Brian Strong

It is so hard to put into words the story we are about to share because this journey has been the most difficult one we have ever had to face.

My husband Brian’s battle began in August 2015 when he was diagnosed with a very aggressive head and neck cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. As a family, with 2 children,  we were scared but certain we could battle this terrible cancer, as the doctors stated it was a form of cancer that was highly curable. 

Brian had endured the many chemo  and radiation treatments only to have this aggressive cancer return. It was then decided to turn to surgery,  a 5.5 hour procedure called a radical dissection of the right neck, removing 23 lymph nodes, muscle, nerves and even a 4” section of his jugular vein. Recovery went well, unfortunately within 5 months his cancer returned yet again.

While standard of care offered favorable results the first time through, unfortunately a diagnosis the second time around does not offer a favorable outcome. He has been diagnosed with stage 4 incurable squamous cell carcinoma. Oncologists didn’t have much to offer admitting that it was now pretty much trial and error. He has had  immunotherapy treatments as well as several experimental chemos, even a second round of potent radiation, called quad-shot, each treatment seaming to help, but only for a period of time.

Most recently our Superman began traveling to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in search of new trials and treatments. Brian continues fighting today on a trial drug through MD Anderson. Unfortunately this brings with it the expenses of travel on top of the mounting medical bills. 

While as a family we have so much to be thankful for - we have found ourselves in a very difficult position financially. As much as we may not want to have to ask, we need help fighting the continued battle as he has recently lost much of his ability to work due to pain management and disabilities inflicted by this horrible disease, losing a large portion of our family income. 
 
This has been a very difficult thing to put out there for so many reasons. We are very grateful and want to say thank you for all of your love and support during these trying times. 

With your help, thoughts and prayers our warrior will continue to battle this disease like the Superman that he is.