CT Resullts

Before I get started, this is a good news update.

Three months ago we discovered that the pancreatic cancer was back and that it had found a home in other locations in my body. We made the decision to go ahead with a series of chemo treatments, every other week now for 6 weeks till August 1st. I had a very aggressive cocktail of chemo administered. After the 6th treatment, I basically felt completely exhausted and felt that the cancer had advanced. So much for my self-diagnosis. A CT scan was performed August 16th, it seems in all cases where there has been cancer, each one has been reduced in size by 20 to 25%. The chemo has been doing a job on the cancer, as well as me.

Dr. Weaver (a true angel in doctor clothes) came to our house last Monday and worked us through this turn of events, "it seems you keep defying the odds" he laughed, as did we, while we tried to get out heads around this new information.

Fast forward to today, we met with the oncologist, Dr. Hague (Hawk), and I'm able to take a 4-week holiday/vacation and grab some quality time and then look at options going forward.

Since beginning this trek we had 2 daughters that were due to have babies in the near future and I so wanted to be here to greet them. Check, Romy Day Ricks Crockett was born over 30 days ago and Annie Jewel Nugent was born this last week. We will be able to hold cuddle and love on each of them in the coming week, too cool.

So we are setting new goals.

When we began this leg of the challenge we were asking for prayers of comfort because healing seemed distant. Now I am not healed, but as close as the Lord could get to it at this time He has granted this, and yet all during this time we have felt the comfort of all prayers asked. All of your prayers and offering and calls and cards and hugs and winks of good wishes have bolstered us up. When you kneel once again please thank Father for the comfort and the time that He has seen fit to extend my stay. I cannot tell you in any way the many blessing that has been from our Fathers grace because He has listened. There has been an out pouring of love He has seen fit to extend to Jeanie and me.

I also want you to know of my love for my angel, Jeanie. She has smiled through tears and been at my side with every treatment and mood swing, the best. We gesture a signal between us that represents "you and me babe" often and we can now keep doing that for a time.

Love those around you each day. Thanks for being a part of this journey with us. Our love to you seems small in consideration of all the love extend to us. We love you all.

On to new goals,

Bruce and Jeanie

4 down, 8 to go!

Last Thursday was my 4th, in a series of 12, chemo treatment. After the 6th treatment we will do a CT to determine whether we are telling the cancer to "go sit in the corner and shut up for a while" or if it has advanced some (or a lot, we may make new plans). The most recent blood tests were good as the tumor markers have a downturn trend (not significant, but downward) and the other blood indicators are favorable. The chemo treatments are rigorous - I go in every other Thursday all day, and then pack a portable injector for 44 hours after that.

We are not able to go to Chicago for Brandon and Nikki's little girl's birth this week as I am just too much at risk right now, but we are so anxious to hear of their baby girls' arrival. Jamie's baby is due next month in Boise. The end of August seems a ways off, but we might be able to be present for that baby girl's birth.

The support from all friends and family has been stellar - cookies, fruit, apple sauce, breads, cards and flowers left each morning by Jim Stevens (Thank you, Jim, for your persistent support!) calls, winks, hugs and prayers of comfort and peace have been overwhelming.

Jeanie and I are being cradled in the arms of all we come in contact with. The Lord has sent each of you into our world and you have brought us peace and comfort.

We are truly blessed and our gratitude is eternal.

EVERY DAY IS SUNSHINE!

-Bruce

Recent News

Hi Friends and Family,

We wanted to post a brief update on Bruce. We found out in April that his cancer is back. A routine scan showed that his cancer has reoccurred in his pancreas, and spread to his liver. Because of this his prognosis has changed significantly. His number one priority is to maximize his quality of life and spend as much time with the people he loves as possible. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy in an effort to prolong the time that he have left with us.

Last week our entire family was able to be together on the Oregon Coast. There was lots of beach time, card playing and bonding. We're thankful for every moment we have. Below is a picture of Gramie and Pops with Sloane, Nikki's daughter. This bench over-looked the ocean, and was the perfect spot to watch all the family play in the sand and water.

Thanks to you all for your on-going love and support to our family.

Love,

The Ricks Family

Update & hopefully the last post!

Since the last update I had a clean CT 3 months ago and at that time had some elevated blood indicators but no alerts. Now, three months later I can report that not only the CT but also the blood reports, as well cancer markers, are very conclusive to the fact that each one is in a very positive and trending NORMAL direction. My energy is very good, and I also have to factor in age, ya think, when thinking that I am not where I want to be--it is nice to be OLDER.

I have achieved a bucket list task and have set a "person best" record in that I HAD 2, COUNT THEM, 2 granddaughters in less than 30 days. Brynlee and Bernadette -- yahoo for me!! Since then we have found out that Dale and Dane Smith are trying to help their dad break my record by both their wives being due the same day (go figure).

When we counseled with Dr. Hauk, my oncologist, on June 29th, and he reviewed the blood work, I could tell he was tempted to not recommend the next CT in 3 months, because of all the good indicators. But staying true to form of caution, I am scheduled for another one in 3.

I can truthfully express to all the miracle I have experienced due to God allowing me to stay and the overwhelming love extended by all.

I am back, living! I am not sure what is in store tomorrow, as you all are not, but I do know that today I am trying to live and appreciate air, sunsets, baby cries, hearing about dirty diapers, skylanders, hulk, princesses (too many to name), skyping with a rubber duck in hand, getting giggles all the way from Chicago, and hearing my bride say that I am still "her favorite". Living, ain't it great!

Thank you Father. And thank you all.

All my love - now go live.

The Bruce

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!


 

Christmas Update

Well, since the last posting, I have had 2 CT's showing no signs of issues (cancer). So now, instead of doing CT's every 3 months, we are discontinuing them and doing blood draws every 3 months watching for cancer markers.

It is so hard to go from "you're going to probably die" to the word CURED. Still trying to get my head around the reversal, and recognizing the Lords hand, the support from so, so, so many, and my wonderful bride that held my hand at every juncture in this journey.

You also know that you're on a good path when the port that was implanted in your chest has been removed (on Nov. 21st). It was a happy Thanks just before Thanksgiving. We are giving thanks in so many ways that I am having a hard time counting them.

I was asked, many times, what my "bucket list" was. I thought about this and melted it down to the fact that I wanted my grandchildren to remember me so I needed to stay for that and to my pleasure at this writing announce that our family is expecting 2 more of those choice spirits next year! The bestest!

Also I have noted that the Lord looked at taking me, and noting that I am a bit of a handful, and that Jeanie has me better trained, decided to leave me here to continue giving ya'll a bit of heartburn. I am the most blessed guy you know and praise our Father in Heaven for granting me this extended stay.

Hug all those you can, and squeeze extra hard.

May this Christmas season bring you all of the blessings the Lord has in store for us, even trials that strengthen our ties to Him. Here's a fantastic Christmas video for your viewing pleasure.

. 

Our Love,
Bruce and Jeanie

11 Months

Hi Friends and Family, 

Pasted below is an email my Dad sent to our family a couple days ago. It's been a long, crazy, strenuous 11 months, but we're so very grateful for all the good news we've received lately - and for all the hope we have for a great future together. 

Here's a picture of the old guy. He's been walking every morning to help build up his endurance and strength. (Nice red pants, Dad.) ;)

Love to all, 

Jamie

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Family,

Yup, it has been 11 months to the day, 6-2, since I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I am writing you all to tell you that I am still getting the very best of care from doctors, as well family.

Last Friday I did an extensive blood work up. The following morning, Dr Weaver called with the results and until I get the printout suffice it to say he wanted us to hear the good news that all my levels are in great shape!

Then yesterday, Monday the 2nd (anniversary 11 months ago) I went for a CT scan, and at 5:36 Dr Mandell called to say that she had good news - "basically there is nothing bad." The tiny things in the lungs that were a concern remain the same and we feel it is normal old scar tissue and unrelated to the cancer!!!!! The tumor markers had been at 17.75 but were down to 12.9 - all good trending and safe levels. So it seems that doctors like to give good news and I am blessed to have them in my life.

I will be going to Dr. Hague on the 12th for a eye to eye evaluation from him regarding the CT, and I doubt that there is anything different he will tell us, but we are looking forward to his prognosis.

As always, I am the most blessed guy you all know and am blessed to have you all in my life.

So looking forward to more contact with all of you soon!


All my love,


Dad

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