Brayden had his appointment today, a milestone in his ongoing journey of recovery.
He received his IGG infusion, a necessary step to support his immune system after the challenges he’s faced.
Since last week, he has gained a pound, a small but encouraging sign that the appetite stimulant is helping him regain strength and vitality.
Exciting changes in his medications bring hope.
He is coming off Valtrex, which was prescribed for his liver, and his steroid dose has been reduced to just a quarter of a tablet daily for two more weeks.
After this, he will officially be off steroids, ending a long and difficult weaning process.
His anti-rejection medication has also been reduced to 0.09 ml, with further decreases scheduled next week.
He has been handling the wean remarkably well, and his blood work looks excellent, pleasing his doctors.
These improvements allow him to visit the clinic every two weeks instead of weekly, a much-needed relief for both him and his family.
The medical team is hopeful that he will be able to attend school in person this year.
His parents pray that this will happen, knowing how much he misses social interaction with other children.
Brayden’s mind continues to grow and flourish despite the challenges he has faced, showing resilience and determination.
Today, he also underwent a steroid and cortisol test, the results of which are not yet available.
Every small milestone brings reassurance: weight gain, lowered and discontinued medications, and fewer supplements.
One of his blood pressure medications has been cut in half, and July 30th is marked as the last dose of tacrolimus, the anti-rejection drug he must eventually stop to return to school.
Each adjustment is a step toward normalcy and independence, a testament to the perseverance he has shown throughout his recovery.
Despite progress, the journey is not without its struggles.
IV pokes remain challenging, and today he required sedation with versed to tolerate the procedure.
Even in these difficult moments, Brayden displays courage, facing procedures that are painful and frightening with remarkable bravery.
Accidents still happen, a reminder that he is a child first.
He climbed on a toy box, which flipped, hitting him in the side of his eye and leaving a black eye.
His parents worried but were relieved that his curiosity and playfulness remained intact despite the mishap.
Looking ahead, his MIBG scan is scheduled for the end of next week.
The family can breathe a little easier knowing they won’t return to the bone marrow transplant clinic until August 20th, providing a brief reprieve and a chance to enjoy normal activities.
Brayden’s journey is a mixture of small victories and ongoing challenges.
Each milestone, from weight gain to lowered medications, brings hope and a sense of progress.
Every procedure, from IV pokes to scans, reminds the family of the courage and resilience required to navigate this path.
Through it all, Brayden continues to show the heart of a fighter.
His laughter, curiosity, and determination bring light to even the most difficult days.
His parents, grateful for the medical care and support, remain vigilant, encouraging each small victory and celebrating every step forward.
The path to recovery is long, but the hope is strong.
Every change in medication, every small physical milestone, and every appointment that goes smoothly brings the family closer to a semblance of normal life.
Brayden’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of a child determined to thrive despite the odds.
With each passing week, his independence grows.
He navigates his treatments with a mixture of bravery and childlike curiosity, reminding everyone that even in the midst of illness, life can still hold moments of joy.
The upcoming MIBG scan and the longer interval until the next clinic visit mark important milestones in his journey.
Brayden’s progress offers hope to his family and inspiration to those following his journey.
Each small victory—sitting up for his infusion, gaining weight, tolerating procedures—adds to the growing sense of resilience.
His parents continue to pray for his strength, health, and a return to the normal life he longs for, especially the chance to be back in school and among friends.
Brayden’s journey reminds us that healing is often a series of small steps, each as meaningful as the last.
Through pain, treatment, and setbacks, his courage shines.
He is a testament to perseverance, hope, and the enduring spirit of a child determined to reclaim his life.