11/12/2009
by Michael Wells It’s around 3:00am and I cannot wait until the day shift arrives. This nurse is just plain awful. She is the least attentive nurse I have experienced since coming to this hospital. Why she is working in PICU is beyond my reasoning power, in fact why she is a nurse is beyond my comprehension as well. She lacks compassion, she lacks attention to detail, she lacks command of the English language, she is sloppy and she has yet to change 1 diaper. While I am venting, I can assure you she will never, never again come near Brady. (I’ll let you know how I really feel in a future posting). Now onto the important stuff; Brady is sleeping rather peacefully and doesn’t appear to be in pain or experiencing high fevers. He had a wonderful evening watching Baby Einstein videos and playing catch with me and his stuffed animal – Bobby Brontosaurus. It was really great to see him in such good spirits. I hope this continues so we can at least get out of the intensive care unit and back to plain ole pediatric hematology/oncology ward on the 2nd floor. I am convinced Brady will feel so much better once he has the ability to just leave his crib and go for a ride in his wagon, I know I will. I am still hoping we depart the hospital no later than December 1st and that we go home a couple of weeks before returning here for more of the same. It’s quite a grind but I am confident it really will be easier on everyone (especially Brady) the next go round. I should try to get a couple of hours of sleep; so once again until next time – Please keep Brady in your thoughts, prayers and hugs… It really helps!!! PS Thank you for being one of the 1,377 visits to Brady’s journal; it makes a Dad very proud!By now everyone knows just how much I love and cherish my beautiful bride; Sherrie. If you are wondering where she gets her truly unselfish loving mannerisms it’s from her Mom: Janice. From the moment Brady was first diagnosed with cancer Grandma Janice has been at Brady’s side more time than you can possibly imagine. The warmth, love, caring and continuous helping with some of the most tedious and trying tasks have amazed me. She has been at the hospital from the early hours of the morning until late at night; changing Brady’s diapers, cleaning up after him, feeding him, entertaining him and allowing Sherrie some personal time whether it’s showering or speaking with the doctors and nurses. Without Grandma Janice our lives would be so much more difficult. So, Grandma Janice; thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!! Brady – Day 37 and the best I can say is nothing out of the ordinary has occurred to him. He is still battling high temperatures (102.5°) an hour ago and still no word on whether or not he truly has chicken pox. He’s in great spirits and his day was highlighted by a bag of gifts from his friends at Gymboree. In particular, Gymbo the Clown puppet had Brady smiling and laughing as those he was home. Thanks so much to Miss Michelle, Nicole, Ken, Collin, Archena, Lauren, Nova, Lesa, Laura, Nola, Amy, Ilene, Albert, and Laura. Your kindness was touching. Brady also was to thank all his friends at Dad’s office, his favorite was Build a Bear – Little Bear. To everyone at J. O’Brien a very special thank you, your box of gifts was simply overwhelming!!! Also, thank you to Jen, Derek, Bella, Ryan, Karen, Dominic, Eric, and Jason for the Edible Creation – the chocolate covered bananas were Sherrie and Brady’s favorite. Aunt Kellie, Uncle Dan, and Cousin Nick thanks for all the home baked treats, books, videos, magazines, and special care items. I love the Banana Bread!!! Aunt Barbara’s chicken noodle soup was a special hit with Brady. Not to mention the clothes and toys. Aunt Shirley’s stuffed shells, Italian dinner was great. Brady also wants to thank Uncle Ed, Jennifer, Jim, Mathew, Nicholas, Kelly, Jon, Justin, and Morgan for the beautiful blanket and hat. Speaking of hats; Brady loves the hats Grandma Wells sent him and please thank Madeline for her gift and tell her Brady just loves the card she sent. Erika and Aiden your gift of the Elmo stuffed animal has been a huge hit with Brady. Uncle Frank and Aunt Ellen your dinner, blanket and Geoffrey the Giraffe was extremely generous. Marielynn your twin daughter’s gift of twin stuff animals; “Khar and Koal” was just wonderful. Hannah the Play School toy you gave Brady puts a smile on his face every time he plays with it. Finally, my daughter Jennifer and son Stephen; who traveled from Washington, DC and Daytona Beach to be with Brady you truly touched our hearts and made Brady smile every minute you were here. I hope we didn’t leave anyone out of this quick list of “Thank You’s” Sherrie and I will forever be in your debt for your kindness and generosity for the remainder of our lives. Brady just woke up from his nap so until next time; please keep Brady in your thoughts, prayers and hugs… PS A special thanks to Grandpa Gary for all your help as well…
“8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer” is a series of posts revisiting the journal kept by Sherrie and Michael Wells during the cancer diagnosis and treatment of their son, Brady Michael. Hopefully these entires will provide an understanding of the journey families face when dealing with these horrific diseases and of the important work the Hugs for Brady Foundation does.