Stephanie

Here we are again, facing a new challenge with faith and resilience. Not something we wanted to ever go through again, but I know we can overcome it. We thought everything was going great, and then life took a surprising turn. It's been a very tough 4 months, but we're staying strong. As most of you know, Brittany was diagnosed in October with a brain tumor. It began at home when she had a seizure that lasted for a very long time. She was transported to Gettysburg Hospital by ambulance, where she continued to have a few more seizures. They did a brain scan and found that she had a 17mm size tumor in the frontal right lobe of her brain. She was admitted and transported to another hospital with a much bigger and more experienced neuro team. She was in the hospital for almost a week and bed bound before they finally concluded with immediately doing radiation. They are very confident that the ovarian cancer has once again reoccurred. Stage 4. They didn't want to biopsy or do anything until she had radiation due to the location of the tumor and that it would delay getting treatment immediately. It sits on a large vein, and it would be a very delicate procedure. She has undergone 10 radiation treatments that made her very weak and unable to do a lot of things. But she's a fighter, and she's not giving up. She has taken a few falls, but we have conquered that with a cane for walking. No falls since. Her scan a month after she completed radiation had shown the tumor had decreased in size to approximately 15mm. It is hard to tell how much of the tumor is still alive or dead. She is scheduled for another set of scans the first week of February, and we are hoping for more good news. Until then, she is doing physical therapy to try and strengthen her legs and core to help make her stronger and more mobile. She's been doing very well, and I couldn't be prouder of her. She is with me 24/7, so I can monitor her and keep her medications in order. She is on anti-seizure meds and a med for dementia patients to help cognitive brain activity. I will post below all Facebook posts that were made the last few months in regards to her care. It's been a very hard road for all of us, me, her, her girls, and the whole family. Adjusting to meet hers and their needs is a daily challenge. When I say an adjustment, it's been a journey of growth and learning for me. Not sleeping well, nightmares, unable to work because I cannot leave her side. I take care of her and the girls' every need. Some days it's overwhelming, but I know we will get through it. It's ok to not be ok, and I know that I'm not alone. But will I ever be ok? I don't know. Will she be ok? That's what we're praying for. This is the hardest, most painful thing to ever watch my daughter go through. I've been depressed, anxiety like never before, and physically ill from fear of what could happen. She is scared, and I can say that I am too. But we're facing this together, as a family. Any help with groceries, gas, bills, or unexpected expenses would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. This has turned our whole world upside down, but we're finding a new normal. Again, although this time it is very different and far worse than we could have ever imagined. The doctors have said that it is very rare for endometrial cancer to go to the brain, but we're staying positive. Why Brittany? Maybe it's because she's a warrior, and she's strong enough to face this challenge. We'll get through this, together.