Our Journey Through Time

From our CaringBridge site:  www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradynscancerrecovery

Last week went pretty well for everyone here. Brady's treatments went well and his local pediatric neuro-oncologist was happy to see him looking so well. His hemiglobin count was good, it has to be above 10 and his was like a 10.7, and no problems with the proton center or other appointments. Almost a don't-hold-your-breath kind of smoothe but we'll take it!


Something Brady has noticed or made an association with over the last week happens to be with none other than Ms. Angelina. Get this, per Mr. Brady they BOTH have ports! I pretend with him about accessing his port so he isn't scared to do it at the PTC. Now he wants to help "access" Angelina's port when it's time for her to eat and help push the medicine in like he does at the PTC. It's so adorable and endearing to see he feels like he's not different or alone, like she really knows how he feels. He has been getting down in the floor much more often and playing with her, tickling her and singing to her, making her laugh, giving her big hugs and kisses. Very sweet! Even Cirstyn is getting in on the love from big brother. As you know she's kind of a diva so sometimes when he tries to give her a big hug, it turns into a big fight, but most of the time she just hugs and kisses him right back! I don't know if he's just understanding that his family is all here just for him and he's really getting that or what. Whatever it is its the sweetest thing ever! He's such an awesome big brother to his sisters and they all love each other so!

My sister came up on Wednesday so Larry and I had a chance to have dinner together - away from the apartment...sans children! It was quick but nice! She left Thursday morning, heading off for a 10 day work trip. We will see her again when she comes back to the States.

This weekend was pretty good for everyone here! Larry's parents came down to spend some time with all of us and I think they had a really good time as well. We went to the Houston Aquarium but there were so many people there we just had lunch and enjoyed the restaurant aquariums. They are huge with large fish, sharks and eels. It was an enjoyable time for all of us - once the table of like 15 kids beside us vacated! The noise level decreased by more than a few decibles so we could actually hear each other talk without shouting across the table! We all went to that cute little park close to here and played on the slide and swings and all the other park toys they have there. Larry and I even got a date night to celebrate our 16th anniversary which was really nice to get away for a couple of hours. We all enjoyed them coming down and hanging out for the long holiday weekend!

This week has started well so far with proton therapy for Brady. The first day of the week is "port access" day. He did not want to do this today, but we put on his brave face and did it anyway. This boy just continues to amaze me with his bravery and unrelenting determination! We are asking so much of him having to take on this kind of treatment and all that goes with it. He has eaten more of the foods he didn't like before all this or that he just wouldn't try because it looked bad and he does it because he believe us when we tell him the good-for-him-food is helping his body stay strong and helping him get well.  He is the bravest boy I know and my favorite boy in the world!