Tuesday, January 29, 2008

AAHH, THE WEEKEND....THEN TWO MORE TREATMENTS TO GO!!

The Corvallis Cancer Center is an amazing facility, with very competent and compassionate staff. It has been so nice to just hop in the car, drive 15 minutes to the opposite end of town, have Bruce's treatment, and be home all within the time it would've taken to drive just one way to OHSU! What a blessing for Bruce, me and the children!


Bruce's actual treatments have been quick and bearable. The side affects......not so much. He has been extrememly fatigued, had four+ days of hiccups, a sore, tight throat (later diagnosed as thrush), some nausea, dizzy spells, memory challenges, minor loss of hearing in one ear, some weight loss, lack of sleep, and a few other things. He continues to meet each challenge with determination, dependence on God, love for others and with such a spirit of grace and humility.

In our desire to help Bruce be as comfortable as possible (and not suffer unecessarily) during this treatment phase, and to give me a peace of mind, we have acquired the help of hospice. We have only met two of the nurses and they are beyond amazing! Christy made the introductory house visit and evaluation this afternoon and 2 hours later, Becky delivered some new anti-nausea medication and explained the proper dose and application. What a blessing!

It has been hard for the kids to see their daddy so sick, but understand that most of his symptoms are due to the radiation treatments and the medications to counteract the side affects. Bruce's last full brain and spinal treatment will be on Tues, Feb 5th and he will have the rest of the week to rest and recover. Bruce will see Dr Fuss at OHSU on Monday, Feb 11th for some imaging, lab work and simulation testing. His last radiotactic treatment to zap the larger tumors in his brain will hopefully be the following day, Tues the 12th. After all this, he will truly have time to recover from this intense round of treatment....this will be time for the whole family to rest, refresh and gain new strength!

We love the blog comments and encouraging messages. The meals have been such a blessing. The taxi service for my kids has been such a help. The prayers for our family have been so necessary and effective....KEEP THEM GOING!!! The ways we have been blessed and uplifted are too numerous to list......God has taken such care to take such good care of us!

With much love and appreciation,
MBA for THE A TEAM!!!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to update all of us so thoroughly. The courage, faith, and determination with which you are handling each challenge is so inspiring! You are a blessing to all of us! We are praying for you every day, all throughout each day!

Anonymous said...

Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest...and you will find rest for your soul. Matt 11
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36
praying for you...Linda Gilham

Carol Ann Weaver said...

Continuing to pray for you all!
Carol for the Weaves

rosepua said...

Thanks, MBA, for the helpful update. Duser's good cookin' will surely put the weight back on Bruce! We will wait to hear what and when to start the bbq. ;) Love, love, MA

Anonymous said...

To ALL The A TEAM....Mary Beth thanks for taking your precious time to keep us all informed.....and to continue to show all of us, the determination, faith and courage your family has. We are glad Bruce is home to see the faces of his family and receive their warm hugs and love...........continued prayers for the A TEAM, Carol and Bob

Anonymous said...

Bruce and Mary Beth,
How amazing you both are. It is so true that your determination is inspiring!
It was so great to see the pictures of your birthday with our high school friends-I'm so sorry I missed the party-especially the part where they threw you in. Bruce my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary Beth you are incredible.

Love Nancy Copple

Anonymous said...

MBA & The A Team - thanks all of the updates and letting us know how you, the family, and Bruce are doing. I'm praying for the A team - with much support - Darrell Hawkins

Anonymous said...

MBA, thanks for the updates. I want you to know you all continue to be in our prayers.
The Ziminski's

Anonymous said...

Praying for God's great peace and strength to fill your days! You're amazing and we love you guys!
-Margaret & Jeff

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you both know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have been following your updates and am touched by your faith and ability to meet each challenge. The best to you and your amazing, beautiful family!

Margie McCoy