Briana Stephen

I had an epiphany today while sitting in the oncologist's office. There's so much talk and paraphernalia about finding cures for cancer. There's bitter talk about why Heavenly Father would allow such suffering. I sat there thinking to myself, No. My heart tells me it's not like that at all! ... Think of the communities and families that have come together to love, serve, and mourn with one another.

Our Father in heaven provides opportunities every day for us to keep his commandments, to follow His ultimate example of serving, loving, caring for His spirit children, our spirit brothers and sisters. I get to experience firsthand on a daily basis how beautiful the hearts of mankind really are.

Turn off the news of contentious politics, crime, and adultery for a bit. You'll find a world of compassion. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE to all those who uplift and show me what leading a Christ-like life is really all about. Loads and loads of LOVE!!!

-Bri, March 2010



Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Round 8 of Chemo

I just found out my CEA blood count has droped to 0.9! Hooray!!!

This round of chemo is going surprisingly well. I've gotten just a few bouts of nausea that passed just as quickly as they came. I feel strong and am doing well. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that one of my medications was cut in half due to a low platelate count of 80k (they want to see it over 100k).

I got to sit down with my oncologist to review scan images from a couple weeks ago. The first scan before any chemotherapy showed a black liver, covered in cancer. Now I have only two tumors on the liver -- one on either end, one of which is already dying. Surgery might be an option at this point, so I'm meeting with a liver specialist in Santa Monica next Tuesday to see if he recommends surgery or continued chemo treatments. If surgery, then I have to be off chemo for about six weeks and pray that the tumors don't grow significantly (or at all) during that time.


I'll keep you posted!
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7 comments:

  1. HeatherMarch 3, 2009 at 8:44 AM

    Hooray!! That is great news Bri! Like I've said before, there's nothing you can't overcome. You really are amazing!!! And thank heavens for great doctors and advanced technology, huh?!?!!

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  2. AprilMarch 3, 2009 at 9:18 AM

    Yea!!! Bri I am so glad to hear this news. I knew things were going well. I'm so glad to hear the doctors agree with me. I'm glad this round of chemo has been so easy for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Stephen family. Love ya

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  3. HeatherMarch 3, 2009 at 10:37 AM

    Yes, April, the doctor's all agreed with YOU! Oh, you are so wise!!

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  4. Robert and NatalieMarch 3, 2009 at 12:19 PM

    Brianna you are such an inspiration! Keep it up I think your faith and prayers and tenacity are every bit as powerful as the chemo. Is there anything not to love about you? Funny thing my Brianna likes this little boy in her class so she asked her Dad last night what her name will be if she marries him and he said Brianna Stephens and I told her wow that is such a great name :)

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  5. Travis and MarieMarch 4, 2009 at 12:20 PM

    Briana, I was blog hopping and came across yours! It's Marie (Slade) Chesley. I am so sorry to hear about your cancer. You look amazing and have such a great attitude. What a fun set of kids you have as well...looks like they are pretty close together....cute bunch! I hope you are feeling well and got good news in Santa Monica....

    (my blog is private, but I found your e-mail and sent you an invite.)

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  6. shayneMarch 6, 2009 at 7:12 AM

    Hey Bri! I hope that you are feeling well! We are so excited to come to the baptism tomorrow!!

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  7. thearringtonclanMarch 8, 2009 at 7:04 PM

    Hello
    I came across your blog from another blog and just wanted to say
    how wonderful it is to see someone else so positive and how much the Gospel has helped us in our trial with my husband having colon cancer..We wish you good health and hope all goes very well for you.. IF you want to check out our blog it is
    thearringtonclan.blogspot.com
    We will keep you in our Prayers..
    CHIN UP !

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