It’s been awhile since we posted an update…Needless to say life has been crazy with the end of the school year! 

Brad’s chemo treatments continue.  Dr Jurgens is happy with how treatment is affecting Brad’s lab work.  For this reason, Brad will continue the same treatment regimen through the 4th cycle.  He is currently in the middle of the 3rd cycle.  Each cycle is 21 days with multiple treatments throughout those days (Darlzalex sub-q shots, Velcade sub-q shots, Dexamethasone steroid pills, and Revlimid chemo pills).  We have to have a calendar to keep it all straight. Brad’s treatment regimen may change starting cycle 5 and additional cycles, up until the completion of 11 cycles (November), it is a moving plan. 

We believe that the radiation helped with pain of the t9, as Brad has been able to get off some of his pain meds.  He is still taking pain meds, and we will continue to alter them based on Dr Jurgen’s recommendations and Brad’s pain levels.  

Last week, prior to the start of the third cycle, Dr Jurgens took Brad off his daily 4 mg dex steroid, which he had been on since he was in the hospital.  When chemo treatments began Brad instead took a 20 mg dex steroid 2 days a week, and continued the 4 mg the other days.  Brad continues to take the cancer treatment steroid dose, but because he hasn’t been taking the daily dose he has had a lot more fatigue… so more daily naps!  Adversely, there was a night that he couldn’t fall asleep until 7 am the next day… as his dex regimen for cancer treatment changed from 20 mg (x 2 days a week) to 40 mg (1 day a week).  

Even with days of not feeling the best or what would be considered a normal day for him since this all began, he still feels incredibly blessed to feel as well as he does and to be able to attend some events. 

On May 30, Brad will get an xray on his back and then we will meet with Dr Robertson (orthopedic Dr) to review the status of the t9 fracture.  Brad has not been able to get the bone strengthening shots, as his calcium levels are too low (even with taking calcium supplements).  

On June 12, Brad will meet with his oncology radiology dr for a follow up from his radiation treatments.

We look forward to going to the U of MN for a bone marrow transplant CONSULT on June 6. We were told it will be a 3 hour appt with a team of doctors.  We are anxious to confirm Brad is a candidate, what levels he has to get to for a transplant to be a reality, how the process works, how it will look for our family when the time comes, and what we need to do on our end.  

Last week the NYM School hosted a HAT DAY for students and staff.  By paying $1, individuals could wear a hat during the school day, which was so very kind.  It was very humbling to see so many hats in the building! 

Last night (Friday May 17) we were humbled that the NYM vs WDC high school baseball teams fast tracked their t-shirt orders for all of their varsity players and coaches… and wore them for warmup.  It was a perfect evening for baseball... and for our local hometown teams to play under the lights… and also support Brad.  I’ll make sure to attach the photo of our family with both teams prior to the game!  Thank you so much NYM Eagles and WDC Wolverines… players, coaches… to Trisha Tibbetts for designing and making the shirts… and all involved to make this happen!

Speaking of being humbled, I feel a bit awkward sharing this… but people have asked… so here is info on an upcoming benefit for Brad.  

There is a “Striking Out Cancer One Hit At A Time” t-shirt option!  Anyone can complete this order form to place an order. Orders must be placed by Tuesday 5/21 to receive by the benefit. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18R-S4RWb8tnt-OhujD4mA3R9xSReiwTUKG3fZo-zQWc/viewform?edit_requested=true

Also, there are amazing people in our community planning a benefit for Brad, as we are very hopefully for Brad’s future, but to help with all of the medical bills and the unknown if/when Brad will be able to return to work.  The benefit is in Bluffton on Sunday June 9 from 3:00-6:00.  The attached flyer will provide more details, including how to donate/help/attend.

Once again….  THANK YOU to all of you who are following and supporting Brad’s cancer journey.  He, and our family, never planned for or expected this curveball in our lives.  But it is our reality and we feel so blessed to live here in rural MN with all you praying and  helping us out in so many ways! 

-Bridget