Brian’s Story

Site created on January 2, 2021

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On June 4, 2019, Brian lost his sight in his left eye and was diagnosed with a melanoma tumor in his eye. The tumor had grown and burst the blood vessels in his eye.  Ocular melanoma is rare and there are only a few locations in the country who treat it.  Thankfully, there was a center in Warrenville, IL. After a serious of tests and doctor appointments in IL, he underwent Proton Radiation treatment in July 2019 at Northwestern Cancer Center.  It was a series of radiation beams into his eye each day for a week. 

Brian regained minimal vision in his eye for a couple of months in late 2019 where he was able to see some light and outlines of images.  In February 2020, that little bit of vision stopped when bleeding started again in his eye.  The tumor was stable.

Brian continued to experience pain and inflammation in his eye. With little hope that his sight would come back and due to the pain and inflamación, the decision was made ro remove the eye. 

On November 25th, 2020, Brian had surgery to remove his eye. 
One week later, Brian had his scheduled 12 month CT scan which revealed the melanoma had spread to his liver and lungs and was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  

Brian will undergo immunotherapy treatment to control the cancer.

Newest Update

First Scans since Treatment

Journal entry by Laura Gilman —

Hello Family and Friends,

Brian had his first scans yesterday since the Tcell infusion.  We want to update you on today’s visit with the team. The tumor in the lungs shrank 7% and appears to be deteriorating. The tumor in the liver also shrank 7%. Its only been 4 weeks since the procedure so they are encouraged by these results. Brian is feeling very well and strong. We have to return in January and those tests will really give us some good information on how the tumors are shriveling up!  The power of prayer is at hand and working!  
Read More of the journal titled "First Scans since Treatment "
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