Grilling Out!

So at the last minute, I called the house lastnight, Bru-man answered! Kinda caught me of guard that he answered. Asked what he was doing, he was watching myth busters. Asked if he wanted us to come out and grill up some burgers, he said yep. So we loaded up the family and our lab majzey to go visit her favorite place on earth..........Grandma's house.

Dan whipped up some yummy burgers, maizey hunted down some minnows and we spent a great night with Bruce. His face is pretty swollen, he seems to be getting around pretty good. All good things. He does get a bit grumpy these days, that's part of the brain cancer, hard not to take it personally. He got irritated with Maddie for having hiccups. I chuckled, he said, "why can't she just stop or go outside or something?" ha- it doesn't work that way Bru, Maddie was a trooper about it though! I would have cried! I guess I'm a bit more dramatic than Maddie.

We had a great conversation at dinner. Bru did say that he is having constant blurry vision, to be expected!

Alls well that ends well, we had a great dinner, enjoyed a great conversation. Dan committed to coming out and grilling for him each week, it's a refreshing change from all the meals that are prepared. Meals we are very thankful for, but nice to have a change up!

Continue to visit, I can't imagine how boring the TV gets after awhile! He reads a lot! If you have any great books you think he would enjoy, Mom makes trips to the library weekly.

I hope that everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather, the dock is almost in. Hopefully we can get the elevator fixed and the Bru-man can go down to the dock and enjoy a gin and tonic!

Love and thanks to all!

MRI RESULTS & DR VISIT

Good evening all, as most of you know today was Bruce's follow up visit with the Dr. after his last MRI. Dr. was glad to see Bruce doing so well. He informed us that the face & neck swelling is due to the steroids not from fluid building up in his head. YEA!
However there were indications on the MRI that the tumor is starting to spread at the top & bottom areas where the first tumor was removed. This will continue to spread to other areas as we are all aware. :( . The Dr. said we will notice small changes ie: more tremors, unusual outbursts, fatigue, headaches and more small siezures. The seizures are periods of tremors or trembling & staring off as if he is not hearing us. We have noticed he is sleeping more and wanting to stay around home rather than going out.
He also was diagnosed with Shingles of all things!!! Family Dr. has put him on medication for that and his seizures meds. were increased up another dose.
We will follow up with the Dr. in 6 weeks and if any changes the Dr. told us to call him with any questions.
If anything changes we will post it right away. If you'd like to visit please give one of us a call to schedule a time. Hope all of you are enjoying this beautiful weather! Bruce & Val went out to Duck Lake channel after the Dr. appt. and enjoyed some time in the sun.
Thanks again to everyone for your continued support, prayers & help. The prepared meals have been a godsend!! Love, The Rissi Family

Update & Thanks

Hello to all, just thought I'd post a quick note about the MRI. We haven't seen the doctor as of yet, Wed., March 21 we will be off to see him. The nurse did touch base with us & said there was not much change. However we have seen some changes in Bruce the last 10 days. He seems to be more lethargic and not quite as energetic as before. Of course the swelling is increasing as I'm sure you all noticed in the pictures. We will post something as soon as we see the doctor next week I promise!
I would like to Thank all of you that attended the gathering for Bruce...... it was a wonderful evening and we all enjoyed seeing & visiting with Bruce's many friends and family. He is very lucky to have so many wonderful friends and supporters. All I can say is the evening went way too fast and if we didn't get to touch base with all of you,we are sorry, but we knew you were there and truly appreciate all of the help & support from all of you.
Please keep in mind that Bruce loves to have visitors and wishes to see any & all.
Thanks again, Di

Smiling Faces.....from the Celebration!!!

All right, finally had time to get the photos developed and now am loading them onto the blog for everyone to see.  You are ALL amazing!!!  Thank you for sharing that special night with our family.  You have all touched our lives, and we hope we have touched yours as well  :)  On another note, Bruce has another MRI scheduled for tomorrow morning.  Don't know how long it will take to get the results from that but will post on the blog what is happening in the brain as far as the spread of cancer and location of such.  Bruce is still doing well, although more lethargic.  He is still mobile but not getting around as much.  Not sure if that is lack of interest by him or the brain misfiring (probably both)!  He is still incredibly upbeat, laughing/smiling every day, and that brings such joy to all of us who are privileged to be in his presence, but it is typical Bruce Rissi style, now isn't it??  Be in touch soon!  Enjoy the love in the pix below!!  NOTE:  The first photo was taken by Karla Lenker as she was entering Above and Beyond.  Notice the single ray of light emanating towards Heaven.  A blessed sign, dontcha think??  


                                                                   Bruce and Val