01/29/2010
by Michael Wells Brady’s health continues to mirror yesterday; he is still febrile and has a morphine drip line to help ease his apparent discomfort. His blood counts were slightly improved and are headed in the right direction. I arrived at the hospital around 8:00pm and he was very excited to see me. At least I hope it was me and not the Dunkin Donut Munchkins in my hand. Either way he was in a great mood and after our snack, our usual evening walk and a bath, I said good-night to him and Sherrie. Sherrie phoned me around 11:00pm to let me know Brady was still awake; maybe sugar had something to do with that but I didn’t want to mention that to her! A couple of weeks ago Sherrie started an interesting lottery. She asked every one of Brady’s doctors and nurses what the date would be for Brady’s next bone marrow biopsy. I believe Dr. Drachtman predicted February 5th, Dr. Weiss chose February 8th, and Nurse Practitioner Donna Plax picked the 11th of February. Well yesterday. Dr. Pan selected February 2nd as his choice for this most critical of procedures. The outcome of this biopsy is just about overwhelming. You might be wondering what in the world am I getting at; it’s very simple – Brady’s next bone marrow biopsy is less than 2 weeks away and the pressure is becoming incredibly intense but somehow my wonderful bride is able to find a way to lighten the anxiety. Her brother Wayne was so correct when he asked me if I knew how lucky I was to have her as my wife. Yes indeed Wayne I do know! Yesterday, I mentioned Sherrie’s desire to have a major fundraiser to benefit the BMS Children’s Hospital and I have some incredible news to tell you. I got back to my office (from NYC) around 4:00pm for our weekly website development meeting. We’re building a new site and I must say it’s going to be fantastic with video streaming, flash, and social networking links. Anyway, I digress – before my meeting began my friend and coworker Michelle asked if she could see me for a moment and to my utter astonishment presented me with a check from her Elk’s Lodge for a significant amount of money. I am just blown away with her generosity and concern. First, she plans a blood drive in Brady’s honor and now this. Michelle from the bottom of our hearts Sherrie and I thank you a thousand times and promise you and your members of the Union Elks Lodge 1583 your 5 digit donation will be put to good use. Thank you all!!! So, on that terrific news; I have to get going (off to Connecticut). Your prayers, hugs and good thoughts just continue them because they truly are working and they will cure Brady…In 1776 Thomas Paine wrote The Crisis a collection of articles reflecting his thoughts on our country’s independence. It was in an article in December of that year when he authored his most famous line: “These are the times that try men’s souls”. This line worked well in 1776 and it is working just as well with me some 200+ years later. It is just so damn difficult waiting for Brady’s blood count to improve significantly enough to have a bone marrow biopsy performed. It should be Brady who is frustrated and anxious but he’s just accepts what comes his way and smiles. I guess that’s one of the excellent advantages of being just 17 months old. So, we wait and will most likely be waiting for at least another 10+ days. Sherrie spoke with Dr. Drachtman today and inquired what he would recommend if Brady’s blast count is too high to proceed to CHOP for stem cell transplantation. Dr. Drachtman told Sherrie; he would most likely recommend one more round of chemotherapy with slightly different drugs at higher dosages. He did however; also tell Sherrie he truly believes Brady’s blast counts will be low enough for bone marrow transplantation. I certainly like hearing that! So, as this week and soon this month come to a close we will soon know where we will be spending the next several weeks: either back at BMS Hospital or at CHOP. It all depends on the results of the bone marrow biopsy. Before I say good night; I want to thank a couple of people Sherrie used to work with – Thank you Dr. DeCiccofor the lovely hand knitted prayer shawl and Pat for the adorable Mini White Tiger Cub. I can tell you both that Brady has these items in his crib and cries loudly if you try to remove them. This I know first hand. Well, it’s time for me go to sleep and please remember your prayers, hugs and thoughts have wondrous power so please continue them. To paraphrase good ole Tommy Paine; “Cancer, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”.
“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.