Subject: Not going home....

Thursday, 3/12/98

Website address:  http://www-d0.fnal/~hanlet/Brian/brian.html

Dear Friends and Family,

Brian is very sick.  As expected, his condition has gotten progressively
worse.  He has a very bad case of mucousitis.  He drools all the time. He has
developed a cough.  Itching is not as bad.  He has started getting the high
fevers again. The fentinyl patches are working well to control the pain.  He
has been sleeping a lot today.  Sara was planning to nap this afternoon while
he's sleeping. 

Our prayers have been answered.  Sara did not get sleep, but her sense of
peace has been restored.  She feels calm again and Jesus has blessed her with
renewed strength to face these days.  She has been reminded that caring for
herself is an important part of caring for Brian.  With that in mind, she has
Diane spending the night tonight and she will not return to the hospital until
Sat. morning.  This is an all important "get-away" for her.  Stan will care
for Brian all day Friday and Friday night.  Sara is going to a quilt show and
craft fair and then she will spend Friday night with me!  

Rick, their pastor, came today to visit and serve her communion.  They had a
wonderful talk.  His words further strengthened her in God's Spirit.  This
week has taken a lot out of her, but now she feels turned around and refocused
with Jesus' love uppermost in her mind.  She knows He has given her this job
to do and He is helping her everyday.  Your prayers have helped her regain a
positive view of this life she is now living.

Brian may make it home at some point next week.  The next round of chemo
starts March 23rd with a day of evaluation and then chemo again.

Please pray for Sara to get further strengthened during her brief period away
from the hospital.  Pray for Brian to do his best during these next days of
discomfort.  Pray that the doctors continue to keep him out of pain during
this onslaught of chemo side-effects.

You are all a special gift to us and we never stop giving thanks for your
continuing prayers and love. 

Love,
Susan