Brody’s Story

Site created on May 23, 2021


I have been going back and forth on whether or not to share this, I don’t know that I even have the right words to say. Heck, I’m not sure there is a “right” thing to say, but I have decided that it can only help me to talk about it openly.
•
A few weeks ago Brody was experiencing what we thought to be constipation after he got over his gastroenteritis. We tried all of the at home remedies, took him to the doctor twice, had an X-ray to determine what was going on, gave him 2 pediatric enemas, watched him feel like absolute garbage and become basically emaciated.
•
With nothing working or changing and him being consistently in pain, we took him on Tuesday to Children’s Minnesota ER. They did more scans and discovered an obstruction in his bowel. His bowel was telescoped with his lower intestine. We tried a non invasive treatment using air to try to push it open, but when that didn’t work they needed to surgically go in to fix it. Upon going in, the surgeon was able to see that there was a 3 inch portion that couldn’t be saved so he did a resection of it. In order to try to find an explanation for the telescoped issue they sent the piece they respected out to pathology. We knew we would be at children’s for a while so he could recover from the surgery, but on Wednesday afternoon we received the news no parent ever wants to receive.
•
Our sweet, energetic, lovable, mommas boy has been diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma. It doesn’t feel real. There’s no reason for it. Nothing could have prevented it. It’s not hereditary. Not that any of that would have made this any more understandable or easier to accept. There’s still a lot for us to learn about this disease, but for now we are as comforted as anyone could be by knowing that what he has isn’t the end. It’s extremely responsive to chemotherapy and has a very high success rate for not having any further issues. This chemotherapy he will receive is going to be extremely aggressive and painful and it will rip our hearts apart every minute to see him hurting.
•
Brodys support system is massive. His doctors, surgeon, nurses, and oncologist have been nothing short of amazing. We have had family drop everything and come to take care of our girls, dogs, and house or offer to help any way they can no matter how far away they are. Friends who have poured love and support and encouragement. Most importantly; Ricky has been an absolute rock during everything. Controlling his own fear and sadness so he could be strong and supportive of me and my emotions. Supporting me to continue trying to continue with school so I can have that distraction and focus on something outside of this horror. He’s asked all of the questions that I couldn’t think of and calmed me down when I just wanted to melt away. We have had a rough couple of years and he’s been nothing short of amazing since the moment we went knew this wasn’t going to be a minor problem. Having him by my side and being the strength I so desperately need is more than I could have asked for.
•
I will do my best to update as time progresses but we have a long road ahead of us. I’m sorry if I am unable to get back to messages or texts quickly. Just know that we appreciate all of the support during this impossible time. Brody is the strongest little boy and he will push through this and have some badass scars to talk about when he’s older. He’s strong, resilient, beautiful inside and out, and he is so incredibly beyond loved. We will get through this. I just need to remind myself of this everyday...💔❤️

Newest Update

July 16, 2021

Journal entry by Ashley Anderson —

••THIS•• is what a kid who KICKED CANCERS ASS looks like.
•
Today was the day we have been longing for. These past few months have been a nightmare. As a parent, the last thing you can imagine is finding out your kid has cancer. Yet, here we are. 2 rounds of aggressive and intense chemotherapy, 2 separate hospital stays for fever, + countless visits in between to get blood work done & today we were told that all of the literal blood sweat + tears paid off.
•
As of July 16, 2021 Brody is CANCER FREE. « probably the greatest statement I’ll ever make.
•
Next week, the port gets taken out + then it’ll be official. No more lidocaine, countless medications, infusions of such insanely toxic medications. No more wondering if all of the hell he’s enduring is going to make him better; no more watching my sweet (almost) 3 year old baby be a human pin cushion. He did it. We did it. + we could not have done it without the massive amounts of support from everyone.
•
Everyone from his doctors, nurses, and cafeteria staff to our amazing family, friends, and my cosmetology family; really pulled us up at every chance. Whether you did something to help us physically or emotionally or somewhere in between, we love you all so very much and grateful doesn’t even cover the emotion we feel knowing that never, not even once, were we in this battle alone.
•
Thank you everyone. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. This boy is going to have the best 3rd birthday/kicked cancers ass party ever. ❤️
Read More of the journal titled "July 16, 2021"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Brody Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $30 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Brody's site for one month. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Brody

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top