http://theangelesclinic.org

For anyone interested in making a donation in Brian's name, please contact:

The Angeles Clinic Foundation

2001 Santa Monica Blvd.

Suite 560W

Santa Monica, CA 90404

http://theangelesclinic.org

(310)582-7900

There is a PayPal place to donate in Brian Hogan's name

The Angeles Clinic is a cutting-edge research clinic dedicated to late-stage melanoma which if we can save anyone from going through the disease would be a blessing and mean a lot to Brian. 

July 6th 2008

With great sadness, Brian Robert Hogan, 38 passed away today at 2:35pm at our home on Sunday, July 6th. He was surrounded by his loving wife, parents, brother, best friend and favorite cousin. 

His favorite Bob Marley song "Waiting in Vain" was playing softly in the background which also happens to be his and Anna's wedding song and song they danced to on their first date. 

Tragically, Brian was diagnosed with melanoma cancer on May 6th 2008 so he fought a courageous battle but short-lived 2 month battle with the will and determination that could only be Brian Hogan's. 

He is forever in our hearts and the memories of his existence will never escape our minds. 

Memorial Celebration to be held Monday, July 14th at 5:30pm at the Norman P Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo. 

Tough News

Hello All,

I type this blog with a heavy heart. Yesterday we found out that Brian's melanoma cancer has completely overtaken his liver. After a sobering talk with our oncologist, he suggested we make Brian as comfortable and out of pain as possible. 

In saying that, Brian is back home. He's got a great set-up with his own room, flatscreen TV and adjustable bed. And he's accepted the news remarkably well. 

We ask that everyone give us time and not bombard us with calls and house visits. We will be setting up visiting hours and contacting people on an individual basis. 

This cancer from the get-go has been a complete tragedy but look at the silver lining: Brian doesn't have to endure the radiation, chemo, hospital stays and just all in all feeling terrible anymore.

We have a wonderful group of professionals keeping him content, out of pain and relaxed.

Thank you to everyone who loves Brian (so much!) and supported his fight.

Future blog posts are not likely unless he feels like getting on.....

Anna Hogan

Big B on the Blog!

All,

Amazing what a good night sleep will do.  I had my treatment Monday followed by a blood transfusion on Tuesday and feel surprisingly good today. Everyday I get a little stronger now that I have been out of the hospital for more than a week. 

There is an account set up in my name at the Hoag blood donor services for those of you who want to donate blood like my brave wife did. 

I thank you all for your support.

Big B

Round #3

Its been a long day for our favorite cancer patient.....

He (we) had a less than diserable night's sleep last night so we both started off on a tired foot....but he got to chemo, they got him all set-up with a craftmatic adjustable bed and his IV in place. They drew his blood and the levels were ok but his hemoglobin had dropped since late last week so they recommended he get a blood transfusion after his chemo today! 

So, being the super-duper trooper that Big B is, he rallied through chemo, ate the lunch I packed him (PB&J, chocolate pudding and Sun Chips) and went down to Hoag to do an out-patient transfusion. Because they closed tonight at 6pm, he needs to go back tomorrow AM and get one more bag of blood. Not to fear, it makes him feel better and brings back a nice healthy color in his face. 

So, today's lesson is this: Giving blood is free. It saves lives. It helps people. Big B has B negative blood if you're curious to know!

I have an appt at Hoag tomorrow to donate while he gets his transfusion. Yes, I hate needles. Yes, I passed out at the cookie table in high school after giving blood, but I am going to do it and I encourage all of you to do the same. 

My dad (Mike Nelson) has been giving blood every 6-8 weeks since he was 18 and I want to publicly thank him for his selflessness to people he doesn't even know!

That's it from Team Hogan!

Anna & Big B

http://www.hoaghospital.org/services/Blood-Donor.aspx

Hogan Pool Photos

What a warm weekend!

Thanks Judy & Skip for a relaxing time......great seeing Tim and his girlfriend Lisa too!

blood test ok

Brian's blood test this AM was consistent to the one he took on Wednesday so we're set for chemo on Monday. The Dr said the chemo will help with some of the pain he's experiencing as it will break-down this sucky cancer. 

We're scheduled to spend the night down in Rancho Santa Fe this weekend at Casa Hogan. The Dr said a swim the pool will help loosen him up and cool off in this heat. I bought him a cute long-sleeved Quicksilver rash guard for the pool.

Two months ago today we flew home from Paris & Ireland without a clue of what was brewing inside of Brian. Its crazy what life throws at you.

Sobering a message to everyone: Never take your health for granted!

Love, Team Hogan