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