Category: Uncategorized

Not much happened today. Had breakfast. Was woken up by the sound of the baby bird outside. I’m glad he’s back to tweeting each morning. I was worried about him last night. He was very quiet. Chip did not seem to mind this morning. Last night Pancake, was instigating his brother Chip at bedtime. Causing him to cry to him. We put Pancake in the room with Chip for a few. He seems to calm him down. Then we collected him and he came to bed.

Today I just watched some more Andor on Disney+. Not a big fan but a good story in the SW universe. I made some lunch today in the air fryer. It’s nice to have a hot lunch every once in a while. I didn’t feel like a PB&J Sandwich today. I did some PT exercises while my lunch was cooking in the kitchen. The cats swarmed my legs when I was in the kitchen today. They like to get in my way whenever I go in the kitchen.

I’m a bit tired today. I took a small nap after lunch and decided to bathe after the nap. I’m debating on baking some mac and cheese from Costco. We have the leftover Meatloaf tonight but I probably should cook this and be done, then maybe freeze some of it for next week. I’d hate for it to go to waste. I also forgot tomatoes on my orders this week.

So not much today. I did some work this morning and spoke with my assistant. I had a zoom call with a different doc today. Not cancer related.

Please consider helping out below.
I created this and the other registry.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/bruces-battle-inoperable-brain-cancer?lang=en_US&v=amp14_c

Thank you for stopping by
~Bruce

Hey little friend,
I hear you out there each day
Tweeting, calling to your parents
What happened to you?
I’m sad but glad your parents are sticking
around to keep you safe.
This afternoon you have been so quiet.
I hope you are ok.
You make Chip nervous and wake him up early.
It’s odd not hearing your calls today. Please be ok.

Today was a light ish day. Started with some breakfast, coffee and a banana. Watched a bit of the news. Mom came by and brought some donuts. I had a Krueller, probably shouldn’t have lol but it was good. We had lunch. Some grilled chicken and some bbq sauce. It was good. All protein.

PT came by around 12:30. He put me thru the ringer with exercises today. I broke a sweat. This annoying guy actually got mad at Chip for going near his laptop today. He yelled at my baby boy and said I need to keep a spray bottle handy. Bro, I don’t come to your house and tell you how to live, don’t come into mine and tell me how to raise my cats. I said absolutely not and I wanted to toss him out on his behind. I said that’s abuse and he wanted to go back and forth with me. I said guy, it’s traumatic for them. I would never do that. I don’t think he liked me pushing back at him. Oh well. These are MY cats not yours. They’re my babies. I will die on that hill. Try me. After all of that, we parted ways and he discharged me from home healthcare.

OT came by around 3pm. I was finishing up in the bathroom getting cleaned up from the PT. She was much nicer to Chip. She petted him and let him sniff her laptop. She didn’t once get mad or tell me how to treat my babies. She and the PT guy said I’ve come a long way since they started coming here for therapy. I’ve been doing my exercises most days when they aren’t here. Not everyday but most days. I don’t want to fall in a “hole” or anything so I keep my strength up with the exercises. I am more independent with my needs now than I was at the start. I’m bathing myself, preparing meals, light clean up with dishes after meals etc. Trying my best and darndest to do it on my own. So both “graduated” me from my therapy. So happy to be done with them. No more strangers in the house, no more snide comments about my kitties. GTFO with that nonsense. These babies are more valuable than some human life. I will defend my boys to my dying days.

I spoke with the specialty pharmacy this afternoon in regards to the TMZ chemo meds. Kind of a patient orientation to the drug. The nurse was nice, she asked about my other meds and if I had any questions regarding the dosage and schedule of taking it. Seems pretty straight forward. I can read a label and not mix it up. I just have a lot of meds to take now.

I’m typing more and more without the use of the patch. As long as I’m not too tired and can see within 18-24″ I don’t have the double vision as bad. Distance is the issue though. Anything beyond that distance above is double but not like it was after the biopsy. Each day is better. Each day I move better, see better, feel better.

I’ve started watching Andor on Disney+ It seems like a good show. Kind of slow to start and I half watched the first few episodes. But it’s gripping me. I’m in.

So I have a bit less than two weeks before the chemo and radiation start. I am so hopeful I can sail through it. One of my friends recommended some burn cream. I ordered some on Amazon. I also ordered some Nectar Hydration booster. I saw in a cancer group that it could be very beneficial after treatment to stay hydrated with this water additive. I’ll give it a go. Another of my friends sent me some protein shakes. I’m eager to try those but I’m not sure if I should save them for when I start the treatment to help with the loss of appetite. We’ll see how it goes.

I’m maintaining my positive outlook. What choice do we have as humans? Are we to sit back and sulk, not a chance. I don’t particularly care for the woe is me bs. I’d rather stay mentally fit and strong. Plus who wants that sad sack around? I sure as heck don’t.

I’m making some Costco Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes tonight with a salad. Just gotta throw that in the oven when it’s time. It should only take about 40-45 minutes. This feeds me and my wife 3 meals. I’ve been pretty good about stretching meals. Last night I cooked some salmon for the wife. It was easy just baked it in the oven. She said it was good but not like the one I make. She said this one had too much pepper etc. Kinda spicy for her. I don’t really care for fish, just lobster, scallops, shrimp and oysters. That’s the extent of my love for seafood. No fish, just shell fish for me, thanks. Idk, something about fish just rubs me wrong. I’ll tear up some shell fish though.

So that was my day, kinda annoying and almost tossed the PT guy out before my discharge but I’m so happy to be done with the appointments. Yes!!

Thank you so much for peeking into my days.
I really appreciate you all very much.
~Bruce

Well let’s start with the egg bites. They were Gold Jerry, Gold! Texture, size, mouthfeel all of it. We nailed it! Steam function is the way to go for them. I used my Ninja multi cooker and the steam function. I just have to remember to keep water in the machine otherwise it won’t steam and will take longer. I think they took about 9-11 minutes from start to finish in the multicooker. So silky and smooth. The taste was amazing, just bacon and gruyere/gouda blend. Salt, pepper, garlic and paprika. We used no fat blended cottage cheese as well as some milk.

So let’s get in to the appointment. I started out with bloodwork. They poked and prodded my arm again. This will be weekly going forward. Then, we met with the Radiation Oncologist, Dr PG. He explained what would happen today. Mask fitting, CT Simulation and scheduling the radiation, 33 treatments. Yikes! 5 days a week for 6ish weeks. My first radiation treatment is 05.27.2025 I asked after the fitting if I or they could take my pic strapped in to the mask on the table and was DENIED. I wanted to see what I looked like strapped down. But they thought differently. No pic for you!

Now let’s get into the headspace aspect of it. Right now, I’m ok. I have 2 weeks to prepare myself for this treatment schedule. The treatment duration is only about 15 minutes per radiation session. Not too bad. I am glad I won’t be there hours on end. I can have the treatment and head home and rest from it. I’ve got a great support system around me. I am so thankful for it. My wife, family, blood and in laws have stepped up so much. I couldn’t be more grateful for them or all they’ve done for me. I’m trying my best to maintain positive attitude and head space. I think I’m doing ok through it. I know I can be short at times but I’m working on that.

I’m hopeful that the double vision should go away soon. Each day is better with it. Sometimes I don’t even wear the patch anymore. I also am hopeful and pray that the balance issues will lessen as time goes on. I’d love to be able to take myself to my treatments and not rely on others but at the same token, I know I can’t drive just yet. Freedom to go anywhere and do anything stinks when it’s ripped away from you. I know I have to be patient and allow my body to heal itself on it’s own terms. There’s no rushing this. I have learned that the cancer game is a lot of hurry up and wait for this and that. I hate waiting. I can be very impatient with certain things.

So now we know when it starts. We have a plan, a schedule and I will be ready to face it head on, pun intended.
Hey Rudy, we’re coming for you. Rudy is the name I gave to my tumor. I hate Rudy, I’ve never met one or met one I’ve liked. F you Rudy. You are going down bud!

Thank you for stopping by.
~Bruce

PS, if you can check out my link to a cancer help site, anything helps, and I appreciate all who have helped thus far.
https://registry.wegotthis.org/registries/bruce-mclarty

Today was wild with the rain. Much needed as Florida has been in a severe drought. I worried about the family driving today. Lots of accidents on the news. Mom came up and hung out this morning til my PT got here. We had a nice chopped salad from somewhere, I can’t remember where she got it. It was good, nice and fresh ingredients. I had a couple of crackers after. The rain has since subsided and it’s sunny out. There’s a baby bird outside the window tweeting up a storm. I hope he’s ok. Chip has been nervous about him. He’s been tweeting for a couple days now. I see his parents swoop down to check on him. I’m not sure what happened with him but his presence is known.

So I had my penultimate PT appointment today. Lots of seated and standing exercises. I broke a sweat with it again today. The PT guy said I am improving. Practice makes perfect. Tomorrow will be the first appointment for bloodwork and CT Simulation for the chemo and radiation therapy. Still nervous to do this but will attack it head on.

We finished the last of lasts weeks egg bites today. I can’t wait to try the new method tomorrow. I’m tempted to have one to try but don’t want to break into them just yet. They’re calling me in. I know it’s just some breakfast food but we have been trying to find that perfect bite. Texturally and look wise they seem perfect. It’s all about that mouth feel though.

My balance has been somewhat better today being on a higher dose of the steroid this morning. I’m hopeful to stay on this dose but I know my Oncologist wants to taper off them. I’m not too sure about a full taper off. I’ve read many stories online in FB Support groups of people tapering off and having a seizure. This is not something I want to deal with. If I seize up, no driving for 6 months minimum. That would suck. I still haven’t driven since my biopsy. I won’t allow myself, let alone my family won’t let me. I know what is best and I am in no position to even sit behind the wheel. It’s killing me not having that freedom to go anywhere and do anything. I haven’t even ridden in my jeep since the biopsy. It’s just easier to get in the wife’s car to go places rather than climb up in the Gladiator, Rooster.

I watched a couple of Youtube videos with my mom today. I like this one travel blogger, Kurt Caz. He went to Iraq in one of the videos. Wild stuff.

Not much else happened today, hang with mom, lunch, PT and now this typing. Got some work done this morning. Plenty of spam calls came through, how annoying. I answer them though because I don’t know which is spam or doctors. I’m hoping I don’t have to fast tomorrow. Bloodwork is at 1pm. I figure if I eat early like 5am, I should be fine if it is fasting. Fasting is usually nothing after midnight right? So if I eat at 5am, and my appointment is at 1pm that should be plenty of time between. I’ll ask my team today.

Thank you for stopping by
~Bruce

Today started with cats screaming to wake us up. Chip wanted to get up at 6am. Baby boy, it’s Sunday, we’re trying to sleep just a bit longer. Pancake was banging on our door to come in around 7am. Come on boys, let us sleep. Not happening. They’re so spoiled. I got up and brushed my teeth. Got my breakfast ready and they just left us alone. Not even a cool morning hang. Thanks guys, I appreciate you just wanting us awake. Next time, let us sleep.

Scanxiety had my mind going all night. I was honestly surprised I got any sleep period. My mind was racing with thoughts of the tumor growing or migrating to my spine. Well guess what!??! No change in size, extent or appearance! It’s stable once again. Unremarkable findings. Woo hoo! I’m so happy! I was nervous as can be opening up my patient portal and checking my radiology results this morning. I was grinning ear to ear reading it. I know I’m still super early on this journey but no change in size etc is just what I needed to see.

We made more bacon and gouda egg bites today. This time we used the ninja multicooker on a steam function. This is the key to the texture we have been looking for. Slow steam about 11-15 minutes. Silky, spongey and soft. I can’t wait to try them. It’s not that the other ways we tried were wrong, they were also delicious. This is the way we were expecting them to come out.

Tomorrow, my mom is coming up to hang out a bit. My chemo meds should deliver tomorrow. Tuesday, I have pre chemo/radiation bloodwork and a CT Simulation and possible mask fitting.

Happy Mother’s Day ladies! Enjoy today, it is yours. We all appreciate our wives and mothers. We know how hard you work to take care of us and love us.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

Today started out great. Got to sleep in a bit. The cats woke us up crying and knocking on doors. You can’t sleep too late with these two. I prepared my breakfast and ate. Relaxed until it was time to go for the MRI of my brain.

The Cancer Center told us to go to a certain valet area for the scan. There was no one there and no wheelchairs available. We parked at a different valet area with some help. Got the wheelchair because it’s a big campus and proceeded to check in. We were a couple minutes late at this point because of the valet situation. The staff didn’t seem to mind. Got checked in and waited for my contrast IV. Got that done and changed to my MRI gown and pants. Then waited for the tech to come collect me. It was somewhat of a ghost town there on Saturdays. I didn’t mind it one bit. It seemed busy in the MRI waiting area but we really didn’t have to wait too long. The staff here has been wonderful. I think in the future I’d like to have the scans done on the weekend like this. Much easier and closer to home.

So the tech gets me and brings me to the back. Get this, they actually played the music for me through the headphones this time. Score! I close my eyes and drift off to sounds of the MRI clanging, banging and Stevie Nicks. AC/DC woke me up and the tech started the contrast. At this point I know the scan is almost over but I still close my eyes and drift off again. It’s a wonder where you can sleep when you’re so tired.

We finished that and I got redressed to leave. We stopped off at McDonald’s for a happy meal. Not the best idea but it was yummy. Cheeseburger and fries, yummy. I skipped the drink. My wife surprised me with some cookies while I was in the scan.

On the way to the MRI appointment, I called my local Pharmacy today because I hadn’t received a text notifying me of my RX refill request for steroids. I’m glad I called because they said they didn’t have enough to fill it and it wouldn’t be available til well after I was out. I asked them if there was another location we could use and he said he could partially fill it but insurance wouldn’t cover til Friday. Well, I’m gonna run out tomorrow. We gotta figure this out. I can’t just stop the steroids without a taper off them. Luckily they had a partial to fill so I will have enough for tonight and hopefully pick it up tomorrow after lunch.

Florida has been in a drought lately. We are getting some much needed rain as we speak. I’m glad we made it home before the rain started. I have been having a terrible time the past couple days walking. Just tired and weak. I couldn’t imagine walking in while it was raining. I’m glad the heavens didn’t open up until we were home.

The boys have been good today. Pancake is hanging out with me in the room. Maybe it’s the rain keeping them calm today. Who knows with them sometimes. They can be so active then just bumps on a log. Depends on the day I guess.

I posted about starting a help registry on https://wegotthis.org/registries/bruce-mclarty If you are so inclined to help a guy like me it is very much appreciated. Just go to that site and search my last name McLarty and Florida. It really helps me not worry about groceries. Thank you so much

Scanxiety is a real thing. Not knowing what will be seen or unseen. Having a looming feeling it can all go to shi+.
I am hoping for more good news with this MRI. I will keep you all updated as to these results. Hopefully no growth or migration. Fingers crossed. I pray each day, for good news and easy times ahead. I have chemo and radiation bloodwork Tuesday along with a CT simulation and mask fitting the same day. My chemo meds will deliver Monday according to tracking. I’m kinda nervous to get started but at the same time I want to get started with treatment.

Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my days. I really appreciate all of you keeping up with me. Much love to you and yours. I stay positive through faith, love and family.

~Bruce

Today I got up, had breakfast and started my day. Like most other days. I spoke with my assistant this morning. Processed a couple invoices and placed a phone order with another vendor. Easy right?

Lunch came and I heated up my meal, sat at the table and ate. I got a small Instacart order delivered in, put that away. Normal new way of life.

The cat’s only came around when I was walking around the kitchen. I wish they were more needy. Chip climbed on me this morning. I love that. I grab him and he gives me a loving look somewhere between I want to kill you and you’re the light of my life.

I spoke with one of my nurses about the Proton radiation therapy and how the only place offering it was in downtown Orlando. That’s not going to happen. She said she understood my reservations about going there 5x/week for 6 weeks. That’s too dang far. 2 hours each way plus the time itself for the treatment. No thanks. The local place is 15-20 mins for Photon Radiation. I’m good. All the proton places don’t open up til 2026 around here. Oh well. I discussed increasing my steroid back to a higher dosage. She told Dr P and that is approved. I will start the same dose as last week tomorrow. Hopefully that will give some relief to these symptoms, unsteadiness and slight headache. Nothing too bad, but definitely noticeable.

I have another MRI Brain scheduled tomorrow, Saturday at 11am. I did my pre-registration for it. All set to go. Tuesday afternoon, I have a CT simulation for the radiation. This will likely have the mask fitting as well. It’s all going to be starting soon. My chemo meds will deliver from a specialty Pharmacy Tuesday as well. I requested a refill on my steroid as I’m getting low. That should be available tomorrow for pick up through my local Pharmacy.

I saw an ad on social media for a site for helping cancer patients. wegotthis.org I made a registry. If you search for my registry you can help out easily. Search McLarty and Florida and I come right up. You can purchase Instacart giftcards or Uber giftcards. This helps me out so much and to the few that have helped I want to extend a huge thank you. It means so much to me. It takes my mind off the financial aspect. I’m not asking for money, just help with groceries. Thank you again to those who have helped with it.

I didn’t have any appointments today. Easy day. I did some chair exercises and ocular exercises. Chip, where are you? Come hang with Daddy. HE IS SO ANNOYING LEAVING ME ALONE! But I love that short king. He recently started what we call twerking/dominance. He’s been going after this giant stuffed cat in his room. It’s gross, but I know it is natural for them. He’s still my baby, even at 4 years old. Innocence lost, I suppose. Why!? Don’t be that guy.

Thank you for stopping by
~Bruce

This week I have been tapering down my steroid dex. It’s been ok til this afternoon. I had some more wobbliness and weakness. I don’t like this feeling. I canceled my PT today as I didn’t think it would be too wise to do in this state. I can get around I just don’t think I can exert myself like before.

This morning I was fine getting around. It hit me after lunch. Just increased tiredness. I took a small nap this afternoon. I got cleaned up. I messaged my care team through my patient portal app. Hoping to hear back soon about increasing my dosage back to at least last weeks dose. I hate not being able to move freely.

My mom came by today. We hung out and watched some old shows. We chatted and had lunch. Pancake, the big one, got a kiss from her. Chip stayed away until she left. He can be antisocial at times. Pancake is very social. He even does this social flop in front of me as I walk. It makes me nervous getting around with him swarming me. Both boys swarm me when I’m up and walking. They like to go for my cane and pat it and knock it over when I go in the kitchen. Sometimes I wake up to Pancake messing with my cane bedside. Bengal Brats.

This afternoon I wanted something sweet so I went in the kitchen, got some water and grabbed a bag of Russell Stovers sugar free candies. I had a peanut butter cup and a minty one like a York Patty. It was good.

I can actually see to type without the patch at the moment. What a nice thing to see, single vision. Let’s hope this comes back sooner than later. This morning I wore the patch while I did some ordering etc. This afternoon seems to be a bit different, not as bad with the eyes. Like I said yesterday, as long as I’m not too tired and what I’m looking at is within 18″ of my face I can see just fine.

I have been using Instacart as I have posted before. I’ve racked up some restaurant credits using it. I had my mom show me how to use the credits. I preordered some meals for tomorrow and Saturday because these credits will expire soon. Tomorrow is Chick Fila like usual. My wife texted me she wanted some spaghetti. I thought we’d get Olive Garden but that’s not offered through the app or uber eats credits. So we are going to have Carrabba’s spaghetti Saturday. I can’t wait.

I got a call today from a specialty pharmacy. They ordered my chemo meds for delivery. They’ll be here Tuesday. I didn’t realize it would have to be a specialty pharmacy. No cost for the meds, thank God. I was thinking it may be ordered through my regular pharmacy. I’m still waiting on a coordinator to call me back in regards to Proton Radiation therapy rather than Photon Radiation therapy. Proton is more targeted to the tumor itself. Photon is more xray style and would not be as targeted. I’m calling them now to find out if I can get in with them. I had a referral to one but it was in downtown Orlando. Too far to drive.

So light day today, but still a good day even with the lesser steroid dose. My eyes are starting to go wonky again so I will end this post.

Thank you for stopping by.
~Bruce