After receiving platelets today, Brenan saw Dr. Tibes, a research oncologist with TGen. As of today, Brenan is not eligible for the trial that we are hoping he eventually becomes a part of, because there has to be a break of 14 days between Brenan's last dose of a drug called VFend and this new treatment. VFend is an antifungal used to treat fungal infections. Brenan stopped taking the VFend this past Friday. Possibly, 14 days from Friday, Brenan will be ready to start Dr. Tibes' treatment.
In the mean time, Brenan's white blood cell count is steadily rising to unsafe levels. Dr. Tibes has prescribed a special medication to help with reducing white blood cells, in addition to asking Brenan to continue his regular trips to the hospital for platelets and whole blood transfusions.
Dr. Tibes, along with Brenan's BMT specialist Dr. Briggs, and his oncology team, Dr. Singh and Dr. Ado, are all working together to figure out the best solution for Brenan. One option is to start Brenan on a new chemotherapy treatment in the next week or so. This chemotherapy is typically given to children with Brenan's same condition. Since the type of cancer that Brenan has is usually diagnosed in children, they are thinking they should approach it using the same kind of treatment. More on that chemotherapy tomorrow.
Brenan is still feeling a bit tired and has a fever from time to time. One of his ankles is very sore and he has to go in to see a specialist about a possible infection in his ankle bones. He is having a hard time walking and his new mother-in-law supplied him with a cane to help get around easier.
We are taking it one day at a time and trust the expertise of Dr. Tibes to take us in the right direction. Thank you for sending your love and prayers our way.
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3 comments:
Brenan and Jess,
We love you both so much and pull up the blog site every morning and evening after work. We so appreciate the posts.
We are continuing to have you in our thoughts and prayers. We love watching the DVD of your wedding... what a beautiful wedding it was! Love, Uncle Ran and Aunt Dee
Everyone ~ stay strong, You are all loved sooo much. Words cannot describe how much love and support is being sent your way. We are also praying for the doctors to make the best decisions possible. If you have a chance we would like to see a photo of Brenan with his cane, I'm sure it's very cool!! Love to you all,
Cindy Lou Who and Gang
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We know that you are with us (near and far)! Hope that everyone can take a second to post comments now and again--I think that it keeps everyone feeling strong and connected to be able to read what other people are writing.
Cindy Lou--I told Brenan that we should write "Pilot in Command" on his cane and we got a good laugh out of that!
Lots of love everyone! Jess
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