Brian’s Blog was created for all of his friends, family, fans, and community members who are cheering him on in his fight against leukemia. Brian graduated from HHS in May of this year. Many people know Brian due to his leadership, sportsmanship, and outstanding athletic achievements including three state championships in wrestling, a state football championship, state discus champion 2011 and varsity track and soccer teams. He had received a call to serve a full-time mission to Uruguay and was planning to start his mission at the end of the month. After completing his mission to Uruguay, Brian planned to play football at SUU where he has already received a full-ride scholarship. Brian was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) on Tuesday October 2nd. That very day he was taken to Salt Lake City for intensive inpatient care. He has been receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and other treatments. We hope and pray that Brian will recover with the help of competent medical care. Doctors say that there is an 80% chance that Brian’s cancer will respond favorably to treatment. Thank you so much for your support. We will keep you updated regularly on Brian’s progress.
Update: On January 14, 2014, Brian passed away after a 15 1/2 month battle with leukemia. He was in remission following the first series of chemotherapy treatments for only 3 months, in spite of earlier optimism. Another harder hitting chemotherapy began in June with the intention of following with a bone marrow transplant but instead, alternative treatments in Colorado Springs and later Atlanta were chosen. Those also were unsuccessful, too little too late. In November he underwent yet more chemotherapy in Denver. The leukemia did not respond. Brian returned home to Southern Utah friends and family on December 12, 2013. Leukemia took his mortal life, but it can't touch his spirit.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Off and Going

Brian is feeling so much better these days. Went back to Salt Lake last week for the final bone marrow, spinal fluid and heart tests and visit with the doctors. Even stayed the night in SLC so he could get the central pick line removed (aka Broviac) from his chest, a quick surgery. He loves having that out, as much as it was a great blessing when he needed it for meds and fluids in and out, the freedom without it and being nearly back to his old self is pretty fun actually!
He has gone now with Dennis (brother) and Mike (buddy) to visit his grandpa in California, something he has dreamed about doing while laying in bed the last few months. They are enjoying spring on the ranch and being spoiled by two very spry octogenarians, Grandpa and Peg. While Brian still has to be on guard as far as germ protection, he doesn't ordinarily need to wear a mask, and is taking in the sunshine and fresh air. Toward the end of the week, they are headed to the coast to see if the ocean is still there. Good times. :)
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