Brendan’s Story

Site created on April 9, 2018

Welcome to our website! I hope this will be informative and helpful for the love ones and friends that care about us. Please feel free to share with whoever you think would like updates on this journey. 

A quick background on our journey so far.

Around mid-February I noticed a small hard lump above my left clavicle and although we were initially concerned, Kaila and I decided to wait a week or so to see if it would go away. After two weeks the lump had not left, but also had not changed much, so we decided to make a doctors appointment. I was not able to get into the doctor's until mid-March, but once we did, we started the process of finding a diagnosis.

The first appointment was some simple blood work and orders for an ultrasound. The ultrasound did not give a definitive diagnosis, so a fine-needle biopsy was ordered. After a long week of waiting for the results we were given a preliminary diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. 

The next few steps came quickly, a meeting with a general surgeon lead to a CT Scan, an incisional biopsy, a meeting with an oncologist and a PET-scan to confirm the initial diagnosis. After all of the tests we got final confirmation of stage 2B Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The initial estimate is 6-8 months of chemotherapy and I should be on the other side cancer free.


It has taken us a long time to get this diagnosis, but we are ready to move forward and kick this cancer in the ass! You never really think cancer will/can effect you. It still doesn't totally feel real. But we so appreciate all the positive vibes and prayers. So we will continue to keep our palms up, lean into God and know that all of you are in our corner. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Brendan Bryant

Its done! We are in the clear! I don't have cancer anymore! All better!

We got the results back from yesterday's scan and the doctor said it is clean and there is no more cancer. He gives us a 87-94% chance of no relapse within 3-5 years and there is no need to do radiation. We are so thrilled and can't wait to celebrate and get back to normal!

For the next year or so we will do blood tests every three months just to keep an eye on things but it will be pretty minimal. I will get my port removed within a few weeks as well, which is exciting and shows the confidence that the doctor has in my results! 

I am also no longer neutropenic, so my immune system has pretty much recovered! So I don't have to worry so much about touching the shopping cart at the store. 😀 

I am definitely still tired and in the recovery process. I take naps most days but it feels so good to be back on track and in the clear!

Thanks again for all the love and support, we could not ask for a better group of friends and family to support us. We cannot wait to celebrate with everybody! 

-B
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Brendan Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation powers a page like Brendan's for two weeks.

If you donate by May 12, your gift will be doubled, up to $10,000, thanks to a gift from Living Water Foundation.

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top