Braxton’s fight against brain cancer

January 25, 2018, our lives changed forever. I decided to take my son to his doctor, due to him having mild headaches on the posterior (back) side of his head. I knew that wasn’t a normal location for headaches. His doctor wanted me to take him to Vanderbilt Children’s hospital in Nashville, TN, to have him checked out some more and possible scans done. They decided to do a CT scan. The Dr came back into the waiting area and told us, my son had a brain tumor. He was immediately admitted, a MRI ordered, and surgery scheduled. Jan 30, he had his brain surgery and had the tumor removed. Thankfully, they were able to remove it all. Braxton, however was affected on his right side due to the surgery. His right side coordination is still off some but is getting better every day!! I received the phone call on Feb 6, that his tumor was cancerous. Medulloblastoma group 3/4. The next step was to see if it had spread to the spinal fluid by having a lumbar puncture done. Sadly, it came back in fact that it had spread. :( making his prognosis even worse. I opted to go to St Jude, in Memphis, for Braxton’s treatment, due to them having the newest research and equipment. They done further testing and found out the subgroup, making it an EVEN more poor prognosis. His type is one of the worst sub-types of his cancer. The news kept seemingly getting worse but thankfully God and our faith are keeping us strong!!

I unfortunately lost my job bc his treatments were going to last close to a year. Me and Braxton had to leave our home, pets, friends, and my daughter/his sister, back home for friends to help take care of. Me and Braxton came to Memphis Feb 22, 2018. During radiation, we got to go home on weekends. He received 30 rounds of high dose radiation, 6 weeks-5 days a week. He then had a four week break, which we got to spend at home. We then came back to Memphis, in May, to start 7 rounds of strong chemo; which will last 7 months. We are praying that we will be home before Christmas!! He has had three surgeries since Jan. He won’t eat bc he is scared he will get sick. He lost so much weight he had to get a g-tube (feeding tube). 

Braxton, is currently in his third round of chemo. Last month he even ended up getting appendicitis, having nothing to do with treatment, adding another surgery to the list. Just a coincidence. My hero sure has been so strong!!  He has had a rough couple past months but so far this round hasn’t been that bad. 

I am starting this account for anyone that is wanting to donate any help, for my little family, during this time. I had a youcare account set up, however, they are shutting down and recommended that I set up a go fund me. Thank you to everyone for any financial assistance. I want to ask for prayers, more than anything else. He is being so strong and positive and we couldn’t be that way without God, our friends, and our faith!! #BraxtonStrong #MySonMyHero #MustardSeedFaith