On November 2024, an enlarged lymph node appeared near Braylon’s submandibular gland, which is located right under the jaw. We didn’t notice until my mother pointed it out during Thanksgiving, but looking back at pictures from that time, it was starting to grow. I decided to wait it out, but by December, it had doubled.

I called Braylon’s pediatrician in Lubbock the week before Christmas break to make an appointment. He was placed on antibiotics for 7 days, had bloodwork, and also had an X-ray. We went back to see Dr. Dalton before we left for San Marcos, and we were prescribed another 14 days of antibiotics. We also planted the seed to see an ENT in San Antonio.

Braylon’s initial appointment to see the ENT was in early January, but insurance was a disaster, so we didn’t get in until 1/24. In the meantime, we had to choose a provider in San Marcos to refer us to the ENT, and she ordered more bloodwork and an ultrasound. The mass measured 4 cm, so that was a red flag.

The ENT examined him in late January and referred him for a CT scan (2/1), more bloodwork (2/1), and a fine needle biopsy on 2/4. I did not like the way his bloodwork looked at this time. The whole situation was scary, but then we played the waiting game. Braylon continued his basketball season and ended the year on JV (2/11).

On February 13, Braylon’s ENT called to inform us that the diagnosis was cancer, but he would need to be admitted into the hospital for further testing. The doctor was in touch with the hematology/oncology department, and they were expecting us on Valentine’s Day.

Braylon was in the hospital from 2/14-2/21. During that time, he had a slew of tests and bloodwork done, and he also had surgery — the lymph node was removed along with a lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy. He suffered from a severe headache due to the spinal tap, but when we were released, we thought everything was fine.

The intensity of his headache continued to the point that we found ourselves in the emergency room on 2/23 and didn’t get released until 2/25. His medical team thought he would need a blood patch procedure, but the combination of IV + caffeine, fluids, and Tylenol did the trick (the same concoction he received the first time).

Braylon returned to school on 2/26 and worked vigorously to catch up before the end of the nine weeks. We had a follow-up appointment and he was officially given the diagnosis of pediatric-type follicular lymphoma. There is still one unknown about Braylon’s particular case, so it’ll be a few weeks before we know what treatment looks like and will know more this Friday, April 4th.

I thank everyone for reaching out, praying, sending food, and organizing. Anything you did to love on us during this time of need is appreciated! I am also grateful for his extraordinary medical team from Lubbock to San Marcos to San Antonio. They have been nothing short of AMAZING!

Please continue to keep us near and dear to your hearts.

Love,

Amber & Braylon

Also, if you have his number, please don't text him, but you can text me!