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Need some prayers
message 51:
by
Amy
(new)
Nov 18, 2010 07:21PM
Great news about Fred. Sorry about his coworker.
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Lorraine: That is fabulous news for you and Fred! I hope he continues to feel his strength coming back and also hate to hear that another co-worker has been stricken.
Brakedrum wrote: "Evidently this new drug is working.."
Lorraine, I hope to keep hearing about Fred's improvement. This is very uplifting.Sounds like the M/T group needs to send its healing thoughts to others in that work environment, especially the co-worker recently afflicted.
Good news, Lorraine. I'm happy for you and Fred.
A worker in shipping at Bell Helicopter, Arlington Plant, had terrible abdominal pains on Monday(Nov.15). He ended up in the hospital. . . .he has kidney cancer that has spread to his liver. I never heard of this cancer before and now 2 workers within a few months with the same disease. Troubling news. Today's newspaper:
Robert James Bruce, 67, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 26, 2010, surrounded by his wife and children. Funeral: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Greenwood Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Funeral Home. Robert was born April 22, 1943, in Fort Worth. He was a lifelong resident of Fort Worth and was very active in both the IAM and UAW. He was currently a member of UAW Local 218 and employed at Bell Helicopter Textron. He will always be remembered for his hard work and quick wit. He was preceded in death by his father, Weldon Bruce, and a sister, Judy Hunter. Survivors: Wife, Coleen Hopper Bruce; son, Robert "Bubba" Bruce Jr. and wife, Vickie; daughters, Tammy Tennes and husband, Rory, Crystal Bruce, Carrie Ryan and husband, Charles, Amy Robertson and Amanda Ledyard and husband, Jason; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; mother, Mary Helen Brown; brothers, Tommy Bruce and wife, Sherry, and Bill Roberts and wife, Aletrice; and sister, Helen Ruth Parks and husband, Ken.
Published in Star-Telegram on November 29, 2010
Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dfw/...
I'm just shaking, my legs feel like rubber and my stomach in knots. Not a good day today. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook.
Keep us in your prayers,
Lorraine
Brakedrum wrote: "A worker in shipping at Bell Helicopter, Arlington Plant, had terrible abdominal pains on Monday(Nov.15). He ended up in the hospital. . . .he has kidney cancer that has spread to his liver. I neve..."Good thoughts coming your way, Lorraine. Sounds like Fred has a good doctor though and the treatment he's getting is helping him. Maybe this other poor man waited too long to see anyone.
Great news about Fred. Looking forward to more positive up-dates
Lorraine:I am so sorry for the loss of Fred's co-worker and friend. It is frightening and it would be just about impossible for you not to worry, but I hope you are able to focus on those positive thoughts of Fred's continuing to get better. Hugs and prayers to both of you.
I second Ann and Melodie's thoughts, Lorraine. I know the similarities are frightening but focusing on other's people's stories will distract you from what you want to be doing, which is being there for Fred. Hang in there.
Ann wrote: "Lorraine:
I am so sorry for the loss of Fred's co-worker and friend. It is frightening and it would be just about impossible for you not to worry, but I hope you are able to focus on those positive..."
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I second Ann and Melodie's thoughts, Lorraine. I know the similarities are frightening but focusing on other's people's stories will distract you from what you want to be doing, which is being the..."and i'll third that.
No two cases are alike. A person's age, general health, doctor, family situation and many other factors are all part of the overall picture. Count up the pluses and work to overcome the minuses. Good thoughts from friends are always important too, and you know there are lots of them coming your way.
Ann, Melodie, Carol, Sherry and Daniel have expressed my thoughts exactly. Please know we are all thinking of and rooting for you and Fred!
Yes, yesterday was a hard day for us.But, I've been told by many people to let God shoulder the weight.
I try my best to think and pray and let God handle the weight, sometimes I slip up.
So many thoughts and then I just end up mentally exhausted.
Doctor said without treatment: a year to live, with treatment: 8 years.
One lady I talked with had an aunt with kidney cancer. Her aunt lived for 18 years, so we are thinking positive thoughts.
I have to stop thinking this may be our last Christmas together and just enjoy what we have, live each day and let God handle the rest.
Thanks for your support.
On another note, today was a very different day:
Well, Fred was really down yesterday. Then, today, he decided to buy the Harley Trike. He spent most of the day finding the best deal he could, finally found one at American Eagle. The phone was ringing off the hook all day with different dealers calling with their prices. Tomorrow we pick it up.
I know other people would not understand this purchase and probably think it's foolish, but we've been riding together since 1970. We rode a few times in the last month on the two wheel. Last time we rode, we were parked on a slope, Fred had to really yank the bike off the kickstand and strained a muscle in his left leg. We both knew if would be a matter of time before he dropped it in a parking lot or a stop on uneven pavement. The strength in his legs is not there. Well, today, after deciding to buy the trike, he broke out in such a smile with light in his eyes. He looked like a little boy on Christmas finding a real live pony under the tree look. He hasn't smiled like that since this whole thing began.
Staying at home has depressed him so much, we've gone out for a quick dinner in the truck on weekends, but it's not the same as wind in your face and being free. We both always said that riding the bike, we always left behind chores and troubles and just enjoyed the freedom of the ride. Looks like we are going to continue that feeling
Brakedrum wrote: "Yes, yesterday was a hard day for us.But, I've been told by many people to let God shoulder the weight.
I try my best to think and pray and let God handle the weight, sometimes I slip up.
So ..."
A guy I work with has a trike. He's gotten a little older and his Fatboy was getting too much for him. He LOVES that trike! Know you guys will, too.
Enjoy the trike, you're gonna love it.
That's such nice news, Lorraine. Enjoy!!
Lovely, Lorraine. May you and Fred have many more days like that!
Lorraine: What a fabulous thing for both of you! I am so excited that this will let you both continue to enjoy your rides and get out of the house and on the road again! I always think of the two of you on a road adventure with the wind in your face and the world ahead! Brakedrum wrote: ".... wind in your face and being free. We both always said that riding the bike, we always left behind chores and troubles and just enjoyed the freedom of the ride. Looks like we are going to continue that feeling "
More fun ahead for you and Fred.
I'm glad you and Fred will again be able to go out on the open road. Good Luck
Dec. 16 Update on Fred:Well, got some encouraging news this week.
The liver tumor is down 60 %
The kidney tumor is down 50 %
He's to continue with his treatment. His next appointment is in January.
The downside:
He has lost more weight, he is down to 132 pounds for a 5 foot 8" frame.
The cancer medication is causing his blood pressure to climb, he's now on 4 blood pressure pills a day.
His skin is becoming very dry due to the medication, especially his hands.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support. Keep it up, it seems to be working!!
Lorraine
Brakedrum wrote: "Dec. 16 Update on Fred:Well, got some encouraging news this week.
The liver tumor is down 60 %
The kidney tumor is down 50 %
He's to continue with his treatment. His next appointment is in Ja..."
Very good news about the tumors! If they keep going down you can take care of the weight loss by feeding him whatever wants when they're gone!
Brakedrum wrote: "Dec. 16 Update on Fred:Well, got some encouraging news this week.
The liver tumor is down 60 %
The kidney tumor is down 50 %
He's to continue with his treatment. His next appointment is in Ja..."
good news, lorraine!
Brakedrum wrote: "Dec. 16 Update on Fred:Well, got some encouraging news this week.
The liver tumor is down 60 %
The kidney tumor is down 50 %
He's to continue with his treatment. His next appointment is in Ja..."
That is great news Lorraine! Maybe the holidays will help him gain a few pounds ;) Keeping you both in my prayers.
Fabulous fabulous news, Gail! I am so glad the treatments are making such a significant difference! My best to Fred and hugs to you!
That is great. I'm glad the treatments are doing their job.
I'm glad to hear the news, Lorraine. I hope his appetite returns soon.Brakedrum wrote: "Dec. 16 Update on Fred:
Well, got some encouraging news this week.
The liver tumor is down 60 %
The kidney tumor is down 50 %
He's to continue with his treatment. His next appointment is in Ja..."
Fred had another CAT scan on Monday. He hates drinking the "contrast" before these scans. He has to drink a bottle and 1/2 of a second bottle an hour before the scan. Then in the waiting room he has to finish the other 1/2 of the bottle. It's a thick, chalky drink. He can't have anything to drink or eat before the CAT scan. Then they run him thru the "tube" then take him out, run a type of dye thru his vein and run him thru the "tube" again.Wednesday, was his Dr.'s appointment. The tumors are still shrinking. Dr. said he really has to feel under his right rib cage to feel the liver tumors. The kidney tumors are also shrinking. Dr. said he showing "excellent progress." The cancer medication tho' is raising his blood pressure and he's concerned about that. If it rises too high, he would have to scale down the dosage of the cancer medication, which he doesn't want to do since Fred is doing so well on it. So, Fred is trying to get that down, but it does fluctuate quite a bit during the day. Most times he's in the high end of the okay zone.
Meantime, I'm trying to stuff him with food. In a month, he's only gained 1 pound. He's eating 3 meals a day and lots of high calorie snacks.
Next visit is Feb. 9.
Keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming. They are greatly appreciated.
Lorraine
Lorraine, I'm glad the good results is still there. Hope the pressure improves. My thoughts and prayers are still coming.
"excellent progress" is fantastic!! The before CAT scan chalk sounds yucky, but at least he is rewarded with good results. Hope the pressure stays down and the weight goes up!
Lorraine, how wonderful that must have been to hear some good news. I'm sorry that he has to go through all that just to have a test done...ugh. Prayers that he continues to improve and put on weight..hey a pound at a time is something. He's so lucky to have you by his side.
Glad to hear the good results. In sympathy with Fred, I'm eating lots of high calorie snacks too.
Barry wrote: "Glad to hear the good results. In sympathy with Fred, I'm eating lots of high calorie snacks too."That Barry! Always willing to sacrifice in the name of someone else!
Lorraine:Fabulous, fabulous news! Hugs to you and to Fred!
Brakedrum wrote: "Fred had another CAT scan on Monday. He hates drinking the "contrast" before these scans. "
I'm not sure that is helping either of you...Barry wrote: "Glad to hear the good results. In sympathy with Fred, I'm eating lots of high calorie snacks too."
It is such good news that his tumors are shrinking. I hope the blood pressure stabilitzes/lowers. As to the weight, well, slow and steady I guess. There is an awful lot going on in his body and it must take a lot of energy to absorb all he's undergoing to fight the tumors, etc. I can sympathize with the CT scan prep aversion, it is yucky.Brakedrum wrote: "Fred had another CAT scan on Monday. He hates drinking the "contrast" before these scans. He has to drink a bottle and 1/2 of a second bottle an hour before the scan. Then in the waiting room he ..."
Happy to hear the encouraging news. I have an extra pound or two that I would be willing to give to Fred.
Great news Lorraine ;) Wish I could give Fred a few pounds.
LOL. You ain't the only one, Lynne!!Lynne in PA/Lineepinee wrote: "Happy to hear the encouraging news. I have an extra pound or two that I would be willing to give to Fred."
Susie in KS wrote: "Great news Lorraine ;) Wish I could give Fred a few pounds."I've got a WHOLE BUNCH of 'em he can have....absolutely free!!
Well here's the latest on Fred.Fred had his Dr.'s appointment today. They took several vials of blood from him.
Here are the latest from today's appointment:
The blood test for the liver: number in Oct. was 618, today is 138.
His White Blood Count is good.
He has gained 6 pounds in a month.
His average BP is 142/90. His Dr. was concerned about it going up so high, now it's down.
Fred will get his next CAT Scan the first week of March. They will call to schedule the scan.
Good news today,
Lorraine
Brakedrum wrote: "Well here's the latest on Fred.Fred had his Dr.'s appointment today. They took several vials of blood from him.
Here are the latest from today's appointment:
The blood test for the liver: nu..."
that's awesome news, lorrainE!
Yay!! I'm so happy for you and Fred! Keep on doing what you are doing!
Great news Lorraine!!On a strange note...I just found out my "ex" passed away last July of lung cancer. We've been divorced 20 years, but it still seems a little weird.
Great news about Fred! Just keep feeding him and he'll be at "fighting" weight in no time. Susie, I know what you mean about your ex. A good friend of mine's ex-wife passed away a few years ago from the same thing as yours actually and he was in a weird funk for days. They'd been divorced for nearly 20 years, too.
