All Blog Entries - Pray For Brandon

Pics for all

Lance and his Spiderman bike

Jordan and her new laptop

Trey and his new gun a real gun

Lance and his new truck

get this tape off of me mom lol

Lance with hulk gloves

What a hamm

Wow a box of ceral that was to funny he really thought he got ceral lol.

Poor Brandon was sooo sick

this was after the hosptial stay and feeling better

January 3, 2009 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

x-mas 2008

Before you get started on the blog part I want to share a website with all you moms it is called

http://www.5minutesformom.com/
you will love it. It is a great site hope you enjoy!

This is my crew. I love my kids and they love thier brother.

So I got a new camera for christmas and a hope I get new pics up soon.
Well this is how our Christmas went. Two days before Christmas Brandon starts to get sick. So we take him to the doctor and get him some meds. We go home and he just keeps getting worse. So on Christmas eve he is laying in bed with me just strugglin to breath it seems so I am up all night with him and getting no sleep. My 4 year old wakes up wanting me on top of that so I have him and Brandon in the rocking chair rocking them to sleep. So I finally get them to lay down on the floor on a blanket and cover them up I try to get some sleep before Christmas at my moms. So I get like 3 hrs sleep and everyone is getting up and getting excited to go to grandmas. So we get dressed and go over there all while Brandon is just deep breathing I give him inhaler meds food etc nothing seems to help. He just wants to cough and sleep. We do Christmas at my moms the whole time Brandon is out of it and dosent want to open his eyes. So we do gifts, eat, and go home. I call home health just to see what they think because by now he is runnin fever. They said to take him to the ER so I do but the ER is a hour away so I haul butt to Texarkana and get him the ER. The doctors saw him right away and got him some O2 and meds. They tested him for infection and he ended up having RSV a resporitory infection that is really bad. Then they go to tell me they think he has a blockage in his stomach and they were airlifting him to Little Rock (3hrs away) so we wait for Angel one to come and get him and he is breathing 60secs a minute which is not good. So they get him there and I am soooo tired from no sleep to dealing with all of this I beg my mom to drive me there because I cant do it myself. So she has my Aunt bring her to the hosptial and she makes it right before Angel one does and sees him off while I talk to the doctors.
Then off we go we drive the 2 1/2 hour drive to Childrens Hosptial trying to keep each other awake and talking. She gets tired I drive till we get there. We get there about the same time the Chopper does. He is in his room crying for me. I go to him and hold him. I tell them they might as well just get another bed that me and him both can lay on because I was not putting him down. They do and we sleep a couple hours in and out our the nurses and doctors. Breathing treatments etc. Well the next morning the Dr comes in and I had already called her the night before and she knew what was going on. So I asked does he have a blockage and they said NO it was gas they were seeing from all the coughing he did. I was like thank GOD for that so he just had this infection and how long were we going to have to stay in there. WEll they said it depends on him. Ok well my mom has my dad come get her and me and Brandon stay there form Thursday Christmas to Sunday before they let him go home. They wanted to send him home with a nebulizer and asuction machine but they could not get one before we left and I was dieing to go home and spend time with my kids and friends. Well they let him go home and has improved so well no O2 no meds no anything and breathing normally. I was sooo happy to get to go home. Our friends came over to help Haskel clean house I am so thankful for friends like that. I came home to a clean house and warm hugs. I would say it was a rough time but it ended up for the best.

How is Brandon doing now well you can see for yourself on the videos below. All smiles and laughs and ready for the NEW YEAR. Maybe 2009 will be better for us all. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

January 2, 2009 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Amazing results

Hello world!!! Guess what Brandon done the other day?????? He held his head for over 30 secs on more than one occasion. I was so proud of him.He has been doing some real amazing things some of what Marcela calls inch stones. Let me tell you a little about it. Well we have been out of school for a month almost because of his surgery so he has been getting 3 times a week therapy from his coordinator Lisa and my gosh have we been amazed. Frist we will talk about the head control. We put him on a ball frist on his back and he had lots lots of control going by himself back and forth looking around. YES LOOKING AROUND his eye sight but more about that in a sec lol. Ok back to the head control so then we went to the belly on the ball. He turned his head toward lisa and was smileing and looking at her he had a hard time trying to turn it the other way but we helped. He listened to our voices and sounds and understood what we wanted. He lifted his head so high and just was holding it there and so happy about it. I wanted to cry but I controlled myself. I have not seen him work so hard since he was 8mths old.

Then we will go onto the vision part. Lisa went to a CVI class in Little Rock and brought back all kinds of good ideas and we have been trying them out. So she is making it easier for me and her to see where he can see from in other words what his foucal point is. He seems to want to foucs down and to the side. Which is fine if that is how he can see us and what we are teaching him than more power to it I will just have to adjust certain things that way is all no problem I am soooo excited about that. Ok we were using the light box and he had a picture of his spoon on the box and his spoon in his hand and Lisa would say" Ok Brandon where is your spoon can you show me?" It would take him a minute but he would lift his spoon to the picture of the spoon and we would prasie him for it. Then Lisa said ok I am going to move the picture around to see if he is actually looking for it or if he is just hitting the light. So she would move it show him where it was at and then ask him again and guess what.....HE DID IT OVER AND OVER!!!!!! How friggin amazing is that???? I was sooo proud of him that takes alot of effort.

Next we have tryed several other things like tummy time again now that he is healed and WOW he is really liking it alot and keeping his head up off the floor more and moving around.
Then we done just letting him play and he plays and plays and plays with anything I give him. He actually looks for stuff now and trys to get it. You would not believe it.

This morning I woke up and he was rolled over and I was the only one up so I know he done it on his own. Then when ever I put him on the floor he trys to roll over more.

Do you see what I am getting at all these inchstones or adding up to be BIG things not little things but BIG BIG things. He has even been tolerating his standing more. He wants to do these things. I am so happy. For once in my life things or turning around for him. I just want him to be happy and do what HE wants and he is and that is all that matters.

Well as you all know Christmas is coming so everyone keep a eye out for new pitcures and upcoming new and amazing things.

Love you all and Merry Christmas from the Pollards

December 20, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Got a Wish List Ready

For everyone that has been saying what do you get someone with special needs I have found a few sites and things Brandon will want or need sometime soon. I will update it as either we get the stuff or as we find more all you have to do is click on the link to his Wish List on the main menu hope you enjoy.
Amber and Brandon

December 11, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Update on Brandon

So here we are into week two of the feeding tube and so far so great!!!! We have been doing wonderful on it and he seems to really be enjoying life better. Yes I know to all of you who said I told you so here is you one chance.........ok enough you are right lol.
So let me tell you a little about how his schedule is and then I am adding pics lol

6:00 am he gets 6oz of pedisure through the tube
8:00am he gets some breakfest it varies to what we have to what he gets
11:30 -12:00 he gets a lunch of something it all has to be soft but he gets what I can give him
2:00-3:00 he gets his 2nd feeding through tube
5:00 he gets his dinner what ever we are having softend
7:00pm -9:00 pm he gets his 3rd feeding through tube

In between he gets all the pedilyte, juice,water, V8 whatever he wants by mouth through a sippy cup.

So so far we are doing good he is a good sport about it all and he seems to really take good still through mouth.

We give his meds through the tube and through mouth its whatever mood he is in. He only has two meds he takes but it is alot better now he dosent seem to mind them as much as he use to.
We are still out of school till Dec 5th because of appts and xmas holidays. Lisa applied for a vocher so she can come work with him at home 3xs a week for 30min. He had his frist session the other day and she taught him cat in sign language and then he got to pet his own kitty to show the connection. He liked that alot. Then she worked on a switch with him that turns things off and on. She had a radio hooked to the switch and then he was able to push the button and hear music or hit it with his head. Hitting it with his head seems to really work for him because he is soooo tight in his arms. Then she did standing and he of course had not done much exercise since he has been home (yes mommas babyin him) so he fussed but he wil be ok.

Then Wed came around and he got to see Mrs. Shelli Moore is vision teacher. We worked on tracking, tacticle, lightbox swrilly mats. Then we discussed things with each other about how he is seeing and what needs to be done. Also I informed her we would be cleaning his contacts diffrently because the other was was leaving a film on them that was making it hard for him to see.

Then Mrs. Lisa worked with him and that day he done the ball which he now seems to enjoy better. He pushed off of her while she was streaching his legs and seems to now have a favorite excercise to do with her. Then she streached his arms, legs, feet and other things to relax him. He was in a very good mood and worked well with her. She then brought a book for him to look at. It had Brail, Sign language , sound, textures! It is a book I want very badly for him, it will do him wonders I think and teach me a thing or two also.

Now we have a check up with ACH Tuesday and then we wont go back till Jan sometime. Brandon is going to have a pretty busy next few weeks, he gets to help mommie with Treys class party and crafts. He gets to go to sissys play tomorrow the Nut Cracker, we will be having xmas at grandmas and spending time with family and enjoying life to the fullest and being happy while we do it.

Ok Ok here are the Pics lol remember they arent that good only got camera phone but wait till after christmas you are going to have a load lol.
Love you all and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!!!!

December 11, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Brandon is home

Well we are home from the hosptial! Brandon is doing so well. He has been taking to the feedings very well and he is doing very well by mouth. He still has sorness I am sure because he cringes sometimes when he coughs or sneezes. We are very proud of him he went into surgery well and did not have a catract it was the contacts wont stay clean. We are working on that and will be doing things diffrent for that. So no eye surgery which is good I did not want to have to worry about his eye healing on top of the tube.
As you can see from the pics above he has ever right to be sore or cranky for a week maybe 2 lol. But he is very strong and I expect him to heal pretty fast. We did have a hearing test done and you can read below about that. Nothing to worry everything is fine with him we just have to watch his hearing. So in all we are doing good and hope to be big and fat soon.
Amber

December 5, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Why do things have to be so hard

Good Afternoon everyone,
Have you ever had one of those months, days, years whatever you want to call it that you think MY GOSH CAN IT GET ANY WORSE!!!! Well I have been having one of those months for sure. Of course you all have read about Brandon and his feeding tube surgery that is coming on Monday the 1st @ 12:05pm. That is the least of my worries and that sound so small of me but I know this is going to have a good ending regardless. This surgery is going to be the best thing for Brandon he will grow, eat, feel and look better when all of this is done.

No like I said that is not my biggest worry anymore, Now we have several more to worry about. If you do not live in my hometown than you would not know about the place my husband works at might be shutting down. Yes he works for Pilgrims Pride chicken Inc. He has worked there for 3 years now and it pays very good for our small town. Well they have till Monday Dec 1st to tell them wheter or not they have a job. I hate that one thing because he will lose his job, also he will be with me at Brandons surgery so how is he suppose to know anything.
I mean yes he could draw unemployment but staying home is not his cup of tea for more than a week. It would be lots of help to me but then again we might fight. I know if he loses his job I will have to go to work for awhile till he finds something. I hate doing that but it is what I have to do than I will do it.
That is one of my worries Now this one I am about to tell you please dont be alarmed and dont call me asking me 20 questions because I dont know more than what I am writting to you and wont for a month or so, but.......I have to have a breast biopsy when I get back from Little Rock.
I felt some knots in my breast had them checked out and they could not get any fluid so they made me a mammogram appt. Well the test showed something abnormal but they are not sure what it is or anything. They said to just talk with my Dr and see what needs to be done. I am sure that everything will be ok I am more concerned about Brandon right now than anything. If you want to email me you can @ pollard0808@yahoo.com just so you know a way to talk to me,.

Just keep us in your prayers and think about us.

On a happy note we had 32 people at my father-in-laws for Thanksgiving dinner and it was wonderful and we loved seeing everyone. Everyone loved on Brandon and told him they love him and that everything was going to be ok for him. I hope that everyone does this every year it was great.

Brandon is doing great except that he has whined the last couple days non stop I think its because he is out of his routine and he hates to be out of his routine. Well now that I have all of you scared and worried I guess I will go but just remember GOD only gives us what he knows we can handle. I love you all and thank you for everything. I will update soon on my drama after next week.
Amber

November 28, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Feeding Tube time

Ok so we are getting a feeding tube on Dec 1st we will be in ACH ( arkansas Childrens Hosptial). We went to get tested for the reflux and they said that he was not reflluxing maybe 2xs but not bad but because his stomach was going to be growing because of the tube they wanted to go ahead and do the nissen thing where they take his stomach and wrap it around his espoughus ( however you spell it) just so they dont have to open him up later and do it again. I was fine with that because I dont want him to have more than one surgery.
So this is how it will go I will call them on the 28th and see what time his surgery is and then I will post again. But so far he is having a hearing test done, pressure check and maybe a catract removal on his eye, and a feeding tube and nissien instered, He will be in there for 3-4 days at the most. They said depending on how well he does. Yes I am scared and nervous I have never dealt with anythng so hard to do for him . I knew he had to have his shunt to survive but i did not think a feeding tube would mean the same thing.
I hope it all works out for the better for him. He is a strong child and I love him and I hope that you all pray for him.

There is another child I would like for you to pray for her name is Maggie Jo Tadlock she is 6mths old and a cutie pie. She is set to have a open heart transplant. She is 1st on the list and pray that they find one soon for her. She is doing good but she needs extra prayers that she gets the heart she needs and recovers fast.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers and sorry there is no pitcures we have not camera right now it broke.
Lots of love,
Amber

November 12, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Halloween and Misc

Well Halloween was fun we went trick and treating in the downtown area with a couple of my friends and then went home and went around town. Brandon seemed to like it but the coustume he had was very hot and he got mad a couple of times until I took it off of him. The kids made out like bandits and we had to hide the candy so they would stay out of it. So they only get a little at a time. Besides we dont eat that much candy so they arent use to it. Sorry there is not more pics we just did not have all our stuff together and I forgot my camera when we uptown. I am glad that holiday is over and now we move on to Thanksgiving and Christmas its all ways something isnt it lol.
Brandon is doing good he goes Thursday for his test to see if he has reflux and then to the GI clinic to talk about the gtube. Then we will go to get his teeth cleaned and go home. Then I have an appt to give blood for my kids school so I wil have a really busy day. I hope all is well with everyone and I will try getting more pics of the lil guy up soon.
Everyone have a good week!

November 4, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

Wheelchair and Communication

Well we have had a busy last few days we have found that we are going to get a wheelchair and we know that he will be able to communicate in some form or fashion.

This is the wheelchair style Brandon will be getting

It has tilt and space movement as you can see

This is the wheelchair he will be getting candy blue with his name engraved in the back.
I know that it looks rather plain but he will be getting all the effects that will be suited for him and make him more comfy.
So far this is what we have come up with for him to have added to his chair

HEAD SUPPORT
X STYLE CHEST SUPPORT
LATERAL SUPPORTS
CIRCULAR ARM REST
SMALL PADDED SEAT BELT
CALF STRAP
FOOT LOCK ON THE BACK OF CHAIR
ADUJUSTABLE ANGLE HANDLE
MEMORY FOAM PADDING FOR SEATING
CLEAN TRAY
6X1.5IN SMALL FRONT TIRES
12 IN NUMATIC MAG AIR IN TIRES ON BACK FOR SMOOTHER RIDE
TRANSIT OPTIONAL FOR VAN OR BUS
REAR ANTI TIPPER
ALL ALUMIMUM FRAME
TILT AND SPACE

ADDUCTURE BETWEEN KNEES

Now for the communication devices part:

\

this durable, flexible, portable unit can be used with almost any electric toy or appliance. Features 2 double outlets for turn taking, sequencing, and choice making. Once outlet is activated, the other will not function until the first is turned “off” or completes its timed cycle. Includes 2 switch jacks for corded switch activation. Plus, on/off indicator light lets you know when the unit is plugged in. Four operation modes allow the action to be programmed to suit the needs of the user, teacher, or therapist: (1) “Direct” keeps the appliance “on” only while the switch is activated; (2) “Timed Seconds” allows the appliance to run for a set amount of time from 1-60 seconds; (3) “Timed Minutes” lets the appliance run for a set amount of time from 1-60 minutes; and in (4) “Latch” mode, one activation of the switch turns the appliance “on” and the second turns it “off”. Meets UL- and CSA-standards.

This the communication switch we are trying to get for Brandon it seems to be the best so far for him. Now if I can come up with the 300 +tax to get it will be the best thing for him.
Here are some other things they said might be good for him to be able to help him

Radio with cassette that he can control by the power link

Versatile 4-level communicator offers single, sequential (great for storytelling), and random (great for playing games) message capabilities! Record up to 75 seconds of message time per level for a total of 300 seconds. Easy-to-target plate. Can also be activated by an external switch and to activate other adapted devices. Requires 4 “AA” batteries (not included). SIZE: 7" x 4 1/2". SPECIFY: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, or Purple.

something similar to this but they said we can get the lights at WalMart and plug them into the powelink .
They also said that he was more able to use his head to hit the switches than anything and that he responed well with that. He loved the lights they told him to turn them off and on and he did as told. He is really smart they say an I am glad to see someone else sees his potitenal as well.

Well that is all I have for now we will be doing halloween tomorrow so get to looking for pics of that.
Amber

October 29, 2008 Posted by amber | Untagged | Comment (0)

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