Sorry to ask again but...I need prayer's!

[Brandi]

My 3 year old niece is in the hospitol right now! They don't know what is wrong with her. She woke up christmas morning with a swollen face. She acted normal in every way but that. We figured maybe an allergy. They run in our family. But it had not gone down as of yesterday so my sister took her into the Doctor. He took a look at her and could not tell us what it was. He said we needed to go to the emergcy room at the childrens hospitol. She has been there since last night and they still don't know what is wrong with her. She is having an mri as I write.
My poor little sister is so tired. She couldn't give the baby anything to eat all day either in case they needed to put her out. Poor thing was crying for fishes all day. (I am crying now) PLEASE take a moment and send a good thought twords cailfornia for me.
The baby was sick this time last year for 6 weeks and went through all this same stuff. It made my niece not trust anyone but my sister for a long time after she got better. By the way they never figured out what was wrong with her then. At least if we knew what it was we might feel better it's the not knowing. And this poor baby having to be stuck in a hospitol bed. It's just awful.
I told my sister to try and rest but she just can't even think of sleeping. I suggested she go lay down in their car and my brother law can call her if something happens but she won't. I feel at a loss. Till we find out what is wrong. I live 400 miles away too. that doesn't help.
Thanks for lisenting. We just can't get a break this holiday season.

[Mr. Bloom]

Brandi, hang in there. A PRAYER FLARE is going up right now. Children get a special dose of divine grace...I hope that the family can find comfort in a stressful time.

Please keep us posted.

[Brandi]

Thank you Silver.

[mtbdarby]

Brandi - you've got more prayers coming at you and your family. I know how tough it is to have a child in the hospital. I'm praying the medical team is able to resolve the issue this time and she goes home healthy as quickly as possible. ((hugs))

[maillotpois]

Wow Brandi - big hug to you and your sister and the baby. Please let us know how this all turns out. I am going to hope it is some histamine allergic type reaction.

Big hug.

[OakLeaf]

Prayers and hugs to all.

[margo49]

Prayers from *here* too

[Flybye]

Brandi, we are all here for you. I have lifted all of you up in prayer this morning - comfort for the family, wisdom for the doctors, and healing for your niece. Ans for a happy new year with no concerns to weigh your family down!

Children are so resilient and she is so young that I bet she won't have any memory of being in the hospital yesterday. Sometimes I wish we had that ability - not to forget the good things, just the bad things!!! Unfortunately, as we mature, it seems like the bad things leave a bigger dent in our souls and we remember them more than the good things!!

Please be sure to let us know how she is doing and what the doctors are saying.

[solobiker]

Sorry this is a little late as I have not been on line due being sick. Postivie vibes sending her way.

[Brandi]

I still have not heard anything as of yet this morning. Thank you for all your well wishes. I will post as soon as I hear something.

[firenze11]

Brandi, I will continue to keep your niece and your family in my prayers. I hope the doctors can figure this out and your niece will be home playing soon.

[Brandi]

I just talked to my mom. They still do not have a clue what is wrong with the baby. But she finally got to eat last night which is good. I still have not heard from my sister myself. But my mom has told her that all messages would be relayed through her (my mom) so she doesn't have to call everyone herself.
So you know my Niece (Lorelie) is in no pain. She is just as normal as can be except for the swollen face. My sister probably feels worse then anyone since she caught a really bad cold two days ago. I sure hope she doesn't get sicker from all this.

[Tri Girl]

I'm sending speedy diagnosing and healing vibes to Cali. Poor baby. Hopefully the docs can figure out what's wrong with her (and your sister can get some much needed rest for her own recovery).

[sbctwin]

Brandi, sending prayers for your neice, you and your family....

[aly]

I'm sending prayers, too. Hopefully they'll get things figured out fast and easy, but if it looks like she'll need to be in for awhile, let me know if we can do anything to help make it a little less negative for her- I could send a gift, books, etc. I would be happy to help if I can! The hospital can be a very scary place at any age.

[RoadRaven]

Having little ones sick is the absolute worst!

We hated it when our pre-verbal children were sick (3-4yrs and younger)... not so much because they were sick, but because they couldn't tell us about it - how they felt or how to fix it... that was really awful...

Keeping you all in our thoughts...

[Brandi]

I'm sending prayers, too. Hopefully they'll get things figured out fast and easy, but if it looks like she'll need to be in for awhile, let me know if we can do anything to help make it a little less negative for her- I could send a gift, books, etc. I would be happy to help if I can! The hospital can be a very scary place at any age.
Oh mmy gosh that is so sweet of you to Offer to do something. If that happens (I am hoping not) Maybe fun caet well cards would be so cool. I will let you all know.

[Brandi]

Oh, they still know nothing. But they are feeling this is not as serious as they might have thought. Every single test comes back negative for anything. The last thing they are going to do is have a ENT look at her and possibly go into the sinuses and see if they are the cause. That would have been the first thing i would have done since allergies run in our family. I won't be happy if they went through all this just to find out It was her sinuses. But keep those good vibes coming I think maybe we are winning with posative thoughts!

[Running Mommy]

Coming in here late Brandi- but sending my warm AZ vibes nonetheless!
Hope it's an allergy thing that they can get under control.
Poor little pumpkin!!
And as a parent, I could only imagine what mom and dad are going through!
When Spencer was a baby he seemed to be constantly sick. Everytime he caught a cold it went into pnuemonia and ear infections. It was horrible. FINALLY when he was around two they decided he had asthma, put him on a regimine, and he was fine. But those first two years being in and out of the hospital with a baby who didn't understand what was going on was HORRIBLE!
So please send mom and dad my love.

[Brandi]

Coming in here late Brandi- but sending my warm AZ vibes nonetheless!
Hope it's an allergy thing that they can get under control.
Poor little pumpkin!!
And as a parent, I could only imagine what mom and dad are going through!
When Spencer was a baby he seemed to be constantly sick. Everytime he caught a cold it went into pnuemonia and ear infections. It was horrible. FINALLY when he was around two they decided he had asthma, put him on a regimine, and he was fine. But those first two years being in and out of the hospital with a baby who didn't understand what was going on was HORRIBLE!
So please send mom and dad my love.I will send your best wishes onto them. It has been very hard on them. Thank you for relating to them. I have no kids so I can only imagine.

[IFjane]

Brandi - I just saw this thread - leave it to me to be the cow's tail. Please know I am thinking about that precious little girl, your sister and the rest of your family! I am sending the best get well wishes I can. Keep us posted.

[Brandi]

They have found a lump on her skull in the back and two spots on her right chest. These are from the CT scan. My sister is a wreck. I am feeling really weird. I am numb right now. I am trying to keep posative thoughts..but it is hard when I hear my sister's grief on the phone. I am trying I really am.
My brother said he is never going to think he's life sucks ever again. Considering what our family is going through right now.
I am hoping this mass is just a cyst that is causeing the swelling. I really hope!
They are at one of the best hospitols for children right now so I am hopeful when it comes to that.

[Mr. Bloom]

Brandi, it seems that your perspective will have a stabilizing effect for your sister. Hang tight, keep us posted, and focus on the positives that you note.

I'm encouraged that your niece is not uncomfortable or unhappy.

[Mr. Bloom]

You may have already done this:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/facial-problems-noninjury-topic-overview

It's interesting that all the really serious things noted are accompanied by pain and the less serious ones have benign symptoms.

[sundial]

I'm happy to hear that your niece seems to be doing better. I will keep her in my prayers as the doctor tries to determine the cause of her swelling.

[Brandi]

I am happy that Lorelie is not feeling any pain just frustrated in having to be in a strage place and I am sure she see;s the saddness in my sister. I keep trying to get my sister to be stronge. And to not give in.
Thanks again to all who have us in your hearts. It truly means a lot to us. When she is up to it I will share this post with my sister so she knows all the good vibes that were being sent to her and her family. Oh My sister is a young mother as well. SHe is 28. I am much older then her and can see why she is having a hard time keeping it together.

[Brandi]

You may have already done this:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/facial-problems-noninjury-topic-overview

It's interesting that all the really serious things noted are accompanied by pain and the less serious ones have benign symptoms.
I have gone to a few sites and tried to find something. I some point I had to stop reading. It causes wild idea's sometimes. Thank you! You are great to keep commenting. For some reason you posting on this thread is giving me comfort. I know you two have kids. And can relate maybe. Hopefully you have never had to go through anything like this.
But wait that's right Mrs silver was in an accident not that long ago. But I don't know when it is your small child....

[silver]

brandi, hang in there. yes, we have two kids. this is soooo scary. I can't say that we have been through something just like this, but similar things. more often I've been in situations where I couldn't do anything except be the sounding board and the "gather-er" of information and the voice of calm.

I know that you are not there. Don't panic when looking at information. maybe you can gather a list of questions for your sister to ask the doctors.

if you need to scream or vent or anything, let us know.

[Brandi]

thank you......

[makbike]

my prayers are with you and your family, brandi. keep us posted.

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{Brandi}}}}}}}}}}}}}} {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Lorelie}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} {{{{{{{{{{Brandi's family}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Sending big hugs and huge gentle calming butterflies that will provide clarity for the diagnosis, healing, light, calm, hope and remind all of you how much you love each other and how important that love is at a time like this.

Please continue to keep us posted.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Running Mommy]

Brandi- I know you are not with your sister, but is there anyone there besides her husband?
Having been through one too many situations like this, I know that as a parent she will not be hearing everything the doctors are saying.
She's in crisis mode right now, so there is only so much her brain can take in.
If possible is there someone who can get there that can take notes, ask questions, and possibly do some research on their own?
Taking notes is really important because you just will not remember everything that the doctor says. Esp. in her fragile emotional state.
So if there is no one else that can be there, encourage her to get a notebook to take notes, and to also write down questions as she thinks of them. It's easy to forget to ask everything- esp. since your time with the doctor is limited.

I'm really praying for all of you right now. I never like to hear about lumps or masses, esp. on the brain or chest.
BUT, that being said... Tread carefully when trying to do a cyber diagnosis.
running hubby had to have a chest xray before his knee surgery a couple of months ago. Just a precaution pre -op I guess. Well the doctor called and said that he saw a nodule on one of his lungs, and was sending him for a cat scan and referral to a pulmonologist. I freaked out and went on web md. I searched "lung nodule" and all kinds of cancerous "Omas" came up- :eek:
BTW- an "Oma" is a medical term for tumor (yes I took a medical terminology class back in the day) and they usually mean cancerous... I was freaking.
In the end- it was nothing. NOTHING. So I went through a complete freak out and was stressed for two + weeks for nothing.
Sooooo, tread carefully with good ol web md!
Well, my prayers are with you. Keep us all posted. Having met you personally I really feel like I "know" you, and I just want to reach out and give you a hug right now!
much love to you all
denise

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Brandi- let us know if there is anything we can do. I am sure many of us would be willing to send cards if you can provide an address. Perhaps a 3 year old would enjoy getting post cards from all the diverse places that TE-ers live. Here is hoping for a happy ending. -e

[Mr. Bloom]

the saddness in my sister. I keep trying to get my sister to be stronge. And to not give in.


To your sister I would say:

There IS a peace that transcends understanding. I've experienced it.

BUT, our tendency is to 'freak out' over the possibilities first. We can do that, but at some point, it's beyond our control.

As loved ones, our role is to make sure that the best care and testing are provided and that our loved one is not 'lost in the system', but absent that involvement, it's out of our control - and we have to accept that.


"God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
courage to change the things we can,
and wisdom to know the difference."

:cool:...as I ponder this, maybe I'm reminding myself of something that's easy to forget...;)

[Brandi]

Again thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for all of your words of wisdom. I can't wait to share this thread with my sister when she is feeling better.
It has been the hardest day so far. We had to wait almost all day for a bone scan. Good news is they ruled the mass on her head as INACTIVE! I love this word right now! My poor sister was so...boy I just can't describe it. I was being very calm with her on the phone. But when I would get off I would break down. But I never let her know or hear me.
We were so relieved when they Oncologist (not sure on the spelling there)said we could now rule out cancer. (BIG SIGH)
We still don't know what is wrong and they want to do a biopsy on the lumps on her forhead. But I am happy for now. It's not an answer to what is happening but for now it's ok.
I think they will be in the hospital for a while though. If anyone wants to send a card or something I will give you my sister's address. Just let me know and I will post it.Actually just pm and I will send it to you! I would say send to the hospital but things can change and I would not want them to go there and not make it to her. Let me know. I know a few of you have asked.
Happy new year!

[luv2ride94]

Hey Brandi, I'm just a kid, but I'm praying for your niece.

all the weird big words and stuff are scary and even scarier when you try to find a meaning for them i learned alot of them lately but just trust her doctors, knowing they were really great and ready for everything even when i wasnt makes it easier. Keep us posted please!

[Tuckervill]

I'm sending my positive thoughts your way, Brandi.

Karen

[Brandi]

Brandi- I know you are not with your sister, but is there anyone there besides her husband?
Having been through one too many situations like this, I know that as a parent she will not be hearing everything the doctors are saying.
She's in crisis mode right now, so there is only so much her brain can take in.
If possible is there someone who can get there that can take notes, ask questions, and possibly do some research on their own?
Taking notes is really important because you just will not remember everything that the doctor says. Esp. in her fragile emotional state.
So if there is no one else that can be there, encourage her to get a notebook to take notes, and to also write down questions as she thinks of them. It's easy to forget to ask everything- esp. since your time with the doctor is limited.

I'm really praying for all of you right now. I never like to hear about lumps or masses, esp. on the brain or chest.
BUT, that being said... Tread carefully when trying to do a cyber diagnosis.
running hubby had to have a chest xray before his knee surgery a couple of months ago. Just a precaution pre -op I guess. Well the doctor called and said that he saw a nodule on one of his lungs, and was sending him for a cat scan and referral to a pulmonologist. I freaked out and went on web md. I searched "lung nodule" and all kinds of cancerous "Omas" came up- :eek:
BTW- an "Oma" is a medical term for tumor (yes I took a medical terminology class back in the day) and they usually mean cancerous... I was freaking.
In the end- it was nothing. NOTHING. So I went through a complete freak out and was stressed for two + weeks for nothing.
Sooooo, tread carefully with good ol web md!
Well, my prayers are with you. Keep us all posted. Having met you personally I really feel like I "know" you, and I just want to reach out and give you a hug right now!
much love to you all
denise
It is just my sister and her husband right now. He's pareants have been coming by and visiting. As well as taking care of my older niece. And yes you are right about not getting all the info right. She babbles a bit on that stuff. If she had her computer in front of her she would be on top of things. I told her to let me know if she needs me to look up anything for her.
And thank you very much for you support. And I am waiting for her to ask me to come down there. A few of us are waiting. When the time is right I know she will ask.

[Brandi]

Hey Brandi, I'm just a kid, but I'm praying for your niece.

all the weird big words and stuff are scary and even scarier when you try to find a meaning for them i learned alot of them lately but just trust her doctors, knowing they were really great and ready for everything even when i wasnt makes it easier. Keep us posted please!
Thank you! Thank you very much! And it doesn't matter that you are just a kid on this site! Everyone is welcome!

[Brandi]

HI everyone. I wish I had some news to report but I don't.
My sister sent me a picture of the babay in the hospital this morning that almost broke my heart! She looks so sad..I am sure it is just how I am seeing it. But I have decided today I am going to put together a care package and send it to the hospital. To hopefully bring a little sunshine her way. If any of you would like to send a card or something here is her address at the hospital. it doesn't look like they will be letting her go home any time soon.:(
Her name is Lorelei Sellars in room 530 c/o Childrens hospital of Orange county, 455 South Main Street, Orange,Ca 92868
Just let them know you are friends of mine so they are not wondering.
They are doing a biopsy (sorry if spelling is wrong, my brain is not working these days) on her forhead to see what the lumps on her forhead are. I will update when we get info on that.
Oh and she LOVES lions. She has her favorite stuffed lion with her right now! he goes everywhere with her!

[sundial]

Brandi, I'm sorry to hear that your sister and niece are struggling with her illness. I wish for you and your family that the biopsies are benign and that your niece will be healed. I know how frustrating it is to be away from family during a crisis and my prayers and thoughts are with you also. Thank you for sharing the updates with us and we will all continue to keep you and your family very near in our thoughts and prayers.

Cathy

[Triskeliongirl]

What is the name of the hospital? I would be happy to send a card. Hugs...........

[Geonz]

Coming in 'way late but prayers and hugs here too....

[snapdragen]

What is the name of the hospital? I would be happy to send a card. Hugs...........

I believe it's Children's Hospital of Orange County.

[snowtulip]

Brandi, hugs and prayers going out to you and your family.

[Duck on Wheels]

Warm, healing thoughts are on their way, including strong lions and optimistic butterflies. Keep us posted. If it helps, we can be your back-up google team.

[aly]

I'll send something asap. I'm relieved they found that the lumps aren't cancerous. Hopefully they'll figure it all out soon. {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}.

[Brandi]

Thank you again. I feel calm when I read everyones warm wishes.
I edited the info for the address. I forgot the name of the hospital. She loves animals,power puff girls and puzzles. As well as Curious George. I sent her the softest monkey today. I walked around the gift store with it hugging it and giving it a ton of love before I sent it off to her today. My friend added a warm soft blanket and a couple story books. We also added a few chocolates to my sister and her husband. I hope it helps some.
They still know nothing. Another Dr who deals with inflamation is going to look at her now. (sigh)
This people need to go home soon. But a good note is they have a great paly room there. They can paint, play,watch video's,read books run around. So that is good.
My sister had her husband bring their little dvd player so she could watch her favorite movies and stuff. I am so tired mentally. I feel like no matter how much I sleep I don't feel rested. I have been bike riding and that has really helped me a lot. Thank god for samll things!

[smilingcat]

Dear Brandi,

CHOC is one of the best children's hospital around. Your niece is in very good hand and sourrounded by her lion and softest plush monkey. I wish her speedy recovery.

lots of good suggestions: note books, Mr. Silver's comment (I like that), taking it with grain of salt on wiki. Yes, we need to keep our imagination from going wild.

You and your family are doing the best you possibly can. And I can only offer my emotional support.

Sincerely,
Shawn

[Brandi]

And I can only offer my emotional support.

Sincerely,
Shawn

Which I am VERY grateful for!

[Brandi]

No news today. Except my sister says she is getting spoiled in the hospital. Cause she gets everything she wants. She has been throwing little mini fits when she doesn't get her juice right away!

[NoNo]

So sorry to read this. But my thoughts are with you and your family. And tantrums are a good sign;)

[Brandi]

It is really good to know she is acting normal in that way!
I sent her a powerpuff girl dvd today. She likes Bubbles. she always says"Bubbles funny". I hope it keeps her busy and not thinking about all that they are doing to her!

[Brandi]

Today they are doing a biopsy on some lumps that are on her forhead. My sister is freaking out over how they are doing it. I won't get into details. But she won't ever need a brow lift. A plastic surgeon is doing the operation so you can imagine. They are grasping at straws right now. I will update when I find out how it went.

[sundial]

Little ones are so resilient and they heal so well. I think sometimes it's harder on big people than the little ones. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.

[Ninabike]

Hey Brandi, Just got my computer back up today, so didn't see your post earlier. Sending prayers your way and for your family.

[Brandi]

Little ones are so resilient and they heal so well. I think sometimes it's harder on big people than the little ones. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
I think it is cause we know to much!

[Brandi]

Hey Brandi, Just got my computer back up today, so didn't see your post earlier. Sending prayers your way and for your family.
Thank you Nina! Nice to see you back! Happy New year!

[DebG]

Brandi, I'm so sorry that I hadn't seen this. Warm wishes and prayers from me as well. Thanks so much for posting the updates. My thoughts are with you and your family. And there's nothing a squishy stuffed animal can't help make feel better. deb

[Brandi]

Lorelie is in surgery right now. It will be about 2 hours my sister said. Remember this is exploratory not a cure but hopefully an answer.....

[Brandi]

Baby is out of surgery and resting. The Dr said it looked like Fat Nercrosis. Just a bunch of fatty tissue due to some trama. I don't know if this is the answer we were looking for. But it is a start.
Trama meaning a cold or infection in the sinuses. Not from abuse or something like that.

[LBTC]

That is great news! And to know this right out of surgery is very cool! Is this the final answer or do they need to figure out more?

Still sending happy butterflies to all involved!

Hugs,
~T~

[Brandi]

That is great news! And to know this right out of surgery is very cool! Is this the final answer or do they need to figure out more?

Still sending happy butterflies to all involved!

Hugs,
~T~
I believe they are going to have to wait for the results of the biopsy first before anything else.

[sundial]

Whew, glad she's out of surgery and doing well! The news about the tumors is positive and I hope she continues to recover with no complications. I'm sure her mother is relieved!

[KnottedYet]

Good news!

[Mr. Bloom]

I believe they are going to have to wait for the results of the biopsy first before anything else.

Any news on the biopsy?

[Brandi]

Any news on the biopsy?

They are saying not till monday. it is one big waiting game.I am waiting for my morning update phone call right now. My sister sent a photo of the babay after surgery. It was an amazing thing they did. You will never see a scar that is for sure.

[luv2ride94]

I'm still praying that this turns out to be something minor and that she'll get to go to her own home soon! Hospital stays are no fun! My whole youth group prayed for healing for her and wisdom for her doctors tonight. Keep us posted please.

[Brandi]

Baby is doing good today. Her head is healing well. Tomorrow she will be able to wash her hair and let's hope GO HOME! Keep all those wonderful thoughts going i really do believe it is working.

[solobiker]

I hope she is able to go home. Sending positive energy her way.

[Brandi]

Baby is doing good today. Her head is healing well. Tomorrow she will be able to wash her hair and let's hope GO HOME! Keep all those wonderful thoughts going i really do believe it is working.
Ditto for today as well.

[bmccasland]

Brandi,
Glad to hear the news, here's hoping with good vibes to go along, that she'll be able to go home soon. Nothing quite like your own bed, and your own toys. ;)

[Brandi]

In case you go here first I have posted an update on a new thread call "good news about Brandi's niece". thought it deserved it's own thread.