From Bruce on June 24th;

I went into the hospital to hopefully have the tumor in my voice box reduced but it has grown out of control suddenly and impossible for the surgeons to safely operate. The result was the need to perform tracheostomy so that I could have an open airway.

During the time since I was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer I have had the tumor debulked several times but always with the knowledge that I could come out of the surgery with a trach.

That being said.

After several days stay in the hospital I am very happy to be home today and I am sharing this not for sympathy, but to prepare you all that I am officially a neck breather and, much to the delight of many, I'm sure, am now silenced vocally!

I'll be okay and am making the adjustments. My first hour home worked out perfect as I witnessed my youngest and my grandson working together to repair the radio in his car.

The time to stop and smell the roses is today.

Please give a hug to my rock , Jean Bodenschatz Akins, when you see her. She is probably running on fumes at the moment but is still doing everything she can to make the adjustment comfortable and easy!

Love you all and hope to see all as soon as I am well enough to do so!

Peace and Love!

Bruce will have to have another more permanent surgery on August 25th. This surgery will take him out of work for some time. I hope you can take some time to donate to Akins family.

Bruce is a proud man, please keep this as a surprise! Thank you!

~Martha