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.