Friday, February 23, 2007

The Latest Email Update from Mary Beth

This was sent Wednesday, February 21, 2007

From Mary Beth:

Bruce’s surgery on Thurs evening went extremely well and fast. He went to pre-op at 6:30 pm and woke up at 8:25. The actual surgery only took about half an hour. He came to in post-op just talking up a storm, moving his fingers and asking what he needed to do to speed up recovery. Let’s just say the staff was shocked…let’s just say I was shocked…thrilled, thankful and relieved.

He was released from OHSU on Sun afternoon. We stopped on the way home at our (ok-my) favorite restaurant-Macaroni Grill and had lunch. The hospital food was ok, but this was GREAT!! His sense of taste is returning and he was so excited to actually taste the food. Bruce mentioned he needed a pair of slippers, so we stopped at the mall and found just what he wanted. No one would ever know he just had brain surgery…taking me to lunch, shopping…..best to keep things normal!!

Our job right now is to make sure Bruce rests, does minimal activities (according to who’s standard?), and takes the time needed for healing. He is taking walks around the neighborhood, lifting only 5 lb weights (Dr’s orders), and doing lots of lower body strengthening exercises. He is actually enjoying doing simple household chores-he calls it his therapy. I’m all for therapy! We are enjoying spending time together and with the children…when they are around!

We see Dr Delashaw at OHSU this Friday for the pathology results and proposed treatment plan. Radiation of some sort has been discussed.
The future plan is for us to meet with Dr Curti and Dr Smith at Providence in Portland to discuss the treatment plan for the spot discovered in his chest on his latest pet scan (Feb 9th). This is secondary to his brain treatment.

We are so thankful for the prayers, love and support you have all shown. What a blessing to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family! We are truly humbled and grateful.

We ask that communication be kept to emails for now. Thank you for understanding our need for minimal interruption and space for rest and recovery.

There is so much more I could write, but I won’t…..
We will let you know, what we know, when we know it.
This we do know:

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE. LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!

HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH WILL ABIDE IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.
I WILL SAY TO THE LORD, MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS, MY GOD IN WHOM I TRUST!!

With Much Love,
MBA

13 comments:

doylegolf1 said...

What a beautiful family! Can certainly tell they use that Arbonne. :)

Glad you got a night out - can hardly wait to hear the latest.
We pray for you daily praising God for your lives.

We look forward to your next email so we can be close by. Love to you all, The Doyle's

Darin Borden said...

Liz,

Bruce is in our prayers here in Seattle. Marco has kept me up to date as much as he can, but I have been down this road and know some of what you face. I am now a 6 time cancer survivor and have gone through Chemo, Radition, 4 surgeries and today I am again cancer free.

I wish you Prayers of strength, but more of will. Bruce is strong but it will be his will that carries him. I have always carried in my heart my knowing I will make it through and so should he!

And should you question your will, let your faith carry your conviction. Rest a lot from worry, for no amount of worry will help.

I truly wish you and Bruce the best of outcomes and have faith.

Darin Borden

Darin Borden said...

Darin

Anonymous said...

Mikaela and Spencer, You were great!! John and I loved the play particularly because you two were in it! So glad to hear Mom, Dad and family already got to see you.
Your family is dear to us. It has been our privilege to pray for you. May you gain His strength for this busy weekend too!
love,
Barb Pearson and family

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers, may God's love surround and shelter you during this time.
Love Vera
Vera

Anonymous said...

"Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up."

3 angels are sent to you.

Have faith
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind
of battle."
May your troubles be less, your blessings be more and
nothing but happiness come through your door!

We love you very much and you're in our hearts and prayers, Linda and Dick

Anonymous said...

Your entire family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We are continually holding you before His throne of grace. Keep up the good work you guys--you're victorious! What a great weekend for the kids. Good job you guys. Welove you and thanks for setting this up.
We love you ,
The Wilsons.

Anonymous said...

Wow, your kiddos have grown-up! It has been too long...All of us at the club wanted to say that your family is in all of our thoughts and prayers. The whole club is a buzz with the word that you will be coming to visit some time soon. We all look forward to seeing you both!
Tracy and Erika, Albany Athletic Club

Anonymous said...

JACK & I ARE THINKING OF YOU ALL EACH DAY. OUR PRAYERS AND HEARTS ARE WITH YOU TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO DEAL WITH WHAT IS AHEAD OF YOU IN TREATMENT. WE HAVE WITNESSED A LOT OF MIRACLES WITH PRAYER TO GOD.JILL & DAN KEEP US UPDATED ON YOUR PROGRESS BRUCE. STAY STRONG & YOU WILL BE REWARDED.
JACK & SHARON JORY
(JILL'S PARENTS)

Anonymous said...

JACK & I ARE THINKING OF YOU ALL EACH DAY. OUR PRAYERS AND HEARTS ARE WITH YOU TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO DEAL WITH WHAT IS AHEAD OF YOU IN TREATMENT. WE HAVE WITNESSED A LOT OF MIRACLES WITH PRAYER TO GOD.JILL & DAN KEEP US UPDATED ON YOUR PROGRESS BRUCE. STAY STRONG & YOU WILL BE REWARDED.
JACK & SHARON JORY
(JILL'S PARENTS)

Anonymous said...

I love the pictures of you two and Spencer and Mikaela. Glad you both got to see the two "stars". Know that many times each day you are in my prayers. I saw a short prayer recently: "Give me strength to wait in the darkness, learning to call after you". Lovingly, Sharon Filipcic

Anonymous said...

Mary Beth & Bruce,

We were glad to learn about this method of keeping in touch with you. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. This is a very challenging time for all of you. We pray for strength and courage as you go through this journey together with the support of your family and friends. We enjoyed seeing the photos as well. They show the 'spirit' alive in you. We trust your 'spirit' will help overcome some of the dark days. Peace be with all of you. Love and prayers Bob and Carol McLaughlin

Anonymous said...

Marybeth, Bruce, and Family-

I just want to wish you all the best for a speedy and healthy recovery. We met only once (my wife is Shandra)but I felt your incredible energy at that time. Shandra keeps me updated and just wanted to let you know that I think of you often and wish you only the best.

Kind regards,

Russ Milstein