So-So!

Well today wasn't as good as yesterday, but it wasn't too bad.  He was tired more today than yesterday and napped off and on. He also complained with his stomach hurting again.  I guess he'll have good days and in between days.

I'm gonna keep it short tonight, because I'm exhausted myself.  Glad tomorrow is Friday, looking forward to spending lots of family time together this weekend!

until tomorrow....

Worthwhile Wednesday

Another good day!!  The only complaint today is being tired! 

I got home a little later than usual, (maybe 10 minutes) and he was calling to see what was taking me so long.  He said he looked forward to us coming home ALL day.  He's real bored!  Anyone who knows Brad will understand when I say, he's not used to staying home and just relaxing.  He always has to be doing something, always keeping busy. Today he did some laundry and even cleaned out Brad Jr.'s dresser!!  I'm glad he was able to think of ways to occupy his time. I wonder what he'll do tomorrow.

Today when I came home dinner was here waiting.  Thanks again to mealbaby.com!! Gina Sensebe sent over a wonderful meal. 

Red Beans w/ Brown Rice, Turkey Sausage, Steamed Asparagus, Biscuts and Brownie Bites

Thanks Gina!  The whole family says "it was Awesome".

I'm thankful for the good days he's been having.  Hardly anything to complain about.  He's even eating a little more.  Still not what he's used to, but more than Monday!  I do wish he was sleeping better.  It seems as if he's still having trouble getting comfortable.  Tossing and turning all night!

until tomorrow...

Not so bad!

Brad went for his "Bleo" treatment today.  He said it took a little longer than expected but overall wasn't so bad.  They weighed him today and he's lost a total of 15 lbs. in a little over a week.  The doctor didn't seem to concerned about the weight loss because Brad is eating, just smaller portions.  They also gave him some medicine to help with the stomach issues he's been having lately.  Let's hope they work and his appetite starts to picks back up.

After treatment he went to Church with his brother Eddie, then they spent some quality time watching a movie together!! Thanks Eddie ~ Brad enjoyed spending time with you today!

He was in a great mood when I came home.  He even warmed up dinner, that was sent over from some friends.  I couldn't get a picture of this one because they started eating before I was ready!  Thanks Gina Sensebe for the wonderful roast!  It was delicious!!

Let's hope for another day like today, tomorrow!!

until tomorrow....

Monday Blues

Today started much like yesterday.  Brad woke up not feeling well. He was weak, felt like throwing up and was real sweaty.  He seemed a little better as the day went on, just real bored.  He watched a few movies, sat on the porch for awhile, then waited for me to come home from work and the kids from school. 

When I came home he talked about all of the things he wishes he could eat   He wants to make Jalapeno poppers, he wants a hot dog from sonic, the buffet from CiCi's pizza - he must have watched a lot of commercials today! lol

Today was our first meal from mealbaby.com - meals delivered from friends.  It was amazing, 5:30 our meal arrived all prepared and Brad was so excited.  He really enjoied it!!!  Thanks Stephanie Robbins for preparing such a great dinner - the entire family loved it!

Shrimp Scampi, Steamed Green Beans, Dinner Rolls and Yellow Cake - Yummy!!

Tomorrow he goes for his "Bleo" treatment ~ I'll let ya'll know how it goes!!
Going to relax with Brad and watch Dancing with the Stars!!

until tomorrow....

Weekend Wrap Up!

Well this weekend was filled with emotions, both good and bad.  As a whole Brad did fine.  Saturday started out good he slept late and felt fine when he woke up.  However, as the day went on his feelings quickly changed.  His stomach hurt and a little nausea set in, he couldn't get comfortable and he didn't want to eat,  when he did eat his stomach hurt more. Today was pretty much the same way, nothing he tried seemed to work.  He laid in his bed, couldn't sleep.  Tried watching movies couldn't get comfortable.  Tried to eat, but wasn't hungry. I just wish I could help make something work for him!!

Saturday, we did celebrate Brad Jr.'s Birthday.  We were supposed to have a sleepover a couple of weeks ago at our house but had to cancel for family reasons.  We rescheduled the party and set the date before we were aware that Brad had any issues.  I didn't want to cancel the party again and disappoint my son, but knew it wasn't a good idea to have the boys over at my house because I wasn't sure how Brad would feel.  My parents offered for us to have the sleepover at their house.  TEN 9yr old boys!  What was I thinking?  The boys were very good and Brad Jr. had a great time but it was exhausting!!  The party was a good distraction and it was great to see Brad Jr. having fun with all of his friends.

After staying up so late last night I tried to relax today.  I watched some movies with Bryanna and Brad Jr. helped me do some cleaning. Bryanna even did a few batches of laundry.  My kids are amazing!! Then Brad and I watched Celebrity Apprentice and now it's time for bed!!


Something that made him smile:
A couple of years ago Brad cut his ring finger at work.  He had to remove his wedding ring for the doctor to stitch it up and he couldn't get it back on.  He tried time and time again to put the ring on (mostly when I complained) but it just wouldn't fit.  Tonight before going to bed he said he wanted me to go get his wedding ring.  It slid right on with no problems!!!  The ring fits again!! He smiled and said "I won't take it off again,"

I've said before, it's the small things that make him smile.  :)


until tomorrow....

Hello, Goodbye!!

Well the first week of Chemo is over.   Hallelujah!!! 

Brad had a good day.  I don't know if it's the excitement that he doesn't have to go to treatment tomorrow or if he's really feeling a little better, but I'll take it regardless of the reason!!! 

Yesterday I downloaded the movie, The Fighter for him to watch.  I thought it would help pass the time while getting his treatment ~ YAY ~ it worked.  He said the movie was very good and it helped occupy his mind for a bit. I'm sure it also helped that his nurse returned today ~ she's taking good care of him!!

His appetite still isn't that great, but he is eating small meals and drinking lots of fluids.  He's lost 4 lbs since Monday.  I know 4 lbs isn't anything to worry about, but I can already see some slenderizing in his facial features.

This evening I wanted to do something to get him out the house, and lift him out of the funk he's been in but also not bring him around too many people.  So after dinner him and I  went and took a ride out to the Kenner Boat Launch (the kids didn't want to come, and we didn't want to force them, so they stayed with Nanna & Kappy ~ Thanks guys!).  I know we didn't go to far and your probably think that's not to exciting, but it's the small things that make him "smile". It was a beautiful night and Brad really enjoyed getting out.

Before I say goodnight I wanted to share a poem that was sent from a friend. 

Sometimes we hit a pot hole, as we travel down life's road.

The way gets rather bumpy, and we bear a heavy load.

Always keep your FAITH, no matter what you do

Because the path with Jesus will be smoother for you!

until tomorrow....

Not much of a change....

Today was pretty much the same as yesterday.  He went for his treatment and MaryAlice (his nurse) wasn't there so it was a little different adjusting to someone new, but for the most part it went smoothly.  For lunch they offered him another sandwich and soup, but he didn't eat it (we brought his own food) - Yay! He ate a little better, which I was very pleased with!! He tried sleeping a little bit but I guess he's having a hard time getting comfortable in the chair because he doesn't sleep very long, even though he's exhausted!

After his treatment he met with the Doctor.  He answered any questions we've been having and told Brad that with each round of treatment the medicine will get stronger.  We're excited day five will be done with tomorrow, but anxious to see what the days ahead bring.  Brad's two week off period is when he'll probaly be his weekest.  :(

As I'm writing this him and Bryanna are on the couch having a little daddy/daughter time, watching Cinderella Story!  It's moments like this that remind me what an incredible family I'm blessed to have. 

Until tomorrow....

Our Journey Begins

I want to first thank everyone for all of the love, support and prayers you have given to me and my family.   I've decided to follow the suggestions from family and friends to start a blog talking about Brad's progress and treatment.  I do read everyone's emails and texts daily.  However, sometimes it's hard to answer everyone back because of the amount of them I am receiving. 

Brad started his first round of Chemotherapy on Monday, March 21st.  He was very nervous the morning of, but after he checked in and started he realized everything was going to be fine.  He has a fabulous nurse named MaryAlice, who sets him up in a private therapy suite each morning. (He gets a private suite because he is there the longest during the day)  He is receiving his treatment at Tulane Cancer Center and depending on the day will be there anywhere from 4 - 6 hours.

We are already into day three and Brad is exhausted.  He is very tired and says that his stomach feels different.  Not so much Nausea but a growling pain.  I've noticed that his appetite is slowly diminishing.  For example: Monday, Tulane gave him a turkey sandwich and some soup for lunch.  He ate everything, no problems.  Tuesday, another turkey sandwich and soup, but he only ate the sandwich.  Today, turkey sandwich and soup (I'm sure he's tired of turkey), but he only ate half the sandwich and sipped on the soup.
He said he was full and couldn't eat anymore.  I also noticed at dinner last night he only ate half compared to what he would normally.  He is drinking plenty of fluids and I'm trying to give him little snacks throughout the day, a small salad, some grits or some yougrt. 

Brad reads every email sent to me, every facebook post on my wall and every text.  He is so touched by all of the love everyone is sending his way. I'm going to do my best to update this blog daily. I figured this way we can read all of the emails and questions from everyone, but answer everyone with one response.