Bruce Hinrichs

First post: Oct 23, 2019 Latest post: Apr 14, 2023
We’ve decided to start a Caring Bridge page for Bruce to give some updates about his treatment. As many of you know Bruce was diagnosed with sarcoma for a second time in August. Since that time the doctors at Mayo have laid out a treatment plan involving a short round of radiation treatment on his hip followed by multiple rounds of chemotherapy. 

Bruce's cancer story began in 2017 when he noticed a lump growing on his left thigh. At first he didn't think too much of it, but as it grew he became more concerned. In December, he met with an orthopedic surgeon who immediately ordered an MRI. The results of the MRI confirmed what the surgeon was suspicious of - a large tumor called a sarcoma. We were sent to the U of M where they did a biopsy, followed by a PET scan. We eventually  opted to go to the Mayo Clinic for treatment. Bruce had 5 weeks of radiation followed by surgery to remove the tumor. They removed an 8 pound tumor from his thigh along with his ham string.  He had follow up check ups every three months and was feeling really good. Unfortunately, during his scan in August they found a large mass on his right kidney, and spots on his hip, clavicle, and down his spine.


Through both cancer journeys the Lord has given us a verse that we can cling to through the ups and downs of cancer diagnosis and treatments. Not only are the verses perfect for each journey, but the way the Lord has given them to us is truly amazing. The first verse was given to us through a man playing the grand piano at the Mayo Clinic. He began visiting with Bruce between songs and shared his cancer story. He gave Bruce a book he had written, along with the verse, "Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7. That verse became a source of strength and comfort throughout his first cancer journey. In August, after we had been told Bruce's cancer had returned, we were feeling pretty discouraged. We decided we needed to get out of our hotel room - maybe we would get a new perspective. Now, I really love how the Lord works - he decided to give us our verse in a big, bold way! As we were sitting at a stop light, this big beefed up pick up - big tires, loud muffler - drives up into the turn lane and plastered across the tailgate of the pick up in big bold letters is the verse "Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God will go with you." Joshua 1:9 -(paraphrased) We knew immediately that God had just given us our verse for this next cancer journey. Here is the complete verse: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 For those of you who are in the middle of your cancer journey or on the other side of it, you know how scary and discouraging it can be, but thankfully we don't have to go through it alone or with our own strength! God is going to be with us every step of the way and we are going to draw from that strength as we travel this journey.

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