Join the Brandon Suggs Family Fight

My brother, Brandon Glenn “Brad” Suggs, was diagnosed with advanced, aggressive group 5 stage T3b adenocarcinoma of the prostate, Gleason 5+5, in 2019 at the age of 42. I’ve worked in healthcare for over 25 years and when he was first diagnosed my initial reaction was pretty blasé. Prostate cancer is an old man’s disease, I thought. Prostate cancer is slow growing, easy to treat and you can have a prostatectomy and be fine, I thought. After his first biopsy results and a conversation with one of the urologists I quickly realized this was going to be a tough row to hoe…a marathon and not the sprint. More like a triathlon of sorts. Brandon has undergone aggressive therapy under the collaboration and treatment from physicians from New Bern, Duke and Chapel Hill. In no particular order, he’s undergone multiple CT scans, MRIs, biopsies, PMSA PETs, PICC lines, Mediport insertion, nephrostomy tubes, cystoscopies, bladder tumor resections, stents, Foley catheter insertions, androgen deprivation therapy (Lupron, Firmagon, Orgovyx), external beam radiotherapy, SBRT to left ilium and right iliac lymph node, brachytherapy, IMRT intensity modulated radiation therapy, IV antibiotic therapy for YEARS of resistant urinary infections, chemotherapy (Darolutamide, Taxotare, Carboplatin, Cabazitaxel, Cisplatin and Etoposide), immunotherapy (Ipilimumab and Nivolumab) during clinical trials at Duke. Complications from treatment have included hospitalizations for sepsis, shingles, COVID hospitalization due to being immunocompromised with zero visitors for a week, micro fractures in pelvis causing intractable pain, neutropenic fevers, hydronephrosis and acute kidney failure, radiation induced myositis and hemorrhagic cystitis requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy, right ureteral stricture requiring robotic right ureteral reimplantation surgery.

Despite aggressive treatment the cancer has continued to thrive and even mutate (neuroendocrine and small cell carcinoma mixture). During all of these treatments Brandon and his family have never given up hope and faith that God will heal him. I see God working within his family even in the most destitute of times. His wife, Chastity, has continued to hold strong in her faith and is the greatest cheerleader, caregiver and supporter while also being a stellar mother. Their beautiful children, Ethan and Abigail, have been amazing with their continued love, support, faith and resilience while thriving and navigating their own paths as young adults. This family is the most giving, loving, loyal, faithful, devoted family I know, that has continued to help others while struggling themselves.

During this last hospitalization, we had quite the scare and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. Brandon’s health went from stable to desolate but praise GOD he bounced back again and was able to be discharged home. We weren't ready to say goodbye, Lord and he heard our cries. The scare helped put some things in prospective; Life on this earth is fragile and fleeting so handle it with care. Don't wait to say those words you've wanted to say. The coming days and beyond may be filled with uncertainty but we KNOW that God will carry Brandon and his family every step of the way. The most recent treatment plan sends them to Winston-Salem for a possible clinical trial followed by additional chemo the following week.

Several people have reached out asking how they can help or where they can donate, thus why I’ve initiated this platform. Brandon and family will not formally ask anyone for help, that’s just who they are. So many are struggling in the world, many have fallen on hard times and struggle with their own ill health. Without a doubt, even during these times, we are blessed beyond measure. I’m asking for you to give if you feel led to do so, please pray without ceasing and send an encouraging word their way periodically to let them know you are thinking of and supporting them along the way. Brandon has continued to work when he can but it’s becoming more challenging with increasing pain, additional treatments and appointments. Thank you in advance!