Ryan and his brother, Brandon
What a wonderful treat it was to get to see Brandon and his wife, Katie, this past weekend in Newport Beach. Ryan and I haven't been able to get to UT to see them for a couple months, so it was AMAZING for us to finally get to see his progress first hand. For those who don't know, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at the beginning of April after experiencing severe back pain, weight loss, and slowly feeling like he was becoming cripple. In a few short months, he had lost 45 pounds, was hardly walking, and had lost 5 inches in height due to compression fractures in every vertebrae in his back when they finally correctly diagnosed his condition. It's a blood cancer that attacks the bones and is usually found in African American men over the age of 60. Considering Brandon is 26, it wasn't a typical diagnosis. Needless to say, it was very scary, unexpected, and continues to be an unforgettable and life changing experience.
Now, he looks GREAT! As you can see, his hair is growing back in and his face has a nice, healthy shape and color. His arms and legs are showing muscle tone again and to witness him walk through the sand with very little need for the cane was amazing. Just a few months ago it was an accomplishment for him to sit up in bed and sip water by himself with a straw. When we last saw him in UT, Doan was just learning to manipulate a small set of stairs with his crutches. Now it's a whole other story...Katie's family was staying in a 3rd floor condo, and Brandon was going up and down them like they were nothing! I was so impressed with the fact that he didn't even have to bring both feet up to each stair, rather, just one foot and one stair after the other. Doan- you really are a walking miracle! And to see how loving, patient, and supportive Katie and all of her family are with him was particularly touching.
Now, he looks GREAT! As you can see, his hair is growing back in and his face has a nice, healthy shape and color. His arms and legs are showing muscle tone again and to witness him walk through the sand with very little need for the cane was amazing. Just a few months ago it was an accomplishment for him to sit up in bed and sip water by himself with a straw. When we last saw him in UT, Doan was just learning to manipulate a small set of stairs with his crutches. Now it's a whole other story...Katie's family was staying in a 3rd floor condo, and Brandon was going up and down them like they were nothing! I was so impressed with the fact that he didn't even have to bring both feet up to each stair, rather, just one foot and one stair after the other. Doan- you really are a walking miracle! And to see how loving, patient, and supportive Katie and all of her family are with him was particularly touching.
Yesterday, the doctors got the most recent test results back regarding his current condition and miraculously, they couldn't find a single myeloma cell his body!!! Not one! He still has some issues with liver function and protein synthesis and breakdown, so, he's not completely in the clear yet, but honestly, his progress is clear proof to me that miracles still abound and prayers are answered! Brandon will be heading in for another intense 4 day round of chemo today and another bone marrow transplant following that. I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of this family, immediate and extended, and this entire experience. Truly inspiring. Please continue to pray for Brandon, Katie, and their families....they are definitely being heard!
Brandon and his wife, Katie
Brandon and his wife, Katie
5 comments:
this is huge!!!! and wonderful!!!! major congrats to your brother-in-law!! i'm so happy for you and your family.
that is so great! I'm so glad to hear that he has recovered so much. Just as you said, it's miraculous!
And I got your comment. I will actually be in UT the last weekend of September. That will probably be the last time I'm traveling for awhile though. I'd love to see you if you happen to be up there around the same time.
I'm glad you got to spend time with your brother-in-law and that he's made such great progress. What a blessing.
amazing Laurel! so happy for him and the whole family.
That is so awesome to hear. I was just thinking about him the other day wondering how he was doing. It truly is a miracle. He will continue to be in our prayers.
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