MB'S 2ND POST!!
We are here in sunny Palm Desert, CA and loving it! It is 5:30pm and currently 94 degrees...just a bit warm. There is a slight breeze blowing right now, making it a lovely, summer evening...and it's not even summer, yet! The weather and surroundings here are perfect for what we need right now-rest, relaxation, laid back days with no agenda and just being with each other. Did I mention we are loving it? :)

Here is a quick re-cap or our time thus far:

**Bruce, MB, Ike and Pearce flew out early Sat morning and arrived in PD early afternoon. This was Pearce and Ike's first plane ride and I did my best to make it as memorable as possible (and totally embarrassed them):
~They went through the full security check: head-to-toe wand check and full pad down...well, they did look like suspicious characters!
~They not only got to look in the plane's cock-pit, but were invited to sit in the pilot's chairs...this was before take-off, of course. We were glad that all the buttons and levers they pushed and played with did not compromise the safety of the flight!
They both got window seats, enjoyed the view, laughed at how small the bathroom was and had wide eyes and big smiles during take-off and landing! A fun time was had by all!

**Spencer and Mikaela arrived on Tues night-it was their first flight, also. Let's just say they were glad I wasn't there to make it memorable for them! My good friend, Lisa, drove them to the airport, helped them check in and saw them through security. They reluctantly posed for a a few pictures (thanks, Lisa) and arrived with big smiles on their faces.

**We have been toodling around in golf carts, swimming, reading, playing games, putting, chipping, spending time at the driving range, napping, exercising, watching lots of sports and just hanging out. We will be watching American Idol tonight to see who is voted off next (a weekly family highlight), have rootbeer floats (Bruce's favorite) while playing some board games and look forward to a day of "whatever" tomorrow.

Bruce continues to feel better daily-a little more energy everyday-and naps when he needs to. He is trying to get as much rest as he can before hitting Disneyland on Sunday, cuz he wants to try and keep up with his kids while there! We'll keep you posted on that!

Medical Update: Bruce goes in for a chest CT and brain MRI on May 4th. On May 11th, we go to Portland and see both Dr Delashaw and Dr Curti to get results of these scans. We will find out then if the chest tumor responded to the IL2 treatments and if there is any evidence of new or recurring brain tumors. It will be a relief to end this "waiting phase" and find out what Bruce's treatment options are. We will let you know when we know.
Our Adventure continues with much faith, hope, love and lots of LAUGHTER!
Full of thanks and rejoicing in Jesus,
MB for the A Team!

The Alexander Family is Making Memories Once Again!

A Note from Mary Beth:

It was nice to be home together as a family for Easter. Bruce was too tired to go to Easter Service and stayed home for much needed rest. He did find just enough energy that night to make it to Amah and Poppy’s favorite restaurant, King Tin, for a nice bowl of wonton noodle soup! A great first weekend home after his 2nd round of treatment.

Bruce feels a bit better each day and the IL2 side affects are less evident everyday. The mornings have been difficult (fatigue and nausea), but little by little he is regaining energy, strength and appetite! He is following Dr’s orders and getting out for daily walks, lifting light weights, resting when he needs to (a couple naps a day, usually), and being as active as possible.

He was outside on Sat doing yard work and playing casually with the boys and other neighborhood kids for 4 hours. He was so excited to have lasted that long . . . and then took a huge 2 hour nap!

He is thrilled to be able to drive again . . . me too! We are taking one day at a time and look forward to four weeks of no treatments.

VACATION BOUND!

It feels so much like a vacation for Bruce that we decided to go ahead and take one! We will be going to Palm Desert and staying in a friend’s condo. We love it there-warm, restful, casual and homey. We look forward to spending quality family time just swimming, golfing, hiking and just "chillin," as Pearce and Isaac would say. We will end our time at Disneyland with friends for 3 days (so much for being restful) and be home May 1st.

Bruce, MBA, Isaac, and Pearce will leave Apr 21st. Spencer and Mikaela will join us on April 24th . . . our teens' schedules are tough to line up with ours sometimes, but at least we all get to fly back together.

We are very excited to get this time away. Even more exciting:

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME OUR KIDS HAVE FLOWN IN AN AIRPLANE!!

Oh, the simple things in life!

This trip is possible because of the gracious gifts from family and friends. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our “family vacation fund." It is an incredible blessing and we look forward to making great family memories.

Another update will be coming soon-with pics and more info on Bruce!

Thankful and Strengthened,
MBA for A Team

Settled at Home for Easter

He is Risen! Happy Resurrection to one and all.

Bruce and Mary Beth are so glad to be home. Bruce is in much better condition than after his last treatment. He is still tired though. Please pray for his recovery.

They will know more about the results of the treatments when they have some tests run at the beginning of May.

What is this boy so excited about?

What is this boy so excited about?, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

He is excited because his dad was discharged from the hospital today! Bruce was able to get through 7 treatments, and this hospital stay was much better. He was sicker, but it didn't last as long this time. They were discharged early this evening and will be staying the night in Portland because they are wiped!

Twelfth Night with Poppy and Friends

Twelfth Night with Poppy and Friends, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Poppy took Pearce and Isaac to see Shakespeare's Twelfth Night on Thursday. Amah and Poppy (Mary Beth's Parents) have been such a great help while Mary Beth and Bruce have been up in Portland for Interleukin 2 treatment!

Interleukin 2 Update

Mary Beth called this morning to say that Bruce has had 6 out of 6 treatments, and it is going much more smoothly this time. One of the side effects of the treatment is low blood pressure. So, this is one thing to pray for. He is being monitoring carefully. They are able to deal more effectively with the side effects since they have been through this once before. So, Bruce slept all day yesterday! That is a great improvement over the last treatment.

Three couples from Bruce's college days have been surrounding them with love. So, the guys have been sitting with Bruce and the wives have made sure that Mary Beth has been taking care of herself through the whole process.

You prayers means so much to them. Hope this update helps as you intercede for them.