Brian Hartman

Welcome to Brian Hartman's CaringBridge website.  Brian was diagnosed with Stage 4 Adeno Carcinoma in September 2017. We are using this site to keep family and friends updated in one place.  We are abundantly grateful for your prayers, support, and words of hope and encouragement. 


This is the long and short of how we got here....

Brian had surgery in September 2017, 7 days after his 50th birthday to remove a tumor in his small intestine. They were able to perform a successful bowel resection surgery but could not remove all the disease. It had metastasized into the lining of the abdomen and the surrounding lymph nodes. After surgery, he underwent an aggressive chemotherapy treatment for several months and then qualified for a clinical trial in late January. While on the clinical trial his overall health improved but by April 2018 the scans were not showing improvement in containing the disease. By May the tumor was causing excessive bleeding and making him anemic. He underwent a round of radiation to stop the bleeding which was successful.  June 11th he started a new clinical trial that caused a side effect that caused ulcerative colitis and landed him in the hospital for 10 days.  The oncologist sent him home to take a month to heal and then possibly start back on chemo in August.  After a return visit to the hospital last week they discovered the tumor has grown and caused a bowel blockage and spread further. They have put a PEG tube into his stomach to relieve symptoms and the goal is to keep him comfortable.  Even though we know now that the time we have left is very limited we are thankful for each day that God is giving us to spend time together with family and friends.


We have set up an email address for friends, family, colleges, etc to send notes, pictures, and videos so that Emma and Jack will always have these things to look back on and see what their dad meant to so many people. Feel free to email your messages etc, to bhartmantribute@gmail.com.


The Lord is walking with us through this journey giving us grace and strength each and every day. The love and support we have received from family and friends has been unbelievable. We are so thankful for all the doctors, surgeons, nurses, etc that we have encountered along the way.   We appreciate everyone who has helped by taking care of our kids, driving carpool, providing meals,  helping with yard work, sending text, cards, emails etc. We are beyond blessed to receive the kindness and generosity from our community. This would be much more difficult without your love and support!