Posted: Jan 20 2007 at 10:57pm | IP Logged

Rod and Kirsti asked that we provide an email letter to keep all their wonderful friends, families, neighbors, co-workers, teachers, etc. up-to-date on Brad's condition. In this time of shock, terror, grief, disbelief and heartache they are truly overwhelmed by the deep felt concern, love, prayers, generosity, and compassion expressed by everyone. They are pretty worn-out with their round the clock vigil the last several days. They can barely keep their cell phones charged and realized they are spending too much time repeating the same information and they can't keep up the pace and still tend to all the other demands on them. They want everyone to keep praying as this will be a long journey. So the following is meant to be a running chronology of Brad and the families' situation as time moves on. That way whether you have just heard about Brad's struggle and want the whole story, or just an update from the last day you will have it.

Thursday 1/18/07
Good news this morning! They administered the fourth chemotherapy last night (the last until next Tuesday) and Brad is tolerating it well. His kidneys have restarted and maintaining good output. It looks like there was no kidney damage and they are keeping his blood chemistry looking good. They are reducing his anesthesia and he is more responsive. They hope to remove the breathing tube today if all continues to go well. God does answer prayers! Mom and Dad have gotten a little sleep and are trying to catch up on the "thank you God" side of the prayers.

At 2:30 pm we received word Brad got his breathing tube removed. Not much of a voice yet, but asking for food!! He will remain in the ICU for a day or two more. Then a week or two more in a regular room if all goes well.

At 6:30 pm Brad was awake and attempting to drink apple juice, but it didn't stay down long. He has been out for three days. His mom and dad explained the tumor was cancer. He is a little down in spirit and not too talkative. The spinal fluid sample results came back good with no indication of cancer cells in the spine or brain. Even though there is no indication of cancer in the central nervous system he will continue to receive treatments at a low level as a precaution. The CT scan did show one kidney has some cancer. The oncologist said the normal treatment regime should take care of it. His complete chemotherapy regime is for four months with many outpatient visits and some re-admittances for 3 days or so.    When released in a few weeks he may have to maintain a semi-sterile environment since the steroids suppress the immune system.

Friday 1/19/07
News this morning is that Brad is still stable and trying to hold down liquids. His kidneys are still working well. Brad will likely move from the ICU to a regular room to