So it has been a week since the second treatment and let me go over the past 7 days. This treatment has been a lot different on me than the first treatment in regards to the way I feel but I will go over that later. So if you truly know me then you know that I am this real tough man who can deal with about anything. I love to hunt with my bare hands, pick fights with motorcycle gangs, shoot, I will even get tattoos with a rusty needle but I have never had anything that would drop me on my rear more than this chemo. The first treatment wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I got waited on hand and foot and I got to eat all the mashed potatoes I wanted.

So let me go over the past 7 days and let you know how this tough man is doing. It all started last Tuesday morning at breakfast. Avery, Sandy and I have started this tradition of going out for breakfast on the morning of chemo so we can ease Avery's mind and I can have some normal food before everything kicks in. So after dropping Avery at school we went on to the treatment center and started treatment. Upon minutes of starting chemo I could feel and taste the effects of the second round. After a couple hours of treatment I became very sleepy but I don't like to sleep when people are sitting around me so I tried fighting it but the chemo won and I took about an hour nap. Later I was pleasantly surprised by Avery coming and seeing me and that totally lifted my spirits until the precious child and wife decided to play dress up. If you have not noticed the Goldielocks pic then now would be a good time.

So in a nutshell I feel like an old man in this young, firm, tough body that I have. I wake up in the morning by dropping about 5 pills, I have an ensure shake, I have to have soft foods like mashed potatoes, I have to take Metamucil, oh let see what else. Oh yea, I look forward to sitting in a recliner doing cross word puzzles and taking my mid day nap. I have to sit very close to everything because my focus is not very good. Hold on please while I wipe the drool from my mouth. So if you ask me how I am doing, I might stare at you but it's only because I can't hear you. Even with all these great side effects from chemo the best part is I don't feel any more BOB's on my body so that means that this crap is working. I look forward to the day that this mess is over but until then I will continue to fight on.

Brad

Round 2...

Well, we can officially say that 2 treatments are now over and there are only 4 more to go. Yesterday was thankfully a bit of a shorter day than Brad's first treatment, however, he was the first to arrive and one of the last to leave at the end of the day. There was a special surprise in store for the day though and that was Avery getting to come see his Dad while he was receiving his chemotherapy. Yep, that's Goldilocks and Dr. Wirt pictured above.

Avery had really been asking a lot of questions and was quite emotional the few days before Brad's treatment so I was able to get special permission for him to come visit for a couple of hours. Since patients immune systems are so compromised, the staff typically don't allow children who are not receiving treatment to visit the treatment room because of the germs they are exposed to in school.

Avery thought his visit was the best thing ever because he got to leave school an hour early, get some snacks, cool little cans of soda and a never-ending supply of jolly ranchers (to help remove the yucky, metal taste out of the mouths of the patients). Avery did wear a mask for part of the time, but then was able to remove it later during his visit. One of the best parts of the day was caught in the picture above, when I took one of the hats that are made by volunteers for patients who want them and was joking with Brad that he should consider wearing the blond one since it had braids built into it. Brad's nurse Susan said that we should get a picture with Brad wearing it, so of course I did. The entire treatment room burst into laughter seeing Brad wearing the hat and listening to Avery's sweet little giggle while watching his Dad. Avery told us that the visit really helped him understand things better. Avery's visit really helped put things into perspective for all of us and I am so thankful Avery was able to be part of the experience. Below is a picture of Avery signing his Dad's "chemo shirt" yesterday before we left to go out for our family breakfast, a new family tradition we started during Brad's first treatment. We are so proud of Avery's ability to ask questions and to be so strong - just like his Dad.



Today has been a really rough, emotional day for me. As I mentioned in the last entry, Brad's hair has been falling out, although to most people, the place it was the most visible was on his head, where it started looking like a bit of a patchwork quilt during the past few days. Because Brad was feeling a bit self-conscious about it and because he was losing a tremendous amount of chest and other hair, he decided to shave his head and his chest today. I didn't think this would be so tough, yet it was really emotional for both of us.

We are pulling through and of course trying to be as strong as possible. It's total random outbursts that put me into an emotional coma of sorts, but I guess that's just part of the process. I'm glad to say that the process is 1/3 of the way over for this go-around. Thank you to each of you for continuing to follow our story and send positive words of encouragement - we appreciate each and every one of you!

If you're looking for a way to support the American Cancer Society, but just aren't sure how, Avery and I will be participating in Relay for Life on Friday, April 9th. I have relayed for many years, but this year, Avery and I will relay for Brad. He will have his third treatment session earlier that week and will likely not be able to walk with us like he has for the past several years. Just click HERE if you would like to make a secure, online, tax-deductible donation directly through my fundraising page. Remember, every little bit makes a huge difference and your support is appreciated!

Big hugs,
Sandy

Tears of Joy...

Today has been an exciting day! As you all know by now, each of Brad's brothers were tested to see whether they are a bone marrow match for the future. Well, we received a phone call from Duke University that Brad's brother Chad (his fraternal twin) IS a match! As soon as I heard the news, I burst into random tears of joy - it is the answer to many prayers. Although the thought of the transplant isn't so exciting, the fact that when the time comes, we won't have to go through a matching process is thrilling.

I realize we have been pretty quiet the past couple of weeks. Honestly, there hasn't been much to update you on. After about 10 days or so, Brad's energy started returning and he has for the most part, resumed a normal work/life schedule. We did have another random rash scare (much worse than the first), that brought us immediately to see Dr. Fintel, but thankfully, it wasn't shingles. Brad has been taking an antibiotic to help clear it up, but Dr. Fintel says it's not a chemo rash and I think Brad has him a little stumped on a diagnosis. The antibiotic doesn't seem to be working any miracles though and Brad just plugs along trying to maintain his wonderfully upbeat attitude.

One thing we have noticed is that Brad has had a significant decrease in how quickly his hair is growing and has stopped shaving his head completely. One of the most highly anticipated side effects to the chemo officially started last night. When Brad removed his shirt, it had lots of his chest hair stuck to it. He said when he showered tonight and was washing his chest, his hands were covered in hair. I think this is much more emotional for Brad than he wants anybody to know. I guess I would equate it to a woman with breast cancer having a mastectomy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not equalizing a woman's breasts with a man's chest hair (especially since his hair will grow back), but for each, there are issues of self-esteem and self-confidence involved. At this point, his hair loss is not visible, but it won't be long before it is and his emotions are impacted even more.

The second round of chemo will take place next Tuesday and will be another all day event, but we can then say that two are finished! On the upside of things, Dr. Fintel indicated that Brad's complete blood count (CBC) levels looked great after his first round of chemo and have adjusted his treatments from 8 to 6. Apparently, if the lymphoma isn't in remission after 6 session, an additional two isn't going to do much more.

Speaking of treatment, I do want to share something that has absolutely astonished us and says volumes about health care in our country. Brad's first chemo session cost $16,396. The shot that he had to have the day after chemo to help replenish his white blood cells was another $7,985. Obviously, his life is priceless, BUT at what point do those who have the power to enact change make it happen? We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have access to some of the best physicians and health care services in the world, yet so many cannot take advantage due to the economic hardship it would put them under. We are so fortunate that Brad is getting the care he needs and has a talented team leading the way. How amazing would it be if everybody had the same opportunity?

Hugs to all,
Sandy

The "Brad Wear" Has Arrived...

I wanted to get something small to give to family and friends as a symbol of all the thanks and support we have received for Brad. I'm excited to announce that the official "lymphomaniac Brad bracelet" has arrived - yep, that is Brad's lovely wrist modeling it in the picture above. I was SO excited to see it arrive today! If you decide that you would like to be an official member of the club, just send me an e-mail and let me know (sandywirt@cox.net) and I would be more than happy to drop one in the mail to you. Todd, Kevin, Chad, Mom & Dad - no RSVPs are needed from you - yours are already set aside for you and your families :) One side of the bracelet reads: "Gone Green For Brad" (since lime green is the ribbon color for lymphoma) and the other side of the bracelet reads: "Faith * Love * Cure".

This past week has honestly been better than we anticipated, but still rough to see Brad so tired and not his normal self. He spent most of the week shuffling between our bed, the couch and the recliner chair that we have placed in the living room for his comfort. Thanks Mom and Dad for deciding that after 20 years you all needed to get new chairs so we could get your hand me down - it is a WONDERFUL addition and makes the uncomfortable nights when Brad can't sleep and decides to respond to work e-mail or do Facebook in the middle of the night much, much nicer!! Other than restless nights, lots of nausea, utter exhaustion, and his mouth and throat sores, Brad is so strong and I couldn't be a more proud wife.

The day after chemo, Brad immediately noticed his taste for things changed. The only drink he can drink (and enjoy) is iced tea, although finally after 7 days since treatment, he had a cup of coffee today and said it kinda tasted like coffee again (we're hoping this means his taste buds are coming back until Round 2). Additionally, he has discovered that potatoes are one of the few foods he can eat that really haven't changed in taste no matter how they are prepared. This is great news since tea and potatoes are honestly some of his favorites - we are really thankful to have found a few "comforts" for him during the past week.

Brad has been a real trooper during the week and today he went to work for a few hours which was great so that he could get out and about a bit. Especially since he spent most of last week cooped up in the house, getting out was a good morale booster for him.

We have many thanks to issue in this blog (please accept my dearest apology if I missed somebody on this list):

1. To all of Brad's family for their never-ending support. We are so, so lucky and blessed to have each of you helping us get through this in so many ways - thank you. Whether near or afar, Brad's diagnosis truly is bringing our family closer together and we are very thankful for that!

2. To our next door neighbors Pat and Wayne for the delicious roast they prepared for us last week!

3. A special thanks to Brad's brother Todd for taking two weeks away from his family and work to come home from Hawaii. It was wonderful having you home!

4. To Chad & Cathy Kropff for the delicious delivery of milkshakes for Brad and me (fortunately, I have my taste buds and could enjoy it more than Brad)!

5. To Kim (Brad's cousin) & family for the surprise drop off of iced-tea on our porch last week!

6. To the employees at Brad's branch of East Coast Metals for the surprise donation of gift cards for Brad to put toward whatever need arises.

7. To Chad (Brad's brother) for coming by to hook up wireless internet at our house this past weekend - we just figured out how to make the phone work again :)

8. To Lisa (Brad's cousin) & family for the delicious dinner and beautiful plant that was delivered tonight.

We know we are so very fortunate and that sadly, there are others out there who make this journey without anybody by their side. Please keep them in your thoughts - we saw a couple of patients at the cancer center last week without anybody there to support them. I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that there will not be one chemo session that Brad will attend alone. Thanks for all the continued support, happy thoughts and prayers you're sending our way.

Love,

Sandy