A few photos from Jess

Yea! We are so excited! Thanks for sharing in our happiness. A couple photos from me...and I think Elisa is posting some more later. (If I remember correctly, you can click on the photos in the blog to see them bigger if you like.)

Just have to also add some "props" to Brenan for a fantastic, romantic proposal that I will never forget! It has been such a joy getting calls from both our families the last few days sharing in our excitement. How blessed we are to both have such wonderful, supportive families that we are *already* so included in. We are looking forward to making it official ;)

Lots of love from Jess & Brenan

----------Christmas Day-----------------Christmas Eve--------------

-------Christmas Day------Our 2 families together Christmas Eve

Eventful Christmas

This Christmas was an overwhelming success! And by success, I mean lots of time with family and friends, giving and receiving of gifts from the heart, and the engagement of Brenan and Jess. Yes, he did it! And she said yes. We have lots of pictures to share so I will post them here later today.

On Christmas Eve, we had an incredible dinner over at Diane's house (Jess's mom). The whole family was there along with Jess's brother, Travis, and his wife, Jaime. It was a nice glimpse of holidays yet to come. The only thing missing was the presence of Aunt Linda and Uncle Les, as they stayed home sick. They were missed! Afterwards, we went to the Christmas Eve service at Diane's church, who were kind enough to accommodate us in a private room for Brenan's sake. It's best for him to stay away from busy areas like malls, movie theaters, and other highly attended events. After church, Mom, Dad, Uncle Russ, and I headed over to the annual Christmas Eve party at Sandy and Jean's. Always lots of fun!

Christmas morning began with Brenan's proposal to Jess, and eggs benedict for breakfast before opening presents. We ended the day with lasagna and chicken parmigiana for dinner, and playing games.

Brenan is looking and feeling great! His past few appointments have gone very well and they continue to decrease his steroid intake. He has another appointment this morning... updates to come. He also has been given clearance to drive short distances, which gives him a bit more independence.

All in all, we had one of the best Christmases we can remember and continue to feel blessed as Brenan continues to recover. We hope your holidays were just as fulfilling!

Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Brenan's 32nd birthday this weekend. Because he missed out on the Thanksgiving feast, his birthday wish was to re-create Thanksgiving on Saturday. We made turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans for the birthday dinner. We then spent the evening playing games and watching a few episodes of Dexter - a perfect birthday weekend. Brenan also had a few friends over to visit on Sunday, his actual birthday.

Brenan is looking and feeling good. We are taking all necessary precautions to keep him out of the hospital for good! He has an appointment today for blood work and his regular check up and will keep you updated on any news that we might get today.

Day +55

All continues to be well! Today is day +55 - it's hard to believe it has been 55 days since the transplant. Brenan's appointment yesterday went well - blood count is good, platelets are up, they decreased steroids but increased magnesium. Nothing too new or exciting, which in our eyes is very good news!

Moving Along

Brenan had a check up yesterday and everything went well. He received some fluids to ensure hydration, along with some magnesium. He is also receiving some medicine each time he visits the hospital to help fight a virus he contracted. We're just happy he can be at home and they only need to administer this medicine on his regularly scheduled visits. His blood count looks good and doctors are pleased with his progress thus far. His next appointment is Monday so let's all pray for a fantastic weekend - and Cardinals game! Brenan gave his Cardinals tickets to some well deserving Minnesota fans, Uncle Leslie and Uncle Russell.

Also, Brenan is planning a big fundraising garage sale in January. The last one, held by a few of Brenan's friends, was a huge success! We're hoping for just as big of a turnout this time around. If you have anything you'd like to donate for the garage sale, please let Brenan, Jess, Mom, Dad, or me know. All proceeds go to the "Brenan Cancer-Fighting Cause." :)

Updates & Reminders

Brenan had a successful and relaxing weekend, and returned to the hospital this morning for his regularly scheduled check up. I am still waiting on news on how his blood tests went today, but I have all the faith in the world that he is still maintaining healthy blood counts and won't be readmitted any time soon. His doctors were very pleased to announce that recent tests, as of Day +30 after the transplant, show Brenan's DNA is 97% donor. We are so close to 100% - which is what we are aiming for!

Here are a few updates, reminders, and comments Brenan wanted me to express on the blog:

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

- If you would like to get a private test done for an individual, the cost is $165 and for more information on this test go to: BoneMarrowTest.com

- If you would like to donate blood to the community supply, please visit your local United Blood Services location. Blood will not go directly to Brenan but you will be helping those in your community. Visit UnitedBloodServices.org.

Other things you can do to help:

- We must not forget that people are needing more than marrow and blood. Become an organ donor and register at: OrganDonor.org

- The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been key in helping Brenan during his recovery. Donate money to your local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Chapter by visiting the society's site: LLS.org

- Brenan's medical expenses continue to grow. Contribute to Brenan's Wells Fargo accound to help with medical expenses. If you are a Wells Fargo account holder, you can go online and transfer funds directly to Brenan's account. Contact me or Brenan for account information. Or you can go into any Wells Fargo branch and make an in-person deposit.

- Don't forget the power of prayer! Ask your churches and communities to pray for Brenan and his speedy recovery.

Brenan also asked that I tell everyone that he is continually thankful for all the cards, donations, and support he is getting from you. That goes for Jess, my parents, and me, as well - we wouldn't be as strong as we are without your support!

Indulging in the holiday spirit....from home!

It's been a nice weekend...free from the confines of Good Samaritan hospital! Brenan was released on Friday and we've been spending the weekend with his parents (since I've been working late at the restaurant). We've been sleeping in late, watching TV, and enjoying the fire and Christmas tree. Brenan is feeling great and all should remain well....provided that the AZ Cardinals stay ahead today! We are looking forward to going home to our house tonight. Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers.

Awaiting Release

The great day is finally here! We are still awaiting official discharge news. Brenan has promised to keep me posted as more updates surrounding his release emerge. Most likely they will give him discharge orders and finalize his prescriptions mid morning and he'll be out by lunchtime.

Taking a Walk

Word on the street is that Brenan should be out on Friday! For the past few days, the doctors have been weaning him off steriods and other IVs, and as of this morning, he should be unhooked from the IV pole. All medication is administered by mouth at this point. His appetite is good and diet has consisted of canned peaches and pears, egg salad, tuna, chicken, and noodles.

Yesterday was his first opportunity to take a walk outside in the garden at the hospital. With mask and gloves on, and Dad by his side, he was able to get a bit of fresh air and he said it felt amazing.

Other good news is that Brenan sold his dirt bike, which he had been trying to get rid of for the past few months.

Our Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was as much of a success as it could be, considering the circumstances. It was a bummer to not have Brenan there, who is usually Head of the Table at Thanksgiving when Dad has to work and the leader of the Thanksgiving prayer. Luckily, we had Uncle Russ with us to serve as the dual role Head of the Table and Head Chef! He made us some gourmet entrees like wild rice stuffing and wild rice and mushroom soup, not to mention a succulent oven-baked turkey, for our delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

Luckily, we also had the great invention of the speaker phone with us - and Brenan was there in voice and spirit to bring us our holiday prayer as usual. It was an unexpected surprise that he and Mom concocted, and just as we were sitting down to our meal Mom brought out the phone, set it in the middle of the table, and via speaker phone, we could all hear Brenan lead us in prayer. It was a moment that brought tears to my eyes.

Also with us on Thanksgiving day were Uncle Les and Aunt Linda, Jess's mom Diane, Dave and his two friends Mike and Jeff. Mom spent the morning and the evening with Brenan at the hospital, Jess spent the day with him, and Dave and I stopped in after the Thanksgiving meal in the afternoon. It was a good day filled with too much good food and lots of love!