If you’ve kept up with us through this two year journey, you know how much we believe that God has a plan in everything that happens. It rarely seems to be the same as the plan I come up with…and that is almost always a very good thing. When I was first diagnosed with cancer, you may remember that I posted about how I knew God was going to use this disease to do some good…somewhere…for someone. It didn’t take much to convince me of that…I felt it. I think it is often easy for the person to see that who is going through the difficult time…but to those on the outside, it doesn’t appear …well, fair.
I just found out that an old friend from high school lost a teenage son. What do you say to that? You want to comfort with the right words…but what are those words? What I was thinking was that God can use anything…even the death of a young man in his prime but would I want to hear that at a moment like that? Even though I strongly believe it is true….would I want to hear that at the death of my child? I would hope so but I just don’t know what someone could say that would make a difference at a time like that.
It go me thinking. What my friend is going through is so much more than what we are dealing with…but it has already helped me to see what so many of our friends went through all three times I’ve heard that I had cancer and things didn’t look good. What would you say to me? Would it be the right thing? Would it sound sincere? Made up?
Two weeks from now, on March 6th, it will be two years since I heard that I most likely had 12 to 18 months to live. Thank you to all of you who expresssed your concern for our family. It really didn’t matter what you said…it was that you cared that made a difference. For those of you that wanted so badly to say something but just didn’t know what to say….well, next time it happens, just let the person know that you care about them. The words don’t have to be beautiful, just supportive.
During my two year journey, I’ve often said that the caregivers have it tougher than the cancer patient ( and katie would attest to that this time after living with dear ole’ Dad in a trailer for two months ) but I’m beginning to realize it can be tough on others too. Having lived through it though, I can honestly say that I’m very thankful for everyone that expressed their support to us even if they weren’t sure what to say. It wasn’t usually what you said, but that you were willing to share something with us that counted.
Don’t every let not having the perfect words keep you from sharing that you care. Words are just words…. caring means so much more.
Brad
February 25th, 2009 at 10:52pm
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Tami was in and we had a wonderfully relaxing weekend. Today is day 53 out of 100. I asked what day I COULD get out when this started and was told that about day 86 was as early as they normally let people go home. That would mean just over a month left…at least that is what we are shooting for.
I’m now down to going to the hospital two days a week and doing my own IV’s at the trailer the other five days. My white cell count was a little low again Friday so I was given another Nuepogen shot. My body seems to need a little boost once a week to keep up with things. Everything else is going well.
Katie is excited to be counting down to getting back to more of a normal life. She will be heading back to Irving at the beginning of our spring break on March 13th as Tami comes down. I’m hoping to get to go home at the end of spring break or the next week. We’ll see.
Enough for now…
Bradley
February 22nd, 2009 at 02:05pm
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Katie and I were able to make a trip back to Irving this weekend. That was my first time back since early December. It was great to be back home feeling somewhat normal (other than still giving myself a three hour IV each day) . We are back now and recharged to try and make it through the remainder of my time here.
I just met with the doctor and all is going well. My white cells didn’t drop too much this time and my other numbers are all headed in the right direction. This is 49 days post transplant and I feel pretty good. They’ve just informed me that I get to cut back to coming in to the hospital only twice a week instead of three times. It doesn’t sound like much but that is one more day a week that Katie gets to sleep in which makes us both happy.
Nancy, great hearing from you. Tell Emily I said Hi! and Michael that the more I look back on it, maybe I should have let that song stay on the CD…it would have been funny!
Brad
February 17th, 2009 at 12:03pm
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We are changing my med levels again. One day a certain level is off and the next time something else is off. No big deal, just have to be flexible. My white cells did go to their lowest point since my transplant. They said that just happens and it’s nothing to worry about. It just means more shots to help boost the system up a little.
Everything else is going well. I kind of feel sorry for Katie. How many 21 year old girls really want to spend this much time with dad in a trailer?
Until next time
Bradley
February 10th, 2009 at 11:41am
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The only news we rec’d Friday was that my engrafting percentage was 90%. The doctors had hoped that it would be closer to 100% but 90% isn’t bad. I’ve been told that the doctor will most likely lower my anti-rejection meds on Tuesday to try and allow my sister’s cells to take over completely. There is this competition between my cells and my sister’s cells. The idea is to get my body to fight but not too hard. They have to get the anti-rejection drugs just right…not too much, not too little.
Tami has been down for the weekend and it’s been great to spend some time with her. I’m soooo ready to get out of Houston. I’m feeling better every week and can’t wait to get back to Irving.
Bradley
February 8th, 2009 at 11:18am
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Doc just told me that all of my CT scans showed no cancer and my initial bone marrow results are clear. First hurdle cleared! We haven’t rec’d the results yet about what percentage of my cells are from my sister and how many are mine. They expect to see that 100% are from my sister but we don’t have those numbers yet.
Some of my numbers are a little off but we just have to adjust my meds a little and all should be fine.
I also asked about teaching elementary school next year. My doctor told me that he didn’t see me having any problems in teaching younger children if I waited until the first of the next school year to go back. I was a little worried I was going to have to go to high school but he said there was no reason for that once my system was working again. From what they seem to think, I’ll be back to normal by then. Can’t wait!
Enough for now.
Brad
February 3rd, 2009 at 01:39pm
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