Staying Strong

Brad has been feeling ok, just real tired.  He's been trying to get as much rest as possible.  Today he's been complaining of stomach pain and hasn't eaten much but it's the first day he's complained of his stomach in a week.

We've been having lots of good food delivered!!

Wednesday, Gina Sensebe picked up Brad and Bryanna to spend the day with her kids and made us Pork loin, Carrots, Corn Bread and Dirty Rice ~ it was delicious Gina!!! Thanks for everything ~ the kids had a wonderful time!!!

Friday, The Clouatres & The Browers, brought pizza, salad, cookies, chocolate cake & sweet tea!!  We loved it!!!  Thank you guys so much!!!

Friday, Brad also went for his blood markers and PFT test.  He is getting ready for his next round starting Monday!!  The kids came with us for his tests. They were excited to see where daddy goes for treatment!!

Looking forward for a relaxing Sunday!!

Until tomorrow...

Itchy

Today wasn't so bad.  Brad woke up with a weird rash and itching everywhere.  It's like his body knew he was going for treatment today.  Treatment went well, they gave him some cortisone and benadryl because he's had reactions to the "Bleo" treatment in the past, which also helped out with the rash.  So needless to say he is extremely tired tonight.  He's had another dose of benadryl tonight because of the rash.

Ashlie Clouatre brought dinner tonight.

Rotisserie Chicken, Mac-N-Cheese, Cesar Salad, Mashed Potato's & BBQ Ribs!!  Delicious!!
Thanks Ash for everything ~ especially for spending the day with the kids!! They had a blast!
*Notice there is no picture of the ribs!!  Brad Jr. said Ashlie brought the ribs just for him and he ate them ALL by himself ~ wouldn't even let me take a picture!!!  lol :)


Lets hope this crazy rash / itching goes away for tomorrow!!

until tomorrow...

Feeling Good

Still feeling good ~ but gearing up for tomorrow!!  Tomorrow is a "Bleo" day, which stinks because Brad has been feeling so good the past few days!!  Hopefully it won't be so bad.

He's lost 25lbs since the start of his first treatment.  His appetite has picked up a little but still isn't eating like he was used to.  Poor guy looks forward to dinner all day.  On the days that food is delivered he calls me around 9:30 to find out what's for dinner that evening.  Like a kid waiting for the Easter bunny ~ lol :)

Tonight dinner was from Jeanne & Allyson Rodriguez!  It was FANTASTIC!! We all LOVED it!!

Baked Ziti, Garlic Bread, Cesar Salad & Cheesecake!  YUM YUM YUM!! Thanks!!!

Brad goes to bed real early, around 8:30 ~ he's so tired all the time.  By the time I go to bed after giving him his medicine at 11:30 he is already tossing and turning ~ barely sleeping much after that. 

The kids are off of school all week for Easter/Spring break and stayed home with daddy today.  They were so excited that they woke up at 6:30 a.m. to start watching cartoons!!  I'm not sure what they did all day ~ they were still in their pajamas when I got home from work and the house was a wreck ~ but I'm sure Brad enjoyed not being alone today!!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all!!!

Brad is continuing to feel good.  :)  Although he still isn't sleeping at night!

Today was nice and relaxing. Brad didn't want to stay home!  He wanted to get out, so we visited our parents and watched the kids swim  ~ just what he needed.  Watching the kids always puts a smile on his face!!

Keep the good days coming!!!

until tomorrow...

Good Friday!

Today was a nice relaxing day.  Brad is still feeling good, very few complaints.  A little tired, but was able to nap today!!  Still having trouble sleeping at night, lots of tossing and turning.

He was disappointed that he wasn't able to eat crawfish today. His list of things to eat once Chemo is over is growing!!!  However he was very pleased with our dinner drop off!!

Thanks Barbara D'Aunoy!!  It was Awesome!!!!

Shrimp Fettuccine, Corn Casserole, Dinner Rolls, Cupcakes & Flowers!!
LOVED it all!!  I want the recipe for the corn casserole!!

I'm glad Brad is having a few good days!!  Hopefully it will continue through Easter! The kids are looking forward to dying eggs with daddy tomorrow!!

worry free Wednesday!

I was so relieved to come home from work to see Brad with a smile on his face!!  He said he felt much better today compared to how he's been feeling!! Yay!!!

Still not alot of energy.  Rested most of the day but still having trouble sleeping.

Dinner tonight was from Dawn Zahn.  It was fabulous!! Brad had 2 plates!!  Thanks Dawn!!

Chicken Alfredo, Crescent Rolls and Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

(Dawn, ~ Bryanna said it was better than Mac'N'Cheese ~ which is her favorite)

Hopefully tomorrow is as good if not better than today!!

until tomorrow...

It's only Monday!

Brad didn't feel so well today!  He was hot, clammy, nauseous, gaggy, tired and achy!  Not such a good day.  :(

Hopefully he feels a little better tomorrow and I have something better to write about.  For now this is it. We're all pretty exhausted!

Thanks Gina for dinner!!! It was fabulous and greatly appreciated!

Just a quick note...

Brad is doing pretty much the same, real tired!!  He went today for his shot to boost his white blood count and his been resting since we've come home.  The nurse said the shot would make him feel pretty much like he has the flu, for 24-72 hours.  He hasn't had much of an appetite today or yesterday.  Other than that no new news to report!!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!!

until tomorrow...

"Beignet" long Thursday!

Aunt Dena knows how to start the day!!

Hot Beignets from Cafe Du Monde!!  Thanks Aunt Dena - they were awesome!

Dena was Brad's Chemo Buddy today! I'm sure Brad enjoyed a new companion :) and new conversation.
Dena he said time fley by.  Thank you!!

After infusion Brad came home and rested.  I think he stayed in the same spot until he was ready for bed. He said ready for this week to be OVER!

Brad's friend Vincent owns the Edge bar and Grill in Metairie, and brought over tons of food!!

Pasta w/ Meatballs, Chef Salad, Garlic Mashed Potato's and Sirloin Steak!!  YUMMY!

I'm glad tomorrow is Friday!! It's been a long week.

Check this out!!  HOW AWESOME ~ see a familiar name?  Thanks Stacy ~ Brad loved this!!  I hope your friend had a great ride for a great cause.  Lots of Love!!

until tomorrow....

Wiped out Wednesday

It's only Wednesday!!  This week feels so long. 

Today's treatment was just as long if not longer than yesterday.  Brad's nurse had to slow down the rate the treatment was going in because he had some chest pain.  Once it was slowed down the pain went away.  I do have to say, MaryAlice is on top of everything.  The minute Brad feels any discomfort she immediately addresses it to make the process easier for him.

His biggest complaint is exhaustion.  He said this round is just wiping him out!!  He's having trouble keeping his eyes open at times, and is having trouble sleeping at night again.  Hopefully tonight will be better!

After his treatment we met with his Oncologist.  We discussed Brads white blood cell count being low.  He told us that Brad needs to be extra careful and limit his contact with people as much as possible to reduce the chance of infection.  He also needs to go in this Saturday for a shot to try to boost his white blood cells. We talked about a few other things that were pretty routine but didn't stay long because he could tell Brad was ready to get home. Anytime we meet with his doctor or any of the Tulane Staff I am immediately comforted.  They make sure you leave there feeling great and if not, they give you the entire Staff's cell phone numbers that you can call anytime!!!

Tonight's dinner was delivered by Colleen Dudoussat - Thanks Colleen dinner was PERFECT!! Thanks to your kids also for carrying all of the food!!! Sorry I stopped you at the door. 

Turkey Chili, French Bread, Steamed Green Beans, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Granola Bars and Chicken Salad for lunch tomorrow!!  Awesome!!! Loved it!!

I'm heading to work tomorrow, so Brad's Chemo buddy will be his sister!!!  If he's anything like today, he'll probably sleep most of the time!!! :) But I'm sure he's looking forward to a new face and new conversation.

Tomorrow's food was delivered today also!! Thanks Vincent, I can't wait to post pictures of the wonderful food you dropped off, I know it will taste fantastic!!

until tomorrow....

Another day down

Brad woke up this morning very tired.  We knew today was going to be a long day, because Brad gets extra on Tuesdays, so I did my best to make the time fly!!  I'm not sure I was as good as Amanda yesterday but Brad said I did OK!! lol

Toward the end of treatment Brad had a little reaction.  His left eye started to swell and his skin was very blotchy.  MaryAlice took care of it right away ~ gave him a shot to reverse the reaction.  Needless to say ~ he couldn't wait to get home and rest!

His mom made him dinner tonight.  Chicken Noodle Soup and Chicken Salad, comfort food that did its job!!
Thanks NaNa!

He headed to bed early again tonight, couldn't even keep his eyes open anymore ~ no exaggeration!!

Tomorrow he meets with his oncologist ~ just for a follow up ~ but I have plenty of questions :)

I wanted to share a link to a song a friend sent me.  Everyday people ask how I'm feeling or how I'm coping with everything.  Sometimes I just don't have the words, but after listening to this song I felt as if it was written for me.  It's a beautiful song and I just wanted to share!!  Thanks Dannie :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWykYq_Z13w&feature=fvsr

until tomorrow .....

Start of Round 2

The anticipation is over!!  Brad started his second round today ~ he said the time flew by!!!  Yay!!!  Thanks to my sister, Amanda, for being a great Chemo buddy today!!! Brad said you really distracted him and he enjoyed the conversation.  Way to go Sis!!  I Love You.

When I got home, I immediately saw how exhausted he looked.  His stomach hurts, his eyes burn and his color is very pale.  :(

Dinner tonight was delivered by a very dear friend, Amy Castillo.  Thank you Amy, it was FABulous!! Brad ate 2 Plates!!!

Red Beans w/ Brown Rice, Corn Bread Muffins and Funfetti Cake!!  Also a beautiful Get Well Picture colored by her son Xander!!! 

Xander, you did an awesome job.  Mr. Brad loved it and hung it right on the fridge!!!

After dinner Brad watched the Hornets game, struggling to stay awake, and now he's turned in for the night!!

until tomorrow...

P.S ~  I'm his buddy tomorrow, hopefully I can come up with some interesting things to talk about!!! lol

Sleepy days!

The weekend has come and gone!  All Brad has done this weekend was SLEEP!!  No kidding I think he was out of bed for a total of 4 hours on Saturday!!

Today he rested and watched tv!! He barely left the couch.   He was very quiet and seemed content just lounging around.

Tomorrow is the start of round 2 and he has to wake up early, so I'm keeping it short and sweet.  :)

until tomorrow....

Feeling the Love!

Today was very eventful.  We started the morning by going for some tests for Brad.  He had blood markers done and also another Pulmonary Function Test, to measure his lung capacity.  We're confident that everything will be alright for him to start his second round of Chemo on Monday.

Brad doing his PFT test - isn't the shirt appropriate!!! 

This evening was the Divine Mercy/SEAS parish Fish Fry benefit for Brad.  He wanted to come very badly, however at the advice of his doctor, he really couldn't.  We need to limit the amount of people that Brad comes in contact with to minimize any chance of infections.  We did come through the drive through line and park for awhile.  It was AMAZING to see all of the people there to show their support for Brad and our family. It was just what Brad needed to lift his spirits and give him extra motivation for Monday. 

Thank you to everyone who was there to help work, who came to eat, who participated in the auction and all the kids that were there to jump in the bounces!!  Everyone looked like they were having a great time.  We can't say enough THANK YOUS to the Men's Club, and our family and friends for all of the hard work!!! We are eternally grateful!!

Brads nurse MaryAlice was also there tonight to show her support for Brad!  Isn't that wonderful!!!

Tonight we had a food delivery from Ashlie Clouatre!!  Anyone want to guess what she brought over???

Fish, Corn, Potatoes and Fries!!!  Also some yummy cupcakes, cookies and brownies!!
Thanks Ash!!!  We love you!!!


*** To our family, friends (both old and new), co-workers, neighbors, and everyone who attended the Fish Fry,  THANK YOU ~ for your support, love and encouragement!!  THANK YOU for putting a SMILE on Brad's face!!! We Love You!!

secret message...

I was laying in bed trying to sleep around midnight when I heard footsteps coming my way.  I knew immediately it had to be Brad Jr. - he has a habit of sleepwalking.

He stopped in the hallway and screamed; "MOM!!"  I got out of bed and walked toward him and he said "Everything is going to be OK" then he walked back to his room.  I went in there to tuck him back in and I could tell that he was still sleeping.  I asked him "what did you say, Brad?"  He then said "the floor isn't falling from under you."  That was it, he turned over and never said another word.

I asked him this morning, if he remembered any of it and he said no, but are you worried about things falling apart, maybe it's a message from God.

Hmmmmm........

Trapped!

So Brad went for his treatment yesterday.  All went well.  He's feeling good, but back to the tiredness that he's had with the previous treatments.  He's also loosing a bit more body hair (eyebrows and eyelashes).

He's finding very creative ways to occupy his time during the day.  He's been painting, which helps pass the time while I'm at work. 

 Today Yvonne Sandoval dropped off dinner!! (Picture above)  Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Corn on the Cob, Cupcakes and Iced Tea!!  Thanks Yvonne, I don't know how you had time to cook and be so involved in the school play, but it was greatly appreciated and very delicious!

Tonight the kids and I went to the school play.  Trapped!  The SEAS Drama department did a fantastic job!  I really enjoyed the play and the kids enjoyed getting out of the house for the evening!!

I titled the post Trapped after the school play.  It was about two kids who find a trunk in the attic of their new home.  Inside the trunk are articles of clothing that when the kids put it take them to different periods of time.  If it could only be that easy in real life.  I wish that I could put on an article of clothing and magically be sent to another destination, even if it were just for a day!!  A destination where everyone is healthy and happy and where cancer doesnt' exist.  :)

until tomorrow...

something different...

Today was much like yesterday.  Brad pretty much did his own thing and was content doing so.  He did a painting project which seemed to occupy most of his day!

When I got home Dinner was here!! Brad gets so excited when it's dinner time.  He loves the variety and looks forward to the meals that are delivered!!

Tonight's meal was from Jeanne Rodriguez.

Brad took the picture so it's a weird angle!!

Chicken w/ Brown Gravy, Italian Salad, Texas Toast and Brownie/Cookie Bars!  Jeanne it was delicious! We really enjoyed it!!

After dinner Brad told me he noticed something different today!  He said while working on his painting he noticed stray eyebrows or eyelashes on his face, so he started checking other areas.  Since he doesn't have much hair on his head, he checked his under arms!!  I know - gross!!  The hair was coming out!!  The doctor said he would start to lose hair in the third week and they were spot on!!

He goes for another treatment tomorrow.  Hopefully all goes well and we continue to have good days ahead.

until tomorrow...

Watered Down Weekend!

The weekend wasn't to bad!  We didn't do much.  We watched a few movies, watched the kids play outside and ate alot!  Brad didn't want to go anywhere.  I thought he would want to go to the park or visit some family, but he just wanted to stay home.  :(  One thing he did do was tinker around the house.  He watered the lawn 3 times Saturday and 2 times today. Not sure why, but I guess if that's what he wants to do then ok!  He also did a few things in the backyard and fixed a few things around the house that he's been putting off.  He seemed content just doing his own thing. 

He seems to be feeling well physically, which is good!

Tonight we had the perfect ending to a relaxing weekend.  My Mom and Dad made us the best dinner.

Pork Chops, Onion Rice (my favorite) and cooked green beans!! YUM!! Thanks guys!!
Mom also made dessert - bananna pudding!!

Now it's time to snuggle with the kids and get them ready for bed!!
**Bryanna is watching me write tonight and wants to tell everyone HELLO!!**

Until tomorrow.....

Happy Friday!

Brad felt good today.  He wasn't tired, no stomach pain and the only complaint was being bored!! He's glad it's Friday and excited that he won't be home alone tomorrow!!  He did have a couple of visitors today and even some tonight. (Thanks Rachel for making us laugh so hard!!)  He also took on a few projects today ~ like painting an old Bubble Gum machine we've been having for the kids!  Not sure what made him decide to repaint it but i'm glad he's being creative. 

He was very excited about dinner tonight!  Another mealbaby.com meal.  Today's lenten dinner was prepared from Linda  & Craig Guercio.

Crawfish Etouffee, Caesar Salad w/ Boiled Shrimp, Green Peas, Italian French Bread & Brownies!  One word ~ AMAZING! Thanks guys for EVERYTHING!

We wanted to say thank you to everyone for all prayers and support you continue to give everyday.  It is not unnoticed and is greatly appreciated! :) 

Tonight we relaxed and had family movie night.  "Tangled"  It was a perfect ending to a long work week!!

until tomorrow...