Submitted by Mike on Sun, 12/02/2007 – 4:51am.

Brandon is still in the hospital. We are all VERY TIRED! Brandon’s fever came down yesterday after four days of 103-104. Brandon does have an infection. This infection is attacking his bone marrow. The Doctor’s wanted him to have a blood transfusion which we said no to. Then yesterday his Kidney function numbers doubled.(These are the same numbers we have been watching) Brandon’s heart and new kidney started being effected from the lack of red blood cells(bone marrow make the red blood cells). Mike and I had no other choice than to give him the blood transfusion. Mike nor I are allowed to give brandon blood. My family is also on the no list. Because I gave him the organ, my DNA in the blood would prevent him from ever getting another kidney from my side of the family. This would include any children I or my sisters have. If Mike gave blood he also would never be allowed to give Brandon a kidney.(His transplanted kidney will only last apprx. 10-12 years, then he will need another one!!) The blood was from a donor bank. Today Brandon’s blood pressure is very high and a low grade temp has returned. Doctor’s did another ultrasound to see if urine is backing up into the new kidney. The test showed some urine sitting in a pocket in the new kidney. His bottom is raw, as the medication is very strong. He screams with every diaper change. We are having about 10 stool diapers an hour!! Brandon has not eaten in 3 days and is taking in very little liquid. He was on I.V. fluids but he started to get very puffy. Around midnight last night we had to page the doctor and have the fluids stopped. His urine output has decreased. Doctors must get his kidney function numbers stable before he can be discharged. There is some very important tests we now have to put Brandon thru. These tests are very painful and invasive. We have to wait until the infection is gone before these can be done, probably next week. Doctor’s are warning us that there is a very good chance we will have to put Brandon back into surgery in the following weeks. Sorry this update took so long to get posted we have been going non-stop! It is after 5 am and I am going to lay down for a few hours. It’s freezing here! Ice is covering the ground. Snow tomorrow!! Temp is 18 right now!

I will try to update tom. Never know what the day brings!
Please keep us in your prayers!!!! JULIE