blessed

We had such a fun weekend it was hard seeing it end. Brynn had her first dance recital this weekend and I was a proud mommy. She was so cute up there on that stage, it makes me smile every time I think about it! She brings so much happiness into this house. We are so blessed.  Braden and Brynn made Mother's Day extra special and we got to see both our mom's for awhile! That was fun!!

Today was back to reality and we got to go visit our friends at the Cancer Center. Braden has been feeling really good for the most part. He has his share of good and bad days, but I think the good outweigh the bad. He continues to battle the fatigue and sometimes he feels achy, but he has been back at work full time and tries to push through it. We laugh about his inability to stay awake as soon as he hits the couch in the evenings. Ha! He was frustrated with the numbers on the scale today as they continue to go down, but he is eating better and his appetitie is slowly improving. Dr. Reddy was really happy with how everything is going. His labs are holding steady and everything is going as it should. Nothing new to report.

We continue to feel so blessed by our wonderful friends and family who lift Braden up in prayer every day. And thank you to everyone who has done so many wonderful things for our family from meals, to gift cards, to yard work and garage sales!! I know this isn't even close to all the generous things others have done. We are just so thankful for all of the wonderful people we are surrounded by who make all of this a bit easier. Today I ask that you would also lift up a beautiful young mother and wife who I have connected with who is just starting her battle with melanoma. And pray for all of those affected by this disease. We are so fortunate to be connected to others going through this same journey. I pray that they are able to find peace and comfort as we have in you, God!!
He will give perfect peace to those who place their trust in him. Isaiah 26:3

Lastly, I just had to include a couple of pictures of my little ballerina!

Very typical picture of these two!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fan club minus Grandpa Larry!

 

Melanoma Monday

Today is MELANOMA MONDAY! I am wearing my black for Braden! Did you know...

-Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S.
-Melanoma is the most common type of cancer in young adults age 25-29.
-Most melanoma is curable in the early stages with an over 90% survival rate, but the most deadly form of skin cancer when found too late.
-Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body including eyes, hands, scalp, and feet.
-Exposure to tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person's risk by 75%.
-Younger people who regularly use tanning beds are 8 times more likely to develop melanoma.
-Occasional tanning bed use triples your risk.
-The most dangerous aspect of melanoma is its ability to spread to other parts of the body-most often the brain, lungs, and liver.
-It takes only one blistering sunburn, especially at a young age, to more than double a person's chance of developing melanoma.
-In 2013, it is estimated that in the US there will be 70,230 new cases of melanoma. That means someone will be given a melanoma diagnosis every 8 minutes. Someone dies from melanoma every hour.
-Melanoma doesn't discriminate. It strikes men and women of all different ages, races, and skin tones. Bob Marley died of melanoma at the age of 36.

I can't emphasize enought the importance of regular skin checks! Unfortunatly, we didn't discover Braden's mole early enough and it had already spread to his lymph nodes. Don't be scared...just get checked. It could save your life!





is it worth it?

May is Melanoma Awareness Month! You had it on your calendar, right?!? I have been debating whether posting these pictures is appropriate, but then it occured to me that if I truly want to get my message out some people need to see this! Sometimes I get mad. Mostly it just makes me sad. Imagine seeing one of the people you love the very most sick. I often times think to myself how unfair this is. He didn't spend years in tanning beds. He didn't worship the sun. Yes, he was blessed with beautiful red hair, and he sure does love spending summers outdoors doing things that normal people do, but really? I don't know how many times he has said to me..."It's going to be ok. We will get through this." He picks me up when I am down. He is always the encourager. I admire his strength and courage. So...the next time you think about getting a beautiful tan, or you think that sunscreen is just not your thing, I hope you will think of Braden. He didn't think it would be him either.

Is your tan worth this?

The scar on his back is where the primary site was. Under his arm is where lymph nodes were removed. This picture was after surgery #2.

 

Dr. visit, lab, treatment, repeat...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This picture makes me sad. One of his lowest points during high dose. It hurt to see him feeling so terrible.

 

Three times a week for 11 months...any takers?

 

 

 

My hero and best friend...love him!!!