May 14 Post Surgery Update

Things did not go as planned today. We were called back to talk to the surgeon after he had been in the operating room for just two hours, and we knew the news wasn’t going to be good. After making the incision and looking in his abdominal cavity, he found more disease than expected. The one tumor that was causing the blockage symptoms was pressing against his bowel in several different places, so he wasn’t able to remove it. Had he attempted to do that, it was very likely to cause irreversible bowel damage. He did remove two liters of fluid (ascites), and that should make Brandon a little less uncomfortable as far as bloating, but he wasn’t able to remove the cancer.

The recommendation now is to move forward with systemic chemo to shrink the tumor and enable him to eat solid food again, which will be the first step toward getting stronger and fighting this disease. He said Brandon will need about two weeks to recover from the actual surgery, and then we need to get started right away on the new treatment plan. He is going to bring in a GI oncologist who has experience with both chemo and immunotherapy in treating cancers of the stomach. We will look into as many treatment options as possible and get him started as soon as possible. He will have to stay on the IV nutrition (TPN) until the tumor shrinks enough to let food pass through comfortably and without making him nauseous.

Brandon is holding up as well as can be expected. He’s ready to get on with this and stand up to cancer, as we all are.

28 thoughts on “May 14 Post Surgery Update

  1. Keeping you in my thoughts. On to the next chapter. Will keep on adding new ones to the journey. Love you brother!!!!

  2. You are in my daily prayers for healing and strength to fight this disease. Prayers for your family as well.

  3. Thank you for the update. I’m hoping the fluid removal will provide comfort & that the next treatment will shrink that tumor quickly so Brandon can finally enjoy food again!!

  4. Keep fighting hard Brandon. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Chin up.

  5. Praying for you guys Kristen! I’m so sorry they were unable to remove the cancer today….Praying for strength and healing and for Brandon! And for you too!

  6. My family prays for you all every night. We will continue and you will always be in our thoughts. Love you guys.

  7. Hang in there buddy. Thinking of you and cant wait for this to be in your rearview. We are all rooting for you every single day. Some days may seem more hopeless than others, but everyday you are closer to winning than the day before.

  8. Prayers have been and are now with you Brandon. All our love. Michael and Alexis

  9. Brandon we are hoping for you to be more comfortable with all that is being done. We know your disappointment in the removal of the cancer, but stay strong to deal with the next battle. ❤️❤️

  10. so sorry to here the set back you had I am thinking about you and the family and saying a prayer for you hang in there my buddy and one day we can say we beat this Cancer really does suck !!! love you all and I am thinking about you hope to see you sometime Jim

  11. Prayers Brandon. Im sorry your surgery didnt go as planned. Hoping for better results quickly. God bless you and your family.

  12. Love you B! Praying for you always, you keep fighting and don’t you dare give up.
    Sending love and hugs to you and your family.

  13. Still thinking about you all a lot today. Brandon, I hope you feel a smidge better. Will be praying for comfort and recouperation! We are all still checking in, and send you our best vibes and prayers! Family – if you need anything, please call me! Vickie Merino 816-728-5540.

  14. Hey Brandon…..my church friends and our family are praying for you. A friend of mine who wrote a book about her journey through cancer knows and has her friends praying for you too.

    Andy

  15. Brandon, you and your family are in my prayers daily. Put on your cape and show this disease you are stronger than it is. Hugs to you and yours.

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