Bradley Tanner Steele
 |
6th Birthday at Disneyland 2004
Bradley Tanner Steele was born suddenly on February 9, 1998 weighing 3 pounds 10 ounces and 15 inches long. He came after I became suddenly sick with pre-eclampsia and hellp syndrome at 31 weeks and 6 days. From the beginning Bradley was a fighter. Immediately after Bradley was born, he was taken to the NICU and intubated. After a few days, the doctors tried to extubate him and he declined rapidly. Test were then performed on Bradley, including a CT Scan and MRI of his chest wall, which revealed that he was missing most of his anterior chest wall. Not having ever seen a condition like this, the doctors at the Military hospital transferred Bradley to Seattle Children's Hospital at the age of 3 weeks. Doctor's there begin networking to try and find a solution to help Bradley. It was determined that Bradley would require long-term ventilation until a solution was available. At age 3 months, Bradley was trached and a g-tube was placed to help maximize his breathing and growth.
Bradley has 3 sisters, Patti 17, Becki 16, Keri 15 and Brother Skyler 3. They all love him and take a active interest in his daily therapies and activities. The incredible orthopedic team, led by Dr. Song and the incredible pulmonary team, led by Dr. Redding began networking to find a answer that may help Bradley. One was found in Texas. Two incredible Texas doctors, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Smith had invented the titanium implant. This would eventually be used on Bradley to help expand his chest wall and allow for improved breathing mechanics/pulmonary function.
Bradley had a setback in surgery in 1999, so he didn't have the first Titanium implant done until June 2002 on the right side, and in October 2002 he had the left side done. By February of 2003, Bradley was starting to wean off the ventilator. He began by just being off for 15 minutes a day 3 times a day and gradually increased to 9 hours a day by August of 2003. We have been overwhelmed by the success of this surgery. Prior to the surgery, Bradley was unable to come off the ventilator for more than 10 minutes without increased work of breathing. He was loving his freedom...
In October of 2003, Bradley had another small setback. No one is quite sure as to what happened, but all of a sudden Bradley was unable to tolerate long periods off the ventilator. We assume that he just had rapid growth and the implants weren't able to keep up. Bradley had a adjustment done in March of 2004. We are once again weaning down off the ventilator. He is able to be off now 3 to 5 hours a day and we are working toward being vent. free.
We have been through ups and downs, but Bradley is definitely worth it. He is the light of our lives and is loved very much, especially by his Nana Judy and Papa John Hale and Gamma Steele, along with many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He always has a smile on his face that warms your heart. Bradley was hospitalized the first 9 months of his life and he has taught us so much. We are truly blessed. We have met some wonderful nurses, physicians and pharmacist who have all played a major part in Bradley's progression. Feel free to e-mail us. We love to hear from others who face the day to day challenges that we do. Bless you all.
 |
Bradley 1999
 |
Halloween
Bradley and his brother Skyler 2001
 |
5th Birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese
2003
 |
5th Birthday Picture Off Ventilator
2003
Update: Oct./Nov. 2005: Bradley is doing wonderful, even though he recently had to have the Titanium rib implants removed entirely because they were eroding through the skin. He has maintained his ability to be off the ventilator for periods throughout the day and is now starting 1st grade. He has progressed by leaps and bounds and continues to amaze us all. Hugs to everyone !!
The Steele Family, Shelly, Tom & kids, email: nuttyparentsof5@yahoo.com
