Subject: Weekend News!

Sunday 3/8/98

Web Site:   http://www-d0.fnal.gov/~hanlet/Brian/brian.html

Dear Friends and Family,

I spent last night with Brian.  Not much sleeping----vomiting, fevers,
talking, fussing.  He nearly all day on Saturday and was not sleepy.  I talked
with the doctors this morning and am happy to tell you that Brian may get to
go home on Tuesday!  His 5 days of chemo end today.  It is thought that his
fevers are caused by the AraC.  If he goes 24 hours without a fever on Monday,
he can go home!  He would be able to stay home until the chemo side effects
hit him---about 5 days...maybe.

More good news!  Jesus is answering our prayers.  Brian is doing better
(physically) during this round of AraC.  He is not as sick.  Today he was
feeling so good that he agreed to go to the playroom for an hour.  As we
rolled into the playroom with his IV pole dragging behind his wagon, I glanced
around the room at the 5 or 6 IV poles---each with 1 pump and 1 bag and 1
child.  Other children walked around with no pole.  Every adult eye stared as
we entered with an IV pole bedecked with 4 pumps and about 15 bags and 1 tiny
child!  I was struck by the specialness of this child and his cancer.  I felt
somewhat regal as I carried all his plastic connections and placed him on the
playroom floor!  As Brian scooted about, I kept his lines out of his way and
kept him from getting tangled.  I was amazed by his energy.  Yes, I witnessed
your prayers being answered.

About the bad attitude:  Sara has done a remarkable job of talking to Brian
and explaining the problem with his negative behavior.  She did use the
ancient mother's threat of "I'll wash your mouth out with soap."  This threat
seems to have been enough to make him think twice about yelling or throwing
things.  A simple reminder to "be nice" and he stops the unacceptable
behavior.  He was charming to the nurses all night.  He complemented them on
their clothing and told them he liked them.  He even took the every 3 hours
eyedrops without a huge fight.  When he got agitated, I reminded him that he'd
feel better if he calmed down.  The adivan he is getting around the clock
helps him relax, but sometimes he has to work hard to not get into the mad
mood that overwhelms him.

Unfortunately, Sara still gets grumpy behavior directed at her.  He was doing
great today until she came back around noon.  He immediately resumed his
fussy, complaining mood.  Going home early this week would be great for
everyone.

Please pray that Brian does not get a fever tomorrow and that he is able to go
home on Tuesday.  Pray that he continues to maintain his positive behavior
with the nurses and doctors.  Pray for strength for Sara to continue her
patient work with Brian.

Love,
Susan