Day #11 Katie writing here

Brian has given me the opportunity to write in his blog today! Brian and I agree that yesterday was Christmas revisited. My sweet sister, Allyse, and her stellar bo, Derek MacIntyre, surprised us with a MacIntrye hockey stick signed by the FSU hockey team. Brian likes orange Vitamin water, and they brought him a 24 pack. My mom, Denise, sent a Meijer's green (reusable) bag with fun and helpful items, and shortly after my mom's sister, my kind Aunt Dawn, arrived with the same Meijer's bag with thoughtful goodies (no wonder they're sisters!) Both Brian and I feel blessed by the thoughts, prayers, gifts, and service of many. Thank you everyone for your uplifting support.



I've observed Brian to be doing really well-- his smiles ease my anxiety about his discomfort. I think he has a high pain tolerance. Sometimes he has hiccups or burps that sound uncomfortable, and sometimes when he's not feeling well, he turns pale. The smell that was coming out of Brian's pores and mouth (due to the preservative that was mixed with his stem cells), a garlic smell, is almost non-existent now. It has now been 48 hrs. since his stemcell transplant. The doctors told us that after 48 hrs., the stem cells should begin grafting into the bones to create new bone marrow. The doctors also told us that in the next few days, Brian will be feeling the worst. His white blood counts are supposed to bottom out-- meaning that he will not have the ability to fight off germs. To my relief, the nurses brought a container of alcohol wipes into Brian's room this morning. The Hepa filters on the floor help keep Brian protected as well. So- it's a germ battle for awhile, but at least the cancer is in remission and we're on the road to healing!