Wednesday, April 9, 2008

UPDATE

Bruce has been having lower back pain for a couple weeks. Dr Neville increased his pain meds and started him on a new one last week. They haven't helped much with the pain but have made him drowsy enough to help him sleep....which has been good...even if for short periods of time. His pain increased enough to go in to see Dr Neville, his oncologist, on Tuesday. X-Rays did not reveal anything, so an MRI was ordered. The MRI would show us if the cancer was causing the pain or not and help determine if radiation would be an option for an effective form of pain management. Bruce went in this afternoon to have his MRI, but was unable to complete the scan due to the excruciating pain involved in laying still and flat. There is talk of possibly being admitted to the hospital, getting IV pain meds for quicker pain relief so he can get comfortable enough to complete a scan. While talking to hospice and hospital admitting, Dr Neville called to say that radiology had just called and they had enough imaging to show that, indeed, there is evidence of cancer in the bones in the pelvic area. Dr Neville wants to start radiation as soon as possible to give Bruce the needed pain relief and we should hopefully hear from the radiation dept on Thurs to get things rolling. ..... Well, I just hung up from the radiation center and Bruce is scheduled for radiation at 9:30am tomorrow. Talk about amazing personal medical care!! Literally, all this unfolded while I was typing this post....I started this post after Bruce's MRI attempt to ask for prayer.....and every time I started typing, I would get a call, change the sentence, get another call, change the sentence, and so on....I'm not expecting any more phone calls, so this is where we stand right now: we will keep Bruce as comfortable as possible here at home and start radiation tomorrow at 9:30.

Please pray that Bruce would get some pain relief, have a decent night's sleep (me too) and that our kids would once again be prepared to handle this news and have what they need to work through it. Bruce and I are doing well. We are not surprised by the news, just saddened by the reality of cancer and the impact it is having on Bruce's body and our family.
Thank you for your prayers.

In His Care,
Bruce and MBA

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

It seemed I ought to check Bruce's blog today. WE continue our regular prayers for him and all of you.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon all of you tonight,
Barb (for the Pearsons)

Anonymous said...

It's amazing what an impact your family is having on people around the world! You are truly a blessing to all of us who are praying with you. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

Bruce, not a day passes that our family doesn't think of you or something you've done in your life that has affected us. Just this week I was relating the story of Spencer's kindness to Laura during her first days of high school to a mom with a soon-to-be freshman. What struck me is that your advice to your son to step out of his comfort zone and make others feel welcome was passed on to my daughter who survived her first week of high school with a smile. She, in turn has taken that experience and tried to pass it on to other new freshmen. How many other kids have benefitted from passing on your wonderful example? We'll never know but God does!

God bless you!!!
Cindy (for The Killips)

Anonymous said...

We watched a show tonight on ABC's Primetime about a man living with pancreatic cancer...a professor at Carnegie Mellon...and the last lecture he gave. It's on youtube, and soon a book to be published. Thought so much of all of you watching this incredibly positive man live like Tigger, instead of Eyeore, as he finishes the race. Definitely praying for pain relief, sleep, and continued wisdom for docs and you.
Pulliams

Carol Ann Weaver said...

We will be in prayer. Love, Carol for the Weavers

Anonymous said...

Mary Beth, we all share your sadness. I pray that Bruce gets lots more 'amazing personal medical care' tomorrow; and that as the day unfolds you, Bruce and the kids are able to sense the love and prayerful support that go out to each of you from so many of us. RM

Anonymous said...

MB and Superman,

I am thinking and praying daily for you. I hope pain relief comes fast. love, suz.

Anonymous said...

I'll be thinking of you today and sending up prayers for all of you.
Linda M

Anonymous said...

just read your blog...will be praying this morning!!
Nancy and all the Higgins Crew

Anonymous said...

I hope and pray the treatment brings quick relief. Call me if you need kids transported, etc.

Karen B.

Anonymous said...

Blessings of peace, comfort and wisdom to you. You are indeed an inspiration.

Angie Greenwood

Anonymous said...

Our family continues to pray daily for each one of you. We will definitely be praying that this radiation will help with the pain. May God miraculously bless and carry each one of you today!

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Karen Goss said...

Just want you to know your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for taking the time to let all of us know what is happening with your family as you go through this difficult time. We want to respect your request for limited calls and visitors and hope that you find comfort in knowing how much your friends and neighbors care and want to help in any way possible.
Karen

Karen Goss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I have been keeping the Alexander family in my prayers. I will continue to pray for pain relief for Bruce and strength for the rest of the family.

God bless you all!

DAW

arterblog said...

Love you much -

Praying -

Misty<><