We Covet Your Prayers: Brandon

Dear Friends and Family,

I want you to know how important your thoughts and prayers are at all times. Today I ask for your prayers on behalf of Brandon. Many of you know a little of his history. Basically he's had ongoing blood issues. His hemoglobin hit a low of 7.2 about 18 months ago which spiraled into multiple other blood tests in an attempt to discover a reason for his anemia. Nothing turned up--his iron levels were fine, his folic acid was fine, they tested for lead poisoning--negative, and even checked for genetic conditions. At one point there was mention of possible early signs of leukemia. But after a quick sed rate test, our doctor felt things looked good enough to not worry about that at this time.

Last summer he began giving low platelets readings. I believe his platelets count was low a couple years ago, but the first shocking reading was 120 (we were told it should be between 250 and 700). So he tested again and it was better at either 160 or 180, but still lower than they'd like. However, there were no definitive answers.

Our doctor consulted with another doctor and today we heard more possibilities. Our local clinic believes Brandon may have an enlarged spleen. Apparently this could be what's eating up his platelets. From a quick internet search, we also found that it could also be resulting in his continual abdominal pains, his lack of hunger, and a few other symptoms that he's shown for the last couple years.

Brandon goes in for some more detailed blood work and physical exam on Friday. He's also supposed to have an ultrasound on his abdomen this week to look at all his organs and, more importantly, his spleen. Our doctors are also looking into doing an immediate referral to the Children's Hospital either in Omaha or Denver.

I'm not sure what prayers to ask for, exactly. Certainly, we'd prefer this be something like a treatable enlarged spleen over a childhood cancer like leukemia. But we'd really just prefer that it be nothing huge at all. Please pray that health, peace, comfort and happiness abound in the Miller home throughout this process. We'll let you know once we know more.

Thanks all!