Subject: Brian had a quiet day

Tuesday  3/17/98

Brian's website: http://www-d0.fnal.gov/~hanlet/Brian/brian.html
(New photos are on the website now!)

Dear Friends and Family,

Brian vomited blood all last night and part of today.  He and Sara got about
2-3 hours of sleep.  He was so afraid that he would vomit, that he remained
motionless all day.  He rarely spoke.  He would point and nod.  They took x-
rays to determine if he had pneumonia.  Praises to God, he doesn't.  He had
blood and platelet transfusions again last night.  His blood counts are still
zero.  He has no energy.

Sara attended a support group at Family House.  Currently, they only have
guaranteed beds there on the weekends.  It is full this week and Sara was not
able to get a bed there today to sleep.  There is no place in the hospital for
her to sleep.   

Brian was very quiet, but he did enjoy listening to stories today.  He laid
with his head in his "puke bowl" while I put together a Barney puzzle on his
bed.  I kept holding up pieces and he participated by pointing to the right
pieces.  We colored a leprechaun and read his Sunday School lesson that came
in the mail. He liked holding the paper with pictures of Jesus in the boat
with his disciples. He didn't sleep today.  He just stayed in one position
clutching his pink bowl.  Late in the day Sara asked them to give him Adivan
to help him relax.  It helped him a little.  

Denny brought corned beef and cabbage dinners for the three of us from a great
restaurant down the street from the hospital--P.J.'s.  The 3 of us crowded
around the hospital table and celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a yummy meal!

Just before Denny and I left an hour ago, Sara discovered a red rash on his
arms and face. His fever was starting to go up.  I called to check on the
rash, but no doctor has come to see it yet.  It is 8:30 p.m. and he is finally
asleep.  Sara is snuggled in the chairbed ready to sleep.

Rejoice that Brian does not have pneumonia.  Pray that Brian and Sara get a
peaceful night of sleep.  Pray that Brian stops vomiting and that his blood
counts start going up.

Thank you to the unknown angel who came to my house and mowed my lawn today.
(Our lawn mower is still broken and in the shop.)

Love,
Susan