Hello Everyone

Hello everyone, it's Brad.  I know it's been a long time since you've received an update.  I wanted you all to know that I'm doing very good.  I had a check up 3 weeks ago and everything is looking good.  My tumors have shrunk and my blood markers look good.  My doctor is a little concerned about my lung capacity being low but I am working on increasing it slowly.  I also have numbness in my toes and finger tips that can be quite aggravating, but my doctor said with time it "should" come back.  I will have another check up in December and every three months for the next couple of years.  I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful doctor and can't say enough good things about the entire staff at Tulane Cancer Center. 

I've been asked to be part of a I'm too young for this bootcamp, see the link below.  I'm very excited and hopefull that something in my story will help someone else with the struggles that cancer can bring to themselves or their family.

http://bootcamp.stupidcancer.com/2011/nola/

I want to thank everyone for your continued prayers.  It is amazing what the power of prayer can do.  I will try to update my progress more often.  Until then, take care.

Love,
Brad

Memorial Day Weekend

So it's been awhile ~ sorry!! 

A quick update - Brad went to the Dr. and he received the results of his CT Scan.  The Dr. said although the tumors have shrunk more than half their size, he would still like them to shrink some more before discussing the next steps.  What does that mean???  The Chemo will be in Brad's system for another 2 months so he is hopeful that the tumors will shrink a little more.  So right now it's another waiting game.  He'll have his scan in July. 

He also asked if he could return to work.  Brad is tired of staying home!! The Dr. said not now ~ Brad's still a little weak and like I mentioned the Chemo will continue to work for another 2 months.  He's tried eating a few more things and he quickly found out they don't agree with him.  His skin is still very sensitive and he still gets real tired.

We have still been getting lots of meals delivered.  I cannot express enough how thankful I am to all of you ladies who deliver meals.  It's a tremendous help when I have to run the kids to activities in the evenings.  Y'all are amazing.

This past weekend was our Niece Kristyn's wedding.  Brad looked fantastic in his Tux.  30 lbs lost looks great him, even under the crappy circumstances he had to lose it. He had a great time and it was good seeing him enjoy himself.

Thank you to the Messina / Sclafini family for the wonderful Memorial Day BBQ dinner! It was fantastic!  So yummy!!  I wish I was there when y'all came by ~ I would have loved to see you.

getting a little better

Wow, it's been quite some time since I've written! Sorry!!!

Brad has been doing well.  His energy has picked up a little and his mood is a little more pleasent to be around.  lol

He went yesterday for his last scheduled "Bleo" treatment and was very excited about that!

Friday he goes for his scan, and Monday he meets with his doctor to discuss what's to come next.
Say some prayers that the scan looks good!!

We've still been receiving our meals and we're so appreciative that I can't help but to share with you how fabulous they are.

Friday we had our "Anniversary Meal"  delivered from the Seward family!!  Thanks Jill it was so yummy!!!

Reginellis Pizza, Cesar Salad, Chocolate Cake and Cheesecake - it was a perfect anniversary dinner!!

Monday we had our first meal cooked by a man!!  Gary Hayes you did a wonderful job!!  You're going to have to give my husband some lessons!!

Chicken Enchiladas, Marinated green beans, and  Spanish Rice!  It was every bit as good as it looks!!
Thanks Gary we loved it!!!

until next time...

get well soon

It's hard to believe it's already Thursday!! 

Brad is still feeling about the same as I last wrote.  He's been achy, tired, bored and miserable.  He said he really doesn't have much energy to do anything!!  He went for his treatment on Tuesday and he's down more than 30 lbs.!

Dinner last night was AMAZING!  Stephanie Musso you did a fantastic job!!  Brad Loved it and even had seconds ~ which is a lot for him right now!! :)

Shrimp Stuffed Peppers, Sausage Onion Rive, Cesar Salad, Green Beans, Garlic Bread and Lemon Squares!!  DELICIOUS!!  Thank You!

"Bryanna said she wants the recipe for the Cesar Salad!!"  lol

I feel like the Blog is all about Food lately ~ sorry!!  However, this is the highlight of Brad's day!  He's home by himself most of the day and just getting to see new faces gives him something to look forward to. 

Hopefully he will start to feel better soon.  Last night he had some cramping in his side and couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep.  I'm sure he's going to do a lot of napping today.

miserable monday

Well, Brad didn't have a good day.  He felt achy, bad stomach ache, tired and a little depressed.  Not sure what was different about today but nothing seemed to please him. :(  Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.

Tonight dinner was from the Slattery's

Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Brownies.  ~ Beth - it was Awesome!!! I'm even bringing some for lunch tomorrow!!!  Thanks!!

Brad goes for his Tuesday treatment tomorrow ~ I sure hope he gets out of the funk he was in today.

Amazing!

Last night was the Families helping families fundraiser at driftwood country club for Brad.  Arita & Brad Bohannan and Keith & Dona Reynaud as well as the fabulous Driftwood Park Country Club did an amazing job.  The music was amazing, the food was fabulous and the turn out was fantastic!!  We cannot thank everyone enough for all of the support you have given our family!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who came and everyone who helped!!  It truly is amazing the amount of LOVE we feel from everyone.

Brad had a wonderful time last night and enjoyed seeing everyone.  However, he has been very tired today. 
We went for a short ride today but he was quickly ready to head home to take a long nap.

Tonight we've just been relaxing!!

Dinner tonight was from Rachel Hery!!! 

A belated Cinco de mayo!!!  Mexican Rice, Corn, Beef & Chicken Soft Tacos, Nachos, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Skinny Girl Margaritas!!!  Delicious!!!!  The Margarita hit the spot!!!  Thanks Rach!

Bryanna said we were at a Mexican Buffet!!  lol

this week is almost done!

Yesterday I was Brads Chemo Buddy :)  He did pretty good ~ he's been feeling good only complaining of being tired ~ as usual!  Treatment went quick and then we met with the Doctor afterwards.  He said so far everything is looking okay but he won't have a good assessment until he does Brads next CT Scan (May 20th)  He also talked about the different scenarios that could happen depending on what the scan says ~ but we'll talk about that after the scan.

Last night dinner was from Lisa Eckert!

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Potato Salad and Banana Pudding.  AWESOME!!! 
Lisa ~ Bryanna ate 2 bowls and for her that is amazing!!

We were ALL excited that Aunt Dena was going to be his Chemo Buddy today!!!

She came with Burger King ~ Croissant sandwiches & Hash Browns!!!  We LOVE you Aunt Dena!!
Brad Jr. said this is his favorite breakfast!!!  Bryanna said you're like State Farm?? "Like a good Auntie, Dena is there!!"  - She watches too many commercials!!