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Brian’s Story:
The fall of 2014 Brian was not feeling well. A trip to the doctor led to a colonoscopy, and everything checked out fine. In the winter and spring of 2015 Brian began losing weight and having trouble eating. He thought he had an ulcer because he had one back in August of 1994. Brian and Shelley took a trip to Lancaster County where Brian spent most of the week being sick. Shortly after returning home he made another doctor appointment and this time it led to having an endoscopy on June 15, 2015. A day our family will never forget. Doctor Morrison gave us the news that there was a large tumor blocking the exit of the stomach (Pylorus muscle) and she was confident it was cancer. Brian was told he would not be going home and the whole family headed to Sioux Falls immediately.
On Tuesday, June 18th he had surgery to remove 85% of his stomach. After sending the tumor and lymph nodes in for testing the diagnosis came in. Stage 3 Metastatic Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach. After 8 days in the hospital Brian went home to heal. On July 6th a very determined Brian returned to work and at the end of August began chemo (pill form) followed by 21 days of radiation that he scheduled for early morning so he could drive himself there and back to work. By the end of November he had his first CT Scan that showed no sign of disease! Praise the Lord! Every 3 to 6 months we would return with high anxiety and leave with good news and extreme thankfulness.
Fast forward to July of 2020, the 5 year mark! Shelley was becoming more concerned about this scan because eating had become more difficult for Brian and she could see that he wasn’t feeling good. The CT showed no sign of disease, but it also showed buildup of fluid on his abdomen. The next day he had a paracentesis to remove the fluid and then it was sent in for testing. At that time he also had a PET scan. New diagnosis – his cancer had returned and had spread – Stage 4. This time the treatment would be more intense. A port was inserted and his first infusion was on July 23rd, his 57th Birthday. This time it has been different. He has not been able to work since his cancer has returned due to the side effects of the treatment. When the first chemo drugs became too hard on his body they switched it to 2 new ones. The 23rd of December was his last infusion as the neuropathy in his hands and feet had become extreme so treatment was stopped.
His tumor board had been researching possible clinical trials so we were contacted by Nebraska Cancer Specialists to meet with Dr. Hauke. A new PET scan was done that showed new spread of the disease within the Peritoneal Cavity. Since they needed a measurable tumor for this clinical trial it was determined Brian was not a candidate.
Dr. Hauke then referred Brian to Dr. Jason Foster who is an Oncology Surgeon at the Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, NE. Brian and Shelley had a teleconference with him on Friday February 5th. It was determined that since there had been no treatment since December 23rd, time was of the essence. Brian was able to get scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, February 17th. Another of many answered prayers! He is scheduled for a Diagnostic Laparoscopy with possible cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The extent of the surgery will depend on the level of disease. Brian and Shelley headed to Omaha on Sunday February 14th. Pre-op appointments all day Monday. Tuesday is more prep and Wednesday AM is surgery.
A note from Shelley:
Today as I reflect on the past 6 years and specifically the past 6 months I am keenly aware of the peaks and valleys that come with a diagnosis such as terminal cancer. Daily I am inspired by the strength and determination I see in Brian to keep pushing forward. Wanting more time with his family being his motivation. Never complaining one time about all that he has been through, yet I know inwardly it has not been easy. Most of all I am in awe of God’s grace and mercy. When we were weak, he is strong. When we don’t have fight in us, he never stops fighting for us. Thank you so very much for all of your love and prayers. We are so grateful for all of you. - Shelley
The last few pages of Dad’s book are now complete as the author called him home this morning, June 28th, at 11:04 am. We are so thankful that we were able to honor Dad’s wishes and care for him and celebrate his life and fight in his home. We surrounded him as he met Jesus and our grief is parallel to the peace we have knowing Dad’s body has been made new.
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