From Bekah:

Brandon had his second CO2 fractional laser procedure on Monday. His first round was February 12. After a long back and forth with our previous insurance to get the laser covered, we were getting nowhere and were finally able to purchase different insurance for Brandon in January. Within a week of getting the new coverage, we were scheduled for his first treatment. This was a huge boost for us to feel like we were going to make some progress in his recovery instead of just treading water. 

Laser helps flatten scars and also improves symptoms like tightness, redness and itchiness. We were told by several medical staff that it usually takes at least a few rounds to notice any difference. Our prayers were answered and Brandon seems to have responded really well to the treatment, noticing less tightness even after the first round, especially around his mouth. We’re hopeful that after the six rounds are complete – they’re scheduled through July – he’ll notice and see even more improvement. 

The current plan is to wait for at least six laser treatments and then re-evaluate what surgery will likely be needed for Brandon’s neck. His neck has definitely had the biggest effect on his quality of life as he’s still not able to stand up straight, turn his neck or drive. 

Emotionally, we have good days and bad days. Days where we are just so thankful to God that he’s here and that we’re together as family. 

Others where the reality and permanence of Brandon’s burns feels crushing and hard to accept. It’s hard for him to look in the mirror and see someone he doesn’t recognize. Because of the way the flames engulfed him, the right side of his face was burned more than the left. The skin under his right eye is pulled down, some of his right ear and his right nostril was burned off and the scarring around his mouth has made it impossible to open it as wide as he used to. It’s difficult to not be able to do the active things he used to enjoy. Feeling like even though he will recover from this, there is “some part of me that won’t come back.”

“The fact that when someone sees me, the first thing they’ll wonder is ‘what happened to him?” It’s not something I ever wanted of course or ever expected. I was content being the under-the-radar average guy who wouldn’t stand out in a crowd.” 

Our two children, Jack and Natalie, have continued to be a huge source of joy for both of us during this time. Despite his change in appearance and posture, to them he’s just daddy. With all the nice weather we’ve been having lately, we’ve enjoyed some trips to the park as a family.  Jack always double checks “daddy’s comin?” whenever we go for a drive or for a walk.

We’re also very grateful that while he’s still taking pain prescriptions, Brandon’s pain is better managed and he’s able to function and enjoy daily life in a way he just wasn’t able to back in the fall. His sleep is still disrupted and he typically takes a long time to fall asleep but it still has significantly improved from where it was a few months ago.

Besides his weekly local PT appointments, Brandon’s dad continues to work with him on physical therapy about once a week. A recent session included having Brandon throw a ball 100 times (he used to pitch baseball in college), run around the yard and do push ups.  

Thank you all for praying for us and carrying our burden in that way. The Lord has really opened doors, allowing Brandon to get the laser that he needs and providing for our financial needs. 

Prayer requests:

-For resolution of our medical bills from Brandon's hospital stay. Our insurance has been really slow to come to a resolution with the hospital and we’re unsure where things will stand when it’s all said and done. 

-For Brandon’s pain and figuring out a plan to taper off the narcotics. It’s tricky because while the drugs have provided relief, they’re obviously not something he wants to stay on longer than necessary. 

-For Brandon’s voice which is still hoarse and tires easily. We had an appointment with an ENT in February. While the doctor didn’t see any obvious damage to Brandon’s vocal chords, he referred him to a laryngologist to do a more in depth look.

Thank you all for your kind cards, notes, comments and generous donations. We read and are so grateful for every single one.

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” - Job 1:21

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever." -Psalm 23:6 

P.S. Brandon started an Instagram account to document some of his recovery: www.instagram.com/brbakerjourney