Subject: Brian's on chemo again

Sat. morning 2/7
Dear Friends and Family,

Last night Brian had a very special visitor---Harrison---a Burkitt's
survivor!!!  Harrison is 11 years old.  He will be celebrating 1 year cancer
free in April.  He lives in Alameda and spent his treatment time at Children's
Hospital in Oakland.  He shared photos of himself during treatment---bald head
and all.  Brian could see that he now has beautiful hair again.  Harrison read
books to Brian and talked to him while Brian held a puke bowl by his head.
Both boys are a little shy with strangers, but Brian did ask, "Did you puke a
lot?" and Harrison said, "Yes!"  

Harrison's parents, Janice and Barry, spent time with Sara and Stan sharing
photos and information and emotional support.  Barry loaded them a huge binder
of technical info and background on all the Burkitt's research.  They had a
lot of information that we have not been able to get our hands on.  This
special family has walked this road and come out winners!  They are an
inspiration to us.  They have been available to us by phone for many weeks
now, but this is the first time our families have gotten together.  They
braved a horrible Ca. storm to go out last night across the Bay Bridge.
Harrison plans to visit Brian again.

Brian vomited a lot yesterday--his 2nd day of chemo.   They have introduced a
new chemo drug that can cause conjunctivitis of the eyes.  He is getting large
doses of this drug.  To prevent his eyes from becoming infected, he must be
given eye drops every 3 hours around the clock---which means waking him up all
night!  And eye drops are not a comfortable thing for anyone--especially a 4
year old!

Denny and I are on the way back to the hospital. We watched Brian last night
while Harrison was there.  I will spend this afternoon and tonight.  Sara,
Stan and Steven will leave the hospital for a while.  They need to get away.
Brian is uncomfortable and whines for his mom a lot.  But he'll still listen
to books and can be distracted for brief moments.

He ate a little bit on Thursday, but nothing yesterday.  We were hoping to get
him to continue eating.  This would be a good thing when he goes home.  The
target date for going home is Tuesday.  His chemo will be done then.  (This
round is only 5 days long.)   We are hoping he'll be able to stay home for 4-5
days, but it may be only 2.  It all depends on how quickly he gets sick from
the chemo.

Pray that Brian is able to remain calm during this treatment.  Pray that the
drugs will start to help his severe nausea.  Pray that the family will get
some rest this weekend.

Love,
Susan