MB'S FIRST POST!!!

DSCF0065, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Hi Everyone! This is my first blog post. HAIRSPRAY was Bruce's favorite play and this is his favorite photo! This is actually how I style my hair.....with hairspray. It is called the Lucy-Do!
We want to thank everyone for making this trip possible. We had SO much FUN. It really was a dream come true. It has been so good to have recent, positive memories to remember and talk about while going through treatment and recovery. We head up to Providence on Monday for Bruce's 2nd round of Interleukin II (IL2). Please pray for the mental and physical strength and endurance to face this new challenge.
While you're at it, you can also pray that I will not look like this by the end of the week!

See a slideshow of our whole New York adventure by clicking on this link:

http://www.flickr.com/gp/52364318@N00/niM2L6

Click on the "view as slideshow" on the upper righthand corner of the page. Enjoy!

Part of the "A" Team Goes to Mexico

The Kids in Front of Bus, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Last Friday, Spencer and Mikaela went to Mexico with the high school youth group of their church.

They should be returning in the next few days. Please pray for their safe return!

Getting on the Mexico Bus

Getting on the Mexico Bus, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Mary Beth: They were all so excited when they loaded the bus. I wonder how excited they were when the bus broke down in Ashland and they were delayed 4hours......I can't wait to find out if it was the school or the cool bus!

Mexico Team

Mexico Group Photo, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

A total of 100 students and adults went on the Mexico Missions Trip

Dinner at a Friend's for Bruce and Mary Beth

Bruce time Mar07 (3), originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Bruce and Mary Beth enjoyed a great dinner out at the Ameeles with the Howards and Randy Hjort. Mary Beth says his appetite has come back in full force and has been enjoying meals of ribs and chicken at various eating establishments around town!

Praise God that his symptoms from the Interleukin 2 treatment have been fading!

Bruce Up and About and Clowning Around with the Guys

Bruce time Mar07 (1), originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Bruce and Mary Beth with Long time Friends

Bruce time Mar07 (4), originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

You noticed I didn't say "old" friends"!

Still Resting and Recovering

The older two A's are on a Mexico Missions Trip this week. So, Bruce and Mary Beth are getting good time with the younger two!

Bruce is getting better everyday, but he is still having some side effects from the Interleukin 2 treatment. Pray for them as they will be heading back up to Portland for the second round of treatments on Monday, April 2.

Pray for Rest for Bruce and Mary Beth

They are home and resting, but they are BEAT. Please pray for rest and refreshment from the Lord!

Bruce Discharged

Bruce has been discharged and is on his way home! YIPEE!

Bruce Stayed Another Night

At Left: Bruce in New York in front of a poster of the musical Hairspray and continuing to wear that bargain hat!

Hi All,

Just a note to say that the doctors decided to have Bruce stay an extra night last night at Providence just to make sure that Bruce was more stabilized. Please pray that he would stabilize so that they can get home to their precious children and sleep in their own bed!

An Update from Mary Beth

Hi.

It is Saturday evening and we are still at the hospital. On Friday, Bruce skipped his 7am treatment, had his 3pm treatment and skipped his 11pm. He had a total of 12 out of 14-which is great. He had a rough night and difficult morning. His oxygen level was low and really dropped with minimal activity. They are keeping him overnight to monitor his vitals and make sure he is strong enough to come home. I am relieved he is staying for medical reasons -he is bummed to have to stay one more night away from home. My mom and dad are making their way home to Seattle this evening, will swing by the hospital to deliver Bruce's favorite pillows, much needed hugs and conversation and will then stay the night in Portland. We hope to be discharged Sun morning and look forward to getting home!

Again, thanks for all your blog comments, emails, prayers and support. We would not be able to do any of this without the love and encouragement from our family and friends!

Love,
Nurse MBA
BE STILL MY SOUL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!!

Eleven Treatments Down

PICT0118, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Bruce has impressed the doctors and nurses by getting 11 straight treatments so far out of the 14. Praise God for his (and Mary Beth's) perseverance! Pray for his endurance to the end!

They will be coming back tomorrow.

"Nurse" Mary Beth says to say thanks to everyone for their prayers and support!

(The picture is of Bruce in the final seconds of the Sonics-Knicks Game in New York)

Bruce Half Way Through

Bruce on the Streets of New York, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Bruce is halfway through his first Interleukin treatment. Just a reminder to pray that he perseveres.

Mary Beth is right by his side the whole way. Pray for her too.

Pray for the kids and Mary Beth's parents, Mary and Jack, back in Corvallis with the kids.

Bruce and Mary Beth are not up for visitors, but emails and comments on the blog are always a welcome encouragement!

There he is again with that bargain hat!

Monday Interleukin Update

Bruce and Mary Beth went to Providence Hospital in Portland to start his Interleukin treatment today.

It was a busy and tiring day. Bruce's pic line hurts and he has a fever, but this is a common side effect, and he is trying to rest.

Mary Beth is tired too, but she writes:

"Hanging in there. One day at a time.....knowing that God is present and near no matter where we are...NYC or Providence Hospital!"

Thanks for continuing to pray for them.

(Picture is from last Monday after the carriage ride in Central Park)