Subject: Brian Update #6

Merry Christmas!  
Dear Friends and Family,
Brian had another difficult day yesterday.  His blood count dropped from 800
to 200.  He had to be moved into an isolation room because of the high risk of
infection.  He felt lethargic and sleepy most of the day.  He and Steven
opened some gifts in the morning.

Susan, Denny, Sara and David arrived just in time to assist with the move to
the new (much smaller) room.  It was amazing how much stuff was taped to the
walls and accummulated on the window sill!  David and Denny carried 2 big
loads to Happy House, while we tried to squeeze the rest into the new room.
Even though it is smaller, we like the new room much better.  It is private
and we can control the noise!  

We had a little Christmas celebration last night with our 2 families.  Sara
read the Christmas story, prayed and we opened some gifts.   It was a special
time for all of us.  Brian smiled a little during the evening.  His energy is
very low.

Brian was given a blood transfusion last night.  This may raise his energy
level.  They are still talking about sending him home tomorrow.  He has an LP
this morning.  More chemo.  He is already low and we are worried about taking
him home when he is so weak.  As long as he has no fever, he will go home.
They originally told us his blood count had to be over 1000 to go home.  Now
they say it can be zero and he can go home.  We are a little confused.  Will
ask questions today.

Stan and Steven slept at Happy House last night.  

We are excited about Brian going home, but we want to feel comfortable that he
will be all right if we leave the hospital.

Love,
Susan