Brenan had his surgery this morning and is now recovering back in his room at Arrowhead. The procedure went well, although no obstruction was found or the actual cause of the blockage could not be identified. They put the stent in place and hopefully Brenan will feel some relief from the pressure and pain he has been feeling.
Tomorrow, Brenan will begin a new round of chemotherapy because he has relapsed since the initial chemo treatment. They are going to administer a different regimen of chemo called nelarabine, which I have yet to research. I will provide more info on this once I have it. What we do know is that this will be the next step in attacking the T-cell and will treat both the lymphoma and the leukemia.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hydronephrosis
Brenan just left his oncologist's office where he was told he would be admitted back into Arrowhead Hospital tomorrow. He will undergo an inpatient treatment to have a stent placed in his right ureter tube either tomorrow or Friday, not next Tuesday.
He started feeling some abdominal pain on Sunday because the right ureter is partially blocked causing a build up of fluid in his right kidney, which is known as hydronephrosis.
I didn't get to read the full definition because as soon as I began reading I felt abdominal and kidney pain. It's a chronic disorder I have - hear or read about something and suddenly I come down with the symptoms. I'm seeking help for it.
All I know is I am probably imagining only a fraction of the pain that Brenan is actually experiencing - and I had to stop reading, close my eyes, and concentrate on my breathing.
On another note, this might interfere or possibly postpone his ability to get the bone marrow transplant. However, the donor that is the best match for him won't be available for the donating procedure until end of September anyway. So really, we would have been waiting until end of next month regardless of the hydronephrosis setting in.
It just would have been nice for Brenan to be able to wait in peace, right?
He started feeling some abdominal pain on Sunday because the right ureter is partially blocked causing a build up of fluid in his right kidney, which is known as hydronephrosis.
I didn't get to read the full definition because as soon as I began reading I felt abdominal and kidney pain. It's a chronic disorder I have - hear or read about something and suddenly I come down with the symptoms. I'm seeking help for it.
All I know is I am probably imagining only a fraction of the pain that Brenan is actually experiencing - and I had to stop reading, close my eyes, and concentrate on my breathing.
On another note, this might interfere or possibly postpone his ability to get the bone marrow transplant. However, the donor that is the best match for him won't be available for the donating procedure until end of September anyway. So really, we would have been waiting until end of next month regardless of the hydronephrosis setting in.
It just would have been nice for Brenan to be able to wait in peace, right?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Stent
Brenan was released from the hospital yesterday and is doing okay right now. He is scheduled to return next week on Tuesday in order for them to perform a procedure that will help them determine exactly where the blockage is located. They will insert a stent in the area that has the blockage, which will help encourage drainage from the kidneys. He will probably have the stent in for about 3 weeks.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Kidney Trouble
Brenan is still awaiting further tests as of this moment. He is not experiencing too much pain, is just resting in the hospital. What has been told to me, and forgive me as I might be getting some of this medical terminology wrong... and I, of course, will come back and correct any mistakes if I make any... is that he might have a blockage in the connection between his kidneys and his bladder and the pain and inflammation is occurring because there is no drainage from the kidneys. They are working to correct the situation by identifying the point of blockage and the best way to reduce this, and then the kidneys will be able to drain sufficiently.
Stomach Pains
Brenan was experiencing some abdominal pains yesterday. After calling the doctor, he was told to go to Arrowhead's ER. Tests revealed there was no blood in his stomach, which is good, but there was some abnormal flare-up in his kidneys and appendix. He was admitted into the hospital overnight and will undergo further testing today. I will post more detailed information once it is received.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Competitive Streak
Just want to give you all an update on my fundraising. My triathlon team has raised over $37,000!! I, alone, have raised $2,300, which is well over my goal. Thank you so much for all your donations, I couldn't ask for a more supportive, generous circle of family and friends.
However, I have raised the 4th highest amount on my team:
Eiler, Elisabeth SOMA Triathlon 2300
Jones, Bruce SOMA Triathlon 2375
Taylor, Audra SOMA Triathlon 2575
Duvall, Brian SOMA Triathlon 2995
and this is making me crazy! I'm not sure where I get my competitive edge from... both my parents are pretty laid back. But the second I am head to head with someone, I want to crush them. I'm sure I'll beat these people in the actual race. In fact, you can count on that. (Apparently, not only am I competitive, but I'm a trash-talker too!? Yikes.)
So if you know anyone who is looking to donate to a great cause, send them my website! Send it to everyone you know - maybe I can be the #1 fundraiser on my triathlon team.
My Website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/somatri08/eeiler
However, I have raised the 4th highest amount on my team:
Eiler, Elisabeth SOMA Triathlon 2300
Jones, Bruce SOMA Triathlon 2375
Taylor, Audra SOMA Triathlon 2575
Duvall, Brian SOMA Triathlon 2995
and this is making me crazy! I'm not sure where I get my competitive edge from... both my parents are pretty laid back. But the second I am head to head with someone, I want to crush them. I'm sure I'll beat these people in the actual race. In fact, you can count on that. (Apparently, not only am I competitive, but I'm a trash-talker too!? Yikes.)
So if you know anyone who is looking to donate to a great cause, send them my website! Send it to everyone you know - maybe I can be the #1 fundraiser on my triathlon team.
My Website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/somatri08/eeiler
Just Being at Home
Brenan has been keeping busy this week - feeling good and happy to be home. His next appointment with his oncologist is on Monday. He should receive more news about the bone marrow transplant then.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Karma
All is still quiet on the homefront... Brenan had an appointment with his oncologist yesterday that he described as "uneventful." We know we've been through way too much in the world of cancer when we can describe an appointment to a cancer doctor as "uneventful." He said they didn't even take blood. Imagine that!
As far as the triathlon goes, I am getting more and more nervous, but continuing to train my little butt off. On Friday night, I pumped up my bike tires and loaded Purple Thunder into my car to get ready for an early morning ride on Saturday. Upon pulling into the parking lot at Tempe Beach Park and opening my trunk, I came to the horrifying realization that both my tires had become completely flat overnight.
Not being a morning person (AT ALL), I immediately became a little cranky. There is no way I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on a Saturday only to stand and look out at the bike path I was supposed to be riding on. As I sat on my bumper taking a moment to let the reality of the situation wash over me, and curse myself for being an incompetent triathlete, a couple rode into the parking lot on their bikes towards their car.
Lucky me! Here's a couple who look like they know what they are doing - hence probably brought a bike pump WITH them to the park. I asked to borrow their pump and set to work correcting my situation. But for some reason the tires were just not filling with air. I pretended to know exactly what I was doing and worked diligently on my tire situation, but the woman noticed that I truly had no clue. She offered to help, but the tires still wouldn't fill with air even with her superior tire-inflating skills.
"I bet you need new tubes," she said.
"There's no way! I just got new tires put on this bike!"
The couple insisted on removing my tires and checking the tubes, which indeed were damaged. The man pulled two new tubes from their trunk (Note to self: Apparently when you become an experienced rider, you know that you should carry a pump and extra tubes as a precaution.) and proceeded to change out the tubes on my bike and inflate my tires. Turns out, I had somehow pinched the tubes the night before when blowing up the tires and created a hole in each tube.
The couple wouldn't accept cash for parts or labor. Good thing, because I didn't have any. They even gave me a quick lesson in how to fix a flat. Within 30 minutes, Purple Thunder and I were cruising down the very same bike route I will be traveling on the day of the triathlon. I didn't even catch the couples' names.
I learned a valuable lesson. They had no idea I was training for a race against cancer, yet they took their time and resources to help me to the best of their ability. It certainly made me want to be a more helpful person, no questions asked.
As far as the triathlon goes, I am getting more and more nervous, but continuing to train my little butt off. On Friday night, I pumped up my bike tires and loaded Purple Thunder into my car to get ready for an early morning ride on Saturday. Upon pulling into the parking lot at Tempe Beach Park and opening my trunk, I came to the horrifying realization that both my tires had become completely flat overnight.
Not being a morning person (AT ALL), I immediately became a little cranky. There is no way I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on a Saturday only to stand and look out at the bike path I was supposed to be riding on. As I sat on my bumper taking a moment to let the reality of the situation wash over me, and curse myself for being an incompetent triathlete, a couple rode into the parking lot on their bikes towards their car.
Lucky me! Here's a couple who look like they know what they are doing - hence probably brought a bike pump WITH them to the park. I asked to borrow their pump and set to work correcting my situation. But for some reason the tires were just not filling with air. I pretended to know exactly what I was doing and worked diligently on my tire situation, but the woman noticed that I truly had no clue. She offered to help, but the tires still wouldn't fill with air even with her superior tire-inflating skills.
"I bet you need new tubes," she said.
"There's no way! I just got new tires put on this bike!"
The couple insisted on removing my tires and checking the tubes, which indeed were damaged. The man pulled two new tubes from their trunk (Note to self: Apparently when you become an experienced rider, you know that you should carry a pump and extra tubes as a precaution.) and proceeded to change out the tubes on my bike and inflate my tires. Turns out, I had somehow pinched the tubes the night before when blowing up the tires and created a hole in each tube.
The couple wouldn't accept cash for parts or labor. Good thing, because I didn't have any. They even gave me a quick lesson in how to fix a flat. Within 30 minutes, Purple Thunder and I were cruising down the very same bike route I will be traveling on the day of the triathlon. I didn't even catch the couples' names.
I learned a valuable lesson. They had no idea I was training for a race against cancer, yet they took their time and resources to help me to the best of their ability. It certainly made me want to be a more helpful person, no questions asked.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Out Again
This is a bit delayed but.... Brenan was released from the hospital Friday evening! He was able to spend the weekend with family and catching up on things at home, and more importantly - NOT in a hospital room. Because a bone marrow match was found, most likely the next step will be to check into Good Sam's BMT unit sometime next month to get ready for the transplant. As soon as we have a schedule of what's to come, I will post it.
Thanks for everyone's comments and participation in the survey, which I just noticed located on the right side of the blog.
Thanks for everyone's comments and participation in the survey, which I just noticed located on the right side of the blog.
Friday, August 15, 2008
A Match is Found
Sorry for the lapse in posts! I actually spent yesterday at the hospital with Brenan, experiencing firsthand what it's like to be without internet for a whole day. I was not happy. But I was happy to just hang out with Brenan. His blood count is up - both white blood cells and platelets. As of yesterday evening, he has been called off neutropenic status, which means no more masks!
The doctor said if all goes well today, Brenan should be released on Saturday. Fingers crossed! Everything at this point is a hope and a wish, like a fluffy cloud in the distance that seems so full of refreshing rain drops and just might be blowing in our direction. There's a 50-50 chance the wind will whip it away, dissipating our hope. Or before we know it, the cloud is hovering directly above us pouring down a cleansing burst of rain. It's hard to predict.
I am happy to share some great news finally. They have found a bone marrow match for Brenan! The next step is to bring the person in for further testing to be sure nothing has been contracted from the time he was added to the bone marrow registry and now. After these final tests, Brenan will begin treatment to get prepped for the transplant. We have been given an anticipated date to begin this process of mid-September. So in about a month, we should be heading onto that final turn to recovery, the one thing standing between Brenan and a cure, healthy bone marrow.
The doctor said if all goes well today, Brenan should be released on Saturday. Fingers crossed! Everything at this point is a hope and a wish, like a fluffy cloud in the distance that seems so full of refreshing rain drops and just might be blowing in our direction. There's a 50-50 chance the wind will whip it away, dissipating our hope. Or before we know it, the cloud is hovering directly above us pouring down a cleansing burst of rain. It's hard to predict.
I am happy to share some great news finally. They have found a bone marrow match for Brenan! The next step is to bring the person in for further testing to be sure nothing has been contracted from the time he was added to the bone marrow registry and now. After these final tests, Brenan will begin treatment to get prepped for the transplant. We have been given an anticipated date to begin this process of mid-September. So in about a month, we should be heading onto that final turn to recovery, the one thing standing between Brenan and a cure, healthy bone marrow.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Blood Tranfusions
Brenan received one bag of platelets again today along with 2 units of blood. He needed blood transfusions because of low red blood count and low hemoglobin. Good news is that preliminary results from the cultures that were drawn on Sunday morning came back negative for any specific infection. The lab will continue to grow the cultures for several days in order to see if anything else is found and it will take up to 5 days for final results.
Unfortunately, Brenan is very weak and tired right now. Some chemo side effects he is experiencing include fatigue, lower back pain, and a nasty rash. He continues to run a fever of 100 to 101. He was started on 3 broad spectrum IV antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
Tonight, the doctor told Mom, Dad, and Brenan that he is surprised with Brenan's reaction to this round of chemo and they did not anticipate his body reacting in this way. The goal is to get Brenan released from the hospital when his white blood cell count reaches 1000 for two consecutive days and other lab results are stable.
Brenan's friend Rachel brought a movie, popcorn, and Brenan's favorites, Milk Duds and licorice, to the hospital today. Brenan and Jess snuggled in the bed, with Rachel on the cot, and they watched a flick. Mom and Dad came in later and treated Brenan to a massage to help him relax.
I'm glad to hear this blog is helping so many people stay updated with Brenan's condition. Definitely stay tuned as I try to post as much as I can. We encourage your comments! At the bottom of every post there is the word "Comments" and a number showing how many comments were made in regard to that post. Just click on "Comments" to add your message. You can select anonymous so you don't need to create a profile - just be sure to include your name in the post so we know who you are!
Unfortunately, Brenan is very weak and tired right now. Some chemo side effects he is experiencing include fatigue, lower back pain, and a nasty rash. He continues to run a fever of 100 to 101. He was started on 3 broad spectrum IV antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
Tonight, the doctor told Mom, Dad, and Brenan that he is surprised with Brenan's reaction to this round of chemo and they did not anticipate his body reacting in this way. The goal is to get Brenan released from the hospital when his white blood cell count reaches 1000 for two consecutive days and other lab results are stable.
Brenan's friend Rachel brought a movie, popcorn, and Brenan's favorites, Milk Duds and licorice, to the hospital today. Brenan and Jess snuggled in the bed, with Rachel on the cot, and they watched a flick. Mom and Dad came in later and treated Brenan to a massage to help him relax.
I'm glad to hear this blog is helping so many people stay updated with Brenan's condition. Definitely stay tuned as I try to post as much as I can. We encourage your comments! At the bottom of every post there is the word "Comments" and a number showing how many comments were made in regard to that post. Just click on "Comments" to add your message. You can select anonymous so you don't need to create a profile - just be sure to include your name in the post so we know who you are!
Blood Troubles
Brenan's white blood cell count has risen slightly, but is still too low and he remains neutropenic. Even though he received a bag of platelets yesterday, his platelet count is way down as well. He should be receiving another bag sometime today. If you have donated in the past, and have time, this would be a good time to donate platelets for him. We're not sure if this second bag today will do the trick and it will be nice to have a backup plan.
Monday, August 11, 2008
No Baseball for Brenan
We were all extremely disappointed when Brenan's white blood cell count dipped to an ultimate low this weekend and he was put back on neutropenic status. We were even more disappointed that come Sunday morning, there wasn't any improvement despite the medications he was given and he could not be released to attend the baseball game. Mom & Dad, and Dave & I went to the game, along with Sandy & Jean using Brenan's & Jess's tickets. Despite our overwhelming disappointment that we were there without Brenan & Jess by our sides, we were happy to watch the DBacks beat the Braves 6-1.
As of this morning, Brenan is still neutropenic. In case it has slipped your mind, neutropenic means that his white blood count is so low that he is at serious risk of getting ill. Everyone who enters the room must wear a mask and gloves to prevent exposing Brenan to any viruses. He has also been experiencing a low grade fever throughout the weekend and his platelet level has dropped. He should be receiving a platelet transfusion later today.
My hope is to post some more uplifting news by tomorrow!
As of this morning, Brenan is still neutropenic. In case it has slipped your mind, neutropenic means that his white blood count is so low that he is at serious risk of getting ill. Everyone who enters the room must wear a mask and gloves to prevent exposing Brenan to any viruses. He has also been experiencing a low grade fever throughout the weekend and his platelet level has dropped. He should be receiving a platelet transfusion later today.
My hope is to post some more uplifting news by tomorrow!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Hoping for Release
Good news - Brenan is not neutropenic anymore! Bad news - he is getting an intrathecal treatment right now and will be pretty worn out for the rest of the afternoon. We are crossing our fingers, arms, legs, and toes that all goes well overnight - SO well that come Saturday, they release him with a ballcap on his head, and a glove in his hand, ready for the Dbacks game on Sunday.
Mom and Dad are planning on bringing pizza to the hospital tonight to host a little pizza party for Brenan and celebrate another successful treatment cycle.
The doctors are very impressed and happy about how well Brenan is handling the chemotherapy. Like I had mentioned previously, you would never think he has gone through so many intense treatments, aside from his shaved head.
On the outside, Brenan's light continues to shine for his family, for the nurses and doctors, and for all those who hold him in their thoughts and prayers. The doctors and nurses all love him and think he is one special man. (He must be offering them bribes or something - I'm stumped.)
On the inside, I'm sure he is tired and anxious for this all to be over.
Mom and Dad are planning on bringing pizza to the hospital tonight to host a little pizza party for Brenan and celebrate another successful treatment cycle.
The doctors are very impressed and happy about how well Brenan is handling the chemotherapy. Like I had mentioned previously, you would never think he has gone through so many intense treatments, aside from his shaved head.
On the outside, Brenan's light continues to shine for his family, for the nurses and doctors, and for all those who hold him in their thoughts and prayers. The doctors and nurses all love him and think he is one special man. (He must be offering them bribes or something - I'm stumped.)
On the inside, I'm sure he is tired and anxious for this all to be over.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Back to Neutropenia
As of yesterday, Brenan's blood count dropped to an unsafe level so he is back to being neutropenic. Visits from family members only, and masks must be worn to protect Brenan from any viruses we may be carrying. He is finished with the Course B treatment, so is not receiving any chemotherapy at this time. Now he is being monitored and they are doing their best to raise his blood count and get him back to a healthy state.
Other than that, he is feeling a bit tired and trying to keep himself occupied. If you've been able to visit him at Arrowhead, you know how frustrating it can be to stay all cooped up in that small hospital room.
We are hoping for his release by Saturday at the absolute latest! We have tickets to the Diamondbacks game on Sunday, in honor of Mom's birthday back in June, and we need the whole family there. :)
Other than that, he is feeling a bit tired and trying to keep himself occupied. If you've been able to visit him at Arrowhead, you know how frustrating it can be to stay all cooped up in that small hospital room.
We are hoping for his release by Saturday at the absolute latest! We have tickets to the Diamondbacks game on Sunday, in honor of Mom's birthday back in June, and we need the whole family there. :)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
More Camping Pics
Here's a few more pictures from our camping trip.
Brenan's goal for this trip was to fish and ride his motorcycle. So as soon as they arrived he went fishing and managed to catch trout in his first outing to the lake. In the pictures you can see Brenan taking a warm-up ride with Julianne and Jean. After that, with Brenan on his motorcycle and Dave and I (Sandy) on the quads, we really roughed it and rode up into the mountains. Naturally we had a hard time keeping up with Brenan, so he would circle back after he got too far ahead. It's pretty intense blasting along the mountain trails with the steep declines and dodging pine trees that pop up in the middle of the trail. Of course we all made it back in one piece and covered in dirt.
In the last picture you see Brenan taking a nap while we discussed the rules of "bullshit". After a few minutes of that, we switched to playing "apples to apples". We had so much fun, that we continued to play it until it was time to make smores around the campfire.
All and all, it was a great camping trip!
Sandy Marshall
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