So yesterday was kind of a blur.  I woke up at 4 am to a platelet infusion. I went back to sleep and at 8 am was woken up because my PICC line clotted. I was not happy to learn I had to get an I.V for the procedure. So after that I waited around with Mommy and Daddy for the team to come get me for my long day. I finally get to leave my hospital room! The lights in the hallways were so cool. I couldn’t take my eyes off of them.  Mommy kept telling me I’d have to be brave because it was going to be a tough day. I wanted to tell her not to worry, that I’VE GOT THIS!  I think she knows that by now!

She told me that I have tons and tons of warriors in my corner praying for me. I want you all to know that your prayers are what got me through yesterday.

The doctors told Mommy and Daddy that I did so good through all of my procedures. They took me back to the operating room at 10:45. Nana Sue and Poppy were there too, they kissed me and told me they loved me before I was wheeled away.  Mommy, Daddy, Nana, and Poppy played cards to keep their minds off how much they missed me. After each procedure the nurse would call Daddy to give them an update. All good updates. I’VE GOT THIS!!!!

I was in the recovery room by 5 pm, I know, long day right?!!! I was sooo happy to see my Mommy and Daddy. I cooed for them before I let them know that I WAS NOT HAPPY!!! What just happened?! After a much needed sweet-ease consumption, I overheard the nurse tell Mommy they were still going to advance my feeding tube.  What?  It’s not over? UGH!

So they wheeled me down to radiology where they pushed my feeding tube further down into my intestines. It wasn’t pleasant, but I was a good boy!

Needless to say, I was tired.  My mommy scooped me up off of the table and hopped in the bed on wheels and away we went.  I didn’t think I’d be this happy to see my crib.  By this point I was STARVING.  Mommy had to make 3 bottles for me because I kept sucking them down.  After I drank my 2 ounces, the most I’ve drank in a month, it was off to la la land for me.

I could hear my Mamaw, Papaw, Uncle Matt, Mommy and Daddy in the background which made everything all better.

In the recovery room

After my last procedure….get me back to my room, STAT!

Finally, the day is over…Where is my milkies?

I woke up like this!

#bodisFIGHT #bodiSTRONG Nana and Poppy showing their support

Notes from Mommy and Daddy 

To reiterate what Bodi said, yesterday was a LONG, HARD, EXHAUSTING day! All of your sweet texts, Facebook messages and phone calls were so needed.  We know all of your prayers are what is getting us through this tough time. We are constantly reminded how much our lil man is loved. Bodi had a little bit of a rough night. I kept hearing him gulp for air so I had to call the nurse and doctor in. After assessing him they said his lungs were clear, but he was definitely still congested and in pain.  We decided to give him some pain meds which calmed him down and relaxed his breathing. He woke up this morning with a huge smile on his face and it didn’t leave all day. I enjoyed such a great day with my lil man. It was honestly like yesterday never happened.  He doesn’t even act sore. He’s amazingly brave.

His Nana and Poppy came in the morning to snuggle him as they were not able to stay to see him last night. They are helping us with the big kids. My mom and dad came later in the evening when Bryan went to watch Bryson’s team kick butt at their basketball game. It’s days like today that make you almost forget this nightmare that we are living in. I cherish each and every minute.

* * * I don’t know if everyone knows, but on Tuesday night our family had another serious illness hit. My mom had come up to visit Bodi and brought us lunch. She stayed and held him for me. After Dad, Matt, and Kealy arrived she started to feel sick. She was losing a lot of color in her face and I could tell something wasn’t right. She walked out in the hall, which I followed her. She told me she was having a sharp pain in the middle of her back through her chest and her left arm was hurting her. I knew immediately we had to get her looked at. I grabbed a nurse, told him the situation, grabbed a chair for her, and grabbed my dad. He said we should get her to an ER as soon as possible. Well within minutes she and dad arrived at Christ hospital where they rushed her back to a room. Turned out she had had a heart attack. They whisked her away to surgery where she received two stints. It all happened so fast that it was hard to process. I thank God every day that she was in that room with us and we were able to get her to the hospital. I love my mother more than words can say and am so grateful that she is okay. This makes me appreciate everyone and everything that God has put into our lives. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and tell them you love them. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!

Just got back to our room. It has been a long day. We are all worn out. I will update more tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers, doctors said all went well. It will be a few days before we get results.

My Nana Sue is home! Yay!!! I finally got some snuggle time with her before it was time for my jacuzzi. I’m just getting tucked into my bed. Mommy says I have a very busy day tomorrow and that I should ask all of my warriors to send extra prayers up for me. Daddy put me in my superman outfit and my extra special cape!  I am ready for tomorrow!!!!

Aunt Gina and Uncle Brent came to see me!!!!

I love my Superman outfit, thanks Aunt Gina!

Nana’s here!!!

My super cape, thanks Meghan and Tim Donovan and kiddos

This weekend was a lot of fun. I was in a much better mood. I played a lot with my activity gym, I took an amazing jacuzzi bath, I got some good snuggle time with Ra Ra and my Uncle Scottie finally was able to come see me!  Even though he only stayed for a minute and wore a mask, it was nice to see him!!!

My good friends, The Spees’ came down with their daughter Emsley, and brought daddy a #bodiSTRONG shirt.  They also sent one to daddy’s friend, Andy, who caddy’s for Jimmy Walker.  He actually wore the shirt while caddying at the Masters!!!  I was so excited, but not as excited as Daddy!!!

I did have to get a few blood platelets and one infusion of some red stuff.  I feel much better and smile a lot at my silly parents.

I haven’t seen my Uncle Matt in a few days, my Mommy says he has the sniffles.  I think he is coming tonight and I can’t wait! Daddy says my Nana will be back from Florida tomorrow, I can’t wait to snuggle and hear her sing my favorite sunshine song.

I may not be on here for a few days, Mommy says I have a couple of big days coming up. She said I may be sleepy so it will be hard to write.  She also said that we sold close to 200 shirts!!!  I can NOT wait to see the pictures of everyone wearing them!  How cool? Thank you to everyone who bought one!  You ROCK!

Mommy told me to give a shout out to her friend Aleisa who came by yesterday to see Mommy.  I had them laughing when I decided to pee and poop when Mommy was changing my diaper.  Total amateur hour!  Hahhahah

Ok, well my Mamaw Mel just got here and she is the best snuggler, so I have to go. Wish me luck this week and send lots of prayers up for me!

Update from Mommy

Bodi has been in great spirits this weekend. We had to limit visitors due to his low white blood cell count. We are hoping to get those numbers up before his next round of chemo next week. In the meantime he has been cleared by anesthesia to undergo sedation. He will be getting an MiBG scan, tumor biopsy, and bone marrow retrieval all on Thursday. Please pray that he does well under anesthesia and that the doctors are able to retrieve everything they need. Thanks again for all of your support, it means the world to us!

Thank you SOOO much to everyone who has purchased a #bodiSTRONG t-shirt. I am SO excited to see pictures of everyone wearing them. I hope they ship to you soon! I have one being made for me, but in the meantime my mommy & daddy just made a homemade one for this picture 😉

I love you all & keep those prayers coming!  I overheard the doctors saying I have a few tests & scans this week and chemo next week.  Yuck!

Love,
Bodi

by Sarah Fennell

We can’t thank everyone enough for all your support, generosity, prayers & good energy.  We sold 191 shirts and raised over $3000 in 5 days!  Since there has been an overwhelming response from people who still want to purchase shirts, I have decided to re-launch the campaign.

To get on the #bodiSTRONG train and purchase a shirt…just go to www.booster.com and search #bodiSTRONG.  You will have until this Sunday.

Thanks again & like Bodi said…keep those prayers coming!

Love to you all,
Aunt Rah Rah

by Sarah Fennell

Wow!!!  120 shirts sold!!!  Thanks to everyone who has purchased a shirt!!! Bodi told me yesterday that he can’t wait to see everyone wearing them. They lift his spirits and he fights extra hard when he sees them. I had one on yesterday and he had a GREAT day. Playing and talking to us all day :). Soon Bodi will have one to wear too 🙂

For anyone who would still like a shirt, there is only 1 day left.  Let’s try to get to 150!!

To order, go to:
www.booster.com and search #bodiSTRONG

ALSO, I have been asked a couple times to repost the other sites:
www.mealtrain.com/152r2w
(To make a meal for Jennifer & Bryan)

www.gofundme/bodisfight

The Welage and Schloss families cannot thank everyone enough for all the love and support Bodi and our families are receiving. It is a great feeling knowing that Bodi is not going at this alone.  #armyinBodiscorner
#knockOutNeuroblastoma !!

Till next time,
Bodi’s Auntie Rah Rah

Hi Everyone! Sorry it’s been a couple of days since I’ve posted, but I’ve been a bit cranky. I just want to say thanks to everyone who has purchased a t-shirt or donated money!!!! I can’t believe how many people are in my corner!!!  I can’t wait to see everyone’s t-shirt pictures!  I think that is so cool.

I’m going to turn this post over to Mommy though, I am really sleepy…

Just as Bodi mentioned, Bryan and I are humbled by everyone’s generosity. We are so honored by everyone who is praying for our little man. The past two days have been a little touchy. Bodi and I had a long Wednesday night as we were trying to figure out what amount of milk would work for his tiny belly. I was up until 4:30 am trying to keep up with the feeding tube. Then Bodi wanted more at 7:30.  After that feed it was time for rounds. The doctor’s mentioned his white blood cell count was up to 3…which is basically 0. He was still really congested and coughing a lot. With everything going on with Bodi, the doctors decided not to discharge him anytime soon. I was relieved to hear that because I find that having nurses and doctors right outside your room is really comforting!!!

Bryan and I received instructions on how to clean Bodi’s PICC line once we get home. We were both able to practice on one before we “completed” the course. I am still a little anxious thinking about doing this without supervision, but I will get the hang of it!

After the in home care nurse left, we could tell Bodi was in pain. The nurse administered pain meds and he calmed down and fell asleep. I went down to have lunch with my sister and by the time I came back upstairs I could barely see straight. I fell asleep as soon as I got to the room; luckily little man was still sleeping!!!

Uncle Matt came later that night and we decided to give Bodi a little exercise. We put the floor mat down and his activity gym over him. He loved it!!! He kicked, cooed and smiled at us. What a nice change from earlier in the day!!! Uncle Matt finally got to hold Bodi. Of course it was a photo op!!! After he left, we put Bodi to bed and he slept pretty well, waking for the normal feeds.

Friday

Bodi woke up in a rather good mood on Friday morning. During rounds, Bodi and I sat in the recliner and had a little chat. I told him how proud I am of him and how much I love him. After a few big smiles and coo’s I got a big surprise. He decided to puke all over me!! I screamed for the nurse who came rushing in. This was a big deal for me because Bodi had never puked before and he doesn’t spit up at all. My mind was racing. Was he sick from the chemo, were we feeding him too much from the tube, did he get sick from someone? Turns out his belly isn’t big enough for the 40 mL  and hour of formula he was receiving, and the formula was probably a little harsh on his tummy. (I wasn’t producing enough milk for the volume they were trying to give him).

After we calmed down and he fell asleep, the doctor peeked her head in the door and said they ordered a chest x-ray to rule out anything else in his lungs. Ok I thought, great!  We’ll get to see if the tumor has shrunk any.  No problem!

As they wheeled us down to get the x-ray my mind was racing…what else were they ruling out? I asked Bryan what he thought and he said, “I’m sure they want to make sure it hasn’t spread”. I immediately burst into tears. How had I not thought of that? A wave of anxiety laced with terror spread over me. I had to hold Bodi’s legs down while Bryan held his arms as he is screaming. I’m crying, Bodi’s crying, Bryan’s crying. Not a fun experience. They wheeled us back up to the room, where we waited anxiously for the doctor to come in. As we waited, the nurses had to change his PICC dressing because he soaked it with vomit. I decided to take a shower as I still had vomit on me from earlier. As I was having a breakdown in the shower I could hear Bodi screaming. I pulled myself together, grabbed a mask and rushed out. He was laying in his crib with 3 nurses and Bryan attending to him. I squeezed in and held his hand and rubbed his head as they were changing and sterilizing the dressing. He just looked at me as if to say why are you letting them do this. I couldn’t keep it together. I was crying, the nurse who was holding his legs was crying. It was heartbreaking. It was finally over and I scooped him up and Bryan, Bodi and I just hugged. He finally calmed down.

There is nothing worse then the inability to help your child. It is heartbreaking to see him in pain. After all of the trauma from the morning the doctor came in. I held my breath and he could tell I was anxious. The words, “the x-ray was clear” were the most wonderful words I had ever heard. A load of bricks was lifted and a wave of relief washed over me. The doctors wanted to make sure he didn’t have pneumonia.

Bodi had a good rest of the day until later that night.  He became very fussy and we had to give him pain medicine. We hooked him back up to the feeding tube and just lowered the amount of liquid and mixed it with breast milk. Bodi slept like a champ last night, as did I!  Poor little man was exhausted after such a long day.

I just want to take a second to say Thank you to everyone who has written on Facebook, sent me private messages, text messages, voicemails, etc.  If I don’t respond to you, just know I read every single word and appreciate the kind thoughts. Bryan and I are completely humbled by the love and support of our friends and family.

a little snuggle time before my nap!

Bodi LOVES his Uncle Matt.

Look how long I am!

Hello!

Loving his activity gym!

Our little Bodi is loved for sure!

#bodiSTRONG

By Sarah Fennell

Lot’s of people have reached out to us asking how they can help Jennifer & Bryan. We have built several websites to assist them in getting through this tough time. Many people have offered to make a meal. You can visit the Meal Train link below to view the calendar and sign up for a particular night. Thanks Betsy for putting this together! We have also made #bodiSTRONG t-shirts that are available to purchase to show your support of Bodi to the whole world! If you purchase one, please be sure to post, email, or text a photo of you wearing your shirt to us so we can include it in Bodi’s memory book. Lastly, many people have asked about making donations to help with Bodi’s medical expenses. Please visit the Go Fund Me website below to do this option. Thanks Uncle Scottie for putting this together!

Jennifer & Bryan are so thankful for all of the overwhelming support of all of our family & friends. They appreciate all of the texts, phone calls, emails, Facebook posts, prayers etc.  God is pretty busy up there listening to all these Bodi prayers! Jennifer & Bryan constantly say how they could not get through this without everyone! Keep the prayers and positive energy coming. It is a long road ahead, but Bodi is ready for the journey!

Thanks again,

Sarah Fennell
(Bodi’s Auntie) 🙂

www.mealtrain.com/152r2w
To make a meal.

www.booster.com
Search #bodiSTRONG
To purchase a #bodiSTRONG t-shirt

www.gofundme.com/bodisfight
To make a donation towards Bodi’s Medical Expenses

Today has been a little touch and go. One minute I am happy and the next I’m crying and yelling at my Mommy. Papaw came to visit me in the morning. I love my Papaw.  He carries a rosary around and prays for me. He calls it his Bodi Beads. I think that is awesome.
Later in the day, Auntie Kim came to visit again.  She is a great snuggler. She really lifts Mommy’s spirits.
Unfortunately my Auntie Rah Rah woke up with a scratchy throat.  Mommy explained that she couldn’t come up to see me. This made me so sad. I know she will get better soon though, I miss her hugs.  Although she can’t see me, Mommy and Kim went down to visit with her and my awesome cousin Koa. Mommy said that Koa is so funny and she can’t wait until I get better so we can play.

My Mamaw came to hold me while Mommy went to lunch.  She always knows how to make me laugh and keep me comfortable.  It’s a good thing too because my favorite nurse came in and stuffed a tube down my nose.  I couldn’t believe it…she said it was going to help me gain some weight and keep me satisfied, but right now it feels yucky.  I cried a little bit, but only because they wrapped me up like a burrito. I DO NOT LIKE BURRITOS people!!!!!

When Mommy came up from downstairs she told me that I was going to be on the news!!!  Can you believe it?  How cool is that?
Daddy was so excited he was calling everyone to make sure they were watching!

Mommy decided that we were not going to do the jacuzzi that night, instead they soaked my warm oatmeal in washcloths and put it in my diaper! Um, excuse me lady, this is not what I call relaxing!!!!  I tolerated it ok, I could tell my Mommy was tired so I wanted to let give her a break because I was going to throw a fit later on!
And a fit it was.  I decided that I wanted to eat constantly for 8 hours!!! Mommy was working so hard trying to keep up. Finally at 4:30 she was able to get a break. She was not too happy with the feeding tube.  Then I was up again at 7:30 ready for my next meal.

I overheard the doctors say they are going to do a continuous drip on the feeding tube, Mommy sure hopes that works! For now I think I am going to take a nap….all that crying is exhausting!

Mommy needed this….SUPERMAN!!!!!

Kim and Koa

Snuggling my Mamaw after the feeding tube was placed.

I’m pooped!

Poppy and me napping…he is the best!

Notes from Mommy and Daddy

Bodi has had several busy days.  There are always nurses, doctors and team members coming and going. They are working very hard to try to get Bodi over his cold and gain some weight. Currently his tummy is being squished by his liver making him not able to take in enough calories.  This has made him lose weight each day and the nutritionist decided to put in a feeding tube.  It was a little tricky at first, but I think we have it figured out.

His WBC is at 3.  The doctors said it should be at 1500, so we are working on getting those numbers up.  He seems to be in a little bit of pain so we are managing that with medication. Unfortunately that knocks him out.  All in all, with everything going on, our little man is taking it like a champ.  We couldn’t be more proud of him. 

Mommy and Daddy say I get the day off today. No pricks, no scans, no muss, no fuss.  Sounds good to me!!! I also get two very exciting visitors today. My Auntie Rah Rah is flying in from California and my Auntie Kim is flying in from Atlanta just to see me!! I can’t wait to snuggle with them. My mommy says she can’t wait to see them too.

-I have been wide awake all day today. My friends Doug and Carol came to visit me too! Every time I wake up there is a new silly face looking at me. I love watching the new expressions, they crack me up. I had a ton of doctors and nurses come in to talk to Mommy and Daddy about me. People sure do make a big deal about me around here : ). Apparently one of the people from Occupational therapy think I have to do some work. They think I hold my head on one side too much. Doesn’t sound too fun to me, but Mommy seems to think I should do it too. We will see if I decide to co-operate.

-My Auntie Rah Rah finally got to the hospital to snuggle. I loved every minute of it. A little bit after she arrived, Auntie Kim and Barb walked in. My mommy was so happy to see them! I like to see my mommy laugh, and she was definitely laughing with them. Then a nurse came in to get my Mommy for a massage. I don’t know what that is, but everyone seemed excited she was going.  After a little bit, mommy returned and seemed really calm. I guess a massage calms mommy like my jacuzzi calms me!

– I wasn’t going to brag, but I think I met my future girlfriends today. Addy is only a day younger then me and pretty darn cute. She sent me a selfie that tells me she’s pretty much into me. I love the shirt!  Then mommy Facetimed her friend from grade school and she introduced me to her daughter, Lucy. We both played it pretty cool, but I definitely have a crush. Mommy’s going to have to watch out for me.  #Ladiesman

-My Uncle Matt brought Mommy and Daddy a yummy dinner my Great Aunt Mary made. Mommy scarfed it down and said how nice it was to have a delicious home cooked meal. After dinner, the nurses prepared my jacuzzi. I was NOT in the mood and complained the whole time. I complained the rest of the night too. I just couldn’t seem to get comfy. They finally made the decision to give me a little pain medicine and after that I was able to calm down and fall asleep.

*Bodi calls his oatmeal baths a jacuzzi…it is NOT a real jacuzzi!!!

Doug, Carol and my Mommy.

Auntie Kim

Lucy and I playing it cool…

Adorable Addy!

My Rah Rah being silly!

A note from Mommy and Daddy-

Bryan and I would just like to thank everyone who is praying for our strong little man.  We appreciate all of the phone calls, text messages, facebook posts, prayers and visits.  You don’t know how comforting it is to know how much our son is loved and cared for by everyone.  Bodi is being cared for by an amazing staff of doctors and nurses here at Children’s Hospital; we are so thankful that we live by such a great hospital.  Bodi flirts with all of the nurses that come see him, but seems to have a soft spot for Hillary!  He is a ladies man for sure!

Bodi is doing well.  He is in great spirits and is teaching us how to be strong. All of the scans, biopsies and bone marrow retrievals are being postponed until next week.  Bodi’s cold is still lingering around, making sedation unsafe.  His white blood cell count is at zero so we are hoping the medicine they are giving him to combat that starts working.   

Thanks again!

#BodiStrong
#BodisFight