Most people take for granted the ease in living their lives. Doing mundane things like shopping or paying the light bill are routine for most of us. But for Jarrod Brannan, life took on a new challenge in these simple tasks.
His journey began Dec. 1 when he found himself in the emergency room with severe stomach pains. The hospital did blood work and an ultrasound of his gall bladder, and results showed he had gallstones. This is a pretty simple diagnosis, and an easy surgery, but there was something else. His white blood count was highly elevated and Jarrod and his wife Brenda sat there in stunned silence as the doctor said, “It's Leukemia.”
Suddenly life took a horrible turn. Full of questions, the couple experienced information overload. Answers bombarded them from doctors, family and friends. Even well meaning strangers all had something to say. A death sentence for most, Brannan and his family accepted the challenge. They would fight together, and they would beat this.
The Brannans and their five children, Patrick, 16, Cody, 9, Chennaye, 9, Christian, 6, and Channing, 3, would fight this battle all the way. The doctors admitted him for a bone marrow biopsy. It would take two weeks for the results to come back, so they set out to carry on as normal as possible.
On Dec. 15 the oncologist called and confirmed the diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. The immediate treatment was medications, four times stronger than a normal dose. Attacking the cancer caused Brannan to need numerous blood transfusions.
From Dec. 18-30 the side effects from the first medications started. Family outings, shopping trips and school events caused him severe pain, dizziness, nausea or exhaustion. Each day brought another side effect. During this time the family was waiting for the financing to become available for the “chemo pill.” It was the norm for him to be stuck in bed for three days because of pain. Hot baths and heating pads did not do much to stop the agony.
The fight for his life started Dec. 30 to Jan. 12 while the chemotherapy was administered. Brannan’s wife stayed by his side.
The medical bills continue to pile up. Brenda keeps up a daily battle with filling out forms and waiting in limbo for replies. Their life includes regular trips to the ER, meaning more medications, more side effects, more tests and more bills.
Every day is a new obstacle – a new symptom and a new side effect to overcome. Living life as best he can, Brannan is so weak that most days he can't function. He is unable to stand or get to the bathroom on his own.
It is very difficult for the kids – they really don't quite understand what is going on. How do you explain cancer to them? How do you explain that the only time they can see Daddy is during visiting hours at the hospital?
No one is ever prepared for the toll something like this takes on their family. The financial stress causes an emotional roller coaster for Brannan, who is unable to provide for his family or offer quality time. His wife works when she can and takes care of the children.
His treatment involves trips to Atlanta for chemotherapy every four weeks. A bone marrow transplant would save Brannan’s life, but so far no match is close enough. If a match is found, he will be unable to work for at least six months. He has been trying to work one to two weeks a month, part time. His boss has been very understanding, but working part time is not enough to help cover all the new expenses of a family.
Brannan is a Navy vet, stationed in Guam and Okinawa. He fought for our country and is now fighting for his family. He is one of the most kind, generous, and giving men you could ever meet. His strength to withstand this while caring for his family is something that should inspire us all. He is a hardworking man and a member of the local nonprofit organization called The Blank Check Society of America. Membership consists of veterans and their families to honor all veterans.
Brannan is a solid family man and hopefully you can help. Taking time to help others gives us a new perspective and we should count our blessings every single day. To donate, all donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/jarrodbrannan or Jarrod Brannan Medical Fund at FNB South 4322 N. Second St., Folkston, GA 31537.