cabin life

Our vacation came and went way too fast! We had the most wonderful week with my parents at their beautiful cabin in Colorado. My little sister Ashley came along also and we had the best time. It was a great get-a-way! This trip was extra special because we celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday while we were there. Brynn also got to experience her first (but not last) trip over Engineer and Cinnamon Pass. She was such a trooper as we spent a LOT of time on the trails. She loved being on the 4-wheeler! We also saw a black bear running through an open meadow one afternoon while we were out riding. It was quite an adrenaline rush...hence my lack of pictures to prove it! Like always, we made lots of new memories. Leaving the cabin is never fun. We can't wait to make it back! 

Braden hasn't had a shot in over a week now and he is feeling better and better each day. His appetite has increased, his body aches are gone and the fatigue is improving. Tomorrow it is back to reality as he starts up again. I know he is not looking forward to it, but I think this break was refreshing and he has renewed energy to keep fighting. We are nearing the half-way point! Knowing we are almost over the hump is a great feeling.

"I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber." Psalm 121: 1-3

Ready to go!

 

 

The crew

 

 

Moose and baby moose

 

 

 

 

 

Dad and Mom trying to find shelter in the hail storm! Ouch!!

 

 

 

 

 

On top of the world!

 

 

Happy Birthday Dad!! We celebrated with great Colorado neighbors and friends!

 

 

Meet Lucy...Brynn's new friend who came to visit most days in hopes of a good snack!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brynn and Papa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

A week off? Yes, please!!

Braden had a routine appointment with Dr. Reddy today and I am very happy to report that he has a week off from his shots coming up!! He is so ready for a break and I am praying that he feels really good while we are on vacation. The countdown is on! We plan on doing a lot of eating, relaxing, eating, maybe some fishing, eating, hopefully some jeeping, and did I mention EATING?!? Dr. Reddy's only concern today was his weight loss and he wanted to decrease his dose but Braden said no way, so he has 4 weeks to put on a few pounds or Dr. Reddy is doing a dose reduction. Eating is becoming a job and I feel like the really mean boss!

On a side note, I just wanted to say how much I love getting messages from people saying they visited a dermatologist for a skin check! I also want to say how much I dislike hearing people talk about their summer tans or sunburns. If you have been reading my blog you know my stance on sun protection. You also know how strongly I feel about visiting a dermatologist. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but in this case it definitely isn't! Tonight we were sitting at the dinner table and out of the blue Braden said to me, "Did you ever think that this would be our life now? Sometimes I have to pinch myself.. and not in a good way."  Discussing future scans, worrying about the chance of metastasis, dealing with side effects of treatment, and living with the anxiety and fear this diagnosis brings. From the very beginning we have hoped and prayed that somehow we could make a difference. That others would know melanoma isn't just "skin cancer."  I have seen this video several times and each time it brings me to tears. Hillary was also a stage 3b melanoma warrior, just like Braden. Sadly, her battle ended in October of last year, but her wish was just like ours. Spread awareness and find a cure...

http://youtu.be/_-4gPEmBINU