Looking for another Victory

Meet Brandon.

This is Brooks' little younger brother.  As long as I've been a part of Brooks' life, there is one thing I know....  Brandon means the world to him.  These two brothers have a relationship like no other.  I've learned over the years that when Brandon is around, my husband is another man and I love watching him get to play and goof off.  These two guys have a special, special bond that no one can come between and it's amazing to watch and experience the depth of their friendship together!  

In January 2004, Brandon was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia .  He was 3 days shy of his 15th birthday.  He experienced 3 years of chemo therapy treatment, several strokes, kidney stones, infections, and more, but ultimately, he triumphed through it and on the day he graduated from high school (May 2007), he took his last chemo pill.  He was cancer free and had been after only 34 days of treatment, but still under went 3 years of maintenance.  During that time, Brooks and Brandon's relationship got even closer as Brooks watched from the sidelines as his brother fought the battle to live.  

Brooks and Bran October 2004

Bran has spent the past 4 years living to the fullest and really embracing life.  

This summer Brandon was sick off and on and was having headaches that he contributed to working camp, long hours, little sleep, etc.  However the headaches then turned into pain in the neck, occasional blurred vision, and other side effects that didn't seem to go together.  After a week of being sick continuously, it was time for Brandon to get things checked out.   Bran had multiple tests run on various areas of his body and on August 20, Bran was told his Leukemia was back and this time it was in his central nervous system.  

Brandon has been going through treatment for the past month and responding very well to the medicines.  After 27 days; weekly spinal taps, chemo treatment, and more, Bran was told his body was in remission. Praise God!  He was given a "road map" for his treatment that will last for 2 years.  Bran will undergo intense treatment that will cause him to be hospitalized for days at a time each month as he receives his chemotherapy.  The idea/goal is to attack his cells in an aggressive manner to help keep another relapse from occurring as well as he is older this go around, his brain is fully developed among other things, and his body can handle a little more.  (At least, that's my understanding of his treatment).  

Please keep Brandon in your prayers over the next 2 years.  We're believing that his body will respond to all necessary treatments, he will feel good (as much as he can), and that this will be an "easy" road for him.  He's beat this once, we know he can do it again.  We're looking for another victory!

A lot has changed for Bran in the past few months.  He had to withdraw from Baylor, where he was a junior this year.  He was told it would be a while before he could return to a normal school class schedule.  He has moved from Waco to Arkadelphia, AR where he is living with his mom, Mrs. Missie, and she is able to take care of him during his treatments.  Mr. Geary, Brooks' and Brandon's dad, flew to Arkansas during Brandon's first week of treatment and was able to spend some time with him.  Brandon's girlfriend, Kate, actually goes to school in Arkadelphia so she's around, too!  I'm sure they are loving not having to do a long distance relationship anymore!  Just a little perk in this whole situation.  Brooks has adjusted to not being there with Brandon, but they talk multiple times during the week and Brooks' is still looking out for his little brother.  We're grateful and thankful that Brandon has a lot of support from family nearby in Hot Springs as well as Kate's family in Conway.  Brooks was given permission that if he needed to rush back to the US for Brandon he can, so we're appreciative for that opportunity.  

We will keep you updated on what's going on with Brandon's treatment and recovery, but please just be praying for him and the family!  You can keep up with things that are going on through a website Mrs. Missie is updating regularly to keep everyone informed of what's going on... check it out....

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandonnileperry