This Just In...

Marissa is out of Surgery! YAY!

The doctors assured Uncle Brad & Aunt Chris that the surgery went routinely and they did exactly what they needed to do! Marissa is already speaking (Can't keep that girl from talking), and she is complaining with some pain, which of course, this is normal!

Aunt Christine wishes to extend her gratitude to those of you who are sharing her story and continuing to uplift her in prayer!
-Meg

Megan Here for Marissa

Hey everyone! Marissa wanted to keep all her friends, family, loved ones, and in general- Prayer Warriors updated as her surgery unfolds throughout the day..


As unfortunate as it is, I could not be in Texas with her (which I know many others would choose to be there as well)... But Aunt Christine will be sending updates throughout the day. These updates may be a bit short and to the point- but before we get started with brief updates, I wanted to give you all some 411 on the process Marissa is heading into today.

If you follow her blog, or have any connection to her at all- you know that this little tumor is a stubborn thing. But her spirits are  better than they have ever been! The plans that the doctors have for today's surgery are: Biopsy, then Inject a Strand of the Common Cold Virus into the tumor.

Our smartest friend (Zachary)- was nice enough to study the injection and give us some information to share with everyone...

Marissa has GBM (glioblastoma multiforme), the most common primary brain tumor in adults. These tumors originate in glial cells (special cells in the brain that are there to provide nutrients and support to other brain cells). Marissa’s Neurosurgeon, Dr. Lang, has been working with brain tumor stem cells that have been isolated from the malignant gliomas (tumors on the glial cells, like Marissa has).

Dr. Lang’s group uses a drug that is currently in Phase I Clinical Trials (just getting started in human therapy)called Delta-24-RGD. This novel drug is tumor-selective (it has been genetically modified so that it only infects the tumor cells NOT normal human cells) and has oncolytic (cancer killing) properties. Delta-24-RGD is actually the adenovirus (a common virus that normally causes upper respiratory infections). The virus is injected into the tumor and works in several ways to try to get rid of the tumor: 1) It infects the tumor 2) Replicates inside the tumor and 3) Induces cell death of the brain tumor stem cells. This cell death is autophagic cell death [this is where the tumor cell starts to kill itself].

Marissa will be given another drug (at the same time as Delta-24-RGD) that will cause immunosuppression (cause her immune system to NOT work as well) so that he body will NOT try to kill off the adenovirus (they want it there to kill the cancer cells).

Pretty much, the virus will hijack the cancer cells, kill the cell, be released and infect another cancer cell to kill it. It could take several days for the virus to go through its life cycle.

 SO, We hope that will help some of you out.(Thanks Zach for studying that out)

Sometimes, we don't know what to specifically pray- but with information, we know more about the enemy we are battling. Pray that Marissa's body will accept this treatment they are performing. Steady the doctor's hands Lord, and guide them through this procedure. Give rest & peace to Marissa & her family as they face this adversary.

Marissa had to be at MD Anderson this morning around 5am Central time- Aunt Chris says she was her normal Joking self; this is encouraging to know she enters into this battle laughing, that reassures us that her faith is not wavering. 

Her surgery began around 10:30 Central time & is scheduled for up to 3 hours. If any further information comes my way I will pass along :)

-Meg

3rd times a charm!

That right! This Thursday I am having my third brain surgery this year. The treatment I was doing at UAB wasn't working, so we are back at MD Anderson. This surgery is a small one, it's a biopsy (similar to the one I had last January in Atlanta). But, while they have my brain open, they are going to put a virus directly on the tumor. Hopefully, this will do the trick!
Just another reason why I hate Bama football.... I was watching LSU/Bama game when I had my most recent seizure, which is my first seizure since last January. It totally me freaked out! Since then I have been havin trouble walking and using my right arm. I'm fine though, I start my day, everyday, reminding myself I'm strong! Plus my physical therapist is easy on the eyes!
Keep me in your prayers, especially this Thusday for surgery. I leave Tuesday, and I'll be in Houston until Dec 22. Megan will be on my blog this week. Expect some laughs!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5

My Favs in NYC last week!

Proud Friend

On my first day at Auburn, I met my best friend, Brandon. 6 years later, he is still my best friend, and now he is an Army Ranger! I got to go to he's graduation on Friday, and it was amazing! To see 100 soldiers stand and sing the National Anthem, with all the Veterans in the stands, how could you not be a proud American. They all stood with confidence, and looked so brave. I starting crying, if you know me, I don't cry much. I'm very proud of him and glad he gets to eat candy again!

Update

Sorry it has been so long since I've written! I just got back from the beach with my family, and besides Tropical Storm Lee, I had a good time, and am nice and tan!!!

I find out about month ago, that the tumor is already showing some growth. Its very, very small, especially compared to pre-surgery. Because of this, I quit taking the chemo. 2 weeks ago, I started a new drug, and to be honest I have no idea what it is or does! I know that's bad, but my dad does all the research. I believe it attacks the tumor/cancer cells by cutting off the blood supply. I get an  infusion, in Birmingham, every two weeks. There is a guy who is 31 with the same type of cancer getting the same treatment as me. Its so nice to be able to talk to someone experiencing some of the same things you are. He was diagnosed around the age as I am now. He was very open about his experience and journey, also very positive. He and his wife were so nice, and funny. They make a infusion and day at the hospital a lot more tolerable.

Despite everything, I feel the best I have ALL year! In fact, I feel so good physically and emotionally I'm bored out of my mind! I still hope to find a job, but everything I start looking for a full time job, I change treatments or something happens. I need advice? Should I get a part-time job? I hate making decisions.

I do have Auburn and college Football to keep me entertained! What a game Saturday!!!

Recently I hiked Kennesaw Mtn with Candace. I've never done it before and it was so pretty!!! Here's some pics.

As always, thanks for the love, support, and prayers!

21

Not the game....though I do love a good game of  black jack! And the movie 21. I took my last pill Chemo, of my 21 day cycle, and now I get to be free, for 7 whole days. With the chemo I have to stop eating and drinking at 8pm. You think that would be easy, but its harder than you would imagine. So here is to the next week off  freedom! I also start my speech therapy this week. It has gotten a lot, a lot better, but around new people, or people that make me nervous or uncomfortable I really struggle. Or so I think. Hopefully this helps.

Sunday, my friend Carrie was in town from LA, well really she is probably my hometown, but now lives LA and we went to the Britney concert. She is Britney biggest fan, and it was sooo nice to go, dance, and sing. It was the first real, outing since my surgery. You know, beside dinner with my parents or a movie!

Next weekend I'm off to visit Lauren and Lana in Nashville for MusicFest. First though, I make my monthly trip to Houston to how everything is going.

My Mircale

My miracle- 10 hours in surgery, 4 hours awake, 19 stitches, a lot of faith, prayers, and love. An operation   that Emory called inoperable. I'm not a statistic, a freak who studies for brain surgery, no statistic. Here's my story-

I thought surgery was not an option until my till last MRI at MD Anderson's. At this point, Dr. Gilbert was very convincing that I did need surgery, and my options were slim. An operations that could take away my speech, mobility to my right side, and risk my quality of life. A surgery that as best usually removed 80 % of the tumor, even on not so complicated cases. MY TUMOR IS 100 % gone!!! Tears fill my eyes as write this. God was been my strength from day one, and even on the darkest of days he held my hand, and has proven miracle on my life each and each days. 100%. I'm still battling actual cancer cells and will probably start chemo over the next week, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Ok funny facts- I did study for surgery. The only thing that I could control was staying awake for the 4 hours. It would help them remove the tumor more safely. My Dad said the first thing I said in recovery was "I tried so hard Dad to awake" and he responded, I did. I stay awake the entire time! With a few entertaining comments to everyone.
- Naturally I would hit on someone. "Mark Fabulous" the assistant surgeon. I never actually met him, but showed a great interest in him
- Kept calling the OR a party, and that I was going to be soooo sad when it was over
-Ask for pics of my brain
-Could they make me smarter when they were in there?
-And one of my favorites, I told one of the best surgeons in the country he needed to get back to work, and he is operating on a pretty important brain! Laugh some time right?

The surgery was a total of 10 hours, and in the last minutes they decided they to get the last 5 % safely and they did! I'm so blessed and truly feel like a miracle each and everyday! Always remember God wants in these situations, hes the one person who he doesn't turn his back on you, and so many of those forget. He's my Savior.

If you are in the Carroll County areas, there is a Christian Concert at Villa Rica First Baptist. It starts 7pm on Saturday, and I'd love for everyone to come! Ill be there, and its going to a time for fellowship. The Benefit is frees. I had brain surgery a week ago so no excuses! haha

Thanks for the constant support and love.

My best friends wedding!

Meg's Birthday