Hope

Good evening! The Bradburns had another encouraging day today! Forester woke up with a healthy appetite again and ate well all day. Pete, Forester and Micah spent some quality father/son time at the playground. Although Forester was understandably nervous about climbing, he overcame his fear and even played a little on the monkey bars. :o) Whitney and the kids just arrived at Muzzy & Pop's house (the grandparents) to spend the night at Forester's request.

About Pop... Whitney has asked him to compose a post to provide us with a summary of Forester's diagnosis and prognosis. Pop has spent hours and hours speaking with Forester's physicians and surgeons and reading up on medulloblastoma. Until he posts, please remember that although Forester has an aggressive sub-type of medulloblastoma, his neurosurgeon was able to remove the entire tumor. Total tumor removal, aka gross total resection, is HUGE deal and a HUGE blessing!!!

Please forgive me for discouraging you with the pathology report. Sometimes it's difficult to accurately communicate about Forester's illness without sounding pessimistic. It's important to give you specific details about his condition, so that you know how to pray, but it's also important to remember that we have A LOT of solid reasons for REAL HOPE. As we cry out to the Lord for help and for healing, we also praise Him and thank Him for all He's already done and all He will continue to do in Forester and in his family. We look forward with "an attitude of expectancy about what He is going to do." (Thanks SM!)

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Sleep peacefully,
April

The Pathology Report

Forester's final pathology report indicates that he has anaplastic medulloblastoma, which is a more aggressive sub-type of medullablastoma. Anaplastic is a term used to describe cancer cells that divide rapidly and have little or no resemblance to normal cells. Although at least Whitney & I were surprised by this news, apparently it is not surprising.

Pete & Whitney will meet with the oncologist at 2pm on Monday to discuss the full layout of Forester's treatment plan. On Thursday, Forester will have a spinal tap and will receive the radiation port. In 10 to 14 days, he will start radiation.

Oh Lord, hear our cries!

Psalm 102: 1-2

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD!
And let my cry for help come to You.
2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress;
Incline Your ear to me;
In the day when I call answer me quickly.

Romans 8: 26-28

26In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
27and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He (intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Thank you for your continued prayers!
April

Details

Yesterday was a really good day in the Bradburn household, and it sounds as if today is shaping up that way too!!!

Below are the highlights from Forester's check-up with the neurosurgeon:

• When Forester first arrived at the doctor's office yesterday, he had a very difficult time walking across the room in a straight line. The doctor expressed concern over this, but after Forester stayed on his feet for a little while, he showed much improvement. He even bent down to pick up a sticker he dropped. The doctor (and of course, Pete & Whitney) loved seeing that!


• Forester really needs to move around more and more to increase his coordination, reduce his dizziness, and rebuild his muscles. His ankles hurt from walking so much yesterday.


• His incision is slightly swollen, but this is completely normal. It looks good! The portion of the incision on his neck keeps him from bending his neck and causes him to look down with his eyes only. Apparently, it will just take some time for him to feel comfortable doing this again.


• When the doctor learned that Forester has had no headaches and has taken no pain medication, she was amazed! Praise God for that!


• After the appointment, Forester walked all of the way back to the car, which included walking up a flight of stairs!
  
• He ate Chick fil A on the way home!

Last night, inspired by some cash he received as a gift from one of you, Forester asked Pete to take him to Walmart to buy Bionicles. He bought 2 - 1 for himself and another 1 for himself. :o) However, when he got home, he spontaneously decided to give 1 to Micah. What a kind and good big brother!

Speaking of Micah... He has spent the last almost 2 weeks away from home and really has no knowledge or understanding of Forester's illness. It's hard for a 4 year old to grasp the severity of any illness, especially cancer, and why it looks like Christmas everyday for Forester and not for himself. He's thinking it would be great to get sick right about now. Please pray for the right amount of understanding for him and for the right amount of fairness in parenting in this situation. Please pray for wisdom for Pete & Whitney in parenting in general and in loving all 3 of their children in this season - hopefully, very brief season - of their lives.

Thanks to a dear childhood friend of Whitney's and a deck of "Would you rather..." cards Forester has laughed and giggled and smiled a lot in the last 2 days. What a huge praise!!!

A few random things: Forester's oncologist has yet to receive the final pathology report. If she does not receive it in time to meet with the Bradburns on Monday before she leaves town on Tuesday, they will have to wait even longer to hear the results and the plan for Forester's treatment. Please pray that this all happens as soon as possible and according to God's timing. Forester still has not asked any questions about his surgery or what lies ahead. He still does not know he had a brain tumor removed and that he has cancer. Please pray for wisdom and guidance and peace for Pete & Whitney in how and when to explain his new life to him. Please continue to pray for Forester for peace and understanding and for protection for his and Micah's hearts and childhoods.

By the way, before 11am today, Forester had already eaten half a bagel, yogurt, dry cereal and 2 tuna fish sandwiches! That's our boy!

Much love & blessings to you and yours,

April

And a quick update

Sorry to keep you all waiting. I still haven't actually spoken with Whitney about the appointment today, but I do have a little information to pass on to you.

Forester did not see Dr. Glazier (the surgeon who performed his surgery) because he is out of town, so he saw someone else. Maybe a resident? Anyway, Forester's incision looks good! Praise! The doctor indicated that the more Forester gets up and moves around the less dizzy he will feel. Well, guess what? He went to Walmart with Pete tonight! Another big praise! They're still awaiting the final pathology report.

As soon as Whitney gives me more details, I will let you know.

Please continue praying!
Thank you, and good night.
April

Quick Prayer Request

We had a peaceful night last night and I've even seen some smiles this morning - with teeth showing and everything! We have a doctor appt. today at 3 pm with Dr. Glazier, his neurosurgeon. It's just a check up but please pray that everything looks good and that we can get clear answers about Forester's dizziness...what is normal, how long it will last, how to help him... We'll let you know how it goes. Thank you!! - Whitney

A new prayer request

Whitney posted the following on her Facebook page this afternoon. I thought I should share it all with you, so you can pray for her too!

"Just being honest...so much to be thankful for but I miss my boy. He seems so sad and scared. If you know him, this is not like him. So, I'm feeling sad."

April

Progress

Forester slept well again last night, has eaten more mac & cheese today (surprise!) and has even played video games while sitting up! Now, when he needs/wants something, he actually calls for Pete or Whitney. A huge step! This, however, must be the best part of the day so far: He smiled at Whitney when she said to him, "You're my hero." :o) You know that melted her heart. He still spends a lot of time lying down and staring at the side of the couch, but overall, this is another day of great progress! Praise the Lord for progress!

Since he has started communicating more, Forester shared with Pete & Whitney that he's scared to stand up and sit up because he's worried about vomiting and because it makes him dizzy to do so. Please pray against an upset tummy and dizziness!

Forester has a check-up with Dr. Glazier, his neurosurgeon, tomorrow at 3pm. Please pray for a wonderful report from the surgeon.

Thank you all for your faithfulness!

How to subscribe to this blog

If you would like to receive email notifications of new posts, please send your email address to bradburnfamily@gmail.com with "subscribe" as the subject.

Whitney & I again discussed continuing with the blog versus setting up a CaringBridge website this morning, and she decided to stick with the blog. Thank you all for your suggestions. We'll be making a few changes to the blog shortly.

LOVE!!!

I love you. Yes, you, reading this right now. I can't express in words how your prayers and support this last week have blessed us. A week ago (though it feels like 2 years ago) Forester was in brain surgery right at this moment. Praise the Lord he is sleeping peacefully in the other room right now. Oh, how good our God is!!! He has used YOU to bless us beyond what we could have ever imagined. YOU have shown God's love to us. Thank you.



Must run...Forester just woke up and wants macaroni and cheese for breakfast. Praise God for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - never thought I'd be saying that! :-)



-Whitney

The corner has been turned!

Thank you Lord for such a good and encouraging day for Forester and the rest of the family! My heart feels so light and joyful right now, and I can't stop smiling to myself. Yippee!!!

When I called Whitney a little while ago, I interrupted a family "American Idol" party. Forester ate well all day today without getting sick! He had mac & cheese, more mac & cheese, oreos, peanut butter, crackers, and I can't remember what else. He put together a Lego Bionicle. Aunt Katie even saw him smile a couple of times!!! Pete went to Big Group at their church. Micah was home and bouncing around. What a totally different day today has been!

Let's continue praying as we have been, while thanking the Lord for all He's already done. Please also pray for safe travels for Kathie (Grandma) tomorrow, as she drives home to Georgia.

GOOD NIGHT!

How we might be the hands and feet - REMINDER

Many of you have expressed interest in helping and ministering to the Bradburn family in the coming days and weeks and months. We would so appreciate your help in any of the following areas:

• Meals. We will start meals for them this Monday, March 2 and would love for someone to cover every other day (Mon, Wed, Fri, etc) for as long as needed. If you would like to serve the family in this way, please email bradburnfamily@gmail.com with "Meals" in the subject line and include your name, address and phone number. We will then contact you regarding a specific date and drop off details. Please bring all meals in disposable containers, so the family will not be burdened with returning dishes.
  
• Encouragement. Encouraging cards for Forester and the rest of the family.
  
• Gift cards. Gift cards for local grocery stores (WalMart, Publix, Bi-Lo) to help us keep their pantry and fridge stocked.
  
• Gas cards. Gas cards to cover expenses as the family goes back and forth to the hospital for treatments.
  
• Cash. Cash to help cover incidentals.
  
• Local volunteers. Local volunteers to help with various yet-to-be-determined tasks & errands.

Again, please email bradburnfamily@gmail.com if you would like to help in any of the ways listed above or in any other way, and we will reply as soon as possible. Thank you for the being the hands and feet of Jesus and for ministering to this precious family in such tangible ways!!! It is very much appreciated!!!

(By the way, I cannot take credit for any of this. Thank you to 3 beautiful women in Charleston who love Jesus and the Bradburn family in such selfless ways.)

Our brave boy

His mercies are new every morning!

Thank you all for praying for a peaceful night last night and a great start to the day today! Praise the Lord for both!

Everyone slept well last night, and Forester has had a MUCH better day so far. When I spoke to Whitney a little while ago, Forester had eaten 1/2 of a banana, mini saltines and a popsicle, along with some Hi-C and Ginger Ale - without getting sick! He watched some tv, talked more than he has since his surgery and then settled down for a nap. When he did cry this morning, it was for mac & cheese. Please pray that it's all he hoped it would be :o) and that it stays down when he has it for lunch.

Lamentations 3:21-24

21This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
22The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
23They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."

Keep praying!

A good night prayer

I just received the following text from Whitney about sweet Forester: "He's sleeping very peacefully. Hoping tomorrow is a brand new day and that we turn a corner."

Please join me in lifting this prayer!!!

Good night.
April

Headed home!

Whitney called a little after 7:30pm EST to tell me that Forester's vitals and blood work look good and his CT scan is clear!!! Thank you Lord!!!

Forester's neurosurgeon said that lethargy is very normal at this point and that Pete & Whitney should make sure he gets up and changes positions a few times a day. Believe it or not, he also said it's very possible that Forester picked up a stomach bug that is running rampant through the hospital now.

Please praise the Lord for this news and continue praying for healing, rest and peace for the entire family! If this is a stomach bug, please pray for protection for everyone else too!

April

At the pediatric ER

Forester started vomiting as soon as they got to the ER. He's being prepped for an IV in case he has to be readmitted. They're waiting for a doctor to see him and expect he'll probably have another CT scan. Although he's not crying, he seems withdrawn again.

Oh Lord, hear our cries for Your help and Your strength!

April

Pray! - Part 3

Pete, Kathie & Forester are heading to the pediatric ER shortly to make sure all is okay with Forester. Whitney spoke to Forester's pediatrician who agreed they should err on the side of caution. PLEASE PRAY!

April

Pray! - Part 2

Whitney just called. Since this morning, Forester has only kept down a few sips of Hi-C. If the Frosty Grandma is picking up makes him sick too, they made be headed back to the hospital to see a doctor.

Overall, Whitney feels like Forester has regressed. As she put it, he seems a long way away from playing air hockey yesterday and from eating well in the hospital for 2 days. He seems more lethargic. He has slept all day and doesn't want to get up. He has no interest in the gifts he's received and doesn't even want to look at a new stuffed animal. All of these things may be "normal" for post-surgery and for the busy day he had yesterday, but it's hard for Pete & Whitney to know. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for them. Please pray that Forester enjoys the Frosty and keeps it down. Please pray that the nausea leaves him and is not a symptom of something else. Please pray for peace and healing!

I'll keep you posted.
April

A gift for the Bradburns - REMINDER

One of the Bradburn's dear friends in Charleston had a wonderful idea! We have begun collecting and compiling Bible verses for a scripture "book" for Whitney and Pete to refer to during this journey with Forester. Please share with us specific verses as you feel led by the Holy Spirit, and we will reference both the verse(s) and your name(s) in this special book. If you would like to contribute, please email your verse(s) and name(s) to bradburnfamily@gmail.com by Monday, March 2. Thank you so much for your help with this, and most of all, thank you for your prayers!!!

April

Pray!

From Whitney this morning: "Forester can't keep anything down. I'm concerned."

She's waiting for a call from the doctor on call. PRAY!!! He did sleep peacefully last night, so praise the Lord for that!

April

Prayer requests for tonight

My heart aches for Pete & Whitney for so many reasons but right now because I know how hard it is to see your child in pain. When he cannot express exactly what's wrong and what he needs, it's even harder.

Although he and the Lord have amazed us all over the last few days, Forester is still recovering from the trauma of brain surgery. He still sleeps most of the day, he still tires so easily, he still hesitates to talk, he still has significant discomfort. Now that he's home and being weaned from his steroids, it seems his discomfort has increased. Pete & Whitney have to determine what's wrong and how best they can help him when he simply answers "uh huh" and "uh uh" to their questions. Please cover the Bradburns in your prayers. Pray for physical comfort for Forester. Pray for clear communication. Pray for peace that passes understanding. Pray for wisdom. Pray for confidence. Pray for rest. As wonderful as it is to have Forester home, it has to be at least a little scary too.

Good night.
April

How we might be the hands and feet...

Many of you have expressed interest in helping and ministering to the Bradburn family in the coming days and weeks and months. We would so appreciate your help in any of the following areas:

• Meals. We will start meals for them this Monday, March 2 and would love for someone to cover every other day (Mon, Wed, Fri, etc) for as long as needed. If you would like to serve the family in this way, please email bradburnfamily@gmail.com with "Meals" in the subject line and include your name, address and phone number. We will then contact you regarding a specific date and drop off details. Please bring all meals in disposable containers, so the family will not be burdened with returning dishes.
• Encouragement. Encouraging cards for Forester and the rest of the family.
• Gift cards. Gift cards for local grocery stores (WalMart, Publix, Bi-Lo) to help us keep their pantry and fridge stocked.
• Gas cards. Gas cards to cover expenses as the family goes back and forth to the hospital for treatments.
• Cash. Cash to help cover incidentals.
• Local volunteers. Local volunteers to help with various yet-to-be-determined tasks & errands.

Again, please email bradburnfamily@gmail.com if you would like to help in any of the ways listed above or in any other way, and we will reply as soon as possible. Thank you for the being the hands and feet of Jesus and for ministering to this precious family in such tangible ways!!! It is very much appreciated!!!

April

(By the way, I cannot take credit for any of this. Thank you to 3 beautiful women in Charleston who love Jesus and the Bradburn family in such selfless ways.)

Forester James Bradburn

What a handsome boy!!!

Forester is home with his family!!!

Pete & Whitney brought Forester home this afternoon! Praise the Lord! As I'm sure you can imagine, they are all exhausted - especially Forester. He has made AMAZING progress the last few days, but his body needs rest, rest, rest. He's completely worn out tonight, and some of his medications have made him sick to his stomach. Please pray for continued physical healing for him and for healing rest for the entire family.

With that in mind, let's please love on the Bradburns from a distance for a while - and through the other ways I'll post shortly - and let them tell us when they're ready for company. I know we all want to hug them and check on them in person only out of love and concern, so please don't let your feelings be hurt by this. If you want to visit, please call first and know they may say yes or no depending on how Forester feels, how exhausted they are, etc, etc.

You all are wonderful! Keep praying!
April

I'll be found in You

I've heard this song a lot lately and really liked it. Oddly enough I haven't heard it at all the last week or so but I have thought about it a lot the last couple of days and sung it to myself. It has become my theme song I guess.

I want to write more to you and I will at some point. But for now, all I can say to all of you is thank you. The words just don't do justice to how I feel but it's all I have at the moment. Love and thanks to all. - Whitney



"Shadowfeet" by Brooke Fraser

Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet
Toward home, a land that I've never seen
I am changing: less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when I began
and I have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in You, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in You

There's distraction buzzing in my head
Saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumours of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in You, still standing
When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I'll be found in You

You make all things new

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in You, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
When time and space are through
I'll be found in You

On the road again

Forester had an uneventful night last night, which is a very good thing. The doctors will decide a little later today whether or not today is the day! Please pray for wisdom for them in making this decision.

I'm leaving Charleston in just a few minutes. Can you believe we will drive through thunderstorms and snow?!?!? on our way back to Atlanta?

As soon as I get home, I'll pass today's updates on to you.

April