Brent has continued to feel really well with a lot more energy than a month ago.  We just got back from Williamsburg for the weekend, where we said goodbye to his brother and family who are headed back to Ecuador.    The nurses started using Brent' fistula last week and he will start to learn how to access his own fistula next week.  This involves sticking two needles the size of a small nail into the blood vessel in his arm.  Brent is feeling a bit anxious about doing this, so please pray for that.

We found out last week that 2 of the genetic mutation tests were normal.  We are awaiting the results of about five more (these are the Iowa tests).  I guess that in about 30% of the people with aHUS, all of the genetic mutation tests are normal.  We should hear the results back in the next few weeks.    We have started thinking more about the possibility of a kidney transplant in the future.  Unfortunately, our insurance has told us they will not cover a transplant at Hopkins, so we are in the middle of an appeal process.  Please pray that the insurance company would see how important it is for Brent to have his transplant in the hospital where all his healthcare team is. 

The blood pressure has been doing much better, and has been pretty well under control for the last few weeks.  Thank you for all those helping us mow our lawn, watch our kids for all the different appointments, and for all the continued encouraging notes and emails.  If you haven't already, please check out Brent's website:  http://www.bp4tb.com/.  Thanks!