MELANOMA TAKING MY LITTLE BROTHER BRIAN

[lrjetmech]

I have debated whether I should post anything about this, but maybe, if it causes someone to get checked out and prevents them from going thru this-it will be worth it. My brother Brian, who is 41, has terminal Melanoma cancer, and has a very short time left to live. He works for the FBI in West Virginia, is a former Marine like myself, and has two boys, who are my only nephews. His cancer started out as skin cancer only, but wound up spreading to his lymph nodes, and onto the rest of his body. He has gone thru numerous clinical trials over the last year at the University of Pittsburgh Melanoma Center, without success, and the doctors have told him now that it has spread to the lining of his brain, and his time is very limited. In January, me, my other younger brother, my sister, his wife and his numerous friends at the FBI set up a bucket-list trip for him, and us, to go to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to see our beloved Razorbacks play. It was a trip for the ages-a Louisana State Trooper picked us up at the hotel and took us to and from the game, we had great seats-truly a bittersweet occasion, because it was probably the last time I got to see him in decent health before he is gone. He has weeks, now, at this point and it has been very difficult to accept, or understand. Please pray for him, and us as a family, as we prepare for the worst still of what is to come. Thanks to Fordification, for not only having a place where us Ford Truck enthusiasts can share our passion for the trucks, but also be a forum where we can share our personal stories as well.

MY SIBLINGS.jpg

[Caseys71]

Really sorry to hear about your younger brother man, I can just imagine how hard it is on you and your family. It was really decent of you guys to take him to the Sugar Bowl. I will be sure to keep you, your brother and your family in my prayers .

[lrjetmech]

Thanks-that really means alot...I'm told everything happens for a reason, just can't get my mind wrapped around one here...

[ezernut9mm]

robert, i will keep brian in my thoughts and prayers. one of my good friends dad is going through the same thing. so far he has outlived his prognosis by six months, but the cancer keeps progressing. it is very hard to watch and be near.
cancer is definitely the work of the devil.

[NM5K]

Sorry to hear that. Will keep him in our prayers. I lost one of my younger brothers in 2004
at the age of 43. He had a brain stem rupture. One of my aunts is fighting what started as
breast cancer, and has now spread to her bones. On top of that, my uncle, "her husband"
recently had a stroke and now he's not doing too well either.
Cancer is some mean stuff. I've lost 3-4 friends to it the past few years.
Now worried about my mother.. She has had two strokes, and I had to put her in the hospital
just tonight as I suspected she had had another one. When I went to visit her at the nursing
home this afternoon, she couldn't talk. I had her sent to the hospital and they did confirm tonight
that she has had another third stroke. Still not sure how this is going to turn out. I don't think she can
take too many more of those. I'm kind of ticked off at the nursing home that they couldn't tell
something was wrong with her. It took me about 20 seconds to come to that conclusion.
If I hadn't gone over there this afternoon, she would probably still be there at the nursing home
right now.

[67mann]

Robert....My prayers are with you It is never easy to deal with the thought of losing a family member. I lost my older brother(17)when I was just five years old to a Drunk driver and last year ..had to say goodbye to my Father. Enjoy the thoughts and memorys that you and your brother have had together and the moments your still having. I would give up anything I have....to have had my bigger brother growing up

[ford4x4fun]

Nothing I could say here would sound right, my families prayers are with your family and your brother!

[basketcase0302]

Robert, First off thank you and your brother Brian for your service to our country so that I may be here writing this as a free man. A very special lady friend of mine lost a 26 year old friend last week here in Chattanooga. Cancer does not discriminate upon race or age or gender, and is an evil disease if not just for what the families and loved ones go through, mush less the recipient of it. I pray our children will see a cure in their lifetime and at least our grandchildren won't have to worry about it.
Real glad ya'll got to do to the game!
Prayers said for Brian and for the family's strength through this very tough time.

[71highboy]

it is so sad when this happens to our loved ones but try to remember it is only a temporary goodbye as you will see him in heaven someday.i will pray for you all.

[Bumpside Collector]

Words cannot be said that will make this any easier for you. I lost my Dad to cancer six years ago and the pain is still there. I do have the hope of seeing him again someday though because I know he is in heaven now. My prayers will go out for you and your family.

[forrestbump]

Robert, it is very brave of you to share your little brother's condition with your extended family here at FORDification... and I'm very glad you did.

We mere mortals will never understand God's reasons for what happens to us in our worldly travels... why some are taken so young seems so unfair. An unfinished life is heart breaking, but rejoice in the life that he has and that you and the rest of your family are there for him.

It's difficult to put into words our feelings at a time like this, but I'll say God Bless You and Brian... y'all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry

[BobbyFord]

Robert, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you deal with this most difficult situation.

[Ranchero50]

Thoughts and prayers, nothing else is enough...

Jamie

[thrush544]

Wow!!! What can a person say? Our prayers and love go out to you, Brian and your whole family. We ask Lord Jesus to send you His grace and wisdom. May He wrap his arms around all of you and give you His peace and understanding. Remember we’ll all be together again and there will be no pain.
My wife lost her 23 yr old sister when she was 13. Then about eleven years ago she lost her 40 yr old brother, his wife and their 2 daughters in a plane crash. She and the rest of her family would really recommend you to hook up with others going through this same tragedy. Share, you are not alone, others will help comfort you and you’ll do the same for others. I know it’s one of the main ways my mother-in-law has learned to cope with the heartache.

May God Bless You All

[Mancar1]

Yes, it took a lot of courage for you to share your family's story on here with us. I know 1st hand that it is very tough on your brother and all of you, fighting the battle aginst cancer. My wife Vicki and I have your brother, you, and, your whole family in our thoughts and prayers.
John