Help Brianna's Family Through This Tough Time

As many people know, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in June. For a while my dad had been having…. symptoms. While him and I were out to breakfast on April 11th, I noticed that he was unable to eat his meal fully and struggled to keep all of his food down. That same day, I told him that he had to call and make an appointment to be seen. Although usually stubborn, he agreed. So, we sat in the parking lot outside of Bob Evans and he called his PCP. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything available for at least a month…..

When he finally got in to be seen, he described his symptoms and was ordered a stress test. Positively, the stress test came back normal. So what was going on??? We didn’t know what to think. The doctor then ordered a endoscopy to “explore” why he was struggling to keep food down. After this, the doctor reported the findings of a large mass in his esophagus and immediately ordered and scheduled a PET scan. Anxiously awaiting the results of this scan, the doctor finally called. We were told that my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer…. This news broke all of our hearts but we knew that this wasn’t the end. My dad has always been a fighter and was going to fight like hell!! We tried our best to stay positive.

After 3 months of treatments, and a 60+ pound weight loss, another PET scan was done on September 27th. Hopeful but also nervous my family awaited the results. After 2 1/2 weeks the doctor finally called. We were then told that the treatments did not work and that the prognosis is not good.

This is a very hard pill to swallow, especially for his family but also his friends and all of those who love him. I never imagined losing my dad at 25 years old. He may never see me get married or be able to walk me down the aisle. He may never be able to meet his grandkids one day. He will miss out on all the little moments and also the big. It hurts knowing he is in pain and there is not much we can do but to be there for him and support him. This news has taken a toll on me and my family. I am in my final semester of nursing school and graduate in December with my RN. I am trying my hardest to do well and pass so that he will be able to watch me achieve this. Our entire immediate family has been affected by cancer over the last 10 years. In 2018 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, in 2020 my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. We just do not understand why. Why is this happening? Why us? What did we do to have all of us be affected in this way? We may never truly understand. All we can do right now is trust our faith and take things one day at a time.

I know times are tough for many and I understand but if anyone is able to donate to help us, it would mean more than you know. If you are only able to share that is greatly appreciated as well. And if you are only able to give prayers and positive thoughts, that is also appreciated.

Thank you,

Brianna Sullivan