BRUCE’s Story

Site created on October 26, 2008

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. It has been created to keep friends and family updated about our loved one.

My Story is the introduction to our CaringBridge site.

Be sure to read the latest in the journal, view the photo gallery, and drop us a line in the guestbook.

Around fathers day of this year, Bruce began complaining of a sore throat and swollen gland. He visited the Dr. and was given AB but didn't seem to improved. After four separate scripts for the AB and still no improvement, the Dr. ordered a Cat Scan of his neck. At that time he told us his gut feeling was that it was lymphoma. After the CAT scan he set up an appt with a vascular surgeon because this lymph node was wrapped around the Right Carotid artery and a regular ENT dr. wouldn't attempt the biobsy. The Biobsy was

on Friday, Oct. 17th. When Dr. Schultz came out afterwards he said it looked worrisome. Thus began our roller coaster ride. We waited all weekend, not knowing what to expect. Finally on Monday I called our family Dr. and told them we wanted to know the results as soon as possible. He called us back about 3:30 that afternoon and asked us to come in. The news was not good. It was metestatic sqaumous cell carcinoma, at this point they didn't know the primary site so he ordered another CT of the abdomen, lungs and MRI of the brain. The clinic called us the next day and a cheerful nurse said the results of all these tests were negative. But this didn't give us much encouragement as we already knew that he had cancer. Our family Dr. had set up an appt with Dr. Lee, an Ears, Throat and Nose specialist who specializes in tumors of the head and neck. This is a very confident physician and after examining Bruce he immediately said he could see the tumor. I asked why didn't it show up on the CAT scan and he said, It did, they just didn't see it (This was the very first Cat Scan he had done). This Dr. has seen many of these cases and he was very encouraging. He said with treatment there was a 60% chance of being cured. He did say it would require some aggressive treatment and it wouldn't be pleasant. Bruce is scheduled for a PET scan on Monday and then Wed. another same day surgery procedure, to take some tissue samples to determine the stage of the cancer. Then the next Tuesday he will meet with his team and they will determine what treatment is best. Sometimes it doesn't even seem real...like Bruce said, he keeps thinking he is going to wake up from a bad dream. Please keep him in your prayers as this is going to be a rough few weeks, but we are hopeful and confident that everything will turn out ok

Newest Update

December 19, 2019

Journal entry by LINDA GRIEME —

Can't believe that it was one year ago today that Bruce received his stem cells from a generous, unknown donor who has given him another chance at living.  We are ever so grateful to him, to all the physicians and medical personnel that we have had the privilege of meeting on this journey, and above 
all thankful to God for placing the right people in the right place every time we needed them and for His constant faithfulness during this roller coaster ride.  He has continued to have a few bumps in the road, and after his last hospitalization here in August, he was readmitted to Nebraska Medical Center for about a week and then to a nursing home in Nebraska to have some extra rehab.  unfortunately that last stay at the nursing home didn't seem to help him much and he really has done much better since getting home.  He struggles with weakness, has finally started eating better.  Went through a time of in home physical therapy and now goes to outpatient therapy twice a week.  That along with
various doctor appointments seems to keep us busy.  Now the good news....He remains in remission, and at this point there is no sign of his cancer!  Once we get over some of these other issues, none of which are life threatening, maybe we can start enjoying our retirement!  Although, as someone once said, I would rather do nothing with him here, than everything without him! We truly feel so blessed and so fortunate that he has done as well as he has, and the outcomes of all of his complications could have ended so differently...blood clots in leg and lungs, brain bleed, kidney damage, all could have been much worse...to say we are thankful is putting it mildly!  Not only is he doing much better, but he was able to be here to welcome our 11th grandchild, a beautiful little boy. 
We want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!  Remember to not major on the minors, take one day at a time, show those you have been blessed with how much you love them and enjoy all the little things in life!  And...above all Remember the Reason for the Season!

Linda
Read More of the journal titled "December 19, 2019"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help BRUCE Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like BRUCE's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for BRUCE

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top