My Uncle Brian and Aunt Janet are in need of prayers, love, and support during this difficult season. In addition to Janet's battle with breast cancer, Brian was recently diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, and they rated the tumor as a "T4" which is the largest, most advanced, and most invasive. They tumor has already eroded extensively through the cheekbone and is going up into his eye socket. In the few weeks since his diagnosis, Brian's tumor is growing rapidly has been classified as "Stage 4." If he does nothing, the pain they are currently controlling with meds every four hours will become unbearable and he will no longer be able to eat. At this point, they can't do surgery unless they are able to get the tumor to shrink with chemotherapy. He has already lost his hearing in right ear, his face is swelling, and the pain is increasing. They went back to the U of M on August 22-23 to meet with an oncologist to find out when he can start chemotherapy and if they can do surgery. The surgery would entail removing his cheek, the hard palate of his right side (roof of his mouth), and possibly his eye once they get in there. They would use his skin, tissue from his back, and shoulder blade for reconstruction. The head and neck surgeon indicated that the surgery would take a minimum of 14 hours, he would be hospitalized for a minimum of a week, and he would need a feeding tube for at least 2 weeks because he won't be able to eat due the surgical site. They were told that the tumor has grown so much that surgery is no longer an option as he would definitely lose his eye, half of his face, reconstruction, and recovery would be questionable. The plan at this point is do proceed with induction chemotherapy with radiation. It will be very intensive and extensive with many side effects. They are concerned about Brian's other condition including heart problems, high blood pressure, and kidneys) They will go back to the U of M next Thursday, August 29 for a surgical procedure to have a port placed in his chest for chemotherapy. Friday, August 30, they will have more labs to see if he is healthy enough to start chemo. He will also see his provider and may be able to start chemo that day or the following week. He will be having chemotherapy every 3 weeks with appointments in between. After a couple rounds of chemotherapy, they will do another PET Scan to see if the tumor has shrunk, he'll continue another 3-4 rounds if his body can tolerate it, and then they will add radiation which will be Monday-Friday for 7 weeks. It will be a long road ahead with only a 30% chance of being able to shrink the tumor with treatment. Janet, Brian, their son Isaac, and their grandson Chase appreciate your prayers, financial support, and love during this uncertain time. Please pray, donate if you're able to, and share their story with others who might be willing to pray and/or give a financial gift.

8.29.24 update: Brian had a power port placed in his chest today at the U of M and had labs drawn. He has an appointment tomorrow morning with oncology and will start chemo at 10:00am. Please keep him in your prayers.