We will be thinking of you Esther..............

[Indiana Karen]

If I remember right, you will soon be leaving to take Braeden for his treatment.

If you have access to the internet, please let us know how things are going.

Have a safe trip, take care of yourself and give him a hug for me.   

Karen

[Esther]

Thanks so much Karen. I am not really frightened about this trip but am a little nervous about traveling 6 hours over and 6 hours back is a 3 year old strapped in a car seat. I think they're taking a portable DVD player and some hand held game things. Even if he can't really understand and play the games, he'll get a kick out of fiddling with the controls. I'm also nervous about how we'll keep Braeden confined and occupied during the week. I don't know how much contact will be allowed or how closely we will be allowed to come to the cubicle or for what period of time.  I was never one to sit on the floor with my kids and play with them much. Bad MOMMY. Even as a Grandma, I don't do that much at all. Guess I'd better figure it out real quick huh? Someone suggested bringing puppets. I just wish I had heard of that before so I had time to make some. Maybe I'll take some of Pete's black sox and some felt and see what I can do.

Yesterday I did buy 4 paperbacks at Salvation Army that won't matter if I have to toss them.

I think Kevin is taking his laptop and there will be a computer in Braeden's room I think. Now what the computer has access to I don't know. One way or another, I suspect I can keep in touch.

Yes, IF we are able to go, we leave tomorrow. I say If because Dawn called me from the hospital last night and said that they had taken Braeden in because his blood count was low and he needed blood before the treatment in Cincinnati. When they took his blood pressure, it was over the moon. The kidney specialist came in and checked him and said he didn't think it had anything to do with the tumor pressing on the vein leading to the kidney and they were going to give him meds to bring the pressure down. If it isn't where it needs to be, he can't have the treatment. But CCH (Cincinnati Children's Hospital) has been notified and are very aware of ALL his needs.

Thanks again folks, for all your concern, good thoughts, gifts, cards, and most of all prayers. It certainly does help to know that so many people, folks that I've never even met, show their love to my family and I the way you have.

[Joyce]

Safe and successful trip Esther.
I'll be sending healing vibes.... 

[Esther]

Thanks Joyce, it all helps, I'll take whatever good wishes you have to give. HMM that sounded a little gimmeish but you know what I meant.

[tammie]

I don't post alot (to lazy to type!)  but please know that you and Braeden are always in my thoughts! 
Tammie

[ponderer]

Yes , Esther ,

All the best from here. I have 2 grandchildren. Live far away from them, They are in Chicago. If something this came up in their family, I would be beside myself.
My DD did have an emergency appendectomy, and I went out to help. But this is such an ongoing thing for you. !

Hoping all goes well for the whole family.

[marla]

Have a safe trip Esther.  With a DVD player and a few other things to occupy him 6 hrs shouldn't be to bad, I've done longer without a DVD player in 90*+ weather and no airconditioner working in the car.

[Esther]

Well, we learned that he won't be released from the local hospital until at least tomorrow afternoon. Kevin said he is so doped up he isn't moving much and when he talks, it is all garbled. SO now I really don't know what's going to happen. I just told him that if we have to drive all night to get Braeden to Cincinnati Monday, then that's what I'm prepared to do.

[Jerry]

 

[Esther]

Thanks JErry.
Dawn just called and the trip today is off. Evidently the tumor is pressing on the artery that leads to the one kidney that he has and causing pain + the kidney isn't functioning as well as it should because of that. Because there are all types of "counts" that need to be at a certain point before administering the MIBG treatment, and he's not at that point, they can't/won't do it.

He's going home this afternoon and they'll keep close track of his counts and if they get to where they need to be by Wednesday, maybe we will go then. I told her that I will leave my stuff packed and ready to go at the drop of a hat.

They can do surgery, or local radiation to try to get the tumor down and then do the MIBG treatment eventually also. But it's getting to the point where some drastic decisions may have to be made. I just pray that when it gets there that everybody concerned will be on the same page and have peace with what is decided.

[reddad35]

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[Esther]

AWWW, how sweet.

[maryvonne]

I haven't been here much lately but still keep Braeden and your family in my thoughts.

Maryvonne

[bunny56lbc]

My thought's & prayer's are with you too , Esther .

bonnie