05/18/2010
by Michael Wells We had another wonderful visit to CHOP’s day hospital today. My “oh, so proud” moment was when the nurse told Brady that she had to give him a needle in his hand. He held up his hand, looked at her, and said “boo-boo”. She confirmed that he would have a boo-boo. Then he looked at her and said “ouch”. And she then confirmed that it would ouch. I love the fact that they always think it will be so difficult to hold him down and routinely he flinches ever so slightly and that is it. Unfortunately the IV was damaged and was leaking blood. So, they had to “ouch” Brady a second time. What a little trooper our boy is. He had blood drawn for his labs, medication levels, and to see the engraftment percentage. He was at 98% last week and they were hoping for the same or higher today. Through the same line, he was administered IVIG over a course of 2+ hours. He sat still, watched a video, and eventually fell asleep from the two pre-medications given to ensure that he does not have an adverse reaction/anaphylactic shock. The doctor said that he looked really good so she took him off of two medications and a third will come off this weekend! I am so excited because one of them was a steroid. His appetite has increased tremendously since he has been on the steroid so we have been feeding him full meals virtually around the clock! The removal of the steroid also means that by this weekend he will be able to sleep better; hence, Michael and I will be able to sleep better. Well, maybe. I forgot that starting tomorrow we will have to deal with an entire side of our home being removed and replaced. Remember the severe storm that ruined our back yard mid March? Well, apparently it forced rain in through the window areas and we have to start from scratch to do the repairs. We can’t chance having any mold in our home. I feel as if we just can’t catch our breath and relax… I have several “thank you’s” that I would like to extend. Kellie, my best friend in the entire world, who always seems to know just what to say and the perfect pick-me-up presents to send. The chocolates from our favorite local ice cream store, Confectionately Yours, were decedent! A very special thank you to Ron and Sue for a clothing spree for Brady, it was much needed and very sweet of you. A thank you to Tracey Levine for continuing with your open, honest, and heartwarming stories. Your family has touched Michael and me more than you will ever know. We have a special request for all of the pediatric oncology families that read Brady’s journal. We would love to stay in touch, now and in the future, on a more personal level. If you would like to, please e-mail Michael your information (address, phone, and any family information you care to share!). Finally, please continue to pray for Mark Levine and his family, Mark is a GREAT KID who was dealt a real crappy hand but he is playing the game of life with the dignity of a King. Mark, The Wells family is sending lots of HUGS your way, hang in there!!!!“8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer” is a series of posts revisiting the journal kept by Sherrie and Michael Wells during the cancer diagnosis and treatment of their son, Brady Michael. Hopefully these entires will provide an understanding of the journey families face when dealing with these horrific diseases and of the important work the Hugs for Brady Foundation does.