Stay tuned for bloopers at the end!
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Pizza! Pizza!
Jamie here. I'm sitting in the kitchen with my dad in a postprandial coma. Yes, that means the Brucie is eating well, feeling full, and gaining weight like a champ. Since the last post, he has seen several improvements. He's been actively working and driving, but is still hesitant to be in contact with too many people at a time due to his low immune system. Thanksgiving marked an important milestone, when he was able to partake of every dish on the table! He's now looking forward to the same satisfaction with the upcoming Christmas dinner.
Dad will be starting his 6th series of chemo on Dec.26th. A cat scan is scheduled to happen around January 13th, which will give us a good idea about if the chemo has been successful. Following the cat scan, he will begin his 7th and final chemo series combined with radiation for 6 straight weeks, for 5 days a week. Unfortunately, he won't be able to receive this treatment from home and will be making daily trips up to the Tri-Ciites. This should be completed by the end of February.
He's starting to make plans, some of them include a day hike up to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier on July 4th and a family reunion with all of his kids and grand-kids on the Oregon coast in late summer. Having fun plans on the calendar are good incentives, and fun to look forward to for all of us.
Brucie is up to 156 lbs (thank you, mama Ricks for your amazing cooking). His latest obsession is cheap, cheese, carb-loaded pizza from Safeway. 3 pizzas for 10 bucks. Can't beat a deal like that, if that's what you're cravin'. His energy is up. He would tell you he's the "healthiest chemo patient you'll ever meet." (and the most blessed).
With Christmas a couple days away, my husband Jordan and I are so very grateful to be able to spend this time with my mom and dad. He's leaps and bounds better than he was a few months ago. It makes this daughter's heart happy. So very happy. In the spirit of Christmas, and on behalf on both of my parents, thank you for your gifts of faith, love and prayer.
Stay tuned - the next post will include our annual Christmas family video. Prepare yourselves for some amazing lip-sinking and dance moves that might haunt you in your sleep.
Love to all and Merry, Merry Christmas!
Jamie
Dad will be starting his 6th series of chemo on Dec.26th. A cat scan is scheduled to happen around January 13th, which will give us a good idea about if the chemo has been successful. Following the cat scan, he will begin his 7th and final chemo series combined with radiation for 6 straight weeks, for 5 days a week. Unfortunately, he won't be able to receive this treatment from home and will be making daily trips up to the Tri-Ciites. This should be completed by the end of February.
He's starting to make plans, some of them include a day hike up to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier on July 4th and a family reunion with all of his kids and grand-kids on the Oregon coast in late summer. Having fun plans on the calendar are good incentives, and fun to look forward to for all of us.
Brucie is up to 156 lbs (thank you, mama Ricks for your amazing cooking). His latest obsession is cheap, cheese, carb-loaded pizza from Safeway. 3 pizzas for 10 bucks. Can't beat a deal like that, if that's what you're cravin'. His energy is up. He would tell you he's the "healthiest chemo patient you'll ever meet." (and the most blessed).
With Christmas a couple days away, my husband Jordan and I are so very grateful to be able to spend this time with my mom and dad. He's leaps and bounds better than he was a few months ago. It makes this daughter's heart happy. So very happy. In the spirit of Christmas, and on behalf on both of my parents, thank you for your gifts of faith, love and prayer.
Stay tuned - the next post will include our annual Christmas family video. Prepare yourselves for some amazing lip-sinking and dance moves that might haunt you in your sleep.
Love to all and Merry, Merry Christmas!
Jamie
Thursday, November 21, 2013
November Update
Dad starts his fifth round of chemo on November 26th! He receives the treatments on Thursdays and then tries to rest over the weekend and is typically able to go into the office Monday-Wednesday for a couple of hours. Although his weight is low, he's been able to maintain it so that's a huge plus.
My parents are having some issues with insurance and treatment options which can be a frustrating process but they are working through all of it.
They want to say thank you for the love and support and also ask for prayers at this time especially for the upcoming PET scan.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Half Way Mark & Visit from the Millers
My dad reached his "half way through chemo" mark this week, not sure if you get a chip for that or not.. but you should! ;-) He is continuing to heal and gain strength since the surgery. His weight has stabilized and he is going to his office more frequently. All great things! This week my parents are consulting with some doctors to determine if Proton Therapy or the standard form of Radiation will be the best suited treatment. We will let you know how that turns out.
My parents had a wonderful visit from my mom's sister and husband. My Aunt Judi and Uncle Tom came in from California to spend some time with the folks. While I was growing up our families took turns travelling to visit each other every summer. We have very fond memories of the Miller clan. I know it meant a lot to my parents to have them visit.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Every day is "Thanks Giving" around here...
I realize Halloween is still around the corner and there will be no Turkey for my dad this year. But at the Ricks' house it is Thanksgiving every day. Last week was a really good week for my dad. He is 90% healed from the whipple surgery and has even gained 4 pounds! (This can be credited to the persistent love and care of my mom.) It was also his week off chemo, so his energy was up and he was able to go the office and also Church on Sunday (as long as he wore a surgical mask.) Unfortunately for the next few months being in crowds or around young children is still not encouraged. He did the math on his church attendance and concluded he has missed more Church service in the last three months than combining his entire life of missed church service. (You could say he is the Brett Farve of Church goers.) He felt very uplifted to be able to attend Church last week and also to listen to LDS General Conference this weekend.
Dad just started his third round of Chemo this week. We were highly encouraged by the oncologist who indicated they will probably do a CT Scan the end of his 4th round and radiation might be moved up a few months. This is very good news and we are looking at the different options available including the possibility of Proton therapy. We will know more the end of this series and/or possibly the fourth, but so far things look very good based on his blood work and how his body is responding to the treatment.
My visit home and been so nice and I have really cherished this time with my parents. They are such amazing people and examples in my life and I continue to learn from them each day. They have always been the utmost example of hard work and gratitude and that has been magnified during this time. I love listening to their prayers of gratitude and love for the small things each day; food, a visitor and even chemo treatment. They have been so touched by the out pour of love and support and especially the prayers and notes in their behalf.
***On a side note, I would like to point out that I did not give my dad the wrong pills while visiting or cause any comas. :-) However, I did entrust Jamie and Nikki with my precious babies so I could come spend time with my parents. They have been having the time of their lives with their Aunties in Chicago. So a special thanks to them as well for making my visit happen! ;-)
Friday, September 13, 2013
*Sleep coma and SAA*
The last week has been full of events, progress and sleeeeeeeep. Yesterday, I accidentally gave my dad a pain killer instead of an anti-nausea pill, which in turn knocked him out cold for a solid 12 hours. Woops! A little sleep never hurt anyone. Sorry pops for the mix up, but hey, if you're sleeping, it's hard to be nauseated. Right?
A couple nights ago, the young women from my parents' church and their leaders spent time making my dad a super warm, super soft, and super healing blanket of love. And in my dad's words "It warms my body AND my heart." A huge thank you to all who were involved and the efforts put into "warming" my dad up.
Dad's weight loss has slowed. He's lost only a couple more pounds, and we think it's probably due to the fact that he's taking so many walks these days, and is more active than before. Now, we need to work on getting more calories in him to support his activities. He's also feeling confident that his body has just about completely healed from the whipple procedure, and that any pain/discomfort/side effects are more than likely attributed to chemo.
Last weekend I got the opportunity to participate in the Swim Across America event in Seattle. Jordan (my husband) was able to fly in for the weekend and spend time with my parents, and participate in the event also. Team Bruce consisted of several individuals who love and care for my dad. Over the past couple months, our team has hustled and bustled for donations for this cause. All funds went directly to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, which is where my Dad received his initial treatment and recovery, and is getting is chemo treatment via their Tri Cities Oncology site. Also, as the cherry on top, donations this year go specifically to a Pancreas Cancer Developmental Research Program to help design new and optimize current treatments for pancreatic cancer. It was a special, emotional, and fulfilling day. An additional highlight of the day was randomly running into my dad's whipple surgeon after the swim, Dr. Pillarisetty. It was nice to be able to spend time with him and thank him for saving my dad's life. Dr. P is also involved in charity work - to access his fundraiser, click here: http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/site/TR/Events/Obliteride?px=1474132&pg=personal&fr_id=1300. I'm so happy to have been a part of something that brought loved ones of my dad together, and will hopefully have an impact on his specific type of cancer. A special thanks to Charlie Cunnick for leading our team in such a successful event, trekking all the way out to Seattle for it, and giving us an avenue to involve ourselves in something near to our hearts and that will have such a positive impact. Thank you to everyone who participated as team members and also everyone who made a donation. Team The Bruce was amazing, and hit it out of the ballpark by raising just under $10,500 (before corporate matching funds - which will put us over 12k). To view our team page or to make a donation (you still can!) click here: http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/OpenWater/Seattle?pg=team&fr_id=1959&team_id=7671 Thank you, all!
I fly home tomorrow with a heavy heart. Being at home with my parents has been wonderful. It's been a special time, and I've cherished the conversations we've had, and even under the trying circumstances, I will cherish the new memories we've made - especially the SAA event, and even the sleep coma I accidentally induced on my dad.
Love to all,
Jamie
A couple nights ago, the young women from my parents' church and their leaders spent time making my dad a super warm, super soft, and super healing blanket of love. And in my dad's words "It warms my body AND my heart." A huge thank you to all who were involved and the efforts put into "warming" my dad up.
Dad's weight loss has slowed. He's lost only a couple more pounds, and we think it's probably due to the fact that he's taking so many walks these days, and is more active than before. Now, we need to work on getting more calories in him to support his activities. He's also feeling confident that his body has just about completely healed from the whipple procedure, and that any pain/discomfort/side effects are more than likely attributed to chemo.
Last weekend I got the opportunity to participate in the Swim Across America event in Seattle. Jordan (my husband) was able to fly in for the weekend and spend time with my parents, and participate in the event also. Team Bruce consisted of several individuals who love and care for my dad. Over the past couple months, our team has hustled and bustled for donations for this cause. All funds went directly to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, which is where my Dad received his initial treatment and recovery, and is getting is chemo treatment via their Tri Cities Oncology site. Also, as the cherry on top, donations this year go specifically to a Pancreas Cancer Developmental Research Program to help design new and optimize current treatments for pancreatic cancer. It was a special, emotional, and fulfilling day. An additional highlight of the day was randomly running into my dad's whipple surgeon after the swim, Dr. Pillarisetty. It was nice to be able to spend time with him and thank him for saving my dad's life. Dr. P is also involved in charity work - to access his fundraiser, click here: http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/site/TR/Events/Obliteride?px=1474132&pg=personal&fr_id=1300. I'm so happy to have been a part of something that brought loved ones of my dad together, and will hopefully have an impact on his specific type of cancer. A special thanks to Charlie Cunnick for leading our team in such a successful event, trekking all the way out to Seattle for it, and giving us an avenue to involve ourselves in something near to our hearts and that will have such a positive impact. Thank you to everyone who participated as team members and also everyone who made a donation. Team The Bruce was amazing, and hit it out of the ballpark by raising just under $10,500 (before corporate matching funds - which will put us over 12k). To view our team page or to make a donation (you still can!) click here: http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/OpenWater/Seattle?pg=team&fr_id=1959&team_id=7671 Thank you, all!
Love to all,
Jamie
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Up! Up! Up!
Hello all!
Jamie here. I'm in Washington again with my parents, happy to be back out, helping, and spending time. Last week was my Dad's week off of chemo, and it was a week full of progress. He's healed enough from his surgery now that he doesn't hate the thought of food. His weight loss has topped off for the time being. He was even able to make it down to the his office for a few hours! And most importantly, his spirits are up up up - he's even considering doing pranks on people, which says a lot. (Watch out!)
This week he was back on his chemo schedule. Making trips to the chemo center each week has been surprisingly inspiring. As you walk into the building, there are huge iron pillars, that have been crunched and bent, representing the strength it takes to maintain optimism through situations like my Dad's.
My Dad and the rest of our family is pulling strength from so many of you out there. This week, he received some special get well bracelets from the Burns kids! He wore them everywhere with pride, including to his chemo appointment. Thank you, Burns family!
This weekend, myself, and several fans of Brucie are heading to Seattle to participate in a swim fundraising event that we've been working on for a few months. All funds raised go to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, where my Dad is receiving his treatment. My dear friend, Charlie, headed up Team Bruce in honor of my dad, and the support of friends from far and wide has been amazing! To view our team page click here: http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/OpenWater/Seattle?team_id=7671&pg=team&fr_id=1959.
Overall, things are looking up for my Dad. We have a lot to be grateful for with all of the progress he's making. He still has hard moments sometimes, but is a trooper and feels all of your prayers and well wishes.
Love to all,
Jamie
Jamie here. I'm in Washington again with my parents, happy to be back out, helping, and spending time. Last week was my Dad's week off of chemo, and it was a week full of progress. He's healed enough from his surgery now that he doesn't hate the thought of food. His weight loss has topped off for the time being. He was even able to make it down to the his office for a few hours! And most importantly, his spirits are up up up - he's even considering doing pranks on people, which says a lot. (Watch out!)
This week he was back on his chemo schedule. Making trips to the chemo center each week has been surprisingly inspiring. As you walk into the building, there are huge iron pillars, that have been crunched and bent, representing the strength it takes to maintain optimism through situations like my Dad's.
My Dad and the rest of our family is pulling strength from so many of you out there. This week, he received some special get well bracelets from the Burns kids! He wore them everywhere with pride, including to his chemo appointment. Thank you, Burns family!
This weekend, myself, and several fans of Brucie are heading to Seattle to participate in a swim fundraising event that we've been working on for a few months. All funds raised go to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, where my Dad is receiving his treatment. My dear friend, Charlie, headed up Team Bruce in honor of my dad, and the support of friends from far and wide has been amazing! To view our team page click here: http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/TR/OpenWater/Seattle?team_id=7671&pg=team&fr_id=1959.
Overall, things are looking up for my Dad. We have a lot to be grateful for with all of the progress he's making. He still has hard moments sometimes, but is a trooper and feels all of your prayers and well wishes.
Love to all,
Jamie
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