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.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Still Working Hard

The last few days have been trying, but Brian is still working hard to win the fight.  Fortunately, things are under control and he is still in his regular room in the ICS.  The doctors, nurses and pharmacists have been working hard to keep Brian as well and comfortable as possible, although he still has pain, nausea and fevers. He has been a real trooper with mouth sores from the chemo rampant from his mouth down his throat, so sad. His doctor explained that the medicines they give him are battling whatever type of infection he has, but until the full army (white blood cells) arrive, the battle cannot be won- only keeping the germs from taking over.  So, we are waiting for those counts to return and then Brian can recover. Today was a better day. He stood up for a while, did some squats (exercise) by his bedside and stayed awake for a movie on TV.  A nurse told me that she has noticed that the patients who get the sickest tend to have a better cure.  So there is the bright side. And, one more day behind him.  Thanks for checking!
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousJune 27, 2013 at 11:07 PM

    You're the man Brian. You inspire me. Can't wait to see you back on campus in Cedar City!

    ReplyDelete

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