Mar 22 2024

Bryan is a physical therapist, retired from the United States Navy, but still works mostly enjoying vestibular and concussed patients. He is a Stage IIIA survivor. Christine is Bryan’s wife, also a physical therapist practicing pediatrics. Chris & Bryan have two children, a 20-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son. Both Chris & Bryan mostly enjoy the time spent with their children and extended family.

Self-Advocacy Tips from Bryan and Christine:

  1. In the post-surgical brief when Bryan had the first surgery with the colorectal surgeon, I asked about a second opinion. He told me we didn’t have much time to work with but if any physician ever told me we didn’t need a second opinion, I should run. Bryan has since had so many surgeries with this physician, and I believe I’ve developed a true working relationship with him. I was clear with our knowledge base, presented research and requested treatment options regarding complications Bryan endured, and called him out when needed. Our post-procedure conversations were true discussions.
  2. Do the most research you can on your family member’s specific cancer, complications, or test results and develop questions for each provider (eg; surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and even the primary care provider). I kept a running list of questions on my phone and kept it in my hand during every visit. I made it clear I had questions and or requests and expected all of them to be answered or met. Otherwise I’d make a scene like they’d never seen before and they’d need security to remove me.
  3. God was ever present in our journey. I spoke to him seemingly every hour and asked for guidance with every step. I asked my sister and dear family member to be my prayer warriors. I called my fervent praying family members and requested prayer specifically for Bryan and his ongoing treatment. I informed the kids principal, teachers, and coaches what we were going through and requested not only prayer for the kids but for special attention and direct communication with anything the kids needed. I had a couple close friends who were my ‘call anytime, for any reason, in any headspace’ and depended on them. I listened to nothing but Christian music in the car and completely stopped listening to / watching the news. I circled the proverbial wagons making it clear to our kids I would never hide information or lie about anything and that we were a circle of trust. I informed our neighbors and asked for help with the house or yard when needed. My parents came, dad took Bryan to all appointments and mom kept all of us fed and clean. With my brother’s help we created a private Facebook group for Bryan’s updates and made it clear all communication would go through there. With me my brother was an admin of the Facebook group so he could post an update when I was too busy with work. I worked more than full time and wrote a list of my immediate work and ‘house’ needs. I then considered all those who offered help, decided how my needs could quickly be accomplished, then called those friends with special talents to help me.