Firstly, thank you so much everyone for your kind donations. We are all blown away with the outpouring support. Brendan is feeling very emotional, humbled, and appreciative of every single dollar given - he has read and acknowledged all donations, from the bottom of his heart he personally says thank you.
The following is an update Jane (Bren's Mum) has put together for close family members and we feel it is more than appropriate for you all too.
GENERAL UPDATE:
The first phase has finished with loads of tests - bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture (spinal fluid), full body CT scan, ultrasound on both liver and testicles (blood cancers can sometimes group and settle in certain areas - brain, spine, spleen, liver, testicles).
Tests have come back fairly positive. The liver has a little bit of fatty tissue which they’ll keep an eye on.
His white cell count is low so has been self injecting himself to help stimulate white cell growth in the bone marrow. Is being tested on Tuesday to see if that is working.
From under the microscope they could see there were little cancer cells in the bone marrow however we’re still waiting on specialised tests to confirm. I think they look for less than 5% in the marrow which is then termed a partial remission.
His haemoglobin counts have been slowly dropping. We have bloods done on Tuesday. If they drop below 80, will require a transfusion before chemo can restart.
The next phase of treatment is due to start on Thursday. It is set for four weeks but we’ve been told it will most likely be more like six weeks. He will become sick and probably end up back in hospital which will delay treatment while he’s pumped with antibiotics until he’s well enough to continue with chemo.
Chemo will consist of weekly infusions into his IV line and also a weekly injection into the spine. He will take chemo medication daily in tablet form and also injecting himself four times a week.
So his immune system is going to be pretty much buggered which is why he will be susceptible to any illness.
All of us are already having weekly covid tests.
We’ve also been advised the stem cell replacement will most likely happen sometime after May/June. There’s still a wee bit more of the road to travel yet.
Brendan has responded well so far to treatment and the medical team are pleased with his progress to date.
He is very tired and his whole body gets sore. So far he’s kept his hair but have just noticed some slight shedding. We’re expecting that to change.
I am extremely proud of how he’s been coping so far. He does have some moments however he hasn’t been dwelling on those when they happen. We still get the “Brendan giggle” happening!
