So good to be home

Friday was such a rush of activity. We had done a lot of packing and prep work Thursday night. We were crossing our fingers for good blood results and hopes that Brayden could do more. Friday morning he was so excited to be going to his last Radiation appt. We got there pretty early and got some pictures with the wonderful staff. They gave him his countdown calendar and he thought it was so cool he got to take his mask/helmet with him. He got a hat and a diploma to show his ‘graduation’ from Radiation. It was great getting to say goodbye to everyone and Merry Christmas wishes. We headed to Children’s. We needed to get another check of Brayden’s counts since his ANC was in the low 200’s the prior Monday. After his port access and blood draw was complete, we took a walk to the floor to check on some friends while waiting for the results to come back. It was a welcome relief to hear that they both had gotten to go home recently. After visiting with all the nurses, Brayden let out a cheer when he heard his ANC’s…although Mom wasn’t cheering. If Brayden’s counts had been high enough, he’d have to come back for chemo today in Little Rock and start the Maintenance phase of his treatments. He was just pumped to hear he wouldn’t have to come back this week! Me, on the other hand, not so much. Hearing he was Neutropenic and his counts had dropped to the low 100’s has me again on high alert. We’re hoping and praying his counts are high enough next week to see all of our family for the first time since early October. The yucky Ara-C is doing its job in the long-lasting effects we were warned about. This is week 5 since and he’s still Neutropenic. Nevertheless, at least his red blood cells and platelets didn’t require transfusions, so on the bright side, we were heading home!

We quickly loaded up the last of our things and headed out of town! Thankfully, we didn’t have to stop. I warned Brayden ahead of time with his counts that dangerously low, we needed to try to get straight home. We couldn’t have been happier to be back. Seeing Dad & Hershey a few hours later was so wonderful! Brayden had so much fun showing him all the Radiation stuff. This weekend has flown by with all the Christmas prep to complete and me getting out VERY late Friday to re-stock groceries and get ready for the 10 days to come. We had a few scares with Brayden having a sore throat, but so thankful nothing developed. I was physically ill with worry and I don’t know how I will ever learn to let go of that concern or if as a Mom, that’s even possible. I was so happy to see his bright shining eyes the next morning after he finally ate a better breakfast. Brayden and I were busy on Saturday wrapping presents. He did SUCH a good job on Dad’s presents! We were definitely enjoying the Christmas activities at home – baking, looking through Christmas cards, reading through school stuff and cards & gifts from his friends! Thank you!!!

We go back to check his counts Wednesday locally and I’m just praying they’re above Neutropenic level so we can breathe a small sigh of relief for now. Regardless, I think we’ve learned to still have fun and enjoy all the moments we have together. I’ll try to post some pics soon. Brayden definitely can’t hide what he’s going through anymore and I noticed how different he looks even after Radiation. We’re so thankful for how strong he was and how well he did in enduring those 8 treatments. Even though he’s Neutropenic and has been so tired, weak, & in some pain, we’re thankful he’s fighting and not having to spend this time in Little Rock or in the hospital from a fever with being Neutropenic. We’re so thankful we’re together at home and pray for him to regain his strength, for all the Leukemia cells to be killed in his brain after the Radiation and especially in his body after the long 8 months he’s endured of High-Risk aggressive chemotherapy. We pray that everyone remember the true reason for this special season and be filled with peace and love for one another. Merry Christmas!