Saturday, April 27, 2013

going strong

Hey, it's Braden here.  The second best blogger in the family!  I know, you were expecting a post from Andrea...sorry!  Andrea asked me to post an update on how I'm doing now that the high-dose phase is over and I'm on to the injections.  121 more to go to be exact...uggghhh!  I started the shots last week, and so far the side effects have been minimal in comparison to high-dose.  I still get the aches and chills a few hours after the shot ,and sometimes feel achy the next day, but it's nothing like what I felt like during the four weeks of high-dose.  High-dose was in a word...HELL.  It has been nice to get back to somewhat of a normal routine...Going back to work and actually feeling like a productive member of society.  My appetite is back and I've eaten like a horse the past couple of weeks.  Trying to put the weight back on that I lost during high-dose.  My pants don't fit right and it drives me nuts!  Oh yeah, and it has been great being able to drink a beer once in a while!  And I have to mention Andrea in this post.  It's an absolute blessing being married to a nurse...She knows how to give a good shot!  Is there such thing?  Seriously though, she has been my rock through all of this.  When she says we're in this together, she really means it.  And I don't know where we would be without our faith in God.  He gets us through, one day at a time.  Thank you all so much for the continued prayers and support, it truly means a lot!  Have a great weekend!


                                                            The "stuff"

 
 
This little person makes every day better!
 


Sunday, April 14, 2013

new normal

Braden had a really good week off of treatment. His blood counts are back up and he has been able to spend time at the office and catch up with a few things around the house. His appetite has been getting better each day, and slowly he is starting to feel more like himself. We are thankful for that! I know it is hard for him to think about starting again for 11 more months, but we are taking it one day at a time and praying this phase of treatment is a little easier. He will start up again this week with injections (at home) three days a week. It has been nice feeling a bit more "normal" this past week. Each day gets easier and melanoma doesn't seem to be the main topic around our house like it has been the past few months. Life goes on. I visited with a stranger last week who told me that our life will never be the same, but someday I will thank God for these circumstances in my life. She said I probably won't understand it now, but someday I will. I am sure I don't completely understand her statement, but I do find myself catching glimpses of the good. God's beauty is everywhere...even in this ugly situation. Our life will never be the same. I know this is true. For me, I think that even in the midst of fear, worry, doubt about what the future could bring, and just the craziness of life these days, I am learning to live in each moment. This has been something I have struggled with and continue to work on. Even after I have been up at work all night long barely able to keep my eyes open, trying to be the best mommy to Brynn, trying to keep up with the day to day things at home, and trying to be with Braden for each appointment, lab draw, infusion,etc... I am trying to thank God. Thank you for these people I love so much, thank you for this day, this home, this job, this treatment. Thank you.  Slowly life is falling back into a "new normal" for us.  We thank you all for faithfully praying for Braden and I thank you for the encouragement as I put myself out there with this blog. I never really thought of this as my type of thing, but I have found that it is good therapy. I recently read this and felt like it was a good reminder for all of us:  "Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances. The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it." -Jesus Calling Sarah Young.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

taking good care of daddy

I am so happy to report that yesterday was Braden's last day of high dose treatment! He made it through 18 doses and I personally think he did awesome! Dr. Reddy has been a little concerned with Braden's blood counts, specifically his neutrophil count, which is what helps his body fight against infection. His neutrophil count has steadily been decreasing and today it hit a new low. Braden's liver enzymes were starting to increase again so Dr. Reddy said it is time to stop. Braden was concerned at first (I think this is his competitive nature) that we were stopping treatment 2 days early, but Dr. Reddy reassured us it was time. His neutrophil level is too low to continue and his body is saying no more! So, with that news they pulled the PICC line out of his arm and sent us home. The plan was to start the next phase of treament on Monday, but Dr. Reddy wants to give his body a week to try and recover a bit before we start in again, so we have next week off! Braden is staying tucked in at home until his neutrophils recover. I hope he can get a little energy and some of his appetite back over the next week. Some days are better than others but this stuff is not for the weak or weary!

We just happened to have the best nurse taking care of us today! And boy was she cute!!
 
 

She took good care of his IV
 
 
She cuddles with the patients
 
 
She watches cartoons and shares her snacks
 
 
She holds his hand during the ouchie parts
 
 
I think she would make a fantastic oncology nurse if I do say so myself! Braden was tired and ready for a nap so after his appointment Brynn and I tucked him in at home and went out for a little celebration of our own in Daddy's honor! It was nice to have some one-on-one time with my girl!