11/20/2009
by Michael Wells A Roller Coaster Ride CBC results: white blood count – 2,000; platelet count – 101,000; neutrophils are also up but blasts are at 12% or so we thought. “I HATE THIS DISEASE.” Yesterday everything was pointed in the right direction and today another scare. You see, blasts going from 4% yesterday to 12% today would indicate that Brady’s cancer was not in remission. So, Dr. Drachtman had another CBC performed and the results of yesterday test reviewed and we were told yesterday’s true number was 8% not 4% still not good. Next, Dr. Drachtman orders a “special” test in which the blasts are “hand counted.” The results are now 3% blasts for both yesterday and today. However, Brady has been scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy on Monday to make sure his doctors can accurately count. As I’ve said, “I HATE THIS DISEASE.” Brady is again in just a wonderful mood. He had his first lollipop (see attached photos) and is just terrific. We can’t wait to go home and hopefully we are still headed in that direction. Monday’s bone marrow test results will dictate exactly where we spend this Thanksgiving. If the tests are not “good” we will stay here and begin the next cycle of chemotherapy. As I’ve said, “I HATE THIS DISEASE.” Brighter Side Brady’s first lollipop was given to him courtesy of his nurse Robin. She is now telling us of her plans to bring spaghetti to Brady for Monday’s dinner. She wants to see him dump the bowl of spaghetti over his head. Sherrie is not totally on board with this and I think this just adds to the humor. Tonight I have the watch and Sherrie will be on her way home shortly. I hope she takes advantage of her time at home and rest. But what she has been doing is everything but resting. So, friends and family tell her to knock it off and take it easy! Because she won’t listen to me and frankly I’m really afraid to say anything to her anyway, so please help!!! – I’m going to cut this entry short as I have to pay attention to Brady and not this computer. So until next time, keep Brady in your thoughts, prayers and hugs… PS Thanks to Elaine & Bob Meszoros for donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Marathon.**The Hugs for Brady Foundation will ALWAYS be in support of other foundations who allow people to donate blood, platelets, plasma, or register to become a bone marrow donor. However, we no longer ask supporters to donate financially to ‘The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’ as their focus on childhood cancers does not coincide with our foundation’s mission.
“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.