The Latest

OK-we've had our little puppy, Charlie, for almost 2 weeks now and we are absolutely head-over-heels in love with him! It has been a bit of work to house and crate train him, but all is going relatively well. He has basically taken over the kitchen area (a nice, blocked off area), loves to wrestle with his toys, chase the kids around the back yard, nibble on Bruce's toes, snuggle in our laps, playfully jumps around licking our faces, sleeps through the night and is adored by all who meet him. When Pearce said, "Mom, I've always dreamed about having a dog-this is a dream come true".........I knew we had made the right decision! Thanks to our friends and neighbors who made this dream a reality!

Bruce had his 10th radiation treatment on July 31st. It has been nice to have some time off and give his body a much needed rest. Patches of his hair started falling out earlier this week (due to the radiation), so he went and had it all shaved off. He likes the new look and thinks he'll keep it this way! He is as handsome as ever!

He had a brain scan on Tues, Aug 7th, (in prep for future radiation) and went back to OHSU on Friday for a high dose "zap" on the new tumor. Well, there was some type of unexpected computer glitch. The techs worked very hard to figure it out and were unable to fix it. So, 2 1/2 hours later, we left without any treatment. But, it was not a wasted trip. It just so happened that a very good high school/college buddy of Bruce's (who lives near Portland) met us at OHSU. While Bruce was waiting in the treatment room (and having a great nap as the techs worked on things), Dave and I were able to visit. It was so nice not to be alone.....and it was extra fun to hear stories about Bruce's wild days in high school and college....NOT!
Bruce was bummed that he did not get his planned treatment. However, we had a great dinner at The Chart House and it was an absolute treat for Bruce to spend time with his buddy-remembering old times and being thankful for so much!! Thanks for a great evening, Dave!

Talking about old times.....BRUCE WILL BE 50 ON AUG 17TH! Bruce's 50th Birthday Bash Invitation was posted on the blog last week. All adults are welcome to come celebrate Bruce's half century mark. (Please read the Aug 6th post for specific details.) We will have another celebration with family and friends in Seattle later this month. More info on that later.

One specific prayer is that all the technical problems will be resolved quickly and that Bruce's treatment next week (not sure what day) will not interfere with his birthday celebration!

Big hugs to our family and friends who continue to love and support us faithfully through this trial. We are incredibly blessed, daily encouraged and forever grateful!

Love,
THE A TEAM