Prayers Requested

The above picture is of the girls, my college roommate, Elissa, her little boy, Bradley, and me.   Elissa, her husband, Ed, and Bradley live in Arizona and were back in Iowa for a wedding in September.  We were lucky enough to spend a few hours with them between all the festivities.  Bradley was two months old at the time.   He is now four months old.

A couple of weeks ago Bradley underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor.   The Drs. were hoping they would be able to avoid chemotherapy, but last week Bradley was diagnosed with cancer.   Bradley began a 51 week chemo plan last week. Prior to starting chemo, Bradley had surgery to have a shunt placed in his head. This assists with the swelling he has had since he underwent brain surgery. The shunt will control the swelling, in addition to transporting the medicine used during chemo.  Bradley is currently using a feeding tube to eat; they are hoping he will be able to eat on his own in a few weeks.

I do not know all the details.  But I am guessing the diagnosis of the tumor is fairly recent, as they were planning on coming back to Iowa for Thanksgiving less than a month ago.

I can only imagine what Elissa, Ed and Bradley are going through.  This is not something a four month old should have to go through, or a parent should have to endure.   Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.   They will need all they strength and support they can get, even from strangers.  Thanks!