Friday

Just a note to say that everything is still great. Brenan looks and feels really good--most of the people who visit comment, "Wow! You look good!" when they first see him. (And I have to agree myself! ;)

He's eating regular food now (small quantities from a recommended list) and they are slowly transitioning him from the IV medicines to pill form...in preparation to go home sometime early next week. The family had a nice Thanksgiving...but I will leave those stories to be told by Elisa ;)

Reflecting on my thankfulness yesterday, I am certainly thankful for all of our family and friends that have been such a support in this journey we've been on. Wishing you all our best! Jess

Update!

Brenan has now been approved to drink clear beverages! Just over a week of not being able to drink anything makes that Gatorade taste like heaven, I'm sure!

Turkey Day: -2

No news yet this morning, there hasn't really been a change in Brenan's status. He is still feeling good and continues to be getting medicines and nutrients via IV to treat the HVGD (Host Versus Graft Disease). It usually takes about a week to transition him from TPN (nutrients) to clear liquids by mouth, and finally to food. Since the doctors have not yet begun that transition, it seems that all signs are pointing towards a hospitalized Thanksgiving for Brenan. But we will all make the best of it and still have so much to be thankful for - we have Brenan's full recovery just on the horizon!

Turkey Day: -3

Finding out whether or not Brenan will be out for Thanksgiving is sort of like a countdown. Each day we find out a little more information about his status, and each day can be a little different from the next. Most likely, we won't know when Brenan will be released until the day before, or maybe even on that very same day. Right now, though, he is feeling good and things are holding steady.

Saturday

Just a quick note to say that Brenan is still feeling good. One of the nurses got him set up with a Nintendo Wii in his room a few days ago. It's been a great way to pass the time! Apparently, a few weeks ago someone donated enough to give each BMT room it's own Wii. The hospital is still working out how to distribute and protect the game systems, so Brenan has (what I think may be) the only one right now. He's been having a good time playing the Sports games (especially bowling with his dad). Everyone take care and have a nice weekend!

Feeling Better

Brenan is feeling much better yesterday and today due to good medicine and being rehydrated. It's a little disappointing to be back in the hospital but we are ready for the speed bumps that come with recovery. We will let you know more news about the HVG prognosis as the information comes to us.

Thank you for all your comments and support!

Rough Patch

Don't panic! The following information is normal and expectable! :) On Monday, Brenan's symptoms were severe enough for the doctor to order a biopsy to determine exactly what is going on. The results came back this morning and, unfortunately, not only does Brenan have C. diff, but he also has Acute Graft-Versus-Host. Graft-versus-host is rated in phases 1 through 4. Thankfully, Brenan is in Phase 1, which is highly treatable. They have put him back on IVs including new antibiotics, steriods, and nutrition. At this point, he is no longer able to eat or drink anything - nothing by mouth! They estimate that he will be in the hospital about 10 days, but could be less. Maybe out in time for Thanksgiving.

Rehydration

Hello! And sorry about the break in blog posts. Brenan was at home for a couple of days but the weekend has been rough. After being released on Wednesday, his first appointment to check on his progress was Friday. During this appointment, it was determined that Brenan had C. diff, which is not good because it makes Brenan feel yucky, but is good because it's not Host-Versus-Graft disease, which is what we don't want.

Over the weekend, Brenan continued to feel not-so-good and, unfortunately, became a little dehydrated due to his illness. During his next scheduled appointment on Monday, the doctor decided Brenan should be readmitted to correct his dehydration and have the nurses monitor him. Brenan is feeling much better after getting some fluids in him! He should only be in the hospital for a few days.

Everything still great!

Just a quick note to check in and say that everything is still going well. Being back at home makes me deliriously happy! It's amazing the little things that you take for granted (like laying on your own couch). We are so full of appreciation for the great things that God has done in our lives--and being home is not small in the least! Thanks to everyone who is thinking of us. We are sending out our love to all of you.

I'm sure that we might be writing a little less frequently (not as much to say) but don't anyone be worried. We will be sure to write if there is any big news!

WEDNESDAY +21

I just got a call. From the other end of the line came this:

"I'm on the corner of 16th and McDowell and it couldn't feel better."

And the corner of 16th and McDowell ain't all that pretty. But to Brenan, it's freedom. He's out! On Day +21 (3 weeks after the transplant) Brenan has been released from Good Sam and is on his way home. He said he feels good - just a little tired - and will probably spend his afternoon resting at home, in the comfort of his own bed.

Distraction

So Brenan and I have a new addiction... "Dexter." Thanks to Bryan Jones for that. It's a series from Showtime that is one of the only things that helps Brenan sort of escape from the seclusion of his hospital room. Speaking of escape, it could come sooner than later... rumor has it, he could be out this week!

Mom, Dad, and Jess (with the help of their lovely assistants Kathy, Les, and Linda) have been working feverishly to make the houses spic and span. Part of taking care of Brenan once he is home is keeping his surroundings as clean and sterile as possible.

Bonus!

Bonus photo! Here's a nice photo of Brenan and Bryan from today!

Doing good--Sunday

Well...this may not look like much--and for heaven's sake, don't strain your eyes--but this is a printout of Brenan's blood counts today...which his doctor brought in as proof that he is finally engrafted! (Can we get a “whoop! whoop!”) There are 3 numbers that she circled, saying that seeing those numbers above a designated point for 3 consecutive days shows engraftment! The printed copy itself isn't much to look at (so don't worry about trying to zoom in to read it)...I just kind of thought that it was the closest thing we'd get to a certificate of achievement ; )

Brenan's doctors seem honestly pleased with his progress and they are full of smiles and encouragement. We have been hearing (for the past few days) that we might get to go home next week! We are shooting for Friday as a goal!

Brenan is cheerful and feeling well. One of his closest friends, Bryan Jones, has been visiting from out of town. They have had a great time watching sports and some TV show DVDs that Bryan brought along. (Right now, the two of them are sitting here talking strategy for the football game that’s on.) Uncle Les and Aunt Linda have been back in town for a few weeks and have been up to see Brenan regularly. They were here this morning for a nice visit. It’s so good to have them here, too!

Our family has been trying to get ready for Brenan to come home. The hospital has many recommendations, such as cleaning the AC vents and shampooing the carpet, that are important for his health when he gets home. It’s a lot of work—but definitely joyful work! We are all so happy to be getting those houses ready!

After being released from the hospital, Brenan will be scheduled for regular visits (outpatient) to check his blood counts and monitor his progress. Initially, the visits will probably be about 3 times a week—and eventually, about twice a week. He still has a lot of precautions to take, such as wearing a mask in public places and being very careful what he eats (in order to limit his exposure to food borne illnesses). But, paraphrasing Dr. Briggs words today, “He is on the road to recovery!”

We appreciate everyone’s thoughts, prayers, cards, and support! You have all been such a crucial part of Brenan’s recovery. I know that from the bottom of my heart! Please keep him in your thoughts…pray for continued progress and no set backs (such as a cold or something) that would push back his release date.

When we do get home from the hospital, I want to extend a warm offer to please come over and visit! Many of you haven’t had the chance to see Brenan due to his need for rest, but he will probably be ready to start having some visitors by the time we get home. It probably won’t be recommended for him to leave the house much, so it would be great if you would like to come over. Please don’t feel like you are imposing by offering to visit! I really think that it would be good for Brenan to help the days pass. Feel free to call my cell (480-277-3872), our house (623-486-3855), or Brenan’s cell to let us know that you are coming ahead of time. I’m sure that there will be a waiting list of visitors! ; ) On a side note, when you come to visit...please don't bring any live plants or flowers. (They are prohibited by doctors).

I know that a lot of times, people like to do stuff to help in situations like this, so I’ve been trying to think of things that might be helpful. Unfortunately, bringing food isn’t really a possibility because there are so many restrictions about what he can eat and how it has to be prepared. One thing I was thinking he might really enjoy is some loaner DVDs. Movies are ok but some of the TV show DVDs work better because the episodes are short and can be watched over time (rather than a movie that is two hours long). If you have any really good TV show series DVDs to loan Brenan, that might be a good idea—and we will be sure to keep a list of what belongs to who. Another idea is maybe to send something like a $10 dollar gift card to Blockbuster so that we can rent him some movies, etc. Please don’t anyone feel obligated to send anything! Your thoughts and cards have been more than enough to last us a lifetime!

Sending out lots of love and appreciation for all of you! Love, Jess

Reduced Pain

We're still on track for engraftment, according to Brenan's blood work. Last night the nurse told us that his white blood cell count was going up, which is a great sign, but it also tends to make people feel a little yucky. But, he is only taking half the pain medication right now than he was a few days ago, so that's good news.

So Far, So Good

I got to spend the morning with Brenan today and he is looking good! He is experiencing slight nausea and still doesn't have much of an appetite. The doctor who came in today really encouraged him to find something that sounds good and eat more, so they can begin to take him off the nutrients they've been giving him intravenously. The good news is that results from his blood work are pointing in a positive direction and the very initial phases of engraftment are now evident!

Feeling a little better ; )

Things are certainly starting to look up! It’s been 11 days since Brenan got his new cells (the doctors call this Day +11). From the beginning, Dr. Briggs has said most patients start feeling better around 15 days after the transplant...but I think we are already seeing some good signs of improvement! ; ) And we should certainly expect things to be getting better from here.

We watched the DVD today of Elisa’s triathlon (thanks to Sandy and Jean for putting it together and bringing it over). Brenan grinned from ear to ear watching the DVD (and me too!) It was definitely a highpoint of the day. I felt so lucky to be a part of such a supportive family. There were so many people there to cheer for Elisa…and it was clear (from all the posters) that Brenan was not far from their thoughts. We are so lucky!

His pain level seems to be going down. Hooray! I heard him tell the nurse today that his pain level is “0” (on a scale of 0-10). He is still on the morphine drip, but even with the morphine—he used to have a lot of pain. So it made me feel cheerful to hear him say “0” today. He also said that his mouth is starting to feel better. Yea!

Now that he can talk a little more, he started returning a few phone calls today. He sounded so cheerful talking to friends. Thank you everyone for the cards and the messages on the blog. They always mean so much.

Please keep up the thoughts and prayers. He’s been trying to wean himself off of the nausea medicine so he’s feeling a little nauseous sometimes. But overall things are looking good. We’ve still got a way to go—but he is so motivated to get better and get out of this hospital room!

Lots of love from both of us! Brenan and Jess

Hoping for Engraftment

Wednesday will be the two week anniversary of the BMT. Between days +14 and +21 are when we may begin to see grafting take place and a change in Brenan's condition. Fingers crossed, this change will be towards healthy blood production. Brenan is experiencing all the normal side effects right now, including a fever that comes and goes throughout the day. He keeps busy by walking around the bone marrow transplant unit and riding the stationary bike. I made him watch my triathlon inspirational movie yesterday - "Saint Ralph" - and he stayed awake through the whole thing! That is an accomplishment, considering just the act of taking a shower can be quite energy-sapping.