In preparing for Bruce's funeral service, we would love your help and support one more time.
If you have any photos with Bruce in them we would love to include them during Bruce's service.
PHOTOS can be sent please to ; thehoultons@hotmail.com
For any messages to Bruce's family ; rob.mcchesney.1@gmail.com
Rest in Peace Bruce.
29.03.1960 - 21.09.2024
Bruce fought soooo unbelievably hard, but lost his battle yesterday.
His final hours were calm and peaceful, and he was surrounded by his family.
To his friends, colleagues, and all of those who knew him - wherever in the world you may be - thank you. Bruce treasured friendships, connections, and people. He loved having you in his world, and he spoke often of being grateful for his life. Thank you.
Remember him.
Speak of him.
He'll always be a part of us.
And finally, thank you Bruce.
It has been and honour, and a privilege, to have had you as part of our world.
Go in peace.
Rest.
Thank you.
Just a courtesy update for those further afield...
Bruce continues his battles, always with grace and dignity. He never complains, always looks for the good, and sees only positives.
His battle is one of courage, determination, and inspiration.
That being said, cancer is an insidious and unrelenting foe. Bruce would often comment from early days "I'm not getting out of this alive..." Life's a bit like that for all of us...
He has always appreciated the thoughts and best wishes from those who have been in contact from around the world. Life is about connections and relationships, and Bruce treasures them. Thank you.
Thanks to everyone who has reached out and assisted in any way - large or small. Bruce often speaks of being grateful. Simple joys bring the greatest pleasure.
If you're inclined, feel free to reach out to Bruce. He may or may not be able to reply - but he will know that you are thinking of him, and he values that.
Bruce's has been a battle fought with honour.
Our thoughts remain with him always.
You'll never walk alone Bruce.
Hi there
I haven't run the content of the update past Bruce for his ok. But I reckon I can outrun him at the moment anyways... I've got him covered...
A QUICK UPDATE
Firstly, cancer's a bastard. F@ck cancer.
In Bruce's case, he is getting the full suite of experiences. Unfortunately.
The journey inevitably has ups and downs, and we learned some time back to roll with the punches.
The good news is that the latest scans revealed all tumours to be shrinking, and that means that the treatments aimed at the cancer ARE proving effective. The radiation, the chemo, and the Keytruda have combined to reduce the size of each of the tumours, and no new tumours have appeared. We like that.
There are side effects that come and go - most noticeably pain, and nausea.
For most of the last few months there hadn't be any crises. Most reactions and side effects were predicted, and within expected parameters.
In the last few weeks the pain has kicked up a notch, which isn't ideal. With urgency, the doctors are looking to control the pain. It's a different team of doctors that is looking to understand the cause of the pain, with a view to treating that underlying cause.
Bruce continues to respond with good grace and humour, and is tenacious in the battle. I am in awe of someone who stares down the pain and insidiousness of his cancer, and thinks of those around him and appreciates all those who are helping.
He is fighting on.
He continues to be an inspiration.
He will never walk alone.
Rob
Hi there
The Givealittle page for Bruce is soon to close.
I just thought I'd extend it an extra few days because I realise that there may be some people for whom the page is the only means of gaining any update regarding Bruce's welfare.
For those wanting an update in the future, if you email me directly - I'll include you on any future updates.
Please contact me directly at ; rob@electclean.com.au
And, just one final time, THANK YOU everyone for all of the thoughts, wishes, donations, and support.
Bruce, you'll never walk alone.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
We only asked for time. For hope. For a chance...
Today we received the the most important oncology report since Bruce's battle began. The results are as good as we could possibly have hoped for.
SEVERAL INDICATORS ARE ALL POINTING IN THE SAME POSITIVE DIRECTION.
We are soooooooooo happy !!!
Today's results included a comparison between the number and size of tumours on Day 1 of treatment, and the same detail after 4 Keytruda treatments. There are no additional tumours. Of the tumours that were there on Day 1, most have shrunk, and those that didn't at least haven't grown. The oncologist is pleased with the results so far.
There are other indicators too that signal that the treatment to date is working. Pain reduction / sleep patterns / medication reduction / mobility etc.
So, where to from here ?
Firstly and most importantly, we continue the treatment !
Radiation finished some time ago.
Chemo will continue until just before Christmas.
And Keytruda will carry on happening on every 3rd week !! YAHOOOO !!
Again, thank you all soooooooo much.
We've extended the date for receiving donations for anyone wishing to contribute.
We always hoped and set out for Keytruda to work. Now that it has, there is a LOT of treatment costs to find funding for.
But we'll find it !
We're with Bruce every step of the way !!
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!
We've received GREAT news regarding Bruce's treatment, and have extended the date to receive donations - because the treatment is working, and we need to continue it on. YAHOOOOO !!!
Thank you to ALL of those who have provided encouraging words, or support in any of many ways. Thank you.
Bruce's battle continues on, and he continues to face it with grace and composure.
Radiation of the primary tumour finished in August, and was successful in reducing the size of that tumour.
We are now some way into the Keytruda (immunotherapy) treatment, and it is so far without side-effects or complications.
In further good news, Bruce's medical team have commenced him on chemo treatment which he is tolerating well (so far, and touch wood). The treatment is weekly - 3 consecutive Mondays, then a week off. Next week he starts the 2nd cycle of 3 treatments.
It is a cycle of treatment / response / test / consult / and back to treatment, and around again. Bruce bears the process with dignity and determination. Tough times reveal true character, and his resolve and character is unyielding. A gruelling burden, shouldered without complaint.
We are and always will be soooooooooooo appreciative of the support around Bruce. 'Thank you' will never convey the depth of the gratitude that we feel.
The journey continues.
We know there are many people out there supporting Bruce in his journey.
Never alone...
(Continues previous post...)
The Keytruda treatment has commenced, and occurs every 3rd week. The transfusions don’t take long to administer, and seem to be without side effect.
For those in NZ, you may have noticed the public discussion surrounding the potential introduction of public funding for 13 nominated cancer drugs. Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is on the list, which is confirmation of the faith in and credibility of the drug amongst the medical fraternity. No one chooses a cancer experience – at all, let alone the timing. It would seem Bruce may be amongst the last of patients to need to fund the $100k + for Keytruda treatment.
And in encouraging news, Bruce’s oncologists have scheduled to commence chemo treatment in coming weeks. The more treatment the better !
Again, thanks to everyone who has provided support in any of so many valuable ways ; drivers who did the transport run during the radio treatment / people who have phoned or zoomed / those who have dropped in with a meal / anyone with a kind word and a word of encouragement – for Bruce and or his support team / and those who have donated. The support has been palpable – and so often lands just in a moment when it is needed most. 😊 Thank you.
Bruce, you’ll never walk alone.
We’re with you.
We appreciate all of the support and thoughts and encouragement that have come Bruce’s way in recent weeks and months. Sincerely, thank you.
A quick update on a couple of things - and I'll have to do it via two posts because there is a limit on how long each post can be...
Some people have noticed that the ‘payee’ details on the page have changed out of my name, to Pauline’s. It was an administrative requirement, and no more than that. My NZ Wise account did not meet Givealittle’s banking requirements, so we needed to transfer the banking details to a different NZ account. Pauline is Richard McChesney’s partner of 100 years. 😊
Bruce has now completed his course of radiation treatment. Different people react and respond in different ways. Unfortunately, for Bruce the treatment did prove painful and uncomfortable. But he plowed his way through it without complaint, and it has proven effective in reducing the size of the primary tumour.
(Continues in separate post...)
As per the request of the family, Pauline Fowell (partner of Bruce's Brother Richard) will now receive and disburse the funds to Bruce.
