Many people in Lagrange, GA (his hometown) as well as Cropwell and Pell City, Alabama know Brian Longshore of BG customs and engraving. Unfortunately, Brian has been diagnosed with large-cell lymphoma.

In October of 2022, Brian started experiencing a small and unusual pain in his abdomen. After first thinking he may have a hernia and after several ultrasounds in his groin and pelvic region along with several more visits to specialists for more labs, he still had no answers to why he was still experiencing this pain, which at this point, was getting worse almost daily. Finally, his primary care physician ordered a CT abdominal scan with contrast in late January not having any other ideas other than to tell him he had some general swelling in his right groin and corresponding lymph node. His doctor called him in less than an hour after the CT was complete to tell him their initial findings and thoughts--initial findings were lymphoma and a blood clot in the right groin area of his leg. He was immediately started on steroids and blood thinners while he waited for a biopsy on his lymph nodes. The initial biopsy (under CT scan) did not provide any answers as there was not enough tissue removed and was in the end inconclusive. On the morning of Tuesday, February 21st, he called me (Meredith, his youngest sister) and he was out of breath and clearly in a significant amount of pain. He told me that he was having a hard time breathing. He was unable to drive due to such intense pain, so our sister, Kelly, took him to the emergency department of Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham that day. More scans and labs showed that his condition had progressed aggressively within a couple of weeks and was confirmed by the team of oncologist treating him. Additionally, they found nodules and other concerns in his lungs and chest. He was admitted and placed on oxygen and fluids. Another biopsy was performed where they removed two lymph nodes or lymphadenectomy, one from his right groin and one from his abdomen. Within a few days, the oncologist came in with the results--Large cell lymphoma, at least stage 3. His doctor explained that "large cell" means that it is a more aggressive type of lymphoma BUT that it remains treatable, and it is the same treatment protocol whether stage 3 or 4. The goal of treatment is remission!! Brian received his first chemotherapy treatment on February 27th. He is still in the hospital (today marks 12 days since he was admitted) although feeling a lot better, he will be there for another week or so. He will then complete chemotherapy every 21 days for at least 8 to 24 sessions depending on how he responds to treatment. He has undergone several procedures already and we are unsure if more will come in the future. They attempted to find and remove the blood clot from his leg. Unfortunately, they were unable to locate the blood clot as they believe it has moved into his abdomen. Brian continues to feel a remarkable amount of pain and pressure due to the swollen lymph nodes that have many of his internal organs compressed together.

Many people know my brother due to the amazing custom gunsmith work he does at BG Customs and Engraving in Cropwell, Alabama, but for those of you who don't know Brian, here is a little about him:

He has been married to his wife, Sonia, for just shy of 21 years. They have two children, Eric (20) and Madison (18). They have four dogs. Two of them (Sam and Huck) go everywhere with Brian, and he is missing them terribly! He's a veteran of the U.S. Navy, he enjoys hunting, and can often be found working on a firearm or talking about them or hunting. Brian is the only financial provider for their family and has been working through the pain caused by the swollen lymph nodes. Unfortunately, he has not been able to work for the past 12 days. Additionally, we are unsure of how ongoing chemotherapy will impact how he will feel and his ability to work as much as he was previously. We also know that his medical bills will continue to multiply with each chemotherapy treatment. With his permission, we (the family) decided to create this gofundme so that Brian can concentrate on healing without the overwhelming stress of medical bills and finances. Any amount is greatly appreciated but we also appreciate and value just as highly any and all prayers, positive thoughts, or sharing this gofundme! I know our brother, dad and husband is stubborn and strong and we will pull through this with patience, persistence, and Faith! Thank you!