Life After Cancer: Brian’s Fight to Overcome Stage 4 Bladder Cancer
When Brian walked into the hospital for what he thought was food poisoning, he never imagined that a routine CT scan would reveal a small, seemingly insignificant spot in his bladder. What started as a minor concern quickly escalated into a life-altering diagnosis — Stage 4 bladder cancer.
A Rapid Decline and a Grim Prognosis
Brian’s doctors initially recommended removing his bladder, along with aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. But the thought of living with an external bladder bag didn’t sit right with him. Instead, he opted for bladder preservation and began standard treatments.
At first, it seemed manageable. Then, just after Thanksgiving, his condition deteriorated. By the day after Christmas, he found himself back in the hospital, struggling to breathe. Four days in, a doctor delivered the crushing news — his cancer was Stage 4, and there was little hope for remission.
“They told me, ‘This is not a cancer that will even go into remission. Our goal is just to get you well enough to leave the hospital.’”
A Chance Meeting at a Super Bowl Party
After weeks of intensive chemotherapy and oxygen support, Brian was home, but he wasn’t improving. Facing what felt like an impossible road ahead, he started considering alternative treatments. That’s when fate intervened.
Despite feeling unwell, Brian reluctantly attended a Super Bowl party, planning to leave early. But that night, he met someone who had also battled cancer — someone who told him about Immunocine’s Dendritic Cell Treatment (IDCT).
“They hadn’t treated bladder cancer before. I think I was the first. But when I looked at the science behind it, it just made sense.”
Choosing Immunocine
With no guarantees but a renewed sense of hope, Brian applied for treatment. Not everyone qualifies, and he knew there were criteria he had to meet. “I was just hoping I’d get in,” he remembers.
Once accepted, Brian and his partner, Julie, committed to six weeks focused entirely on treatment and healing. Immunocine provided a comprehensive care experience —from scheduling appointments to coordinating doctor visits at his hotel.
“It felt like a concierge service. The whole experience kept his body, mind and spirit in a positive place.” — Julie
Unbelievable Results: “You Have No Signs of Cancer”
Brian approached the treatment with unwavering positivity. “I had to be positive. The alternative was where I was at,” he says. A few weeks later, he met with his bladder specialist, who had startling news:
“She looked at me and said, ‘You have no signs of cancer. Period.’”
At first, his doctors struggled to believe the results. Specialist after specialist reviewed his case, questioning if the tests were wrong. But each scan, each evaluation, led to the same conclusion — there was no evidence of cancer.
A New Chapter Begins
Just months before undergoing treatment at Immunocine, Brian thought he wouldn’t live to see another Christmas. Now, he and Julie are making plans again — traveling, working and most importantly, living.
“It’s given us the gift of starting over again” — Julie
Brian is still working on regaining his full strength, but every day brings progress. “I want to be back to 100%, and I’m not there yet, but I’m getting better.”
His journey is a testament to the power of science, perseverance and keeping hope alive — even in the darkest moments.
READ THIS NEXT
Gary’s Incredible Journey from Stage 4 Prostate Cancer to Recovery
With no symptoms, no pain, and no warning signs, Gary never expected anything was wrong. At 60, he was active, healthy, and preparing for a
Read More
Metformin + Losartan: Everyday Medicines That May Help “Warm Up” Cold Tumors for Immunotherapy
Many solid tumors are “cold”—fibrotic, poorly perfused, and hard for T cells to enter—so even breakthrough immunotherapies can stall
Read More
Learning How to Fight Cancer Ep. 5: Dr. Pete Sulack on Going From 1% Survival Odds to Remission
In Episode 5, Matt Halpert speaks with Dr. Pete Sulack, a clinician, author, and cancer patient whose remarkable journey offers both scienti
Read More
