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