Help Brian Fight Cancer

Brian was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. This is the 3rd time he will fight this battle against the same tumor. He was first diagnosed with an astrocytoma at 4 years old. It was removed successfully with surgery and radiation. He was symptom free throughout childhood, graduated high school, and completed a church mission. At 22, as a newlywed and college student, his brain tumor returned. This time he needed emergency surgery due to the tumor collapsing the 4th ventricle in his brain. The tumor was successfully removed again, but the damage it caused to the 4th ventricle required the placement of a shunt, which is now needed to maintain even pressure around his brain. As a result of his past brain tumor, he has permanent hearing loss. His coordination, depth perception, and memory have all been affected. He is now 42. He has been married to the love of his life, Desiree’, for 20 years. They have 4 children, ages 11, 13, 16, and 18. He is a devoted father and husband.

Brian has found a neurosurgeon who specializes in his specific type of tumor.  The surgeon is in Seattle (4 hours away from his home) and he is scheduled for surgery on November 5th. The surgery is expected to take a minimum of 6 hours. The tumor will be removed; he will have the current shunt replaced (which is no longer functioning properly), and a titanium mesh sheath placed to cover the existing craniectomy site, thus giving structure and protection to that area. He is expected to be in the hospital for 5 days. After he is discharged from the hospital he will have continued therapy and is expected to be out of work for at least 8 weeks.

For those of you who know Brian, he is the first to volunteer when someone is in need. He is constantly serving those around him, and he is the last one to ever ask for help. Brian and his family live modestly. Both medical costs and lost wages while he is out of work are going to be very difficult for Brian and his family.  

Their family’s love for God and each other is what strengthens them during this difficult time. Desiree’ says “We have a feeling of peace and assurance that God will see us through this. Challenges can either pull us apart or bring us closer together. We choose to love, support and encourage each other through this.”

Thank you for taking the time to read about our brother and son, Brian. He means much to so many people. We thank you for your prayers and donation to him and his family during this difficult time.

Love and gratitude,
The McShane Family