Bad News, Good News, pushing through it

Well, let's start with the bad, trust me I know it sucks but we have to start somewhere. Back in March we learned that Brandon's first 15 weeks of treatments weren't working the way the doctors had hoped. Let's just say we were devastated. 15 weeks of tough chemotherapy did not work, the tumor was still growing. After a few hours of hugs and tears we realized we needed to push through, our first question to Dr. Staddon & Laetitia, What's next?

New drugs, new schedule, new side effects, it was quite overwhelming at first, it felt like we were starting over. This new chemo required Brandon to be in the chemo chair 6 hours every day, 5 days for one week. Then 2 weeks off, he would do 2 cycles of this treatment, get more scans, MRI and go from there. He had the new scans & MRI about 4 weeks ago, that week was heart wrenching waiting for the phone call from Dr. Staddon. Is it working? What happens if it doesn't? 4 days after his scans that phone call came from Doc, "Brandon, it seems this new drug is working, no new growth & the tumor is showing small signs of calcifying." Then the tears of joy came, finally some good news & HOPE!

We still have a long road ahead & many more cycles to endure plus surgeries BUT Brandon's leg is feeling much better then it previously had and it helps that Brandon is the strongest person I know (and the cutest).

What we've been up to you ask?

Hi everyone I know I have been MIA but I plan to get you all updated in the next couple weeks. The most important thing right now is that at this particular moment Brandon is feeling good. We have learned that we must take each day one at a time and always hope for the best! Below are some pictures of some of the great things we've been blessed with lately. Thanks to everyone for the continual support, it gets us through each day!

What are you thankful for? YUM

Thanks to our favorite decorator & good friend, Kate Kissell for the awesome meal tonight, she is an amazing cook & it is one of Brandon's favorite meals.

Even better we got to enjoy it as a family, FAMILY DINNER TIME:)

Another addition of ... Things we love lately

Our own bed
Tazo Wild Sweet Orange Tea
Sportcenter Not so "Top 10"
Black Bean Burgers
Dice with Friends
Modern Family
Pictures of our new twin nieces
Water with Lemon
Pandora Radio
Turkey dinner
Phase 10
Oatmeal
Funny texts
Fresh Picked Pear Antibacterial
Anderton Dentistry hand lotion
Chapstick
Walking cane
Marathon Restaurant Philly
Skip Bo
PB&J
Our families
Sleep
Visitors at the most opportune times
Waffle Shop
Sam cleaned her car
Internet hotspot
Our nurse, Jennifer
HGTV
Mancala
Tazo Passion Tea
Starbucks
Laughing
Hugs after bathroom breaks
Blood transfusions
I Love Lucy at 5am
DVR
Love

Most of you have been wondering, where have the blogs been? I was sick and as most of you know being sick & trying to care for someone isn't good for either party. Overall, we had a rough couple weeks a little while back but we now feel like were back on track mentally and emotionally and as you can see we have lots to love lately!

Home

One of the best parts of being home!

Here comes Peter Cottontail

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! We spent ours with family just eating tons of food, enjoying the weather, and watching the Masters. We are now in transit to Philly for another treatment. Here's a picture of the Tortorello side sporting their TEAM REAM tshirts on Easter Sunday in Chicago.

Happy Birthday Laura!

Ok I have to brag

When I continually say that we have the most AMAZING friends and family, I MEAN IT! Last week Brandon and I received a very special gift. My best friend, Keri, reached out to friends and family and put together a scrapbook of letters, cards, pictures, and inspirational quotes sent to her from those we love all around the country even internationally (my close friend in Quebec contributed). It was just what we needed at that time, a book full of love written by those we love. To top it off the book was put together perfectly, Brandon kept saying "how did she do this?" "how'd she know?". This scrapbook along with all the cards, messages we have received throughout his whole battle get us through everyday. Keri, thank you again for making that book, I am so thankful we found each other at St. Paul's those 14 years ago.

A little look at the book....