Thank You

Hello all.  I have kept putting off posting anything on this website because every time I go to do it I can't put into words the gratitude I feel for all of you.  Words just don't express it.  It has been so amazing to be put into a situation where we can witness, first hand, the power of people coming together to help and show their love.  It has given me a new understanding of what people and their charitable hearts are really capable of.  Thank you everyone.  Thank you for your prayers, fasting, phone calls, texts, visits, food, running errands, notes, etc.  I have heard from people I haven't seen or talked to in years who are lending their helping hand. There are so many people I've never even met who are leaving messages on Facebook or on this website of their support and encouragement.  We could NOT be doing this without all of you.  

The fast list is incredible.  Throughout the days whenever we hear good news about the treatment I thank Heavenly Father for the people who fasted for that day because I know we received that blessing because of their fast.  I was just talking to Brandon tonight and he said Heavenly Father has no choice but to "open the windows of Heaven with his blessings," because of so many people who are praying and fasting for us.  

Brandon is doing really well.  His first round of Chemo ended this last Monday and so far so good.  He hasn't experienced any major side effects, just a little nausea here and there, but nothing that can't be fixed with a little Zofran.  He has an incredible attitude.  The first thing he said to me after we found out this was cancer was, "I know that we are going to be okay.  I know without a doubt in my heart that we will make it through this."  Ever since then whenever we hear about the road ahead or if he has to have a painful procedure he says, "Okay, I'll do what I need to do."  I could not be doing as well as I am if it weren't for Brandon and his amazing attitude.  Who would have thought it would be the patient who was helping the caregiver get through it?  But, I know for all of you who know Brandon, that is exactly the person he is.  He has a quiet strength that everyone trusts.  

 I was talking to a family member yesterday about a quote she heard from a general authority that said in the pre-existence we chose our own trials that we would face here on Earth.  Well, trust Brandon to choose one this big!  He's always loved a challenge and has always exceeded any expectation.  I have no doubt he will do the same with this.

I know everyone is curious about what and when things are happening for treatment.  As of now, we are waiting for Brandon's counts to drop and then rise so we can harvest his stem cells and then soon after that get a bone marrow transplant with his own bone marrow.  After he's had his stem cells harvested and ready for transplant he will go through another, more intense, round of chemo and immediately after have his transplant.  If all goes well a few months down the road he will have another round of chemo and a second transplant.  When this is happening is all relative.  We just have to wait and see how well he responds to this chemo and when the doctors think it best to proceed.  

We couldn't feel more blessed to live right here in Utah where the Huntsman Cancer Institute is just a half mile down from our house.  Our doctors and nurses are all amazing, the best in the world.  

Thank you again for all your love and support.  Please keep us in your prayers.  We love you all.

Love, 

Katie