A Tough Road Ahead, Can You Help Brian?
Donation protected
In February 2014, Brian Spikes, 51, was diagnosed with hepatic cancer. The tumor was determined to be inoperable as it surrounded a main artery. Unfortunately, a transplant was also not an option due to the main artery proximity to the tumor. From treatable to terminal in a short five months. (Picture: L to R, Brian, his mom and brother)
We are asking you to help the Spikes family in any way you can. This has been extraordinarily stressful for the entire family. They are trying to maintain as “normal” a life as possible, as they accept the reality of the situation. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and will be used to help with day to day expenses, medical insurance and expenses so Brian and his family can focus on enjoying the time they have left.
Brian had several consultations and additional testing. On April 1, the final testing was done at Kansas University. The decision was made to perform a treatment called SIRT. SIRT is a non-surgical outpatient therapy that uses radioactive microspheres, called SIR-SpheresA, to deliver radiation directly to the site of the liver tumors. This unique, targeted therapy spares healthy tissue while delivering up to 40 times more radiation to the liver tumors than would be possible using conventional radiotherapy. On April 22 the procedure was done.
The treatment was unsuccessful. In May follow-up testing (CT, MRI) showed the cancer did not respond to the treatment. The doctors told Brian they would give him medications to try to keep him comfortable.
Brian has been unable to work during this entire illness. The pain and shortness of breath make it difficult for him to get around as he would normally. Disability insurance has been delayed and medical bills and living expenses have been accumulating. He and his family live in the small town of Coffeyville, Kansas, so testing/procedures were performed at Kansas University Medical Center. The drive was 3 hours each way and the cost of travel, hotel, and fuel has further depleted their disability funds they are attempting to live on. Brian’s wife, Sherry is out on unpaid FMLA as she is losing function of her left arm and trying to maintain their health insurance for the two of them and their daughter, Matilda.
The Spikes family is so blessed to have such caring family and friends and is extraordinarily grateful for any and all support.
For those who may be wondering, we are friends (Dave Darling, Al & Diane Carrero) that go back over 30 years. We asked Brian for permission to set up this page as we were aware of their financial struggles and know they would not ask for help themselves. We greatly appreciate any help you can offer.
We are asking you to help the Spikes family in any way you can. This has been extraordinarily stressful for the entire family. They are trying to maintain as “normal” a life as possible, as they accept the reality of the situation. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and will be used to help with day to day expenses, medical insurance and expenses so Brian and his family can focus on enjoying the time they have left.
Brian had several consultations and additional testing. On April 1, the final testing was done at Kansas University. The decision was made to perform a treatment called SIRT. SIRT is a non-surgical outpatient therapy that uses radioactive microspheres, called SIR-SpheresA, to deliver radiation directly to the site of the liver tumors. This unique, targeted therapy spares healthy tissue while delivering up to 40 times more radiation to the liver tumors than would be possible using conventional radiotherapy. On April 22 the procedure was done.
The treatment was unsuccessful. In May follow-up testing (CT, MRI) showed the cancer did not respond to the treatment. The doctors told Brian they would give him medications to try to keep him comfortable.
Brian has been unable to work during this entire illness. The pain and shortness of breath make it difficult for him to get around as he would normally. Disability insurance has been delayed and medical bills and living expenses have been accumulating. He and his family live in the small town of Coffeyville, Kansas, so testing/procedures were performed at Kansas University Medical Center. The drive was 3 hours each way and the cost of travel, hotel, and fuel has further depleted their disability funds they are attempting to live on. Brian’s wife, Sherry is out on unpaid FMLA as she is losing function of her left arm and trying to maintain their health insurance for the two of them and their daughter, Matilda.
The Spikes family is so blessed to have such caring family and friends and is extraordinarily grateful for any and all support.
For those who may be wondering, we are friends (Dave Darling, Al & Diane Carrero) that go back over 30 years. We asked Brian for permission to set up this page as we were aware of their financial struggles and know they would not ask for help themselves. We greatly appreciate any help you can offer.
Organizer
Diane Carrero
Organizer
Medina, OH
