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.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Surgery Postponed For A Day

Yesterday's surgery was postponed after waiting for six hours, which actually worked out better because Robert, Brian's oldest brother, just happened to have a layover at Denver Int'l. Airport, which also had problems with flights being cancelled, so he ended up having to spend the night in Denver, not 10 minutes away, so Brian and I got to visit with him late last night. Haha That's a long sentence. If he had had the surgery, he wouldn't have felt like much of a visit, so it worked out better.

So today, fortunately or unfortunately, is the surgery at 4 pm. Yeah, I'm dreading it. Thank you for all your prayers. This is a risky surgery, especially considering Brian's immune system, but the risk is worse they say to leave the infection. Hard to take. I feel like he'll be all right, but I'll be praying. I wish he didn't have to go through so much. He s willing to do whatever it takes to get well. Hoping for the best...will keep you posted.

On a happier note, we had Brian's brother, Tim and sister, Charlotte visit us last weekend. It was great having them and they were wonderful support. On Sunday morning, we had a surprise visit from the men of the Horrocks family- Ron & sons, and grandson, Carter. When I woke Brian up to tell him he had company, he saw Carter and smiled...so happy to see his little friend.  It was good to see them all and their smiling familiar faces!
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2 comments:

  1. Becky WheelerNovember 21, 2013 at 5:07 PM

    Love you Jane and praying all is going well. You are such an amazing family and he is such a good young man. He and you are great examples, as are the rest of you family, for sticking together and being positive amid the storm. I love you so much and I am so thankful to have you in my life. Hugs and prayers:)

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  2. UnknownNovember 21, 2013 at 9:40 PM

    Carter was so happy to see Brian. I am glad that he was able to see Brian! It is all he has talked about since he has been home. Brian is truly Carter's hero. It is good to hear that Brian was happy to see him! Thank you for posting this!

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