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Team Bradley 
aka TEAM SURVIVOR
Welcome to our Team Bradley Web Page.
It has been provided to keep people updated about our Bradley.
For those that do not know, Bradley was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on January 24, 2005, what should have been his first day of pre school. A day that changed everything forever. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood in which cancer cells go haywire, are not attacked by your immune system, and crowd out the space where your good cells should be. Leukemia prevents your bone marrow from manufacturing red and white blood cells and platelets, resulting in anemia, increased susceptibility to infection, and impaired blood clotting. His protocol for treatment requires 164 weeks of chemotherapy. The approximate end date should be around March 27, 2008. That is our wedding aniversary - what a gift!!
The weekend of Friday, January 21st, 2005 started out with much anticipation of my son Bradley's first day of preschool on Monday, January 24th. We planned a big day for Monday. We were supposed to go to breakfast. After that, a trip to the store for school supplies for Bradley to carry in his little Elmo backpack. Then, he was on to his first big adventure into the world. We knew he would be just fine at preschool since our little genius knows his ABC's and 123's (in English and Spanish!). He recognizes many shapes and all the colors including chartreuse, and is starting to sound out three letter words! Can you tell I'm a mom that like's to brag?! This was all halted when both our kids came down with "the flu" over the course of the weekend. We knew his first day of preschool was out and we took the kids in to see the pediatrician. After examining both children she said our daughter Shelby was fine, but Bradley's color and enlarged liver and spleen concerned her. She let us know we should get him to an ER immediately.
We rushed to Oakwood and waited, and waited, as doctors and nurses came in and out, and blood was drawn left and right. We were thinking that our little man was going to have surgery to have his spleen removed. After a few long hours a doctor came in and told us that our son had Leukemia and we had seconds to decide where to take him next. I barely remember the next moments as doctors and nurses asked questions, clerks told us to make needed phone calls, a receptionist said our pediatrician was on the phone, people from insurance and social work asked how all this will be handled financially and if we were up to this emotionally- the list of questions and tasks was endless and this was just the first moments of the devastating diagnosis that MY PRECIOUS LITTLE MAN had Leukemia. I thought it all was a bad dream and was sure I'd wake up in moments. All I really remember thinking was he was supposed to start preschool today.
In the ambulance I remember he fell asleep in my arms and I was terrified. Between rests he cried for momma and daddy. I held my little guy close and told him everything was going to be ok. I looked at him and knew my Love Bug was going to go through so much physical and emotional pain. How was any of this fair? This most perfect and thoughtful little boy has such a painful road in front of him. I just held him and cried.
As we headed to 7 Mott at U of M, what we will come to know as our second home, we met dozens of new faces of the people that will be caring for Bradley over the next 3 years 2 months for therapy and admissions to the hospital for fevers and illness. After that time they will examine him periodically for many years following, to ensure he remains Leukemia free.
The next few days were full of blood draws, bone marrow aspirations, lumbar punctures, chest line placements and an unexpected trip to the PICU to monitor unanticipated respiratory distress in the OR. The distress was due to blood clots filling his lungs and the accidental puncture of his lungs when inserting a chest tube. Once the preliminary diagnosis of PRE B CELL ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA (PRE B ALL for short), we discussed with doctors the details of his therapy, all the drugs he will take, and the endless list of side effects experienced, both during therapy, and the ones that could come about throughout his lifetime. These side effects range from feeling yucky to kidney, liver, and heart failure to learning disabilities; there are at least 100 side effects that we are aware of.
There are many factors that can influence this diagnosis and change all plans for chemotherapy, one of them being a cytogenetic test. This test involves an examination of the bad Leukemia cells. A cytogenetist looks for abnormalities in the chromosomes. Some abnormalities reduce the percentage of a favorable outcome. The results usually come back within one to two weeks. Our call came in one week and three days. They told us that unfortunately we would not have any information regarding his cytogenetics due to the fact enough sample was not collected, even though the procedure was conducted twice. They assured us this does not typically happen. Hopefully the standard treatment for Pre B ALL will be what it takes to help our son beat this!
We finally got the word on February 3rd that we would be going home. After learning how and when to give the meds, change and care for his chest line, as well as all of the other crucial details needed to manage our son's health- dad, mom and BRADLEY headed out of 7 Mott. We felt pretty confident that we could do this, and that since his therapy is done out patient, we figured this was goodbye to the wonderful 7 Mott staff for a while. The reality of our situation set in on Saturday, February 5th when Bradley's fever reached the "when to call" 100.5 mark. He was also exhibiting other "when to call" symptoms. Hours later we were readmitted to 7 Mott, our new home away from home.
Prior to January 24th, 2005, our house was full of chitter-chatter and pitter-patter. Now our little boy barely talks and is not even able to get off the couch without help. He is experiencing many side effects and is very scared. He is angry with the doctors, as well as his family on occasion. Who can really blame him? My husband described it best - this disease has robbed our little man of his innocence.
1826 days (5 years) is our goal!!
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***To everyone that gives blood - Thank You! Know that you are saving someones life! Our Bradley is here today because of blood and platelet donations and we are forever grateful!!***
Want to go a step further? Consider becoming a registered BONE MARROW DONOR. Many parents will be thankful you did!!
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Let them be little
'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope,
give them praise,
give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle,
let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little?
From the song Let Them Be Little.
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Did you HUG your kids today??
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Want to learn more about the difference U of M is making for our children?? Check out http://www.mottchildrenshospital.org/index.html to find out more! GO BLUE!! Hail to the Victors!!
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DID YOU KNOW... it costs $1.2 million a day to keep St. Jude, the leader in fighting childhood cancer, running? You can become a Partner in Hope by visiting their website. PLEASE see the links below! Becoming a Partner in Hope is one of the best gifts you could give yourself and the many children fighting this horrible disease.
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I watch you playing
Without a care,
It's hard to believe
The cancer is there.
You look so bright,
So happy and well,
If someone new met you
They couldn't tell.
Your strength is amazing,
Your courage so strong,
You've fought this disease
So well for so long.
It's from your strength
That I draw mine,
I know you'll come through this,
It'll just take time.
Carry on smiling,
I will too,
Through the hard times
I'll carry you.
You are my world,
The air that I breathe,
I know in my heart
You'll never leave.
Keep strong my love,
The battle has begun,
But with your strength
It will be won.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Lena Ford~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
???Many of you have asked: What are his "counts"? We monitor four VERY closely~
1. WBC's are total number of all 5 White Blood Cells. "Normal" Value is 5-13.5
2. ANC is the number of a specific WBC (neutrophils) which is the #1 cell that attacks germs. "Normal" range is 3.0-10.1.(3000-10100)
~Neutropenia (1500 < ANC < 2000) ~ slight risk of infection
~Mild Neutropenia (1000 < ANC < 1500) ~ minimal risk of infection
~Moderate Neutropenia (500 < ANC < 1000) ~ moderate risk of infection
~Severe Neutropenia (ANC < 500) ~ severe risk of infection.
3. Hemoglobin's "normal" range is 12.5-16.0. Hemoglobin is found in Red Blood Cells which transport oxygen around the body.
4. Platelets are responsible for clotting blood. Normal range is 140-400
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*****People say that positive energy / prayers can have the same effect as medical care. We have often asked for positive thoughts and paryers for Bradley throughout his treatment. Now more than ever in this last year of treatment wish... pray...visualize his leukemia cells being squashed (as he puts it) and leaving his body. Pray so that the leukemia WILL NOT come back. We, his mom and dad say, IT CAN NOT COME BACK!!*****
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The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
May God protect all of the brave little souls...
Bradley, Dakota, Cassie, Baby Jake, Ethan, Joshua, Heather, SammiJean, Evan F., Evan D., Brandon, Dominique, Joe, Noah, Michelle, Drew, Christine, Dalton, Ben, Abby, Kasey, Troy, David...
May God take care of
Angel Gavin, baby Angel Sam, Angel Janni, Angel Kate, Angel Matthew, Angel Maddie, baby Angel Shelby, Angel Carson, Angel Maria (prayersfrommaria.org), Angel SkylarJade, Angel Gavin, baby Angel Lucas, Angel Davis, Angel Sabrina, Angel Maggie, Angel CJ, Angel Sophie (smilesforsophie.com), Angel Ali, Angel Justin, Angel Grace, Angel Jeremy, Angel Faith, Angel Grace...
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Copy and paste the links below for the latest news about childhood cancer.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070320191023.htm--- Childhood leukemia survivors at risk for...
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/leukemiachildhood.html --- Lots of links to information on leukemia.
http://www.prayersfrommaria.org --- Information and links to learn more about Pontine Brain Gliomas
www.curesearch.org --- CureSearch unites the world's largest childhood cancer research organization, the Children's Oncology Group, and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation through our mission to cure childhood cancer. Research is the key to the cure.
http://www.curechildhoodcancer.org --- Growing up is hard enough without cancer...Imagine a world without childhood cancer.
No painful chemotherapy treatments.
No emotional stress on children and their families.
No financial sacrifice.
http://www.beyondthecure.org --- The Late-Effects Assessment tool is currently being expanded and updated based on the most recent medical information available. Please visit this site again after Jan. 1, 2008, to create your comprehensive Personal Profile.
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Shelby's new song for Bradley
"I want my Big Bubby to feel better,
I want my Big Guy to feel better, I want my Big Bubby to feel better, make him better now!" My heart was mush and my eyes filled with tears when I first heard this most beautiful song.
And as promised the debut of Bradley's song that he has written and put to music ALL BY HIMSELF. He performed it for the first time to mom, dad, and Shelby. Now we want to share it with all of you.
I WISH I WOULD GET BETTER
by Bradley Simmons
I wish I would get better
So I could go to my friend?s house.
I wish I would get better
So I could even play with a little mouse.
I wish I would get better
So I can go outside and play
I wish I would get better
Each and every day
I wish I would get better
So I could go to the store
I wish I would get better
So I could touch a door.
I wish I would get better
So my counts would be up
I wish I would get better
So I can drink from a fountain and not a cup.
I wish I would get better
So I would have no more pills and pokes
I wish I would get better
So I can keep on telling my jokes
I wish I would get better?
The lyrics may change slightly when he sings it but the general meaning is there, I wish I would get better.
Bradley's song has been made into a Songs of Love ~ he's published!! Family and Friends can download a copy (with a minimum donation of .99!) at www.songsoflove.org. Go to Family and Friend download link. Childs last name goes in the name box and the Childs Record # is 11943.
Best dollar you'll ever spend! =)
What is cancer? This is cancer through Bradley's eyes. He said the cancer is kicking him. But the medicine (the scribble)is kicking it right in the butt! Little boys and the love for that word.
Children with cancer are like candles in the wind who accept the possibility that they are in danger of being extinguished by a gust of wind from nowhere and yet, as they flicker and dance to remain alive, their brilliance challenges the darkness and dazzles those of us who watch their light.
- Unknown
Please stop by the guestbook and say "rello"
Journal
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:15 AM CDT
8 years ago today I was walking into Wyandotte Hospital knowing that today would be the day I would meet my son. I cannot believe that 8 wonderful years have come and gone. I am truly blessed that my Bradley is here to celebrate another birthday. I am such a lucky mom… I am so grateful that he is my son.
HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY BRADLEY – You’re the man!!
ps. Bradley is doing GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read Journal History
Hospital Information: Patient Room: Home! C.S Mott Children's Hospital
7 Mott Box 0246 / 200 E. Hospital Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0246
Links: http://www.stjude.org Finding Cures... Saving LIVES
http://www.wish.org Make*A*Wish -- Making Dreams Come True! They really do!!!
http://www.gktw.org Give Kids the World...an awesome place. Please visit the site. If you ever want to volunteer your time and have an unforgettable memory, this would be the place to go!
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