DAY 60

Anna came down with a head cold on Wednesday ( Day 57) which meant that she was not able to have contact with Brendan until she had recovered. Anna, along with the two older kids, stayed with friends in Gosford where she has been taking a much needed break. I have been 'holding the fort' in the meantime. Now that she is feeling better, Anna will be returning with Tara and Kieran later today (Saturday).

Brendan will be very happy to see them all again.

The results of Brendan’s last bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday 20/5/08 ( Day 56) indicated that he is leukaemia free and that there has been no re-occurence of the Myelodysplasia. This is brilliant news. However, there are ongoing issues and difficulties with Brendan still struggling with fevers, upset stomach and diarrhea.

Brendan’s medical team have rationalised Brendan medication regime, ceasing or reducing the drugs that Brendan no longer requires. We are hoping that some of Brendan’s ongoing symptoms are medication side effects and that cutting down on the drugs that Brendan is receiving will reduce the diarrhea and the fevers.

The diarrhea does seem to be finally slowing down. Brendan’s appetite is returning with Brendan asking for food (he has been eating rice crackers, McDonalds and asking for hot chocolate). Although Brendan is still struggling with temperatures, they are less severe and not as constant as they were. We just hope that these improvements are sustained and continue.

Over the last few days, although Brendan is still ‘down’, he has been a little easier to get involved in things. We have been building cardboard spaceships, have finished reading "The Magic Pudding" and have nearly finished off a cardboard model of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Although we have made significant progress towards Brendan's recovery , we still have a way to go yet.

Richard