Been a while...

[Kathy Yates]

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Let's just say that I didn't want to make myself out to be bragging on how wonderful Brandi has been doing since her tranplant, but wonderful she has been. We are hitting a little over 7 months since her transplant, and things have been going fairly smoothly. About a month ago, she got a bad kidney infection and had to stay in the hospital a week, but has recovered from that nicely. She has been fighting off a nasty virus, that doesn't allow her red blood cells to rejuvinate. Am told that this virus is fairly common with kids that are immune compromised, but that once the virus moves out of the body, they won't ever get this virus again. It's just a waiting game for it. In the meantime, she has had to have several blood transfusions, and at the moment, Dr. Brophy is thinking about doing another treatment that will hopefully work (he doesn't like all of the blood transfusions, she has had, cause of the risk of building up anti-bodies). We are waiting on that, to see if that treatment is even a possiblity.

 

We also were interviewed by our local television and newspaper a couple of weeks ago, about the success of Brandi's transplant, and her treatment of Soliris. I mentioned the Foundation numerous times and how they helped us research Brandi's disease and how it's helping other families. They were mainly interviewing about genetic testing, and the success of it. I hope we did a good job, Dr Carla Nester said we did, so that was a relief. I do not do well, when it comes to talking about Brandi and everything she has been thru, not to mention the family in general. It should be airing sometime in July, so as soon as I know the exact date, I will post it. Perhaps that is why I don't post as often as I should. I will try to do better in the future.

 

Until the next time...

[Linda Burke]

Wow - that's not 'bragging' that's sharing the joy and offering hope to others!  While it's a bit disheartening to hear of that nasty virus, it sounds like your very capable Iowa team has it covered.  Good for you to bravely step out of your comfort zone to do an interview- that's great.  Do you think when your segment aris on the news that you could post it in the "Videos" section?  Looking forward to hearing more good news from your end!

[Svetlana Finley]

Thanks for update!!! Praying for fast recovery and get back to normal everyday life ;-)

[Dana M Simone]

Praying for Brandi's swift recovery so that she can get back to enjoying the summer and SWIMMING!

 

[Grace]

Thanks for the update. I hope Brandi shakes off that virus very soon and regains her strength. Wonderful news is welcome, and I hope and pray that Brandi's experience continues that way.

[Cheryl Biermann]

Kathy,

 

1. I'm sure everyone is as excited as I was to see this post; please let Brandi know she is often prayed for and have good wishes sent for her benefit. Hopefully you will soon see the last of that nasty virus!
2. I bet it was nerve racking for you to do the media bit!  If Dr. Nester was happy with your representatin, then I'm sure it was wonderful. 
3. I've no idea why this is coming up numbered!  I look quite anal!  Ugh, computers!