The first time I ever heard the word “stomach cancer” was on May 29, 2019. The day started like any other, but it quickly took a turn that would change our lives forever. The doctor came into the room, looked at me, and told me my husband had stomach cancer. Without much explanation, he left, leaving me to process the devastating news and break it to Brent.
Telling Brent was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. As I relayed the doctor’s words, Brent looked at me with a mixture of shock and resolve. He simply asked, “Where do we go from here?” At that moment, I had no clue, but I knew I had to act. I got busy arranging appointments with specialists and setting up consultations. I reached out to a close friend, a retired physician, for guidance. She reassured me that the protocol offered to us was correct after consulting her colleagues at Walter Reed Hospital.
We explored every possible option, hoping for a glimmer of good news. Fortunately, we were reassured that the cancer was caught early and was curable. Despite the initial relief, our journey was far from over. Brent endured brain bleeds, and our fears grew as we visited the surgeon. The news was disheartening: the cancer had just begun to grow outside of the stomach.
However, hope was renewed when we were informed about an excellent drug trial perfectly suited for Brent. With renewed determination, we proceeded with the necessary tests. But fate had another twist in store. Brent was directed straight to the ER and subsequently admitted to the ICU.
On October 4, 2019, at 7:45 am, Dr. Wright, Dr. B, and their team delivered the news that Brent would be placed on hospice care. Remarkably, Brent faced this news with remarkable calmness. He told me that his purpose was complete and that it was now the doctors need to go take care of other veterans. His bravery and acceptance were heart-wrenching yet inspiring. Brent was promoted to heaven on October 6, 2019, at 6:05 am. That moment marked the end of Brent’s physical journey but the beginning of my mission.
Since that day, I have dedicated myself to spreading awareness about stomach cancer. I fight so that no other family has to endure the pain and heartache that my family experienced. Our three children, six grandchildren (four of whom only remember Brent through stories), and three grandsons who never met him deserve a future with more hope and fewer tragedies.
After Brent’s passing, I was unsure of what to do next. Determined to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain, I searched for stomach cancer research and found Hope for Stomach Cancer. I joined their Facebook group and observed quietly.
I also collaborated with Senator Lankford to include wording about stomach cancer in the MILCONVA bill. I contact every member of the appropriation and VA committees to secure a protocol. In Brent’s honor, I advocate for stomach cancer research and support. Each event, story shared, and dollar raised brings us closer to overcoming this disease. Brent’s legacy inspires our mission to prevent others from enduring the same pain. Our journey, marked by love and loss, now has a profound purpose.
Surviving spouse of MT2 Brent Dean Anderson, USN, SSBN
Leasa Anderson