Monday, July 16, 2007

SOME NEW FINDINGS

Bruce had his first radiation appt today at OHSU. Dr Fuss (foos), the radiologist, greeted us with the statement, "We have some mixed news." We both took deep breaths, looked at each other and thought, "Oh no, here comes something out of left field, again". We put on our 'gloves' and braced ourselves to 'catch' the news. The MRI from just a week and a half ago showed another tumor. It is 6mm in the back left section of his brain. They radiated this tumor today with a high dose of radiation, in hopes to kill it. He was nauseous on the trip home and took tylenol for a headache. This should hopefully be the only side affects throughout his future treatment.
He gets a day off on Tues-yipee!! On Wed, he will start a 10 day radiation treatment plan for the two surgery sights. This is a lower dose to kill off any remaining cancer cells in hopes to prevent any recurrence in those areas.
The MRI also showed 4 other small spots in his brain. They are not certain what these spots are, so Bruce will have another MRI this week to determine if they are tumors or not. We will know more at the end of this week.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT!!

Bruce's treatment is outpatient-YEAH!! That means lots of driving to and from Portland-NOT YEAH! I am setting up a transportation schedule with friends who would like to spend some quality time with Bruce.........OK, THE TRUTH: I don't think I could make all those trips and Bruce would love a break from my driving! :) I'll be calling some of you soon!

We do not know how this will affect Bruce's future systemic treatment for his body. We are taking one day at a time.
We knew that tumors would most likely continue to grow in the brain, we just didn't think it would be this soon, this fast. We are so thankful for our time at Mount Hermon. It was an amazing time of spiritual renewal and refocusing, being reminded daily of God's faithfulness and goodness, resting in His love, and LAUGHING and PLAYING a whole bunch!! God's timing is so perfect. It was just what our family needed. We are ready to face this new challenge. We are blessed to have so many friends and family praying for us and helping us in so many ways. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

WHOM HAVE I IN HEAVEN BUT THEE? AND BESIDES THEE, I DESIRE NOTHING ON EARTH. MY FLESH AND MY HEART MAY FAIL; BUT GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART AND MY PORTION FOREVER!


TRUSTING,
THE A TEAM!!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

The "A" Team has Faith that can "move mountains" as my wonderful mom put it to me yesterday during a "checking in" phone conversation. Just keep moving those little hills out of the way, Superman. You got the gal, your Lois Lane, who will always fly with you, I am now calling her "Grace". "We Are Your Friends, And We Stand By Your Side. We Are With You In Spirit, If Not In Your Every Stride, Through Good Times and bad, With Laughter and Faith, We Stand By Our Superman With Amazing Grace". Love, a Seattle friend...

rosepua said...

Okay, gulping down the news... glad you called. praying. Much love, MA

Anonymous said...

Dear Marybeth,Bruce&Family. I just read the blog again for the update and the word is out again for the Mafia to get and keep thatprayer line open for continued strength and faith in the Lord. Love and prayers from All The Mirantes.

Anonymous said...

Bruce and family
Get well soon and God bless from your friends at Universal 1 Credit Union.
Dick, Ann, Robin, Shannon

Anonymous said...

In between regular updates from Rosemary, I check your blog weekly. Please know that I continue to pray for you, Bruce, and your family from Philadelphia. Your strength, love and faith are truly inspirational.

I just read a book called 212 Degrees -- It says that perseverance is not a long race, it is many short races one after another. Stay strong, focused and keep fighting!!

Kathleen
(former-Summiteer)

Anonymous said...

Dear "A" Team.. "Keep fighting the good fight" We are joining with the Mirantes and joining thier "Mafia tumor fighting Prayer warrior team" Hugs and much love to you all..love and prayers are yours today and always..Linda,Dick and extended family and friends..

Anonymous said...

Bruce (and Mary Beth and family),
Your faithful testimony of God's grace to you and your family throughout your suffering is inspirational.

Friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, let's ruminate on these scriptures for Bruce and the Alexanders, and PRAY.

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people...1 Timothy 2:1

Psalm 4

Psalm 6

Psalm 102
verse 1 says, "Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you!"

And going a little farther he [Jesus] fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done."
Matthew 26:39, 42

Lisa Pulliam

Anonymous said...

We love you! The Weaver family. :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Potato Head,

When we were kids (last week) I remember hearing every Saturday night at bath time that your ears had enough dirt in them to grow potatoes – but this is over the top. Do you have to be such an overachiever? Next thing you know, we'll be trying to win the Best Tuber blue ribbon at the State Fair!

And - could you sneak a spider into the torture chamber with you next time? I know a little boy that wants to do a "Peter Parker" thing - if it's no trouble, Super Brother. (Or is that "Supper Brother?" Guess it doesn't matter - you would answer to both!)

Kirsten (G)Rae(ce)