Subject: Home at Last Today

Thursday, April 30, 1998

Dear Friends and Family,

Brian has been in the hospital for a week. His blood counts are still down,
but he went home today.  The greatest news is that Brian has been feeling
great the entire hospital stay.  He had neutrapenic time (time alone since his
blood counts are so low) in the playroom everyday.  His spirits were
excellent.  He felt good and spent his time playing, laughing, chatting and
having fun.  He even ATE!  His mucousitis was not as bad as usual and he was
able to eat everyday--not a lot, but enough.

I spent Tuesday with Sara and Brian and had a delightful day!  I was so
surprised by his good humor.  No yelling or complaining.  He was scheduled to
go home on Wed., but got a fever Tuesday night and had to stay an extra day.

He went home with no IV.  He must take potassium supplements everyday and some
pain medication.  He must stay in isolation at home until his blood counts
come up.  He will be home until Monday, May 11th.  The next phase of chemo
starts then.  

We are rejoicing that this maintenance chemo phase went so well.  Prayers of
praise and thanksgiving are in order.  We feel blessed by all this good news.
We are beginning to feel that there actually will be an end to this ordeal one
day and that Brian will be cured of this cancer.  It looks more hopeful each
day.  

Love,
Susan