Sorry we haven’t posted until now!
Braxton had his last chemo, spinal infusion and port removal on Monday, May 13th!
Level 11 staff came to his room and sang to him and gave him gifts & a decorated cookie cake. He was apprehensive about ringing the bell, but he rang it loudly after opening his gifts (You can view the videos on the B Strong Facebook page). He was able to keep his victory bell and it will be engraved with his name and date.
He also was able to keep his port and it’s a pretty purple in color. He had stitches and some bruising with removal, and will end up with a small scar. He kept asking Mom to see his port later that day. Now he says he can lift 400 lbs since he doesn’t have a port 🤣.
There was a small celebration that evening and he was so excited to see everyone and eat his cookie and celebration cake!
Such a big day for Braxton with this huge milestone behind him! Two and a half years of chemo and spinal infusions, and May 13 marked the end of his chemotherapy journey and he is ready to get on with life!
Braxton has to take Bactrim bacterial antibiotic 2 days a week for 3 months because of his weakened immune system. This is nasty medication that gives him diarrhea and he sometimes doesn’t make it to the toilet on time, so NOT fun!
We are soooo very proud of Braxton, as well as mom Amber Pape and dad Austin Pape, who stayed strong for him the entire time! It wasn’t easy, but their love for him and each other shined through even with difficult and emotional days that were filled with challenges and uncertainties.
Thanks to the doctors, nurses and entire U of I staff who saved his life and provided optimal care for him the past 2.5 years! Thanks to the many friends and family members, and even complete strangers, who supported Braxton and his family every step of the way!
Braxton will go to Iowa City once a month for labs the first year, then every other month the second year, and so on until year 5.
In the meantime, he is having a fun summer so far with helping on the farm and taking care of his new baby chickens and turkeys. He also loves to show off to his baby brother, Colter, who thinks he is soooo funny!
We won’t be posting anymore unless there are issues with Braxton. Please join us as we continue to pray for all warriors fighting their own battles, as well as honoring and remembering those who lost their fight.
#BSTRONG 💚
