Subject: Brian's day---ok

Thursday night 1/5
Dear Friends and Family,

BRIAN'S WEB SITE Address:     http://www-d0.fnal.gov/~hanlet/Brian/brian.html

I print out the guest book from the web site to take to Brian.  Thank you for
wonderful messages.

Brian is still upset and angry, but Sara has been working with him to put his
fight into his cancer battle.  They have been drawing pictures and hitting the
cancer.

They did not "put him out" for the LP.  There was not enough time to schedule
the OR.  They will do that for the next one.  Most of the children are put out
for the LP, but they have not done this for Brian.  The good news is that
Brian Weiss---one of his favorite doctors-  came up from an assignment on
another floor to do the LP and  it didn't hurt him this time.  Weiss has
always been able to do it without hurting him.  His last 5 LPs were done by
other people and they hurt him.  Brian still put up a fit and did not
cooperate, but it went ok.

More good news----Brian is eating Cheetos and drinking Capri Sun!  Right now
he has no NG tube.  If we can get him to eat, he will not have to have the NG
tube right away.  He is not vomiting.  He has had chemo all day.  First
through the LP and then through his IV.

He would not get out of bed today.  He has been grumpy and has thrown things
and had flairs of temper throughout the day.  Sara does think they are making
some headway into getting him to listen and try to work through his anger.
Brett came again today to talk with him.  He does seem calmer after talking
with Brett.

There seem to be some changes in his treatment plan.  This time the chemo is
only 5 days!! (Hurray!)  And he doesn't get prednisone this time---that drug
always made him very irritable and we are glad he doesn't have to take it
during this round.  If all goes well, he may get to go home by the 10th!  That
would be wonderful!

Garreth was scheduled to visit today, but he got the flu.  Brian was very
disappointed.  Pray that he recovers quickly and can play with Brian when he
goes home.

Please pray that he continues to eat more food and drink liquids.  Pray that
he is able to calm himself during his chemo treatments.   Pray that we adults
are able to distract and entertain him and bring him some level of comfort.

God bless you all.
Love,
Susan