When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong ~ September 4, 2020
This past week has been full of ups and downs for Brayden. Here’s a quick update for all of our faithful prayer warriors!
Brayden has treatments each Tuesday and rechecks on his bloodwork each Friday. Last week’s treatments were fairly uneventful, but he got pretty sick the next day. He has received two lumbar punctures so far, which are tests to see if there is any cancer in his spinal fluid, followed by a chemo injection directly into his spine. Both tests have revealed no cancer cells in the spinal fluid, which is great news! It doesn’t mean he won’t have further lumbar punctures, though, as they will continue to be a regular part of his treatment protocol.
On Friday, we headed back to Seattle for Brayden’s bloodwork. After his blood draw, he gradually became more tired to the point where he couldn’t hold his head up and could barely walk. They started doing tests, including blood sugar, EKG, more bloodwork, and a chest x-ray, only to find nothing wrong, other than the obvious fact that he has leukemia and is receiving chemo.
At one point, he had stopped responding and I was being consoled by the nurses through my tears. They finally decided since nothing else was glaringly wrong, they would try giving him fluids. Thankfully, it turned out to be dehydration because he perked up after about 2 hours. What was supposed to be a 2-hour appointment became an 8-hour stay, but he felt so much better when we left. We went home with a blood sugar test kit and a new anti-nausea that he could take in between doses of the one he was already taking. That weekend he began having what we thought was eye strain, so he tried to rest his eyes as much as possible.
This Tuesday, Brayden didn’t have the lumbar puncture, so his treatment was much quicker. He got sick right when we got home, but was able to use the new nausea medication that helped get him through the evening. On Wednesday, he began complaining about his eyes bothering him much more. As the day progressed, it got gradually worse until at 9:00, his eyes suddenly began rolling back into his head and he started having spasms in his neck. He was able to carry on a conversation and describe what he was feeling, but we were all terrified, so while we waited for the medics to arrive, we prayed and took his blood sugar and temp (both fine). He was transported to the hospital, where they did a bunch of tests yet again, checking for things like a stroke or seizures. The involuntary movements had spread to his face. He was still able to obey commands and even move his eyes when asked, but he couldn’t control them unless he was focused on following something specific. Thankfully, it turned out to “just” be a side effect of the new anti-nausea medication. They released him and we got home a little after 3AM, which I didn’t consider too long for the severity of the situation. Brayden agreed that he’d much rather be sick than have another scary episode like that. One thing we’ve learned about our family (at least the kids and me) is that if there is a rare side effect, there’s a pretty good chance we will have it (insert eye roll).
In the middle of these terrifying situations, we have hope. The treatments are working to eradicate the cancer. The mass in his chest is much smaller and his counts are improving. Some people have asked if his treatment will be cut short if there are no signs of cancer at some point, but we’ve learned that stopping treatment wouldn’t be wise due to the rate of recurrence with this type of leukemia. While Brayden has had some pretty rough days, they were due mostly to rare side effects. He’s doing well as a whole, but this phase of treatment only lasts for four weeks. The most difficult phase is coming next. It is really hard to see him having such a hard time, especially knowing that the worst is yet to come, but we are so thankful we also have the reassurance that the treatment is working. We would love your continued prayers for his side effects to be minimal (or at least normal!) and the cancer to be eradicated.
My heart has been breaking for the families that don’t get glimpses of good news in the midst of navigating this kind of diagnosis. The number of people who are at SCCA when we are there is staggering. My heart is heavy for the needs represented in each of their faces, many of which don’t appear to have the kind of support system we have. For this, we are eternally grateful. If you’re reading this, you are one of those who have been praying for our man-child, and you have showered us with so much love and support. “Thank you” can never be enough, but we are truly humbled and thankful for each of you.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
You May Also Like
31 Comments
Ed
I keep Brayden in my thoughts all the time. He has always been one if my favorites and I get mad with the thought that he is going through this at this time in his life. My belief is that he has a terrific family behind him and it has to be a positive outcome. Please tell him that being Bald is not that bad, all the guys at the Department were shaving their heads and Ryan still does. Stay strong and stay safe!
Janet
Praying for all of your family during this harrowing experience for Brayden. Also praying for continued peace and healing. Thank you so much for the updates. The Lord has all of you in his loving arms. We love you all so much. Janet
Gretel
Stephanie,
I’m so sorry you are all having to go through this. I’ll be praying for Brayden and for all of your family.
I pray that God will give you everything you need for every moment of each day and that you’ll see his hand at work along the way. May your hope in him be steadfast.
nancy
so scary….love and prayers for Brayden and your family! praying for wisdom for the doctors and strength and courage for your sweet son (and you too!) praying for God to light Brayden’s way as he goes through the dark side effects and exhaustion. give him a big hug for me.
Jenna
Thanks for the update!
Praying for minimal side affects, energy, and quick healing!
Rachel Schwartz
Thank you for sharing this. Seeing the positive in such a scary situation is beautiful. My sister also had some unexpected side effects during her cancer treatment-developing temporary diabetes was one of them. It disappeared when her treatment was over and I am praying the exact same thing happens for Brayden. Lord, please continue filling this family with your comfort and hope….a comfort and hope that only You can provide. 🙏
Candi
Brayden and your whole family are continuously in my prayers. I know God hears each prayer and fills in the gaps,, but I appreciate your updates, so I can pray for specific needs.
Blessings,
Candi
Erik Engstrom
I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart. O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me. … Do not forsake me, O Lord ! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!
Psalm 38:8-10, 21-22 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.38.8-22.ESV. Lamenting, waiting, and hopeful with you. God hears all of our prayers and understands our weakness.
Candy Norris
Taking-in your many emotions as I read your up-date Steph…My prayers for Braydon’s “side-effects” to B minimal & his FULL recovery on the other side of this monster ….will continue..& prayers for U, Steph & the rest of your Family/friends who continue their support
Namaste
Candy
Lynda McDaniel
Don and I continue to pray for Braydon and your entire family every night.
Suzanna Shipley
I am praying daily for all of you. So thankful that you know God’s presence and the strength He gives. Thank you for the sharing your heart.
Stepherella
Thank you so much, Suzy!
Susie
May God continue to bring healing through this difficult diagnosis and treatment and rest from the hardships on the journey. SCCA is such an amazing place, what a blessing that he can get his help from SCCA, from God, from a family who understands the journey and continued hope that God provides each day. With 💕 love
Stepherella
Yes, we’re so thankful for SCCA! Thankful for you, too, my friend! <3
Alicia
Praise the Lord for quick answers and for continual healing! Our family will continue to pray for yours💓 Hugs and blessings, the Kuntz Family
Stepherella
Thank you, Alicia! Appreciate you and your love and prayers!
Marci Williams
Thank you for the update!! We continue to pray for Brayden. It makes my heart sing knowing that he has the best support system in which to help handle the ups and downs. But also knowing that God is in the midst is so reassuring.
Alison
Continued prayers for the treatment to continue working and that Brayden develops more strength to handle what lies ahead. Prayers also for your mom heart—that God would blanket it in His peace and comfort.
Stepherella
Thank you, Alison! It’s only God that can explain the peace I’ve had even in the middle of this. <3 We so appreciate your prayers!
Molly
Thank you for the update. We are praying for Braydon. So thankful he has such an amazing family
To surround him with love and lift him up in prayer. Asking for complete healing IN THE NAME OF JESUS!❤️
Stepherella
Amen! Thank you, Molly!!
Danielle McDowell
Thank you so much for updating. Brayden continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Your whole family is loved and held.
Mary Lerdahl
Thank you for the update. Brayden and your family are in our steadfast prayers!
Holly Norquist
Every time I wash dishes I pray for your family! Thank you for the update so I can pray more specifically. Your courage and peace in the Lord are so encouraging and admirable! Love you to the moon and back sweet Stephanie!!!!❤️🌸❤️🌸❤️
Angela Stewart
Praying for the Lord’s strength & provision for you all! I too have been gracing the halls of SCCA for the past 4 years. During those years I have held strong to Ps. 139:16 – “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” Such a kind & loving Heavenly Father who knows us so intricately — at the cellular level! And this knowledge is so great that I am reduced from my own throne & find grace & mercy in my times of need at the very hem of His garment. Praying you are renewed & encouraged at that very place too – such a comforting & place of strength to just rest! The Lord has you all in His strong & mighty hands!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Don Walker
Prayers of course. I dont know if you knew when I was rear ended 1.5 years ago. I was admitted for 2 paralysis threating breaks to my back and had radical surgery to repair. I had a friend visit who wrote Jerimiah 17:14 on the white board in my room. It was the 1st thing I would see, after the ceiling, each time awakening and I recited it continuously with my prayers and it was my focal point when seemingly everything else was far to difficult to look at. I attribute my relatives quick release from the hospital and recovery. Perhaps Braydon would find this verse as important as I did. I believe God’s promise in this verse worked over and thru me during and after my recovery. I guarantee it won’t hurt! 🙂
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One that I praise.
Jerimiah 17:14
Carrie cheetham
Thanks for sharing and glorifying God amongst the “trials and tribulations” of this world! To your son have those side effects must have been excruciatingly painful!
Katie Bliss
Wow, I’m so sorry about the side effects Brayden’s been experiencing. It all sounds fairly horrifying, but I love your dependence on God through it all. I’m continuing to pray – thank you for the update!
Sandie Giermann
We are continuing our prayers for Brayden, and for all of you. Thank you for keeping us posted so we know specifically what to pray for.
patricia Briscoe
Thank you for the update…such a scary time….we will continue to pray for Brayden and for the rest of the family….our hearts go out to you all…Tricia B.
Willie Duncan
Praying for Braden and your family.