11/03/2023
A bit of an update on how life is going after chemo! Brady continues to get labs checked once a month, as well as a monthly visit at UVM for a physical and check in to make sure things are going well. The last few months have been consistent in labs and he is gradually gaining his weight back. He is following up with ECHO cardiogram and an EKG to monitor the effects of chemo. EKG is good, still awaiting the ECHO results. It’s interesting to see the difference in communication between the pediatric vs adult side. Results are always communicated within a day from the pediatric nurses.
Next month he visits his regular pediatrician, Dr. Haag and will begin getting his “non live” childhood vaccines once again. After 2 years of chemo free, he’ll get the “live” vaccines.
Oh, the effects of treatment, the pieces that we don’t like to talk about. It was discovered about 2 years ago that the steroids were making a bit of a mess of his elbow and hip. It’s called osteonecrosis, it’s a disorder resulting from a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. This can weaken the bone, if it occurs near a joint, it can eventually result in a collapse. His elbow is stuck at about a 90-degree angle, no longer can straighten his arm out. His hip was in better shape or so we thought. Over the last 6-9 months it has changed and now is showing 3 bone spurs, which have become uncomfortable and at any given time they seem to “catch” if he makes a random move. We’ve met with the surgeon and talked about the limited options. Surgeon says in a matter of time it could result in becoming immobile. Brady has some decisions to make and is deciding to go through with a hip replacement. Surgery is scheduled for June 21st but this date may get moved up depending on schedules. And even though it means being down once again, 4 months may be an easy “walk” in the park for all that he’s been through. Staying focused on the outcome once again. Faith and love always get us through.
