DAY 38
GREAT NEWS
GREAT NEWS
Brendan has engrafted. This means that Brendan now has the beginnings of a functioning bone marrow. The criteria used by medical staff to define 'engraftment' is Brendan achieving a neutrophil count of 0.5 or above on 3 consecutive days. Brendan achieved this milestone yesterday. This means that Brendan 'engrafted' 34 days after receiving his cord blood transplant ( Day 0). The transplant team count backward from the 3rd day of measured levels of 0.5 or greater on Brendan's neutrophil count to arrive at an 'engraftment' date. (See the lovely graph that I coaxed Tara into preparing at lunchtime today between school sessions).
Although this is a relief and hugely encouraging, we are not 'out of the woods' yet. Although his diarrhea is improving, Brendan is still struggling with temperatures ( up to 40 degrees last night). These symptoms appear to be a result of a combination of the virus identified in Brendan' bowels and Graft versus Host disease. Further testing has shown that the virus is not present in his blood or anywhere else in his system at the moment.
Overall Brendan seems to be on the mend. He is becoming more active and engaged every day. He is particularly enjoying the company of Tara and Kieran, now that they returned to Sydney. Brendan is well enough to be completely fed up with life in isolation on the ward. When asked this morning by the head of oncology how he was feeling, Brendan replied,
Overall Brendan seems to be on the mend. He is becoming more active and engaged every day. He is particularly enjoying the company of Tara and Kieran, now that they returned to Sydney. Brendan is well enough to be completely fed up with life in isolation on the ward. When asked this morning by the head of oncology how he was feeling, Brendan replied,
" I just want to go home"
We all know how he feels. It is a long haul but we getting there.
We all know how he feels. It is a long haul but we getting there.
See you.
Richard, Anna and family.
posted by Brendan's Journey @ 12:39 PM
5 Comments:
Hey that's great news! Engraftment has to be a huge step forward. I understand how fed up with /brendan must be, but this is terrific news :)
Cheers
Sheldon
Dear Brendan,
I have been monitoring your progress on a regular basis. The children send their love and still pray for you every day.I am amazed at yor strenghth of spirit. What a brave boy.You still have that cheeky face though. You are just waiting to get your strength back! Then you are going to have so much fun.Lots of love Lynda Moser
Fantastic news! We're continuing to pray and send you all our good, happy thoughts. We can't wait for Brendan to come home and hope he isn't too impatient. The boys ask about Brendan all the time and love seeing photos of him on the blog. We're definitely with you in spirit!
Much love
Cheryn, Simon, Keegan, Xavier
Hi Brendan & family.
Great news to hear that things are happening. I can imagine every day is bringing its challenges but this proves that things are heading in the right direction.
We are all missing you Brendan, cant wait to see your cheeky self again soon i hope.
Since you told me about the lego star wars on 'youtube' i cant stop looking at all the clips...Youve got me hooked!!!
Take care Brendan and all family. Our love is with you all.
Shaun, Danielle & Lana
Hi Richard, Anna and kids, it is terrific news. Hopefully things keep going forward. We talk about you and Brendan at school and keep everyone up to date. You are all missed. It will be good to see you all when you do come home. Look after yourself as well. Love Anita, Steve, Tyson and Blake
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