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.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Making Progress

Even though the last few days have been hard on Brian, there also has been some very positive progress: less to no fevers, and better blood pressure and oxygen levels. The mucositis is severe and very painful. It is the worst. But even that is showing beginning signs of improvement. It has kept him awake night and day with only short naps for days, but tonight he is sleeping for longer periods of time.  Thursday night Coach Ed Lamb came and visited Brian and that was so nice. Fortunately, Brian was able to talk a bit and enjoyed the visit. Brian is looking forward to playing for SUU, sooner or later - he is planning on it! Had family come today and he couldn't enjoy them much, but I think he was glad to just have them here.
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1 comment:

  1. Karlene YoungJune 30, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    I'm so impressed with your positive outlook Jane! Hang in there, you are an awesome family.

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