Saturday, January 24, 1998

Dear Friends and Family,
Brian's condition is in a downward path right now--this is to be expected.  He
is neutrapenic (blood counts are zero), has fevers, mucousitis is getting
worse each day and he is on high levels of morphine (basal rate of 2.5).  This
all started Thursday night.

The good part is that the doctors are basing their treatment on what happened
to him after the last chemo and they are not letting his pain get out of
control like it did last time.  We had to fight to get the morphine levels
raised.  Now they know he needs it and give it to him.  Consequently, he is
more comfortable than he ever was last time.  He does experience pain, but he
can push a button to get more morphine and it is helping.  He has nauseau, but
has not vomited since Tuesday.

Brian sleeps more now because of the morphine.  But since he is more
comfortable, he is able to listen to stories and play some during the day.

Steven is spending the weekend at the hospital.  He is playing with Brian this
morning.  I am heading to the hospital as soon as I finish this e-mail.  Sara
and Stan want to go see "Titanic" and go out to eat.  I have a new bag of fun
things to do straight from my kindergarten classroom.  Brian always looks
forward to seeing what I've chosen to bring each time.  (Thankfully I have 25
years of collected teaching  treasures to chose from!)

He now must be in isolation, but we are still in the double room.  We haven't
been able to have a roommate since Thursday so it is quiet.  We will probably
be moved when an isolation room becomes available.  We don't know how long
this condition will last.  It was about 2 weeks last time.  

Pray that the doctors are able to keep Brian's pain under control during this
difficult phase.  Pray for strength and good health for Stan and Sara.  Thank
God for Steven's good attitude and flexibility each day. And thank you all for
your continual prayers.

Love,
Susan (Sara's sister)