I do have a peace that started the day I got my diagnosis, I have not really had fear, just a comforting feeling that God was in control of the situation and that I didn't need to worry. My greatest fear has been for my father and my husband. I can't imagine what my father would do if something happened to me or what I would do if something happened to JJ.

I hope that everyone is doing wonderful and had a fun and safe New Year's Eve. We'll see what 2011 has in store, thank you for being interested enough to read all of my ramblings. Love to all of my friends and thank you again for your prayers, they are working :-)

Sandi Update - MRI Results - From Sonya

2011-01-03T23:15:00.002-05:00

My sister's MRI results are good. The brain tumor is still stable and is not growing. The doctor said that the tumor is always going to be there, but he thinks that a lot of the mass he is seeing is dead scar tissue. From what they can tell the tumor still has no blood flow- thanks to her wonderful brain surgeon!!!

Her doctor is very happy with the results and so are we! If you are new to my blog you can read Sandi's Fight for Life to learn more about my younger sister who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year.

DONATION UPDATE
I would also like to thank all of you who helped me spread the word and/or purchased jewelry or donated to Sandi last year. Belly Charms donated $4100 to Sandi last year to help with medical bills and living expenses since she has not been able to work since May.

Thank you so much!!!! It has made a world of difference to her! I am still donating all proceeds from the sale of jewelry in the Affirmation and Inspiration Collection to her.

Sandi Update from Sonya

2010-11-12T10:29:00.003-05:00

There is nothing new on Sandi. My sister is currently in the middle of another round of chemo. She still has an amazing attitude during her fight for life against brain cancer. In case you missed it, the MRI results we got back on 10/11 showed the tumor has actually shrunk a tiny bit. That is incredible news!!! It will be a few months before she gets another MRI.

Sandi's Chemo lasts for 5 days so I am offering a 5 day sale on a few items in her collection on Belly Charms. All proceeds from the sale of these items goes to my sister to help her pay medial bills. Even with insurance, brain cancer is expensive and she has not been able to work since she was diagnosed with the lemon sized brain tumor in May of this year.

All of the Peace and Love Bracelets are 20% off until 11/16 and shipping is free on them too. Three color options are available. These make great holiday gifts. USE THE COUPON CODE SANDI20 AT CHECKOUT ON BELLY CHARMS. Click below to see each color option!

Pastel Peace and Love Bracelet

Gray Peace and Love Bracelet

Deep Purple Peace and Love Bracelet

Please help me by posting, tweeting or sharing this on facebook. Thanks so much for Supporting Sandi in her ongoing fight!!

Sandi's MRI Results Today - From Sonya

2010-10-11T23:21:00.000-04:00

Sandi has not been on her blog in a few months, but I wanted to share the great news she got today. Sandi's Oncology report showed that her brain tumor is actually shrinking a little bit. We could not be happier. I got to spend the weekend with her in Alabama. She seems to have a little more energy. She is lost over 20 lbs since August. She has no appetite, but a week with my mom had her eating a little more.

Her hair is growing a little bit, and she is still going to be a blond. Proud to still wear her Alabama cap too.

Sandi still needs lots of prayers and support as she continues chemo and her fight for life. She has not been able to work since her brain tumor was discovered in May. You can read her story and/or make a donation at www.SandisFight.com.

Happy Birthday Sandi!!!

2010-09-13T00:46:00.000-04:00

This is Sandi's blog, her fight for life, but I am taking it over to let everyone know that today is her 34th Birthday. It seems like just yesterday we were fighting over the remote control Barbie car. Happy Birthday little sister. I love you!

Sandi's Fight Continues - from Sonya

2010-08-27T00:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Sandi got her first IV Avastin infusion and last night she took her first dose ( triple strength) of the chemo drug Temodor. She will have this high dose of Chemo for the next 5 days straight. She has a new nightly routine......anti Nausea meds, an hour later a sleeping pill, then the 3 chemo pills. Last night she was up sick from 2:00 am until 4:00 am. She decided that tonight she will have no food after 5:00 to see if that helps.

Please continue to keep Sandi in your thoughts and prayers.

There are currently a few giveaways to benefit Sandi and her fight for life. Please visit my blog and see if there are any you would like to enter.

Bridget from Guide to Smart Shopping is an angel. She is hosting a giveaway for a Live, Laugh, Love Bracelet and she is personally purchasing this bracelet to give it away. Thanks to all of you for your continued support and comments to Sandi.

Sonya

Good news

2010-08-11T19:29:00.003-04:00

We got good news today at the doctor's office. The tumor is stable and not growing, not shrinking but my oncologist thinks some of the mass around it is most likely dead tissue. I'll be on treatment for the next year, which is standard treatment for brain tumors. I'll be on Chemo and also I've got to go into the office to get an Avastin infusion every now and then. My drs are very optimistic about my prognosis :-)

Live Laugh Love Bracelet Giveaway: Everyday Ramblings of My Life for Sandi's Fight

2010-08-09T19:11:00.000-04:00

Enter to win a Live Laugh Love Swarovski Crystal Bracelet from Belly Charms and Everyday Ramblings of My Life. Tara wants to help raise money and awareness for Sandi's Fight and we have teamed up for a great giveaway.

This is an easy entry giveaway and donations are optional! If you enter you are helping! Everyday Ramblings of my Life will be making a donation to Sandi's Fight for Life based on the number of people who comment and enter the giveaway. How sweet is she? Please go visit Tara now and help raise money for Sandi's Fight for Life! Giveaway ends on 8/29!

Be sure you also enter to win a full Blog Makeover donated by The Shabby Vanity.

Posted by

Giveaways to Support Sandi's Fight for Life - Blog Makeover from The Shabby Vanity

2010-08-09T19:08:00.001-04:00

#1) The very first of several giveaways on Belly Charms the blog to help support Sandi's Fight for Life. Sandi is not only fighting for her life against stage IV brain cancer, she is fighting a mountain of medical bills. Even with insurance....brain surgery and brain cancer can put a financial strain on anyone. Sandi has not been able to work since the lemon sized brain tumor was discovered on May 3rd.

Sandi's Fight Giveaway #1. A full blog makeover from The Shabby Vanity ( Ends 8/15) Go to Belly Charms - the Blog for details and enter to win!

Posted by

Finished Radiation :-)

2010-07-21T16:54:00.003-04:00

The great news is that I finally finished my radiation yesterday!!!! :-) now I have a couple of weeks and then I get to start a new chemo regiment but the MD is expecting that I will have few side-effects from it. I hope that he is right (needless to say).

I will be on a chemo drip that I have to go into the office to get and then I'll be on an increased dose of the Temodar that I take at night. Overall I still feel ok, just really tired and I feel kind of useless since I cannot work right now and we have tons of bills pouring in from various doctors. But thanks to my sister and her efforts it is not as bad as it could be, thanks to everyone who has donated to us!!!! Have a great week,

Sandi

Radiation and beyond,,,,

2010-07-15T14:05:00.005-04:00

I only have 3 more radiation treatments left!!!! This is a huge relief because I should get a lot of my energy back. I have treatment every morning and then I HAVE to nap in the afternoon because it drains me so much; and I'm getting 8-10 hrs of sleep every night. I'll start a more intensive chemo regiment after radiation is over... not sure which is going to be worse; unfortunately I'm afraid that the chemo may make me more nauseous and also have other fun side-effects that I don't know about yet. There were some additional side-effects that no one told me about, I'm learning that w/ cancer treatment you never know until you are there how you will react to treatment. Even the docs can't predict how people will react to treatment since everyone reacts differently.

Overall things are still looking up. I have my next MRI is in late Aug and then I meet with my neurologist again in early Sept to get feedback on how things are going. After that I'll be getting an MRI about once every 2 weeks so that they can monitor my progress. I meet with my Oncologist next week so I'll know Wed what chemo I have to look forward to.... thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers!!

Sandi's Update 7/13

2010-07-13T23:09:00.000-04:00

Updated from big sister......Sandi has been loosing more and more of her gorgeous blond hair. Her college roommate from Wallace State came to spend a few days with her and Jessica is the one who Sandi asked to cut her hair off. So last Thursday night, July 8th, Jessica shaved Sandi's head. Here are Sandi's exact words from her Facebook page post the following morning:

I have a friend staying with me who is a nurse on a neurological floor in Huntsville; and last night she finally did what JJ has been unwilling or unable to do.... which was shave my head. It actually feels better now because I can stop stressing about losing hair in the shower and elsewhere. Now I have about a quarter inch of redish blond stubble around me head....

I live 6 hours away from Sandi, and her husband JJ just emailed me some pictures of the new "low maintenance" Sandi. Her hair was hiding the scar from her brain surgery which was 2 months ago. I still think she is beautiful. The first thing I noticed was not that her hair is now gone.....it was the fact that she is still smiling! She is now 2 months into her battle against brain cancer.

Sandi needs prayers and financial support. Even with insurance...brain surgery and brain cancer is not cheap. She is unable to work and any donation at all is greatly appreciated!

Please continue to support my sister by purchasing jewelry from the Affirmation and Inspiration Collection. You can read Sandi's story at www.SandisFight.com.

July 5th update....

2010-07-05T18:52:00.002-04:00

Excellent news today!! My follow-up scans showed that the tumor is shrinking and that treatment is working. My neurologist said that she was very pleased with the scans and how I am reacting to treatment. She wants to see me again about 6 wks after I finish radiation (which will be July 20th toward the end of August is when I'll get to see her again). July 20th should be my final day of radiation. I have had a relatively good go w/ cancer, not having a lot of nausea and still have an appetite, I am just not hungry for anything (fruit and junk are all that taste good), so I've only lost 5 lbs (could stand to lose 10 more). My primary side effect has been exhaustion, I've had to nap most of each day, it is amazing how much radiation zaps your energy!! I have just over 2 wks of radiation left; which I cannot wait to have over!!!! Radiation is no fun and it has zapped my energy level SO much. I can't complain too much though because I have not been nauseous like I expected.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support!!! God has definitely been watching out for me :-)

Sandi

Update on Sandi - Great News

2010-07-05T12:22:00.001-04:00

My sister Sandi just got the results from her MRI. The brain tumor (Glioblastoma) is shrinking and blood flow is still cut off to one side of it. This is the news we were hoping to hear. The chemo and radiation are working!! Her doctor was very happy with the results. We could not be happier. I told her I was doing a happy dance!!!

Thanks so much to all of of you for your continued comments, prayers and support. Keep wearing those wristbands. She is halfway through treatment!

Sandi's Fight for Life Wristbands - From Sonya

2010-06-29T02:07:00.000-04:00

NEW! Please support my younger sister Sandi in her fight for life against brain cancer by wearing a gray wristband. All proceeds from the sale of these will go to Sandi in an effort to help pay medical bills.

Please copy the button below and place it on your blog or website!!!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!

Copy this code to display the banner!

Thank you for supporting Sandi - From Sonya

2010-06-25T22:05:00.001-04:00

UPDATED!! A heart-felt "THANK YOU" to the following for supporting Sandi by purchasing a bracelet or making a donation to Sandi's Fight for Life. Your support, prayers and generosity will never be forgotten.

Joey Gilliland              Jennifer Morrison
JoAnn Ellis                 Wendy McBay
Kim Hardee          Nikki Ledbetter
Lisa Ghai                    Erica Stanfield
Brooke Vinning           Tara Donaldson
Christie Waldrep         Meredith Farrell
Kim Walker Tabitha Rush
Laura Hargrove Laura Smith
Angelique Plunkett    Leanne McElrath
Lauren Corbitt Jennifer Southerland
Burke Spencer Jennifer Stephenson
Laura Boling Elizabeth Harris
Nancy Crane    Monica Moody
Christina Teal Robyn Engel
Tammy Madden Jessica Miller
Pam Young    Amy Uptain
Brenda Grochowski    Paul and Rene Biddle
Jennifer Holbrooks Jenny Sanders
Francy Kirkland    Kerri Horton
Margaret Nowell    Denise Martin
Jodi Fraser    Letha Harris
Jim Robertson    Sandra Robertson
Kimberly Chandler    Dawn Zimmerman
Chassidi Likens         Virginia Webster
Patti Howard              Heather Mitchell
Kelly Hood                 Bob / Judy Mattey
Tim / Lori Wilhelm    Matt / Jessica Stewart
Hugh Carter    Suzanne Bell
Janet Adams Allison Hall Willard
Shani Whitmore    Pam Rothman
Erica DaCosta          Bob / Monica Mattey
Kendra Mattey        Angela Myers
Xan Moody Adrienne Hernandez
Dina Utter    Pat / John Federico
Tiiffany Martin          David / Bettye Moore
Tricia Hoerth            Deborah Rousseau
The Lagnaippi Literary Ladies - aka Mom's book club
Mitzi Wiggins    Stacy / Becky Goss
Clint Shadinger Daniel / Mary Ellen Vanaken
Elana Kahn Disa Hickman
Lydia Aletaris

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(updated 06/25)

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Sandi's fight for Life - New Bracelet - From Sonya

2010-06-23T09:33:00.000-04:00

Many of you know that Sandi, my 33 year old younger sister, is in a fight for her life against brain cancer. This is her blog, but being the big sister, I am helping her out on it anyway that I can. She was diagnosed with a Stage IV Glioblastoma last month. As she is undergoing this nightmare, I am working hard to raise money for her.

With that I have added a new bracelet to the "Affirmation and Inspiration - Sandi's Fight collection". I designed this collection when Sandi was diagnosed and the proceeds from the sale of these items is going to her. Even with insurance, brain surgery and brain cancer is not cheap. She has a $40 copay with every radiation treatment.

Here is the new bracelet. The Survivor bracelet - this is the one she is going to be wearing when this hell is over! We know if anyone can beat brain cancer it is her. She asked me to design this one. The great thing is that I will customize it with any color to symbolize any type of cancer.

To learn more about Sandi's Fight for Life and see how you can help please visit www.SandisFight.com

Monday's Little Miracles - Animals in the Gulf

2010-06-21T00:30:00.000-04:00

Today's Monday's Little Miracles Blog Hop is different. There is no blog in the Miracle Spot. I am sending you to the ABC News website to read this article

ANIMALS CAUGHT IN THE GULF OF MEXICO OIL SPILL: HOW YOU CAN HELP

I am a huge animal lover and the images I am seeing on the news of these poor birds, turtles, etc...covered in oil is just heartbreaking. In the article above there are many links to organizations who are helping the animals and most of them are accepting donations and volunteers.

Please join us in making a difference : Belly Charms - The Blog, Boobies, Babies and A Blog, and My New Life As Mom by sharing Monday's Little Miracles to save the Gulf Animals. Here is how you can make a difference too - this is easy:

Copy this post and put it on your blog
Join the linky below
And of course, follow any or all of the wonderful bloggers in the linky who want to save the animals who are suffering in the Gulf of Mexico.

Have a wonderful week and thanks for being a part of Monday's Little Miracles: Animals in the Gulf.

MarketMommies Cares - Sandi's Fight is featured!

2010-06-16T12:16:00.000-04:00

I have had the pleasure of working with Toni at Marketmommies.com on several occasions for Belly Charms. If you have a mom owned business, I highly recommend checking out MarketMommies . You can list your mom owned business for free and network with a lot of other great moms.

MarketMommies Blog now has a new section titled "Marketmommies Cares". I am thrilled to say that Sandi's Fight for Life is the first featured slot. Thank you so much Toni for featuring my younger sister Sandi and sharing her story as she fights for life against brain cancer.

Click here to see Marketmommies Cares

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Tuesday Tag-Along Blog Hopper - from Sonya

2010-06-15T01:14:00.001-04:00

Sandi just loves it when I post hops on her blog. Please follow my sister Sandi and leave her comments of encouragement as she battles brain cancer.

Tuesday Tag-Along Blog Hopper

Welcome to this week's Tuesday Tag-Along blog hop, hosted by Twee Poppets Review and Giveaway! This is a great way to discover new blogs while increasing the number of followers for your own blog. Please feel free to grab the TTA button for your blogroll to help bring more bloggers to this blog hop!

treatments cont....

2010-06-11T05:21:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone, sorry that it has been a while since I entered a new post. I’ve been busy…. Treatment is going ok, I am thrilled to let you know that I have not had any really BAD side effects yet. I’m not throwing up or losing handfuls of hair yet; my main side effects have been from the dreadful steroids they put me on; I’ve gained 8-10 lbs because of them (and that’s not muscle because they won’t let me go to the gym again yet). That should come in the next couple of weeks though because I really get to start physical therapy next week. Which I could do myself if they would just let me go back to the gym! I’ve been through this before w/ my last car accident when I was 18, so this is familiar territory unfortunately. Trust me, head injuries are not something you want to be well versed in…

I did get my hair dyed strawberry blonde; which is something I’ve wanted to do for a while but never had the guts to do it. I figured if it might fall out anyway, why not dye it red? It matches my skin tone well and brings out my green eyes. I’ve never dyed my hair before and a 1 ½ days later it still smells like cotton candy from the dye. The good news is that my hubby likes it and I think it looks pretty good, just different.

Chubby Cheeks Thinks Blog Supports Sandi - from Sonya

2010-06-10T01:45:00.000-04:00

Do you like blog giveaways? Kim at Chubby Cheeks Thinks is offering 20 extra entries into any of her giveaways!! All you have to do is support Sandi! Click HERE for more info.

Support Sandi's Fight for Life! ( from Chubby Cheeks Thinks)

As you all may know, I co host Blog Hop Friday along with some other wonderful ladies! One of which is Sonya from Belly Charms. She had mentioned how her sister, Sandi, is fighting to battle a brain tumor. Well, obviously this story is very emotional and touching. Sonya has actually created a line called "Affirmation and Inspiration Collection - Sandi's Fight" and all proceeds go towards helping Sandi and her husband pay for co-pays and bills (which you can imagine add up quite quickly). I really wish I had the money right now to buy some of the beautiful pieces that Sonya has created for this special cause, because I am in love with them, but money is tight right now with lack of work in Kyle's work field right now. So, what a better way to get the word out there and do my part, than to blog about it!

Go to Chubby Cheeks Thinks to read the rest of the post. Thank you Kim!!!

Blog Hop Friday - Week 4 - From Sonya

2010-06-04T00:19:00.000-04:00

Please continue to support my sister Sandi in her Fight For Life!
One week of chemo - done! First 2 radiation treatments - done!

Welcome to the 4th edition of Blog Hop Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, Bree Bee's, This Adventure Our Life and Belly Charms!We continue to invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us!

treatment...

2010-06-01T20:12:00.003-04:00

I have not been able to work for the past 3 wks which is driving me crazy!!
Over all I'm doing good, radiation starts tomorrow and I'm already on a chemo pill at night. Anticipate losing my hair which will be hard for me but I'll get through it as long as I get the opportunity to grow old w/ JJ after it is all over. I may get my hair cut off this week, it will give me the illusion of having some control over this... I'll be getting a CT every 2 weeks or so in order for them to measure the tumor so we'll know if treatment is working or not; they are starting w/ a conservative treatment plan, don't want to pump me full of unnecessary drugs (which I agree with, they are treating it w/ Temador http://www.temodar.com/temodar/index.html which is a relatively new drug to treat brain tumors so far I have not had any side effects, hoping it will continue but I doubt that I'll be that lucky. Here's hoping... they put me on steroids which is miserable!!! I cannot imagine someone voluntarily doing this to themselves because the steroids have really messed up my blood-sugar but I'm learning to deal with it and to plan out my meals; if they keep me on this stuff much longer I'm going to gain 20 lbs because I am craving sweets and anything fried. I'll keep you posted :-)

Monday's Little Miracles #3 - from Sonya

2010-05-31T00:19:00.002-04:00

I am posting this for my sister.
Love you Sandi!!

Please give her your prayers and support!

This weeks Monday's Little Miracles is very close to my heart. This week the miracle spot belongs to Sandi. She is my 33 year old younger sister. This is a summary of her last 4 weeks:

May 3rd - normal day, working as a christian counselor with trouble teens, called and made a Dr. appt (had been having severe headaches)

May 4th - CT scan found a brain tumor the size of a lemon and she was put in ICU immediately

May 6th - she had brain surgery where a large portion of the tumor was removed

May 14th - she came home from the hospital

May 19th - got the pathology reports back from Johns Hopkins: Brain Cancer - Glioblastoma

Sandi started chemo on Thursday and will be adding radiation treatments to the chemo starting Tuesday. Not only does she need your prayers, but they need donations. Even with insurance, each radiation treatment has a $40 copay.

I am trying to make up for all of the years I was a bad big sister.....I locked her out of my room, would not let her play with my barbie dolls.....normal big sister things of course. Well now it is time for me to step in and take care of her. You can read her full story on www.SandisFight.com.

I have designed a bracelet collection in honor of Sandi - "Affirmation and Inspiration - Sandi's Fight." All of the proceed from the sale of these will go towards her medical expenses. Please link up to her blog - Sandi's Brain Tumor - My fight for life in spot #1 and give her comments of encouragement and prayers. ( She does not know I am doing this by the way) This photo is Sandi (left) and me last weekend. The surgeon only shaved a small strip down her part and down and over behind her right ear. She can almost cover it with her hair.

Now for the follow.....Monday's Little Miracles is not about getting followers, but about love, support, prayers and donations to help those who need them the most. The top spots on this Miracle Blog Hop will be for those who need us. I encourage each and every one of you to join our linky every Monday. If you know someone who needs help, please add them.

Now I don't know about you, but when I am looking for blogs to follow, I would sure like to follow blogs that share in our mission of helping others. As I mentioned, Monday's Little Miracles is about making miracles happen, one blog at a time - getting a few new followers is just a bonus.

Please join us : Belly Charms - The Blog, Boobies, Babies and A Blog, and My New Life As Mom in sharing Monday's Little Miracles. Here is how you can make a difference:

Open your heart and link up your blog in the Linky Tool below
Follow the Blog in the Top Spot - This is the Miracle Slot each week
Donate, Pray, Comment... anything you can do to support the ones who need help
Copy the Button Below and place it on your sidebar

Please leave your comments for Sandi in the Linky below.
Thank you!!

Blog Hop Friday - From Big Sister

2010-05-28T03:03:00.000-04:00

I posted this Blog Hop Friday for Sandi. Please show her support by following her as she documents her battle against brain cancer. Please leave comments below.

Welcome to the third edition and special edition of Blog Hop Friday, hosted by My New Life As Mom, Chubby Cheeks Thinks, Take A Mom's Word For It, Bree Bee's, and Belly Charms! This week we would like to add a special cause to Blog Hop Friday. As many of you know, Mission Monkey is spreading like wildfire. She's a 16 month old baby girl who has cancer. She needs every single prayer, special thought, special wish, etc, that we can gather up. She will sit in our top spot, so please make sure to link up to her, as well. We continue to invite you and your friends to link up every Friday and join us for a wonderful blog hopping adventure! We're all about making friends and having fun so come join us!

the cost of drugs....

2010-05-25T15:59:00.000-04:00

Thank God for health insurance!!!! My MD wants to treat this w/ a relatively new drug called Temodar, it's used to treat brain tumors and it seems to be reasonably well tolerated by most people. It cost us $35.00 for a 1 month supply and the form says our insurance saved us $6,359.00 on the prescription, wouldn't take long for me to be dead if we had to pay full-cost in order to be able to take this :-) http://www.temodar.com/temodar/treatment_instr.html

Oncologist....

2010-05-24T22:27:00.000-04:00

Met with the Oncologist today and he said that I can expect to lose a lot of my hair.... I can deal with that as long as I get to live after I do it, I'm not fighting this for me I'm fighting to be Mrs. James Morris one more day and to be here for my family, if my father lives to see anything happen to me I might as well stab him in the heart w/ a knife, it would kill him and I don't think he could recover from that!!