"So, what the hell happened??" you may be wondering.
Bryce doesn't want to waste time retelling this story with each caring friend and family member. With that in mind, please start here and call it good so we can focus on Bryce and not these unfortunate details.
After heading to the ER on Dec 28,2021 for a worsening headache that began on Dec 19 (which he, of course, worked through part of the time), Dad was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme grade IV. The most common brain cancer, it is fast progressing with no cure.
There are three distinct, advanced tumors in his right hemisphere causing swelling, pressure, excruciating headaches and left-side weakness. Ebbing symptoms now include balance, attention and short-term memory difficulties, interrupted sleep, and the physical and mental exhaustion that goes with something like this.
The neurosurgeon removed the 3rd (smallest) tumor on 12/30 during a craniotomy biopsy. He was released on Jan 1,2022 in good spirits but was too quickly weaned from the steroids that stabilized him at the hospital and quickly declined on his final day on that prescription. We brought him back to the ER on Jan 4 where he was put back on a very high dose of steroids which he will continue through the remainder of this treatment. Unfortunately, between an MRI on 12/31 and a new scan on 1/4, the masses had already visibly grown. Again, fast-acting and devastating diagnosis.
He returned home with the aid of a walker on Jan 10 that he quickly no longer needed around the house. As we all know, Bryce is one tough SOB. I have been helping mom work with the doctors to develop a treatment plan. Rest assured that no stone has been left unturned.
On Tuesday, Jan 25 Dad will begin six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy and after that he will have a reduced chemo schedule and wear an Optune magnetic field cap (
https://vimeo.com/465083264) the majority of each day.
It goes without saying, but this is unexpected and really worst-case scenario. We don't know how much more time Dad has and the average length of survival is less than a year. We are hopeful these treatments can be effective AND well-tolerated. Our number one priority is Dad's enjoyment and quality of life and supporting him in everything he wants and needs.
This may require a delay, limit or shortened visits and phone calls based on how he is feeling each day - or maybe spur of the moment invites/calls when he's in the mood for some good times and togetherness. We're here for it all.
So, please poke around. Share photos, fond memories, well-wishes, and anything else you would like. Dad will see it all and provide you updates here. **You can sign up to receive text or emails when something new has been added. **
THANK YOU for your kind love and support, good vibes, prayers, cards, calls, and wanting to visit and share your care and concern with Bryce. Mom, Chris and I appreciate it and Dad does, too. He has a great, wide circle of friends and family and I know we'll all continue to come together to treasure him while we can.
