Adventures With Braxton

Come Visit Our New Family "Blender Blog"

2008-07-15T12:33:00.000-05:00

Now that Braxton is transitioning from a cancer patient to a cancer survivor (WAHOOOOO!!!), we have decided to start a new blog that will be for the whole family - our "Blender Blog"!

You can come to the Blender Blog to get updates on Braxton and the rest of our blended family at the new blog site:

Blender Blog (http://ourblenderblog.blogspot.com/)

So come on over and check it out!!!

Thank You, Girl Scouts!

2008-07-10T12:08:00.002-05:00

Last week Angela Litzinger, Tim Wagenknecht, Zach, and several girls from Zoe's girl scout troop got together and graciously preparfed some meals for our family.

Thank you!!!

Headed Up North

2008-07-05T00:32:00.001-05:00

Braxton & Beth came home at midnight. Braxton is in a splint for now - no surgery necessary. He can still join us for our trip up north, but he can't get in the water. He needs to see his specialist on Tuesday, so we may have to come back early.

But for now we're headed up north for a much needed family vacation. We'll have everyone except for Bayley (who is headed to church camp). Even Rufus & Sunny get to join us.

So give thanks to God for Braxton's good health and for a chance for the family to have some fun!!!

+ posted by David

Setback ...

2008-07-04T23:25:00.002-05:00

After a nice day celebrating the 4th of July, Braxton had to go to the E.R. tonight.

He was throwing a ball while playing with his siblings when he felt a pop. His arm was in great pain and it was clear something had gone wrong. Beth took him to the E.R. where we learned that he had broken his arm. Beth and Braxton are still at the hospital waiting for an osteo specialist who will determine if surgery is needed.

We are fortunate that the break happened while we were still near home and not when we were up north for our vacation.

For now, I am home awaiting news. Please pray for Braxton and Beth.

+ posted by David

Update Post

2008-07-02T10:44:00.002-05:00

hello all,
most of you know that Braxton is doing very wel and done with chemo treatments. He will begin his after treatment care plan, having clinic visits and blood work monthly for 12 months. Braxton is very relieved and happy to be getting back to trying to regain strength. He is walking and swimming, mostly. he still has mobility restrictions for the next 2 weeks and then he will have restrictions for a short time after his port is removed at the end of July.
Braxton will go to Boy Scout camp this summer! That's a major milestone for him and for me!! Letting him go and just be a kid is great! God has been very good to us!!
We look forward to spending the rest of the summer at home and taking short trips. Happy summer everyone! Thankyoufor your support!
-posted by Beth

Another Crabby Patty!!!

2008-06-26T22:04:00.002-05:00

CRABBY PATTY!!

Justin Morneau hit another Crabby Patty (home run) in today's Twins game!

That's 12 Crabby Patties for 2008.

The Turtles Conquered!!

2008-06-19T19:46:00.002-05:00

Today I took Bayley, Braxton, Zoe and Emma to the U hospital to attend the 22nd annual Turtle Derby! It was a hoot! So many people shouting and cheering for the fastest turtles! The Turtle Derby is a fundraiser for children's programs at the hospital. Turtles are sponsored by various departments and groups within the hospital. 5B turtle made it to the finals but then refused to move...at all...and we waited...then declared another the winner. Emma sat right up near the race platform and Braxton visited with nurse friends that he saw and was even on TV with Emily (Family Life) broadcasting to the kids inside that couldn't leave the floor. Everyone had a great time and will be back for the races next year. :)
Braxton's counts are all great and hemoglobin shot up to 11 after his transfusion yesterday. It's all good!
-posted by Beth

2008-06-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

THE TURTLES ARE COMING!

And They're Off!

2008-06-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

Braxton Plays Commentator

2008-06-19T12:27:00.001-05:00

Go, Slo-Mo!

2008-06-19T12:25:00.002-05:00

Cameo Appearance by Santa Claus

2008-06-19T12:23:00.001-05:00

Braxton, Bayley, Zoe, and Emma at Turtle Races

2008-06-19T12:21:00.001-05:00

Emma Watches the Action

2008-06-19T12:18:00.001-05:00

Turtle Lady!

2008-06-19T12:17:00.001-05:00

Braxton & His Favorite Nurse, Tara

2008-06-19T12:15:00.001-05:00

A Night at the Ballpark!

2008-06-18T15:46:00.003-05:00

What a day we had yesterday!

Yesterday was a celebration of Braxton's recovery and it was more than anything we had expected!

Braxton's football coaches gave Braxton 4 tickets to last night's Twins game and arranged for Braxton to have the opportunity to meet some of the Twins players. We were told to be at the Twins Executive Offices by 4:30pm for a 7:05pm game.

We arrived at about 4:20pm and were escorted through the restricted parts of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and out onto the ball-field. The Twins players were taking Batting Practice and we were close enough to reach out and touch them.

We saw Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Carlos Gomez, Craig Monroe, Delmon Young, Brian Busher, Brendon Harris, and Alexi Casilla take turns in the batting cage. We also saw former Twins greats Tony Oliva and Jack Morris out on the field. And Dick Bremer, the Twins TV analyst, came by and talked to us. Wow!

But that was just the beginning.

Braxton also got to sit in a special area where the Twins players came by after finishing with Batting Practice and some of them stopped to autograph a baseball for him. He got autographs from Joe Mauer, Carlos Gomez, Delmon Young, Craig Monroe, Kevin Slowey, and Jesse Crain.

But that's not all.

He also got some real face-to-face time with the Twins newest superstar Carlos "Go-Go" Gomez. Gomez came over and shook Braxton's hand, signed his hat and glove, and posed for a picture with Braxton. And then he gave Braxton the bat he had been using for batting practice!!! That was a truly wonderful gesture and really made Braxton feel special!

Thank you, Carlos!!!

After all of the special pre-game on-field stuff, we were treated to a great game. A Twins win!!!

Livan Hernandez was the Twins starter and he pitched a beautiful game. He gave up only one run over 7 innings of work.

The Twins struggled behind the plate. They didn't get a hit until the fourth inning - a double by Joe Mauer. And Justin Morneau was really struggling as he killed two rallies with runners in scoring position. In the bottom of the first inning the Twins had runners at 1st and 2nd with only one out. Morneau hit into a double play. Then in the fourth inning, Morneau followed a Joe Mauer double with a weak fly ball to center.

By the time Justin Morneau came to bat in the 6th inning, he looked crabby. Very crabby. This time there were two outs in the inning, Joe Mauer was at 1st base, and the Twins were trailing 1-0. I looked at Beth and said, "Morneau is crabby. He's gonna whack this ball." And he did!

Justin "Crabby Pants" Morneau took the first pitch he saw and MASHED it deep deep deep to left field. That ball was crushed! It soared about ten rows deep into the upper deck of left field. Wow!!!

Now that's a Crabby Patty!

Other players may hit dingers, taters, long balls, or home runs. Not Morneau. Justin Morneau hits Crabby Patties!

After that home run, the game flew quickly toward the 9th inning. Hernandez pitched through the 7th. Matt Guerrier came in and pitched the 8th. And Joe Nathan closed out the win in the 9th.

The Twins Win!

2-1.

In under 2 hours.

And one boy recovering from cancer got to have the night of a lifetime.

Thank you, Twins, for giving Braxton a life affirming experience!!!

+ posted by David

2008-06-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

CRABBY PATTY!!

Justin Morneau hit another Crabby Patty (home run) in last night's Twins game!

That's 11 Crabby Patties for 2008.

A great day!!

2008-06-18T15:44:00.000-05:00

Braxton has escaped the extra hospital stay and has managed to rest and hydrate his way through minor fever scares and fatigue from low counts!!! He is, currently, having a blood transfusion to give him some energy and kick his hemoglobin up. We are, almost, off of the chemo treatment train and gearing up help Braxton to be a regular kid again.
Lastnight we were able to take Braxton to the Twins game! Tickets, compliments of his football coaches from MVYF, were a great treat. Braxton was able to go onthe field and watch batting practice. He was also given the opportunity to talk with players and get autographs! Carlos Gomez signed his practice bat and gave it to Braxton! He also signed Braxton's Twins cap and baseball glove. Braxton got autographs from Joe Mauer too (and a bunch of other players whose names I can't remember but Braxton knows them... :) ) It was a good night of relaxed fun with the kid. We needed that!! Pictures will follow.
Please continue to pray for Braxton's healthy recovery and clean scans next week. Tomorrow we will be attending the Turtle Races at the U Hospital campus to benefit children's research and special services. On June 28, the Children's Cancer Research Fund is hosting the annual Time To Fly walk/run. We will be out of town and cannot particpate but look forward to taking part in it next year!!
Thankyou all for your support and warm wishes!!
-posted by Beth

David, Beth, Brad & Braxton on Field (06/17/2008)

2008-06-18T15:42:00.000-05:00

Braxton & Carlos "Go-Go" Gomez

2008-06-18T15:41:00.001-05:00

Joe Mauer - The Uber-Catcher

2008-06-18T15:38:00.000-05:00

Brad & Braxton in Stands

2008-06-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

Braxton & Beth in Stands

2008-06-18T15:31:00.002-05:00

Joe Mauer Sets the Table With a Base Hit

2008-06-18T15:29:00.002-05:00

Justin Morneau Hits the Game Winning Crabby Patty!

2008-06-18T15:27:00.002-05:00

Joe Nathan Closes the Door

2008-06-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

Twins Win!!!

2008-06-18T15:10:00.000-05:00

Braxton & Beth On Field

2008-06-18T15:04:00.002-05:00

Brad & Braxton On Field

2008-06-18T15:03:00.002-05:00

Autographed Baseball

2008-06-18T14:59:00.000-05:00

Braxton w- Autographed Carlos Gomez Bat

2008-06-18T14:57:00.002-05:00

Twins Uber-Catcher, Joe Mauer

2008-06-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

Joe Mauer Signs Braxton's Baseball

2008-06-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

Tony Oliva Shares Wisdom w- Craig Monroe & Delmon Young

2008-06-18T14:48:00.001-05:00

Carlos "Go-Go" Gomez Signs Braxton's Hat

2008-06-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

Joe Mauer @ Batting Practice

2008-06-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

Justin Morneau Prepares for Batting Practice

2008-06-18T14:39:00.001-05:00

Dick Bremer & Tony Oliva

2008-06-18T14:36:00.001-05:00

Day 96: Walking the Line

2008-06-17T10:49:00.003-05:00

We are walking a thin line today as Braxton rests at home.

Tonight should be a great night for Braxton. His football coach (Keith Kerfeld) gave Braxton some special tickets for tonight's Twins game against the Washington Nationals. Braxton will have a chance to get on the field before the game and watch the Twins take batting practice. All we have to do is get him there.

We have been crossing our fingers and praying since Braxton finished his last round of chemo. So far Braxton has had to return to the hospital after each round of chemotherapy to protect his body from sickness. Each time before Braxton's cell counts have dropped and his temp has gone up.

Ironically, the first time Braxton had to go back to the hospital after chemo, it was after he attended a Twins game with his Dad.

This time, though, we're hoping it's different. Braxton has already made it longer at home than after any previous chemo treatment. His cell counts have dropped in the last couple of days. And his temp started to climb yesterday. But as of this morning he was still ok to stay home and he has a day time blood transfusion scheduled for tomorrow. So we're hoping that if he takes it easy today that he'll be ok to go to the game tonight.

Go, Braxton!

Go, Twins!

We'll let you know how it all turns out.

+ posted by David.

P.S. - I have posted some pictures below. Sorry it took me so long to get them uploaded.

Braxton, Dr. Beck, and Dr. Burke (06/02/2008)

2008-06-17T10:46:00.002-05:00

Remembering Where it all Happened

2008-06-17T10:42:00.001-05:00

Emma's Balloon w- Chicken Pox (06/15/2008)

2008-06-17T10:38:00.000-05:00

She Used Real Chickens (06/15/2008)

2008-06-17T10:32:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Zoe!

2008-06-17T10:30:00.003-05:00

Zoe's Birthday Party (06/12/2008)

2008-06-17T10:28:00.002-05:00

Zoe "Coco" Kinner (06/11/2008)

2008-06-17T10:26:00.003-05:00

Emma & Toady (06/10/2008)

2008-06-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

Last Chemo Bag!!!

2008-06-17T10:18:00.001-05:00

Nurse Brings Last Chemo Treatment (06/08/2008)

2008-06-17T10:17:00.001-05:00

Fat Squirrel Raiding Hospital Dumpsters (06/08/2008)

2008-06-17T10:15:00.001-05:00

Emma Cruising Hospital Hallways (06/07/2008)

2008-06-17T10:13:00.003-05:00

Zoe & Gretchen on Computers in Teen Room (06/07/2008)

2008-06-17T10:11:00.001-05:00

Braxton & Paul Playing Hockey in the Teen Room (06/07/2008)

2008-06-17T10:09:00.001-05:00

Gift from Chicago Cops!!! (06/06/2008)

2008-06-17T10:03:00.003-05:00

A BIG Thank You to the Chicago Area 1 Gang Operations Officers!!!!

Gift of Yearbook - Signed by Classmates & Teachers! (06/06/2008)

2008-06-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

Football Coaches and Special Gifts (6/5/2008)

2008-06-17T09:57:00.001-05:00

Post Chemo Update

2008-06-16T16:33:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,
Braxton is celebrating his 7th day after chemo being at home! His white cells are quite low, today, at 900 (that's hundred) and platelets are low enough for a transfusion. But, Braxton doesn't have a fever so he doesn't have to be admitted. He's been scheduled for a day transfusion for wednesday. He'll get blood and platelets and be there for the whole day. Braxton has enjoyed the nice weather and has had some fun everyday but gets worn out easily. Please continue to pray that Braxton's body can fight off a rising fever until his white cells recover in a few days. He's SO ready to be done with the University hospital and we are too.
posted by Beth

Friday News Update

2008-06-13T11:27:00.002-05:00

Braxton is doing well, so far! His counts are good rightnow and he's had some energy. He hung out with a friend, yesterday, and went to help keep score at his Shoreview Navy baseball game. We continue to monitor his temp and symptoms.
Zoe had her 10th!!!! birthday on wednesday the 11th. Happy Birthday to Zoe! She spent the day with her dad and siblings and ended the day playing a wet soccer game, with her team, and opening presents at Cold Stone Creamery with her family. her team sang to her and we showered her with presents and a big balloon. On thursday, Zoe had her kid party with 6 friends in attendance. We went to the Shoreview Community Center Pool and spent , almost, 3 hours swimming. The girls were not tired but they were HUNGRY. We came home and they demolished 3 pizzas. It was a fun night for all but no sleeping til around 2 a.m. I gave up at 1 a.m. and went to bed for 4 hours before getting up for work. Maybe today will be a quiet and slow day at our house...
Watch for posted pictures soon!

Home Again!!

2008-06-10T11:53:00.003-05:00

Braxton, finally, got home yesterday at 3ish. Everything takes longer than you think that it will...and it did. Chemo took longer to finish, then the spinal tap was backed up, then waiting to be let out. Braxton was happy to be home and, emmediately, began the banter with his sisters. I went upstairs to find some quiet. :) We're on germ watch now and counting days.
Zoe is getting ready for her 10th birthday tomorrow, June 11, and a sleepover party on thursday. They really do get older before your eyes!:( We'll be swimming at the community center and then sleeping (or not sleeping) and playing around for the rest of the night. Should be fun!!
Happy birthday to sister-in-law Jennifer Houston!!
More Braxton news as it develops...
-posted by Beth

Last Chemo!!!!!

2008-06-08T17:16:00.003-05:00

This afternoon, Braxton's nurse hung his LAST 24 hr. chemo infusion!!! He''ll be done tomorrow by 9 a.m. then off to his spinal tap and ...home!!! 3 months of heavy duty chemo treatments are finished and results are great! Nurses have been coming in to congratulate Braxton for being finished. :) He would be happier if he weren't having nausea symptoms from the drugs. He hasn't been sleeping well and is grumpy and impatient to be in the hospital for so long. So, I've kept myself busy and he's been sleeping and laying low most of today.
Yesterday David brought the group to have pizza and play games. We played Clue and then the bigger kids headed off to the Teen Room for more games and hockey with the hockey guys on the sliding and spinning metal rods under glass... Emma found a selection of trikes on the floor and, after choosing the best one, began her hour long spins around 5A and 5B and long hallways in between. David and I took turns trailing her and listenng to her talk. They all left 3 hrs. later and Braxton collapsed into bed. We watched the Twins for a few innings then switched to a movie instead.
Braxton has been sleeping on and off for about 3 hours, now. Lack of sleep and nausea drugs are taking their toll. But sleep is therapeutic. Brad will be coming for the last night shift and to bring Brax home after his spinal tap. We'll be on full time germ watch and counting the days until Braxton may have to come back with low white cell counts and a fever. Please continue to pray for Braxton's recovery.
-posted by Beth
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

3 More Days

2008-06-07T12:14:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Braxton and I have been trying to keep his time half-way interesting. Yesterday, Braxton played alot of video games, watched tv and had 2 mandatory walks around the floor (ordered by PT). We watched "Uncle Buck" and I got started on reading for my next class. We tried to watch the Twins game but it got too disappointing. Why do the White Sox where black sox?! We called Uncle Jeff to ponder the answer to that question but didn't get too far. He failed to see the quirkiness of the question. :)
The night was long, with nurses checking vitals and chemo bag changes. I don't think either one of us slept well. Braxton usually sleeps intil 10 ish but was up at 8 today. He's uncomfortable sleeping on his right side and feels conscious of, potentially, pulling out his port. His legs are doing that "restless leg" thing so he's just crabby...alot. We're gonna go take a floor walk and try to get rid of the cramps.
more later...
posted by Beth

Day 85: Healthy Food

2008-06-06T13:33:00.002-05:00

After skipping breakfast, Braxton and I decided to go "healthy" for lunch.

DQ BLIZZARDS!!!!

One Oreo Blizzard for Braxton. One Reese's Peanut-Butter Cup Blizzard for me.

Viva la DQ!

+ posted by David

Day 85: Quiet Morning

2008-06-06T09:23:00.002-05:00

It was a quiet night last night and now it's a quiet morning here on 5-B. It's 9:30am, I'm at the computer and working, and Braxton snores away.

Last night Braxton spent most of the evening playing baseball on PS2. But then we watched most of the second-half of the Celtics-Lakers game. KG and Paul Pierce led the Celtics to a Game 1 victory over Kobe and the Lakers.

GO, K-G!

Then Braxton watched two episodes of "Home Improvement" and we turned lights out at midnight.

But as I said ...

All is quiet now.

+ posted by David

Day 84: The Beat Goes On

2008-06-05T20:59:00.003-05:00

It's just another day during this - hopefully final - round of chemo. Not much to report on the treatment front. The only scheduled procedure today was another dose of chemotherapy.

Brad was with Braxton last night and for most of the day today.

Bayley and Zoe came to visit Braxton after school (just a half-day today). They helped Braxton build a Lego ship and then played the Disney version of "Scene-It." Bayley won - which just goes to show that she has seen too many Disney movies. Later in the day Moundsview Youth Football coaches Keith Kerfeld and Todd Jaeger came to visit. They coached Braxton for many seasons, including the last 07 season when Braxton's cancer adventure started. Braxton said they talked about "stuff". That's good in guy talk, I guess. Thanks for coming by coaches!

Emma had her "graduation" from pre-school tonight. She sang with her fellow Buny Group friends, got to talk in the mic to announce where she will be going to Kindergarten and recieved her diploma and a flower. It was very cute. Beth's Frog Group kids rocked the house with their moving and grooving "Energy" song. Emma is all ready to head to Kindergarten now. :)

I have come to relieve Brad and take a shift with Braxton. I'll stay here at the hospital tonight and through half the day tomorrow. Then Beth will come for the weekend.

I was hoping to get Braxton to watch some of the NBA finals tonight. I'd like to see Kevin Garnett get his chance for a championship ring. But for now Braxton is heavy into baseball on PS2. He is playing as the New York Yankees (boooo!) in a game against the once lowly Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Maybe we'll switch to basketball later.

Thank you, all, for your continued prayers and comments. We appreciate them all!

+posted by David

Still sleeping!!! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

2008-06-04T19:51:00.002-05:00

It is now about 7:55 pm and Brax is still sleeping. He didn't miss much the first inning and a half as the Oriole's scored three runs. But then the Twins come storming back with two runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning, courtesy of a couple hits, a hit batter and a wild pitch. Keep on coming, Twins.

Brad the Dad

Snoozing away

2008-06-04T18:21:00.002-05:00

Braxton is now resting nicely after the nurse have him some Trivan(?). He last vomitted at 4:25 and has been sleeping ever since, except for one bathroom break. It is nice to see him resting comfortably after throwing up for two and one half hours. I hope he wakes up in time to watch the Twins with me. Otherwise, a cheer or a jeer from his dad may wake him up.

Again, thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers. Braxton is evidence that prayer works as God has continued to bless us with good news.

Take Care and God Bless,

Brad the Dad

Not feeling so good

2008-06-04T16:02:00.004-05:00

Braxton had his lumbar puncture today and everything went well. They were even able to get the bandages off of his arm where he had the biopsy last Thursday. The anesthesiologist was very helpful, tender and patient while helping the nurse remove the bandages. Braxton woke up briefly right before the lumbar puncture had finished. Then he woke up again when they were still removing his bandages and started asking questions about the bandages in that sort of groggy, dreamy state. It turned out that the surgeon had left two long sutures(?) in and had taped these down with a sterri strip. This is the main cause for the bandages coming off so difficultly, along with the dried blood.
Enough about that. Braxton got back to his room at about 2pm and has been vomiting ever since. He had some fluconasol at first, then at about 4pm they gave him something else to try to settle down his tummy. More vomiting at 4:20pm. If it continues, they are going to give Brax some Benadryl. He is now tired and trying to rest. More info to follow.

Brad the Dad

Rough Night-Rough Start

2008-06-03T12:00:00.003-05:00

Hello again,
Ok, our story picks up this morning with a scheduled fluoroscopy at 11 to use real time imaging to help the doc check out the condition of Braxton's port and to help guide him to access it. Brad called me at 8:30 a.m. to say that they were bringing Braxton down right then! So...I jump in the mini van and purposefully made my way through Hwy 280 rush hour traffic and made it down to Imaging by 9ish. They were waiting for me to begin, which was good. The difficulty of accessing Braxton's port has become legend amongst the U of M medical staff. "Oh, I've heard about you" the doctor replied when asked if he was using the right sized needle. Braxton had been given the emla cream to numb the area for port access before going down to Imaging but, once the needle was inserted and the doctor was moving (swiveling, corkscrewing...) it around to try to get it in place, Braxton started jerking and the tears came. He was in alot of pain but didn't say anything. I was crying because Braxton was crying and Brad yelled at the doctor. So...everyone stopped and took a step back. We requested lydocane (sp?) to numb Braxton's tissue below the surface, which they quickly followed through with. They gave him 3 shots before he could handle the pain of having the port accessed. Nurse Teresa stepped in and asked to relieve the doctor and give it a try (since she has succesfully accessed Braxton before). Teresa hit the mark right away and we could all stress down. Big sigh of relief from all 5 physicians and nurses who had gathered to help. Oh, my gosh...there is not much worse than watching your child be in pain and not being able to help. This was another good time that Brad's temper came in handy.
Braxton recovered well and was able to walk up to the floor by himself and relax in his bed. He has started his 4 hr fluid drip and will begin methotrexate and doxyrubicin chemo drugs by 4ish. The 24 delay will have us bringing Brax home on monday evening. Hopefully the rest of the stay will be VERY uneventful.
-posted by Beth

Three strikes and your out!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-02T22:25:00.002-05:00

Problems with Braxton's port continue as the nurses tried three times to access said port with no success, hence, three strikes and your out. Brax is so mello that he doesn't say anything. Well, his dad is maybe not so mello. After the third try vascular access came to the room. They wanted to try again. Thats when not so mello dad stepped in and said whoa! I thought three times was two times too many. They then did an x-ray to try to see if the needle was in the port. The x-ray didn't show anything that helped to explain why the access wasn't working. So with the port not accessed, no chemo tonight and now Brax has to stay in the hospital one extra day so he can get through his full round of chemo. Bummer.

More later,

Brad the Dad

Final Round!

2008-06-02T16:24:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone!
Here we are on 5B for the last chemo round. Braxton is very excited to get it done. He has no roomate, yet, :) and can spread out until someone else moves in. We met with Dr. Burke and
Dr. Beck, this afternoon and they told us the good news that the "spot" on Braxton's arm is, indeed, a spot. Nothing major. It's a benign fibrous spot on his bone that just never calcified. No one would have noticed it at all, ever, if they hadn't been looking for anything that would light up on scan. So, chemo will go on as planned and we won't need to address anything more. That's a huge answer to prayer!!
Braxton is in a double room with no roomate yet..that's good too. The rainclouds are forming and we're on the window side so we can watch the happenings on the river. Brax is in good shape and ready to get chemo started.
more later...
-posted by Beth

Braxton, Bayley, Emma, Paul, Gretchen, & Zoe at Zoo (5/25/2008)

2008-06-02T14:13:00.001-05:00

Red Panda (5/25/2008)

2008-06-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

Ghostly Shark (5/25/2008)

2008-06-02T14:11:00.002-05:00

Emma Watches Fish (5/25/2008)

2008-06-02T14:10:00.000-05:00

Emma at the Zoo (5/25/2008)

2008-06-02T14:08:00.000-05:00

Zoe, Bayley & Braxton at the Zoo (5/23/2008)

2008-06-02T14:05:00.001-05:00

Zoe, Emma, Braxton & Bayley at Mini-Golf (5/23/2008)

2008-06-02T14:00:00.002-05:00

Emma Gets Some Help (5/23/2008)

2008-06-02T13:59:00.002-05:00

Zoe Gets Hole-in-One (5/23/2008)

2008-06-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

Braxton Feels the Love (5/23/2008)

2008-06-02T13:57:00.002-05:00

Bayley Playing Mini-Golf (5/23/2008)

2008-06-02T13:54:00.000-05:00

Emma at Park (5/18/2008)

2008-06-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

Paul, Beth & Braxton at Park (5/18/2008)

2008-06-02T13:48:00.000-05:00

Bayley & Braxton at Park (5/18/2008)

2008-06-02T13:42:00.001-05:00

Recovery

2008-05-30T09:44:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
Braxton is doing very well after his surgery and recovering at home. he is wearing a sling to keep pressure off of his incision, and is quite swollen. Still, he's figured out how to play Wii and text on his phone.
Bayley is participating in Senior Takeover Day today, at her school. The graduating Seniors were done yesterday so today is incoming Seniors day to begin their rule:). She's very excited!
Zoe will be having an archery field trip with Girl Scouts tomorrow. Should be fun for her! And I will be bushwacking my way through the weeds to find my garden. I finished another grad class lastnight! 3 more to go...
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
-posted by Beth

Biopsy Day

2008-05-29T14:06:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,
We're at the University of Minn. Hospital in the recovery room with Braxton. He went in to surgery at around 11:45. His surgeon, Dr. Clohisy, is exploring the "spot" on Braxton's right arm (his right distal humerus). The spot is about the size of an elongated quarter and is on the bone and just under the surface of the bone. They took a sample which left a small hole in the bone. Braxton will have to avoid baseball playing and golfing for a few weeks to avoid fracture. The sample has been sent away and we should get a call from Dr. Clohisy on tuesday-ish. Braxton is waking up well. No nausea so far, just tired. He'll get moved to another awake/recovery room til he is strong enough to go home. Thankyou, all, for your prayers for Braxton's treatment and recovery. He will be home til monday then will be back at the U of M for his last chemo treatment!! More later...
-posted by Beth

Day 75: Homecoming & Circus Weekend Extravaganza!

2008-05-27T10:25:00.002-05:00

It was a great weekend for Braxton and the family! Starting with the news Friday morning that Braxton was coming home, the whole weekend developed into a celebration. Throw in the fact that it was a "Circus Weekend" (a weekend when Paul & Gretchen are also with us), and it soon became an extravaganza of fun!!

The celebrating started on Friday as soon as Braxton returned home. We took Braxton to Red Robin for lunch. Braxton had a cheeseburger and fries while his mom had some sort of barbecue chicken-wrap.

When the girls returned home from school, we took everyone out for a round of mini-golf. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and it was a great day to be outdoors. Emma really enjoyed it and now calls mini-golfing her favorite thing to do.

Paul & Gretchen came down on Saturday and the house was filled with the noise of having all six children at home. Braxton played the Wii version of Tiger Woods PGA Golf and really enjoyed it. Braxton also got to go Kyaking with his mom on a local lake. They had a great time and were only mildly afraid of the giant Snapping Turtle lurking in the depths.

On Sunday we took the whole circus to the Minnesota Zoo. It was another great day! Everybody really enjoyed the zoo. Wee walked the Tropics Trail and the Minnesota Trail and then we rode the monorail. We stayed for the Dolphin show and packed up to go home.

The original plan was to stop at DQ for ice cream on the way home, but the skies grew dark and the tornado sirens sounded so we skipped the ice cream and went straight home. Some bad tornadoes touched down in Coon Rapids and Hugo, both a little north of where we live, but everything was ok for us. We went and got our DQ after dinner and after the storms had passed.

On Monday (Memorial Day) we went over to my Mom & Dad's house for some grilling and fun. Unfortunately, after finally hitting 80 degrees on Sunday, the temps dropped on Monday and it felt cold. So we ate indoors (but still grilled).

All-in-all, it was a terrific weekend. A fun-filled, Circus weekend, extravaganza for everybody!!

Welcome home, Braxton!!!

P.S. - pictures coming soon.

+ posted by David

Good News!

2008-05-23T10:04:00.002-05:00

We just spoke to Braxton's doctor and he gets to go home today!

WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

We're celebrating with lunch at Red Robin.

+ posted by David

Day 71: Quiet Night

2008-05-23T09:37:00.000-05:00

Good morning!

We had a quiet night. Braxton turned the tv off at 11:00, I set up my bed, and we went to sleep. A couple people came in during the night to check Braxton's temp, but otherwise it was very quiet. The blood-work person came in at 7:00am to draw blood. Unfortunately he had some trouble accessing Braxton's veins. Braxton didn't seem upset and he went right back to sleep.

It's 9:30am now and Braxton is still sleeping. I am working in the quiet and waiting for him to wake up so that I can open the curtains and see the sunshine.

Hopefully everything will check out this morning and we'll be able to come home.

+ Posted by David

Day 70: Almost Home

2008-05-22T19:58:00.003-05:00

It's a quiet evening and I've come in to take a turn with Braxton. The sun is setting over the campus here at the University of Minnesota and Braxton is watching "Home Improvement."

But when I arrived, he was heavily in to a game of golf on the PS2 system. The "Tiger Woods PGA Tour." He played for about two hours. Very realistic and very fun!!!

Braxton's mood seems pretty good and his counts are coming up, but the nurse just took his temperature and it's still at 100.1.

Still, we hope he can come home tomorrow. Everybody at home really really misses him and he is tired of being cooped up at the hospital.

+ posted by David

Wednesday

2008-05-21T15:22:00.002-05:00

Here we are in room 21 at the U of M Hospital. Braxton is still having problems getting his white blood count up. So, if anyone out there knows a wbc dance, start dancing. Dad, that means you too.
We now have a new quote of the day person. Beth, the mom, after I told her today that Braxton's wbc was still at 300, said, "I gave him the shot, Braxton was there!" I had to laugh at that one.
We had a nurse come in today and told us that maybe Braxton could get outside for a while. Brax and I thought we could walk somewhere and get a bite to eat. Well, after the blood counts came back the Doctor said no way to go out to eat and no way to even getting outside. If she would have let us outside, I was going to sneak Brax to Applebee's. You can imagine Braxton's disappointment. So instead, I ordered us food and walked over to Applebee's to pick it up. Burger and fries and grilled cheese and fries was enjoyed.
It does not look to good for Brax to get out of the Hospital Thursday as we had hoped. He had a fever of 101.1 at 10pm Tuesday night. The fever, coupled with his low blood counts spells more time in the hospital. It now looks like our best case scenario would be to get out Friday.
AAAAAAAUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHH. 3:55 pm and Braxton's fever just hit 101.1 again. That usually means another two days. Bummer, man.
We now know what is going to happen with Braxton's spot on his arm. On Tuesday, May 27 Brax will have another pet scan. On Thursday, May 29 Dr. Klohise will perform a biopsy surgery on Braxton's arm. Then on Monday, June 2 we will meet with the Doctors and find out what is up with the spot on the arm and begin the last round of chemo. This is another bummer because the kids and I always go back to the farm for "Saddle Horse Holidays", which tales place on Father's Day weekend. Oh, well. Fight cancer first then have fun.
Thanks again to all of you for keeping Brax in your thoughts and prayers. Brax is living proof that prayer works as his knee looks to be back to normal.
Take Care and God Bless,
Big Bad Brad the Dad

Inspiration!

2008-05-20T12:56:00.004-05:00

Photo by Matthew West, Boston Herald

Less than two years ago, Jon Lester was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer - just like Braxton.

Yesterday Jon Lester through a no-hitter for the Boston Red Sox!

Go, Cancer Survivors!!!

Hi

2008-05-20T10:40:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,
It's Braxton. I'm hanging out in the hospital (where I don't want to be...). Thankyou, Illinois family, who sent the BIG card. I got it last week and it's on the wall in our basement. I like the pictures from the little kids. Emma says that they're good. Maybe I'll get to see you all at Alissa's wedding.
from Braxton

quick morning update

2008-05-20T08:08:00.002-05:00

Braxton had a late night which resulted in no port access but having a regular arm IV inserted instead. We turned off the light around 1 a.m. but then were up again by 1:40 when nurses came in to start a platelet transfusion because lab work revealed that platelet counts had fallen too. He was having alot of bleeding from his port site from low platelet counts so the transfusion will help. This morning's early labs showed Braxton's hemoglobin is down to 7 again, so he'll be getting another unit or 2 of blood soon. White cells are up to 400, so his cell recovery looks like it's starting. He usually perks up after getting blood so, hopefully we'll get to bring him home after not too munch time.
-posted by Beth

late night

2008-05-19T23:04:00.002-05:00

HI Gramma Nancy,
Thanks for your late night comments to my blog. I think I'll be awake for awhile. The Twins are still playing and I just got an IV put into my arm because the nurses can't access my port. Too much swelling from the ER visit port access on friday and from the 2 times the nurse tried to access tonite. Mom is doing homework and waiting for blood results. Maybe we can go to sleep soon.
from Brax

double rebound

2008-05-19T20:48:00.005-05:00

Hello all,
It's monday night and we're checking into the hospital again. Braxton's anti-biotics from his ER visit on friday night got him through the weekend, but ran out of steam for today. Braxton had a good day, though, going to see "Prince Caspian" with Barb ("awesome movie!") and then watching Emma's swimming lesson. He was quite tired when we returned home and went to lay down on the couch. When I saw his white face and red eyes I thought I better check the temp. Braxton's temperature registered 101.3. His counts are down below 300 and we were hoping the Neulasta would kick in before an infection did but, the window shut too fast.
Interns Brian and Christina are here, tonite, and nurses Sara, Jaymie and Nancy will care for Braxton too. Brax wondered who would be on tonite so he's happy to have familiar faces. Nancy and Jaymie are struggling with accessing Braxton's port. It's so deep in his chest and he requires a longer needle than usually used. He, also, seems to have swelling from port access on friday so they can't get even the longer needle into the port. They've inserted an IV into Braxton's arm, instead, because the swelling will need the night to go down and they need to get blood to start cultures. So, Brax has a cold pack on his chest to reduce swelling, we watch the Twin's try to win, and we wait... The floor is quiet. No crying babies. Brax has his own room while he has an infection (which he likes anyway) so he's doing ok. He's tired, frustrated with the fumbled port access attempts and short tempered with being back here again.
David is at home with kids and Brad will take over with Braxton tomorrow. More later... :)
-posted by Beth

Day 67 - Good Weekend

2008-05-19T13:56:00.002-05:00

We are grateful today for a nice weekend at home with Braxton. It got off to a shaky start with the late-night visit to the ER, but since then everything has been better.

Saturday was a beautiful day in Minnesota and Beth got Braxton to sit out on the front porch and enjoy some sun while she was working in the yard.

Sunday was another nice day and Braxton asked to go to the park. We took Braxton, Bayley, Paul, Zoe, Emma, and both our dogs (Sunny & Rufus) to the playground by island Lake Elementary School.

Braxton's energy didn't last long. He spent most of his time just sitting on a swing. But it was really nice to see him get outdoors, play a bit, and smile!

Braxton, Bayley, Paul, and Zoe had a shoe flinging contest. They all got on the swings, swang as high as they could, and then let their shoes fly to see whose would go the farthest. Zoe was the clear winner. Braxton cried foul since he was wearing Crocs and they were "sticky."

Sunny & Rufus were popular, too. We had them harnessed together on a single leash and let them roam around. At one point during the shoe-flinging contest they managed to wander off without anyone noticing. We spotted them a couple blocks down the road heading for the woods. Silly dogs!

Today Braxton is going to Prince Caspian with Barb. The theatre should be empty during a school day and he can have a pretty safe outing.

- posted by David.

Rebound

2008-05-17T18:10:00.002-05:00

Hello all,
It's saturday. Braxton made it 2 days before returning to the hospital ER lastnight at midnight. He spiked to the 100.5 that it takes to make a call to the doc and went to get checked. This time, Braxton only needed to have an IV anti-biotic for a couple of hours then was sent home. He arrived at 3:30 a.m and went to bed...the anti-biotics perked him up and he had more energy today. They only last 24 hrs. so we're still on germ watch til his counts go up. The weather was wonderful, today, so Braxton sat outside and "supervised" as Bayley, Zoe and I worked in the yard. David was out of town for the day...but we left some work for him:).
-posted by Beth

Congratulations, Bayley!

2008-05-16T09:17:00.003-05:00

Last night we celebrated a major achievement in our family. Bayley received a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts!

GO, BAYLEY!

The Gold Award is the Girl Scout equivalent of an Eagle Scout. It represents lots and lots of hard work, including a major community service project. Bayley and her troop hosted a carnival for children of U.S. service men and women who were serving over seas.

We are really proud of this achievement for Bayley. She has shown a good work ethic, organization and planning skills, persistence, and, most importantly, a heart that cares for others. We know that this is just the first of many great achievements to come for Bayley.