Home SWEET Home

Briana told her Doctors before and after surgery, "I will be going home on Wednesday."  Their comment to her was, "If all goes well, you will be home maybe on Friday."  Guess who was right?!

BRIANA!!

Briana and Jeanette got home yesterday late afternoon, dropped off their hospital 'stuff', and came right over to our house for a delicious home cooked meal, and an 'out of hospital celebration'!  We had a wonderful time being together, and celebrating another 'win' on this battlefront of cancer.  Our little girl is weathering the storm with extreme strength and unwavering faith.  She is eating VERY well, and giggles when we tease her about her bountiful appetite.  

Today Chantal went to Briana's house to spend the day with her (We can't pry those two apart lately!)  The bond that these two girls share is so beautiful and rare.  I love to just sit and watch them....it's the sweetest picture of real friendship you'll ever see!

Please continue to pray for Briana, as next week will be back to City of Hope for chemo and radiation.

Surgery Update

I am so sorry that I have lagged....with Bri at the City of Hope in the LA area, the drive and dynamics have been a little different.  But GREAT news!

Surgery had been scheduled for late afternoon on Monday, but there was a cancellation, so by noon, Bri was already in surgery.  My husband and I, Chantal, Dad Hoffer, Tia, and little sister Morgan got the call, and raced up early in the morning.  Aunt Jackie and Mom Jeanette were already there, and Grandpa and Grandma Garrido met us all there.  Before surgery the Doctor asked Bri if she had any questions....her response was..."I don't have any questions, but I do have a request.  I want that breathing tube taken out of my mouth BEFORE I wake up!"  Well, that's exactly what happened.  They took the breathing tube out before she woke up, so she was a much happier camper this time waking up.  She continues to blow our mind....an hour after her THIRD brain surgery in 2 1/2 weeks, my husband and I are at her bed side and the THREE of us are TALKING and GIGGLING our heads off!!!!!!!!!  (Briana and I were confessing our sins to our Pastor and telling him how 2 days before we were playing FBI secret agents. (At the City of Hope hospital!)  Running down the halls (literally...yes me her 43 year old pastors wife and our other 2 famous agents Jonathan and Chantal....I will DO ANYTHING to brighten this childs life!!!!  ....besides it was a blast!  LOL)  our hands postured as guns in front of us-- hiding behind pillars, sneaking from one hiding place to another and LAUGHING OUR HEADS OFF!!!!  Johnny would bust through a door ahead of us, do a famous secret agent roll on the ground (you know to avoid flying bullets), make sure it was all clear for 'Nancy, Beth, and George', then we would proceed to find another pillar or hospital cabinet to hide behind...guns drawn of course.  We would get in a single file line holding on to each other like a little secret agent train and peak our four little heads around the corner, and make a bee line for our next destination.  (Never did we imagine that there are cameras all over the hospital, and that we probably had quite an audience!!!!)  Needless to say, my husband was quite enthralled with this latest escapade of his WIFE, kids, and little faithful saint.  (You'd think he'd get used to it after 25 years!)....Bri and I felt much relief as we confessed all!!  

Briana has had QUITE AN APPETITE, and soon after surgery was wondering when they were going to feed her.  She was DESPERATE TO EAT....Later in the evening, I entered the room to the sound of more giggling.....Morgan was filming Chantal feeding Bri her first meal after surgery (yummy lemon jello)....why film that?  Because she was doing the "open your mouth for the airplane Bri Bri,  weeee wee weee here goes the airplane through the sky woooo wooooooo and laaaaannnndddsss in Bri's mouth...crash!!!"  Then tons more giggles as Bri tries to swallow the jello and giggle too.  Bri looked at us and said "I can't believe I'm doing this for jello!"  That evening, City of Hope ICU Ward, was bright with the sunshine of gratefulness and joy, and the beautiful sound of giggles and laughter.....THANK YOU JESUS!

Yesterday Bri was taking short little walks to the bathroom, eating TONS, and only needing Tylenol for pain.  THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!  SHE is insisting on coming home today....we will soon find out what the DOCTORS have to say.  Thank you so much for your prayers!

Briana Update

It has been 1 week since Briana got out of the hospital.   (Although it seems like so much longer.) 

Briana's Week:

Briana got out of the hospital Valentines Day, and that evening was partying with my husband and I, Jonathan and Cynthia, Chantal, the Casias's and her sweet family.  We had a great time!

Bri's biggest wish was to be in church on Sunday......Briana had good church Sunday morning AND Sunday night.  (When people give wimpy excuses why they can't go to church, hit them with this...2 brain surgeries and days later in church - BOTH services!!!!)  It was so moving just watching her being wheeled into the doors.  God moved so strong, and I know He gave Bri more strength, meanwhile she inspired and blessed all of us who were just weeping and dancing with thankfulness and new found inspiration and faith.  What a day that was!!  

Between services, Jonathan and Cynthia spent the day with Briana, making sure she ate well, and got some rest...the Hoffer's were entertaining another house full...everyone loves the Hoffers!

On Monday evening, Amanda (a sweetie from church) was having a birthday party at a local restaurant for all the 'girls'....Chantal and I planned to go, (Amanda is my baby in the Lord - won her to God when she lived across the street from us.)...well, Monday afternoon, I get this call from our little Angel (who knows I can't say no to her).  She asks me if she can go with us to the party!!  It had been pouring down rain, and I was a little nervous, but WE DID IT!  Took the wheelchair, a big blanket, took meds with us, partied, and made some precious memories.  Bri was determined to be there for Amanda.  It was so cute to watch our brave little soldier, or should I say our brave little actress pretend like everything was just peachy....you know she didn't just have TWO brain surgeries days ago or anything!   Her vision is temporarily affected, and a lot of the time she sees double, but far be it from her to say a word.   Miss Independent DOESN'T ask for help. She was knocking stuff around, getting her sleeve in ranch dressing, and trying to camouflage the fact that she was covering one eye so that she didn't have to endure more than one of all of us--or make too big of a wreck of the table!  (We later had a huge giggle, when I told her I saw EVERYTHING, and was trying myself to be sneaky and intercept the carnage!  LOL  With Chantal on one side, and myself on the other, we managed to have a great time and EAT EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!!!!  I am SO not kidding!  The girl was an eating machine....and I was just so thrilled and beside myself excited to see her eat so heartily, I  was keeping right up with her and loving every minute of it!!!!

Tuesday morning Jeanette, Briana, and I made our way up the freeway to City of Hope to find out our next step in this journey.  We spent the day together and had a great time.  I will say this...I put my foot down, and told Miss Independent that it was time to not be so independent!!  (I did this when I found out that little Missy had fallen on her face the previous night getting ready for bed.)...So at lunch Bri let Jeanette and I escort her down the stairs at Spaghetti Factory....WHAT A GIRL!!!!  We met with Briana's Rhabdo Specialist Dr. Soto, and planned our next steps, and got back into town about 10pm.

On Wednesday Bri got to see her Aunt Jackie.  What a great reunion this has been...how happy she has been to have her two Tia's around.  I might add that Chantal has not missed a minute of 'Bri time'.  I panicked  on Wednesday night when I called to check on them... just in time to hear 'Dr. Chantal (with an Australian accent I might add) talking to her 'patient', as she administered the antibiotic ointment to her head staples...YIKES!!!!  All I heard on the other end of the phone was an Australian accent, and tons of giggles.  Jeanette also taught Jonathan how to flush Bri's pic line....Jeanette is so CRAZY!!!!  Doesn't she know that these Bertram Doctors can't be trusted?!  Actually Momma Jeanette is making their day...

Currently:

Bri was admitted to City of Hope on Thursday morning, as Dr. Soto decided at our Tuesday meeting would be the best way to coordinate our next step.  Dr. Soto ordered another MRI and evaluation, and has met with the Neurosurgeons that specialize with cancerous tumors.  What they have discovered, is that there is still a small piece of tumor left (almost an inch big), and because these tumors can be very aggressive, and have the ability to grow quickly, they have scheduled surgery to remove it this coming Monday.

Through all of this Briana's spirits continue to be UP.  She hasn't wavered for one minute.  She has an incredible example in her dear parents.  Jeff and Jeanette are extraordinary in the way they have put their faith and total trust in God.  It is so beautiful to see them worship their way through this journey.  To watch them despite what they are going through, reaching out to the new ones in the church, praying with others, dancing, running the aisles, and saying with big grins on their faces..."We've got the victory".  What a family!!!!

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Coming Home Today!!

Briana is coming home today!  She has done very well recuperating from brain surgery, is eating well, and although very weak, is walking short distances.  What Bri wanted most was to be in church on Sunday, and that WILL now happen! 

 It has amazed me to see how many hospital personnel Bri has touched.  There are nurses, hospital office clerks, outpatient employees, janitors... the list goes on... these people are  constantly coming to her room to check on her.  Many were in tears when they found out about this latest setback.  One very classy lady that works close with Bri's Oncologist said she will be in church this Sunday Morning.  The Hoffer's have never questioned God as to why any of this has happened to their precious daughter, but what they have done during this whole journey is to try and touch EVERYONE they come in contact with....and I mean EVERYONE.  One of Briana's  visitors while she was in ICU, was a mother of a little boy they met when Bri first was diagnosed.  After a valiant fight, the little boy died a few months back in that same area of the hospital where Bri was, and although it was very difficult for this mother, when she heard about Briana she just had to come and visit her.  With tears in her eyes, and heart wrenching reminders everywhere she looked, she came to bring comfort and support to Bri and her parents.  The sweet sacrifice of this visit just made me cry. 

Bri has so many people that care for her and love her and I just want to mention them because they are so wonderful.  One of these people is her Aunt Angela, whom we all lovingly refer to as 'Tia'.  Tia has been such a blessing to the Hoffer family.  Tia is always there to care for Bri and Morgan, and just do anything that needs to be done.  (She is also real good at helping us all smile and laugh when we need it the most.)  Bri also has incredible grandparents.  Grandpa and Grandma Garrido are the sweetest people you will ever meet, and are so devoted to their family.  (Tia gets her sense of humor from them!)  Last but certainly not least is Grandma Red.  (This is Jeff's mom, and her nick name is derived from her beautiful red hair.)  Grandma Red is a wonderful grandmother.  Although she is also fighting cancer, her focus is Briana.   I also want to mention Auntie Jackie who Bri is SO EXCITED TO SEE THIS NEXT WEEK!!!!  It has been so hard on Aunt Jackie to live so far from Brianna during these times, but she so faithfully is on the phone checking on everyone, and praying...

Tuesday Bri has an appointment with Dr. Soto, her Rhabadomysarcoma specialist at City of Hope.  During this visit we will get direction on how to face our next battle.  Please continue to pray.

THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

French toast, fruit, and cereal.

This was the morning menu for our little 'Bannana' !!(As Chantal so lovingly refers to Briana as.)

Also, 'Bananna' was moved out of ICU and onto the friendly Hemoc floor where all of the nurses and Doctors are like family to her.  Her request last night was a bean burrito from a Taco Shop that is close to the hospital, so we are making sure that today for dinner our little soldier goes 'Mexican'!  Oh how all of this just warms our hearts...to look back at Tuesday evening, with the Doctors reports that were so hopeless and  scary, and look today and see Bannana alive, walking (with help), talking, seeing, a mind that is 'whole', eating....all I can say is THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

Our next step is now chemo and radiation treatments and a lot of rest.  Please continue to pray, as we can see, prayer changes things!

(If anyone would like to send the Hoffers any 'help', please email me, and I will give you their address. connielori@aol.com)

Surgery Done!

Our girl Bri continues to amaze us.....

The surgery was supposed to take up to 4 hours.....1 1/2 hours later we were summoned by the Neurosurgeon!!   All done!  The tumor was the size of a cue ball, but was safely removed.  

Chantal and I were able to be with her immediately, and she made us so happy...(she is going to beat me for telling this, but here goes).... The girl JUST GOT OUT OF MAJOR BRAIN SURGERY...she is supposed to be weak and asleep.....NO!!   She decided she wanted the breathing tube out!  Well, our little Supergirl was trying everything to get at the tubes.  Her strength amazed us and the nurses.  She even got a little 'ghetto', and tried to slyly kick Chantal in the head!!!!  HALLELUJAH!!!!  Our little brave soldier lives on!!  She moves, she fights, she tries to out smart and out maneuver us.  GO BRI!!  The nurses, Chantal, and I, had our mouths open, big grins on our faces, and I'm telling you what, I had to take off my jacket, and was still sweating, trying to keep her from all the yucky tubes.  Thank you Jesus!!

The Hoffers thank you for all your prayers....More updates soon.

Sunday Update

Today Bri is doing great.  She has been chug-a-lugging on Gatorade, and even ate some chicken noodle soup!!!!  Go Bri!  All her church friends came between church services,  so she has had her social time.  (Which is a MUST for Miss Social Butterfly.)  

She has also been telling all of us, AS WELL AS HER NURSES AND DOCTORS..."I'm out of here in a week."  ....Little Miss Priss is once again 'in charge'.

Tuesday night Bri experienced vision problems  and headache that led to seizures.  The Doctors discovered that she had bleeding in her brain, that had caused these other problems.  Emergency surgery was done during the night to release the pressure caused by the bleeding, however, the cause of all this was a tumor.  Surgery tomorrow is to remove that tumor.  The surgery is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.  

Many have asked how they can help the Hoffer's during this time.  Their immediate needs are gas cards and food money.  These can be sent to the Hoffers home. (If you would like their address, email me at connielori@aol.com and I will forward it to you.)  Also, we are currently setting up an account where donations can be sent for their incredibly huge medical expenses.  When we get this set up I will post the information.

The Hoffers have read all of your sweet comments, and really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.    

Saturday Update

Today has made our hearts smile.  Bri is not only talking to us, but her take charge personality has made an appearance.  She is asking questions, keeping track of what we all are wearing, and asking the nurses and doctors how their families are doing!  This girl is amazing!  

She asked me "Momma B, what day is it?"  I told her, "It's Saturday"....she said, "Wow, the last few days sure have passed by fast!"....Then she preceded to warm my heart when she said, "The only thing I remember is you kissing my feet."  (Explanation- When she started responding by answering us with her cute little toes, I just couldn't help myself!!)

Our next step is surgery, Monday morning at 7:30 a.m.  Please continue to pray for Bri.  Your comments and prayers give the Hoffers much comfort.  Thank you.

Update - Briana

Briana is resting well.  They are taking her off the breathing machine this afternoon, which is GREAT because it means she is breathing on her own!  GO BRI!

She is responding to all of us by wiggling her toes, squeezing our hands, and nodding her head.  All these responses are small miracles and make our heart do happy flip flops.  Tonight we should get more information on further treatment.  Please keep praying for Briana, and family.

PLEASE PRAY for our Sweetheart Briana...

Me being goofy w/My Sweet Bri

Many of you know Briana Hoffer.  She is a precious 15 year old girl in our church.  She is not only an extremely talented girl with an incredible personality, but she is a girl that has power with God.  She is an incredible christian.  She is also Chantal's best friend, our boys adopted little sister, and is like a daughter to my husband and I.   She and her parents are some of the spiritual pillars that hold up the foundation of our church.

A year and a half ago, Briana was diagnosed with cancer.  (Rhabadomysarcoma)  She has fought valiantly, and with incredible spirit and attitude.  Her unwavering trust in God, and her joyous spirit has inspired many near and far that know her story.  (caringbridge.org     ourgirlbri)

She has been doing extremely well, but had a very serious setback Tuesday Night.   I am asking everyone who reads my blog to please pray for Briana.  (With her parents permission, I will post updates on her condition here.)

If you would like to leave any comments here for her or her family, I will pass them on to them.

Thank you so much.