Friday, March 6, 2009

Spontaneously announcing...

We would like to spontaneously announce our wedding this Sunday! It may seem crazy but we have planned the event over the last three days. Surprisingly, many of our out-of-town family and friends have blessed us by purchasing last-minute airfare. Additionally, we have many family and friends that are unable to travel (reasonably so!!!) or unable to fit into our small backyard. We will miss you all so much and will feel you here in our hearts.

While we had always dreamed of a huge wedding (300+was our "wish list" guest list) that included ALL of the people we love so much, instead...we would like to invite you to view our wedding over the web.

On Sunday, please use the following web address link to view our wedding:

http://shauntilford.com/jessandbrenan.php

There may be some "set up" and mingling video starting from 2pm. However our actual ceremony will be starting at approximately 4pm. Tune in at 4pm by clicking on the link to see the site.

***Serious credit goes to Shaun Tilford, my talented cousin, for setting this up for everyone! Thanks, Shaun!******

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Lots of Visitors!

Just wanted to write a quick something to keep you updated on the happenings in Phoenix. Those LeRoy Aunts and Uncles continue to drop in and out! Lavonne and Fred left us on Friday after a nice 2 week visit. Les and Linda continue to make frequent visits to our side of the valley. Russell will be leaving us in about 3 weeks, which will make us very sad, but we understand having to get out of this heat now. It has been in the high 80s this weekend and for the past couple of days - too hot too soon!

Right now, Dad's childhood friend Tom Truax and his wife Mary are visiting and will help us celebrate Dad's 55th Birthday on Saturday. On the Eiler side, we've been lucky enough to see Dave and Audrey on occasion as they spend a couple of months in Phoenix, as well as our cousin Ben and his fiance.

Brenan will be posting in the next day or so to report news from recent appointments and tests. Thank you all for your continued support!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Doctor's appt Tuesday good

Hi, everybody! Sorry that we didn't get info posted yesterday. I know Brenan meant to update the site but he has a bit of a cold and isn't feeling too perky ; )

Doctor's appt went well. The third test (referred to a few emails back) came back clear of any problems. That was good news for sure! Also, his white counts were up...also good news. Not sure about any other specifics but wanted to make sure that everyone knew there was no bad news! I will talk to Brenan tomorrow and see if there is any more info to post!

Jess

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

More Appointments

Brenan has an appointment today with Dr. Briggs again. We should have more information later this afternoon.

Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Monday appt

We met with Brenan’s lead physician today, Dr. Briggs, to discuss some discouraging news about conflicting test results. Though his preliminary bone marrow test is still completely clear (showing no signs of leukemia cells), a more in-depth test shows that there are still some leukemia cells in his system. Therefore, the doctor has made some changes to the treatment plan in order to fight off these cells. (More about these tests discussed below).

Since Brenan was given a “new” immune system through the stem-cell transplant, he has been taking immune suppressing drugs that prevent this “new” immune system from attacking parts of his own body (graft-versus-host disease, GVHD). However, by suppressing this immune system, it also prevents that immune system from attacking unhealthy cells (aka leukemia cells). Since the reports show these cells present, the physician has decided to reduce the immune suppressing drugs so that his immune system has a chance to attack these cells. (Kind of like letting loose the beast!...in a good way) Dr. Briggs says that this is the best method for treating this type of occurrence.
--------
Summary of test result info:

There are 3 basic tests included in a bone marrow biopsy. The initial (lowest) test results were negative for leukemia cells (A measurement of blasts—or immature cells—was 1% blasts. This is considered normal). The second level of test (FISH) tested positive for leukemia cells. The results of the third, and highest level of testing, should be back some time next week.

The computerized tomography scan (CT scan) of Brenan’s torso showed negative for any signs of lymphoma. (Good news)
---------
Your thoughts and prayers are always appreciated! Brenan is feeling really good—busy around the house and community. We are thinking about this as a road bump to get through, hopefully with few complications! Right now, we are really praying and rooting for his immune system to do its job. (We’ve nicknamed his immune system Gustov so we have someone to cheer for…Brenan’s donor is from Germany so we tried to pick a name that sounded appropriate.)

Our next appointment is next Tuesday, February 17th.
GOoooooo GUSTOV!!!