Brad and I took the trip to Denver yesterday for the quarterly check up. The scan was pretty status quo – which is a good thing… just staying the course in land of ‘no news is good news’. Essentially, the pictures looked pretty similar to the ones from August.
Originally we had hoped to taper Brad off the steroids in the past few months, but were unable to do this as he is not producing steroids naturally right now. As I understand it, everyone produces steroids via their adrenal gland, but since Brad has been on the drugs for so long he is not making his own. So, we are mixing up the meds and changing brands to something that will hopefully be easier to ween off of. Hopefully in a few short months, we will be reducing the Avastin and stepping closer to the goal of getting off the meds. For now, we stay the course…and that ain’t all bad!
We have been working through some sideways twists lately as Brad is weighing in at 152 lbs. (which puts him as a serious competitor in the featherweight class at Vanatta Outfitters). We have been tracking the weight-loss and reviewing blood work to try and zero in on what specifically was going on. Turns out Brad’s thyroid is having its very own Occupy Brad and refuses to turn off (or go away). This is being caused by an autoimmune disease know as Graves disease.
Graves Disease is one of the most common of all thyroid problems in which the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones. Once the disorder is diagnosed, it is easy to treat and in some cases it can go into remission or disappear completely after several months or years. Although the symptoms can cause discomfort, Graves’ disease generally has no long-term adverse health consequences – the main side effect we have noticed has been the weight loss, but it hard to track in the mix of everything else. We are going to meet with a specialist soon in Denver, and should know more in the upcoming weeks. I am optimistic some holiday food and exercise will get Brad back to fighting weight in no time.
Thanks for your continued love and support. We hope you enjoy a great Thanksgiving with family and friends!
Cusenbary's Blog 
Well, I’m glad to hear the scans showed nothing ultra alarming but so sorry to hear about the Graves. At least you know what it is and can move forward with treatment. I believe a wise man named GI Joe once said, “Knowing is half the battle.” Hugs to all (even the doggies).
By: Lindsey on November 18, 2011
at 1:55 pm
I was glad to see an update and glad the scans are stable. We’ve ben thinking about you so much. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Pam
By: Pam on November 18, 2011
at 8:15 pm
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving too. The Bible tells us to give thanks in all things. You are a great example of that.
By: Sue Brown on November 19, 2011
at 11:59 pm
Thanks Laura, as always your post was very informative. For now Brad may be a Battam Weight but he certainly fights like a Super Heavy Weight. Brad has alway been very special to me even thought he probably doesn’t realize it. I shared some of my most treasured memories with him. Your post over these past couple of years has shown me what a special person you are also. It is evident God placed you in Brads life for more than one reason and we are all richer for it. Thank you and thank God for who you are. Pam and I continue to pray.
By: Craig Walker on November 23, 2011
at 1:52 am