Monday's Appointments

My mom posted a comment for the last blog entry but I want to reiterate in case you haven't had a chance to read it. Here is part of it:

Brenan has an appointment at "City Of Hope" Banner Health Good Samaritan Hospital Bone Marrow Clinic on Monday morning at 10:30 (that's today!). This process will be an interview and explanation of Bone Marrow Transplants, what they include and how it all works. Then he has an appointment with his Oncologist at 2:30 the same day. So hopefully we will have our new direction mapped out for any necessary treatments he may need.

Today should help us answer a lot of questions that have building since Brenan was released from the hospital and finished up with induction chemotherapy treatment. We all continue to be hopeful that the rest of Brenan's treatment is as productive and effective as the initial treatments. We're lucky that Brenan is in great spirits and continues to go to work to the job that he loves as much as he can.

Brenan's Commands

Brenan commands that I update the blog with the following info:

- If you are interested in donating bone marrow and being added to the national donor list database go to: http://marrow.org.

- If you would like to get a private test done for an individual the cost is $165 and for more information, you can go to: http://bonemarrowtest.com.

- He also encourages us all to donate blood to the community supply. And he is continually thankful for all the cards, donations, and support he is getting from you all.

See what I have to deal with? He's such a bossy big brother.

Sorry!

Sorry for the lapse in communication lately, I have been one busy girl. With work, traveling, and training, I haven't had a lot of extra time on my hands.

Brenan is doing very well! He still has headaches every now and again, but he is done with his induction chemotherapy. His next steps consist of getting into Good Sam in Phoenix for intrathecal treatments (chemotherapy for the spinal fluid) and to see if he still needs to get a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, we found out on Monday that I am not a bone marrow match for him. They will have to search the national bone marrow registry for a match. The bone marrow transplant center at Good Sam is a bit understaffed and they are holding off on taking new patients for the time being, so we are yet again playing a waiting game.

Brenan's next appointment with his oncologist is June 30 and he will get more information then. He has been going to work this week so he is keeping busy!

Triathlon training for me is going very well! Although, I had a rough fall on my bike the other day. Not to worry though, I was wearing a helmet.

Check out my fundraising progress here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/somatri08/eeiler

Still Waiting

Brenan is still doing very well considering! Just a little fatigue and headaches but plenty of rest is helping to combat that. We are still waiting to hear from Thunderbird hospital on his intrathecal chemotherapy treatments and from Good Samaritan to see if I am a bone marrow match. Just a lot of waiting at this point...

The yard sale was a huge success!!! Darrin and the gang brought in just over $900 to deposit into Brenan's account. That is unbelievable! Thank you for everyone's contributions.

Out of Hospital Tasks

The yard sale seems to be successful thus far. Brenan and Dad said there is a steady stream of shoppers and a lot of stuff to sell. Thanks again to Darrin and all the friends who have gathered together to make this happen.

Viv is at home busy as can be, helping with whatever she can after our month of neglecting household responsibilities. What would we do without her and Lavonne coming out here to take care of us?

Brenan is feeling good today - he just seems to have a constant headache these days, which we attribute to not being as hydrated as he was in the hospital.

I got in a nice long run this morning around Tempe Town Lake. Tomorrow is a "rest" day - I think for all of us. We're just going to sit back, lay by the pool, and celebrate Father's Day by relaxing. Happy Father's Day!

Aunt Viv's Arrival

Aunt Viv is finally here! She flew in yesterday evening and we had a big dinner in honor of her arrival. Mom is glad to have time with another sister, and we are happy to have another aunt in town. We sat at the dinner table laughing and talking for quite awhile. Brenan, Mr. Expert Swimmer, urged that I improve my swimming skills so I don't drown in the triathlon meant to raise money for a cure for his cancer. That would be too ironic. It's not my fault that he made competitive swimming sound much easier than it actually is... my coach was not impressed with me the first day in the pool, to say the least. But we are working on it!

Brenan was feeling very good after his final dose of chemotherapy yesterday morning. His doctor has recommended that he get regular intrathecal chemotherapy treatments in the weeks to come - this is chemotherapy injected into the spinal and brain fluid - to prevent cancerous cells from invading his central nervous system. There is no definite plan for a bone marrow transplant as of yet, but we still haven't heard if I am a match or not. More news to come...

Bank Account Info Reminder

Wells Fargo
Brenan A. Eiler
Account Number: 3879088528

Thanks to Cousin Cindy we have step by step instructions on how to transfer funds online with Wells Fargo:

Sign on at www.wellsfargo.com
If you don't have online banking it is very easy to activate, just follow
the directions on the Wells Fargo home page.

If you have an online account

1. Sign in with username and password.
2. Click on "transfers"
3. Click on "to another customer"
4. Enter "PIN" number
5. Check "transfer from account" to verify this is the correct account.
6. Fill in "transfer to account" with Brenan's account # 3879088528
7. Fill in "name of account holder" Elisabeth Eiler
8. Enter amount you wish to transfer into Brenan's account.
9. Enter "transfer description": Get Well Account for Brenan Eiler
10. Enter recipient's email address "elisafitness@hotmail.com"
11. Click continue.

Completing Induction Chemo

Brenan goes in for a final dose of chemo tomorrow. This will complete the induction chemotherapy treatment process. He will talk with the doctor about what his next steps will be from here.

Just a reminder... this weekend is the big fundraising yard sale to be held at Darrin's house. (See post below for information.) Even if you have just one or two items lying around or a bag full of clothes, every little bit will help.

Mom and Dad just spent the day scouring the house and took a load of items over to the house. Brenan is doing well, just had a bit of a headache today and rests often.

He's Out!

Brenan was released from the hospital yesterday! It was a great day. We had a lot of clothes, books, cards, knickknacks, pictures, etc. to pack up and carry out to the parking lot, but those were some exciting trips down to the car and we were happy to make a few of them. Brenan received some discharge instructions from the RN and we were out the door! He was happy to be home.

We celebrated with a big dinner at my parents' house with my parents, Jess, Sandy, Jean, and Shannon - fresh Alaskan salmon courtesy of Aunt Lavonne. Brenan said it was the best food he ever tasted - although I think it was the freedom he was tasting more than the food.

Brenan will continue outpatient chemotherapy for the next week or so.

I had a 15 mile bike ride with my training team Sunday morning and we rode in honor of Brenan, for the time he has spent in treatment and for the hope of his complete remission.

Yard Sale!!

Brenan's friends are being oh-so-generous and offering to hold a yard sale to raise funds for Brenan. All you local Brenan supporters are encouraged to donate anything you have been wanting to get rid of and drop it by the house where the yard sale will be held. Clothes, furniture, items that have been collecting dust, here's your chance to get them out of the house AND help raise money for Brenan.

The yard sale will be held at Darrin Lacey's house NEXT WEEKEND - June 14 & 15. Sorry for the late notice but hopefully you can find time this week to swing by his house to drop off your donation.

Darrin's address:
8915 W. Las Palmaritas - 91st Ave. & Northern, North of Northern, East of 91st Ave.

Darrin's number:
(623)512-2696

Feel free to give him a call to be sure he's home to accept your donation. Friday is the only evening that Darrin will not be home, so please try to go before Friday, or early Saturday morning. Also, it is a good idea to pre-price your items because you are more aware of their value and it will help out those who are "manning" the yard sale.

Thanks to Darrin, Aric, and everyone else who are working so hard and spending their weekend to help Brenan.

Decreased Blasts

The results are in! Brenan's bone marrow biopsy revealed that the chemotherapy is indeed working and the presence of lymphoblasts (cancer) went from 80% down to 2%. And I'm sure that last 2% is well on its way to being dead and gone! The doctor said, pending a blood test on Sunday to see if his blood count is at a good level, that Brenan will soon be released from the hospital. He's even throwing out words such as "remission." But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We're all just so happy that Brenan's body is responding so well to treatment.

If and when Brenan gets released from the hospital, he'll most likely continue outpatient chemotherapy for a short time. We're not sure what the next step is from here but as soon as we talk to the doctor tomorrow, we'll let you know what the plan is!

Feeling Invincible

Brenan is invincible! Or at least it seems. Going on his 25th day of being in the hospital and on his 17th day of induction chemotherapy treatment, he is in high spirits, feeling good, and has lots of energy. I can't imagine being as strong as he is, given the situation. I think we owe it all to the support we are getting from you!

A few generous donations have been added to Brenan's contribution account- a big thanks to Cousin Cindy and the Velzke family who are extremely generous. We love you guys. Aunt Viv arrives next week and we can't wait to have her here with us.

We will know the results of the bone marrow biopsy and see how well the chemotherapy has been working early next week - I would think Monday or Tuesday. Brenan's doctor thinks Brenan is doing so well and his blood count is in a good enough range that he could be released from the hospital this weekend! He would continue his chemotherapy on an outpatient status, going to the doctor's office for treatments.

As far as a bone marrow transplant, we are still waiting to hear more news on that. As you know, I had blood taken from my right arm on Tuesday and it was sent away to California to be tested. There is a 25% chance that I am a match, and if I do not, they review a bone marrow registry for a match. Being his sibling, I have the highest percentage of matching him, everyone else's chances are slim to none, unfortunately.

Our first priority is to make sure Brenan is financially secure in this situation. Having cancer and going through the treatment is hard enough and we don't want Brenan to suffer from the added stress of huge financial burdens. If you are able to help out, even just a few dollars, please do.

Also, if you know of people who are interested in donating to a great cause, I am fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am raising money and training to compete in a triathlon, all in an effort to help find a cure for blood cancers. Please check out my website and pass it around to everyone you know! Elisa's Triathlon Website

Training is going really well! I swim twice a week, run about 15 miles a week, and bike about 30 miles a week. Brenan is my inspiration. The race is in October and consists of a .6 mile swim, a 27 mile bike ride, and a 6.5 mile run. It's called the Quarterman Triathlon. It's a quarter of what an Ironman athlete does but that's enough for me!

Break in Chemo

Brenan is feeling great today! No chemo treatment for today or tomorrow, next treatment is planned for Saturday. He is not suffering from neutropenia today, so visitors are welcome and encouraged.

Last day of chemo is June 11, which is Day 22 of treatment and he will be held in the hospital for observation for 3 - 7 days.

Brenan continues to get many cards, donations, and care packages and he is so appreciative. Thank you for your support!

Checking on Progress

Brenan is having his bone marrow biopsy this evening, probably within the last hour. He also is undergoing a big dose of chemotherapy today. We'll let you know how he is feeling tomorrow after his eventful day.

He also took the BIC to his head! After showering, he decided to get rid of the mess on his head, as his hair has gradually begun to fall out, and he's now bald as bald can be!

I had about 5 vials of blood taken yesterday which will be sent to a lab in California to see if I am a bone marrow match for Brenan. Luckily, they only need blood in order to test this, however results can take up to 2 weeks. We've got a bit of waiting to do...

Hoping for a Match

Big day today! Cancel the order on more platelets! 86 the platelets! Brenan has enough platelets right now, and for before and after his bone marrow biopsy tomorrow.

Also, he is not neutropenic! Which means, bring on the visitors! If you are free to see Brenan, the gloves come off. But please don't hit Brenan, that's my job. Gloves and masks are no longer required when you are in the room and Brenan is no longer in lock down.

Today is also when I get tested to see if I'm a bone marrow match for Brenan. So everyone send extra good thoughts our way, cross your fingers, say a little prayer, put on your rally cap, dance a jig, or whatever else you can think of so the ball stays in our court.

More information coming about the contribution account we opened for Brenan, so that when the time comes, you can use your donation as a tax deduction.

Contributions

Two very important updates! Brenan will be needing platelets very soon - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. It takes a couple of days to process the platelets and get them to Brenan so if you are able to donate today or tomorrow, that would be very helpful!

Also, we opened up a contribution/donation account for Brenan to assist with his medical expenses. If you are interested in contributing you can go to any Wells Fargo branch and donate to his account. Or if you already bank with Wells Fargo, you can transfer funds from your own account to Brenan's. Every little bit will help Brenan pay his medical expenses as well as help with bills he cannot pay since he is unable to work at this time. Maybe you have $10 a month you can contribute? Or $20 a month? Whatever few dollars you can spare to help Brenan would definitely by appreciated!

Wells Fargo
Brenan A. Eiler
Account Number: 3879088528

Thanks to Cousin Cindy we have step by step instructions on how to transfer funds online with Wells Fargo:

Baby Girl ~ here are the directions to do account transfer between Wells
Fargo accounts.

Sign on at www.wellsfargo.com
If you don't have online banking it is very easy to activate, just follow
the directions on the Wells Fargo home page.

If you have an online account

1. Sign in with username and password.
2. Click on "transfers"
3. Click on "to another customer"
4. Enter "PIN" number
5. Check "transfer from account" to verify this is the correct account.
6. Fill in "transfer to account" with Brenan's account # 3879088528
7. Fill in "name of account holder" Elisabeth Eiler
8. Enter amount you wish to transfer into Brenan's account.
9. Enter "transfer description" get well account for Brenan Eiler
10. Enter recipient's email address "elisafitness@hotmail.com"
11. Click continue.

That's it.
Cindy Velzke, CDM; CFPP
US Foodservice / Northstar Foodservice

Thank you!

Thank You's Galore

It's good that things are same ol', same ol' around the hospital. Brenan is feeling good and looks great. He would be mistaken for a visitor in the hospital if he weren't the only person without a face mask - oh, and he's attached to an IV. But the doctor who came by today said he may be able to have the IV of saline solution removed because his appetite is normal and he is keeping plenty hydrated on his own. He is full of energy and up and about in the room quite frequently, constantly "putzing" is what we call it. There are books and papers to be straightened and organized, towels to be folded, pillows to be fluffed, and "thank you" cards to be written. Never a dull moment as Brenan sets out to complete his tasks.

Speaking of "thank you" cards, we have so many people to be grateful for... like Aunt Peggy and Uncle Gene in Oregon whose generosity is beyond compare, and Aunt Lavonne in Alaska who flew out here on a moment's notice to help, and Aunt Viv, Uncle Rich, and the Velzke clan who sent Brenan a box full of goodies, and Paul and Robin who have sent numerous cards and well wishes, and Hank and Debbie for the "Polokowski" special (double helpings of platelets please!) and helicopter pictures for Brenan's room. I could go on and on about all the great things you all have done for Brenan and our family. Thank you to Dave and Audrey and Janet for helping to spread the word to the Eiler family and to Aunt Irene for her generous contribution to help Brenan in his time of need. The list goes on and on and on. Oh but one more, thank you to Jess, Brenan's girlfriend and her loving family for their support. Brenan definitely has more than one family to lean on.

The next few days will not be too eventful for Brenan. He will get his next big dose of chemo on Wednesday, June 4th. That will also be Day 15 of his induction treatment so it's a big day for tests - lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy - to see how well the chemo has worked thus far.

Shampoos and Head Massages

Brenan seemed to have a slight headache that lasted most of the day yesterday, but not bad enough to take any pain medication. We are trying to convince him to keep medicated even if pain seems to subside. It's a tough task because Brenan has always been a very healthy, un-medicated person for all his life.

Mom found a way to shampoo Brenan's hair outside the shower - hospitals and their handy dandy inventions these days! They provide patients with shower caps to wash hair without having to use water. Hopefully the scalp massage helped with the headache. Maybe so, because Brenan taught Mom a new card game and even beat her at it. Wait a sec, Brenan. Aren't you supposed to give new learners a break?? Well you're sick, so we'll let it slide.

I'll post again later today with another update, I'm on my way to the hospital right now.