Dusty’s Story

Site created on September 21, 2018

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. So much easier than dozens of text messages per day like we did last year.


As most of you know, Dusty was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma Stage III) in October 2017. We did a colon resection surgery and 4 months of chemotherapy, and we thought we were done.  In August, his routine blood test revealed a higher than normal CEA (cancer marker) level and a short time later he started experiencing some suspicious pain that couldn't be explained after a trip to the primary doctor. The oncologist ordered another blood test and CT scan and on September 20th, we were told the cancer was coming back in the same spot. There is also a suspicious, albeit very small, spot in his liver that needs to be checked out. At this point, the oncologist does not think it is metastasis.


The plan as of right now is 2 months of chemotherapy (4 rounds) followed by additional scans to determine if a second surgery is needed (which would be done immediately), then 4 more months (8 rounds) of chemotherapy. The total length of treatment would be approximately 8 months (including healing time after surgery). The doctor is going with a different type of chemotherapy this time....which leads me to one of the positives: no neuropathy and very few side effects (of which are manageable with OTC drugs).  The drugs are pumped through a port over 46 hours; most patients on this type of chemotherapy can still go to work and do most things they would otherwise do, they just have to carry the pump with them (its small enough to fit in your pocket). Every other Thursday starting the 27th, we will be at the clinic for most of the day, then will have to go back to return / disconnect the pump.


I'm still learning how to use this site so bear with me. And feel free to share this site with anyone who wants to stay updated.


 We appreciate your support and prayers. Thanks for visiting.


Newest Update

Service for Dusty - Saturday, August 17

Journal entry by Jodi Brandt —

Dustin Wayne Brandt, 39, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Memorial services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to his children’s education fund in care of Jodi. 

Dustin was born on November 5, 1979 in Warrensburg, MO, son of Wilfred and Ruby (Younce) Brandt. He was a plumber and prior to that he was a police officer and had a true passion for that. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was down to earth and had a very positive attitude about life and didn’t put any value into material possessions. He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Brandt. 

His survivors include his wife, Jodi Brandt of the home; son, Aden Brandt; daughter, Mallory Reith; mother, Ruby Brandt of Concordia, MO; 3 sisters, Stacy Andrews (Bryan) of Crystal City, MO, Martha Dohrman (Ben) of Marshall, MO and Erma “Peaches” Brandt of Crystal City, MO; maternal grandmother, Martha Younce of Concordia, MO; and several nieces and nephews. 

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441
Read More of the journal titled "Service for Dusty - Saturday, August 17"
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