I apologize for the delay in this post. Life has been extremely full of family activities-nothing new there-and blog updating was placed at the bottom of the priority list. It is back on top today!
We met with Dr Curti (our melanoma-oligist) on Friday. Here is the information we received:
**It is too early to assess the results of the brain radiation treatment. We will know more about this in two months.
**Bruce has three new lesions (tumors) in the left side of the brain, four new lesions in his lungs and the one tumor that has been in his chest cavitiy is larger. The new lesions are very small and, as of right now, they do not appear to be affecting Bruce physically. PRAISE THE LORD!
**Bruce will be taking an oral chemotherapy pill, TEMODAR, daily for 6 weeks. He will have 2 weeks off for recovery and then go in for another set of full body scans. We are waiting for all the insurance paperwork to be approved and hope to start the drug sometime this week.
**IF the scans show that the tumors have responded positively to the TEMODAR (shrunk or disappeared), then Bruce will repeat the same treatment cycle.
**TEMODAR was the treatment choice because it is one of the only drugs that can treat the body AND penetrate the blood brain barrier at the same time....which is desperately needed.
**This drug is the best tolerated by patients and hopefully will have minimal side affects: fatigue, nausea, headaches, blood count levels, etc. His blood will be checked regularly. Fortunately, we can do that locally. Unfortunately, it will mean more "pokes" for Bruce...his least favorite thing!
**There is NOT a cure for melanoma (the most unpredictable cancer and the most formidable), which we are fully aware of. This drug, however, will help us with our main goal: to keep kicking back the cancer by controlling the existing tumors and arresting the seeds of melanoma while maintaining the quality of life Bruce desires. Bruce is in excellent physical health with very strong and healthy internal organs. This puts him in the "best corner" to tolerate the drug and it's side affects and to keep on fighting! That is what he is-the best fighter I know!
We are so thankful for the excellent medical care that Bruce is receiving and have the highest respect for Dr Curti and his staff. He cares very much for Bruce-not only for his physical health but his personal life: me, our family and our quality of life. We are very blessed.
We are thrilled that Bruce can be home during the next two months (not in the hospital for lengthy stays and not a lot of I-5 commuting). This will be so nice for our family-especially for the kids as they can start their fall schedules with some consistency and normalcy....as if we ever had that before! :)
PRAYER REQUESTS:
~That our insurance will cover the cost of the TEMODAR (it is very expensive).
~That the side affects will be minimal and tolerable for Bruce and that he continues to get whatever he needs to keep up the good fight!
~That our children will not be fearful and that they would be daily encouraged to carry on with what they need to do: enjoy their childhood, be brave, be honest with what they are feeling, depend on their God and each other........and keep their rooms clean! (Bruce threw that one in!)
~That MB would be emotionally and spiritually strengthened each day and have the stamina to deal with all that is required as a wife, mother and caretaker.
~That the Alexander Family would continue to "love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength", that we would "rejoice in the Lord always" and that every day we would continue to "taste and see the goodness of our Lord"!!
Thank you to everyone for walking alongside us, for bearing this with us, and for your help in fighting this battle....we need and love having you on our team!
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong!!! (2Corinthians 12:9,10)
Staying Strong,
The A TEAM!
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12 comments:
Push em back, Push em back, Wayyy Back! OK, this is a football cheer, I know, but that is what I will pray for. Push those tumors back and shrink them. Go A Team! Keep flying high Superman, with Lois by your side it is a better ride. Prayers and strength are sent to you daily. love, a friend in seattle.
Golly, if I didn't know better, the last verse sure sounds like words right out of Bruce's mouth! You live it, Bruce, and I know you are working hard, MBA. We're praying with much love, MA
A Team.....your faith is strong as you fight another hurdle......love and trust and honesty are evident in your latest blog, once again you are all remarkable to those who surround you with love and prayers. Bruce we are glad that you can be home with your family and friends over these next 6 weeks. Mary Beth you ARE a great care giver, and truly living your marriage vows! Our prayers continue from afar......peace be in your hearts......Love, Hugs & Prayers......Bob and Carol McLaughlin
Praise God for granting you cheerful(joy, peace, hope, thankfulness-it is all evident) hearts in the midst of this incredibly difficult trial. He is truly being glorified in this situation...we will continue to pray for His sustaining grace, peace, and joy...and $ provision. The Lord is good, wise, all-powerful, a refuge, and a blessed hope.
Lisa Pulliam
You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers daily! You give me such inspiration. Your faith...speaks volumnes!
We continue to pray and praise with each one of you daily. Thank you for keeping us up to date on how best to pray. We believe in God's sufficiency in every area...from healing to financial provisions, and will trust Him to bless you abundantly with these things. Much love and prayer!
Dear Ones,
We are standing beside your family in our hearts and prayers always. It was great to see you on 8/26. It wa ssuch a nice party and good to see everyone else,too. Know that we love you and constantly hold you before the throne of grace.
Your cousins,
Don, Sharon, Susan
You inspire me to be stronger in faith. We miss you at the gym Bruce but we'll do an extra set of weights.
God Bless
Ron
Hi MB and Bruce,
Thank You for the update. My thoughts and Prayers are with you
on a daily. In our private world
we must laugh as much as we cry..
My friends you are living both.
When I read your updates, I am laughing while reading one part of your message and crying the next.
I love what you are all about and
marvel at your strength of mind,
body and spirit. The one thing we
all pray for. Thank You for being
a part of my world.
Hugs,
Marlene J. R.
You are indeed The A Team! An awesome family that glorifies God daily. Thank you for keeping current via the blog. We check in and are lifting you regularly in our family times. Kid on kid: K prays for M, S for I, and C for P. We love you dearly and hope to connect for a quick visit in December--our first Oregon Christmas in 8 years. So glad for a faithful God who walks with us, carries us, pushes us, nurtures us, disciplines us, comforts us, and is good for every promise He makes. So glad there is so much more than this life we live in (and against) our fallen flesh!
Much love and hugs all around from the V's in Indiana (You can just call us the 'IN' crowd! ;)
Bruce & Mary(space)Beth,
I am inspired by the trust and "hope" that you display.
We have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us ...
Heb 6:18-20
Judy H just let me know what was happening with you - My hopes and prayers are with you and your family. Your 50th, (can't believe we are that old) looked like alot of fun! Lots of Orange!
take care of mind and spirit
terri (goodpaster)new0 class of '75
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