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And you want my SECRET recipe?

As many of you are aware, I am a throat cancer survivor and my cancer is currently in remission and has been for over 6 months. Many of you also know that I was an Executive Chef in my "before life" and have asked me for my favorite recipe.

Well, as part of my treatment for my cancer, they had to put a trach in my throat. When they did this I was no longer able to eat. Since Oct 18th of 2006, I have only been able to eat through a feeding tube (yuck!). I watch the food network like a junkie as I get vicarious enjoyment watching the great food they prepare.

This past week my Drs said, that my cancer has been in remission for over 6 months and that I have to go see my ENT guy on Friday. Assuming his check goes well, and I am sure it will, than they will take the trach out.

When they do, I will be able to speak more clearly AND I will be able to eat again. You have no idea how much I am looking forward to being able to eat again. I told my wife on the 4th that I would gladly pay $500 for a hot dog with mustard, relish and onions, if only I could eat it!

Assuming this works out OK, I would be delighted to share my favorite recipes with all of you. Thanks so much for being apart of this great web site.

Good luck Good Lending and Aloha

Posted by Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro on 07/09/2007 10:19 PM

Comments (64)

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64 Comments on And you want my SECRET recipe?

JUL

2007

Bruce... I truely wish that all goes well with you ENT guy... then maybe we'll be honored to have you share your favorite recipe with us....

Hi Nattalie -- Thanks so much I really appreciate your good wishes and you bet I will. Aloha

Bruce, I too wish you the very best God has for you and that you will be able to enjoy every ounce of food you participate in from this day forward! Let your light shine brightly! May God Bless you!

Hi David -- Thanks so much for your comments. I was at the Army Command and General Staff College in 1976/77. I'll bet that area of KS and MO has changed big time since I was there. I remember a steak house in the stock yards in KC that was so delicious. I would love to come back and visit. Aloha

Bruce, You will absolutely be in my prayers. I hope that you get that hot dog soon...

Rebecca -- Thanks so much for your comments and you bet I will. As soon as they take this rascal out I will start blogging recipes like the mad hatter! Aloha

I know that your guardian angels will continue to look after you and your healing will be complete - bring on the hot dogs!!!

Bruce- Good luck when you go in to see the ent, and when you get the o.k. I say eat, eat, and eat some more

Bruce - I certainly hope everything will go will with the checkup and I sincerely hope you can soon enjoy a hot dog.

Bruce! Congratulations- heroes survive, and the hotdog that you have (make it Sabrett) will be amazing! But put just a bit of ketchup on it, will you? Again, best wishes, and congratulations on being so graceful with the challenge. Thoughts are with you.

Oh, and by the way, you speak VERY CLEARLY. Thanks.

Bruce:

I hope all goes well with your check up and that you'd be able to enjoy that hotdog soon. I look forward to your secret recipes (which won't be secret any longer once you share them with us). LOL

JUL

2007

good luck to you. That is very exciting news and I know a relief to find out about remission. I can't imagine about a trach. I don't know of any good hot dog vendors in Hawaii, but I'm sure you'll find a good one. Last great hot dog I had was in Florida. It was so yummy.....

Chrissy --Thanks so much for your postive thoughts and encouragement. Aloha

Dan and Jennifer -- Thanks so much for your comments. My oncologist says that the Cat Scan/ Pet Scan were clear and that the ENT Guy just has to have a look to confirm the results. When he does on Friday and takes the trach out MAN it is HOT DOG TIME. My company gives gift cards for top performance and I have a bunch of gift cards for Ruth Chris Steak House. NY strip and garlic mashed potatoes here we come. Aloha

Jennifer -- Thanks so much for your comments and you bet I will. Aloha

Laurie-- Thanks so much for your comments Laurie but ketchup on a hot dog. You have to be from the west. It is a sin to put ketchup on a hot dog! It has been difficult doing loans when it is difficult for people to understand you. I have been fortunate that my Realtors have hung in there with me. Aloah

Yoland-- I will be so delighted to share. Heck I would give away trade secrets to be able to eat agai. Thanks for your comments. Aloha

Angie -- I am a big fan of Nathan's hot dogs. We can rent a beach cabin from the military, and assuming that my ENT guy gives me a clean slate and takes out the trach, we will do that and I will eat nothing but hot dogs and beer while sitting on the beach at Barbras Point Hawaii. Aloha

All the best to you and getting well. May you get your hot dog and anything else you want to eat very soon. Take care of yourself .

Good morning Bruce,
I was not aware that you were a cancer survivor and had gone through so much. Best of luck and I will keep you in my thoughts. Know you are excited about losing the trach and getting some real food. Enjoy the hot dog!

I will be eagerly anticipating your recipe.

Bob and Carolin and Cynthia --Thanks so much for your thoughts. You don't know how much they are appreciated. Aloha

JUL

2007

Hi Bruce,
Yeah, I'm beginning to feel like I have a real connection with some of you guys--guess this is what blogging is all about. Ok, I'm finally getting it!

Congrats on the remission! Who cares what the recipe is as long as you can enjoy eating a real meal.

Bruce, I too, am praying that all goes well. Let us hear from you.

Cynthia -- Isn't it amazing how much you feel like you know folks on this site. Being able to share thoughts and ideas with like minded people is really a pleasure. Aloha

David and Dianne-- I see my ENT guy at 11 on Friday and I will post a blog and let all you good folks know what happens. Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts. Aloha

You sound like an remarkable man Bruce! Of course I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I truly hope everything works in your best interest. I can't wait to see your recipe's and I will be glad to share some of mine! Take care and May God Bless you!

Hi Darlene -- Thanks so much for your prayers you have no idea how much they are appreciated. Although the last 9 months have been the pits, life has been so good to me. I guess I am a pretty positive thinker and on Friday I hope to be able to tell every one some more good news! Aloha

Bruce my dear, God speed at the doctors and I hope you get the meal of a life time. :)

Hi Roberta -- Thanks so much. When they take the trach out it will be a couple of weeks befor I can eat but I promise you, if it is no more than a hot dog it will be the meal of a life time. Although I do remember meeting my wife on Kauai for RR in 1971. As we were leaving the airport there was a MacDonalds on the corner and we stopped in there for a Big Mac and I thought that was a meal of a lifetime then! Aloha

Bruce,

Please do let me know when it comes out.....and the....when and what that first meal happens to be :)

Roberta -- I will let you know. Heck you will probably be able to here me shout from your side of the ocean! Aloha

I look forward to your Friday post and will pray for good news. You are an inspiration to us....and I know your recipes will be great.

I have a friend visiting her son in Hawaii right now. He lives there and she is visiting for the first time, this has been a dream of hers for a long time. She keeps threatening to move! I hope she doesn't hit the wall when she has to come back to South Carolina. We have only heard from her once and she is having a blast.

God Bless You!

JUL

2007

I will be listening for sure! :)

Nancy-- Hi Nancy thanks so much for your prayers, you have no idea how much I appreciate them. Living here is truly living in Paradise. We have the most benign climate in the universe and I would not live any where else in the world. I will for sure write a blog after mhy Friday appointmet and let you know how it goes. Aloha

Roberta-- Thanks for your continued support Roberta. As I said I will post a blog after my appointment and let you know what happened. AND Hold on for some more exciting news on Monday. If all goes well over the weekend, I should have some exciting professional news on Monday so keep your fingers crossed for me. Aloha

Bruce,

And my toes!

Roberta -- LOL Mahalo Nui Loa

Bruce: I hope you have had that great big hotdog by now!!! I will pray that you will be well and soon eating anything you want. I watch Food Channel almost religiously. I am envious that you were an Executive Chef. I think the Food Channel should have you do a guest shot. I cannot cook but when I watch the Food Channel, I almost feel like I've eaten a gourmet meal just watching them. Who is your favorite chef? I get a kick out of several: Emeril; Paula Dean (since I'm a southern gal); Rachael Ray of course; Bobby Flay and it's a kick to watch the Iron Chef. I am sending you my very best wishes!

hotdog This ones for you Bruce!

Hi Donna --- LOL Thanks for the hot dog. I won't know for sure until tomorrow at 11 whether they will take out my trach. When they do it will take a couple of weeks before I can eat that hot dog but I am getting so close I can certainly wait a little longer. I enjoy all the shows on the Food Channel. Every body likes Rachel and her 30 min meals and I get a hoot out of Alton because he is such a nerd with cooking. I do like all the shows and can just taste the sauces and steaks in my mind. Thanks for your kind words and thoughts and I will let you know how it goes tomorrow. Aloha

Bruce,

Tomorrow is the big day! I can't wait to see how it goes. Do let us know right away.

Soon you will be eating that cheese.

Will do Roberta -- About this time tomorrow I will post a blog to let every one know how it went. Say a little prayer tonight. Aloha

No Bruce, for you I will say a BIG prayer. He's got to hear ALL of us!

Thanks so much Roberta -- Will let you know tomorrow. Aloha

JUL

2007

Your ActiveRain community is hoping you have good news to share. But we're here to support you, if it's not what you're hoping for. We're interested, and praying for your recovery, so let us know...

Bruce, please keep us informed, my prayers are with you.

I am SO happy to hear that you are doing well! Echoing your feeling about wanting to eat... I went though a fast one time to cleanse my body and the first day I was craving... "chewing!" I miss the act of chewing! Isn't that funny?

Cheers,

Cindy

Margaret and Missy --The info that I got was good but not what I wanted. My ENT guy says he wants to do a biopsy just to be 100% sure as once they take the trach out they cannot put it back for about 6 months. So he will do that on the and assuming that goes well than the Trach will come out on the 30th. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. You have no idea how much they mean to me. Aloha

Cindy-- I surely understand your craving to chew! That is why I watch the food network all the time. I live vicariously through it. Aloha

Howdy Bruce - If you can get yourself to San Antonio we will fix you some great Mexican food. You need to come back for a visit. Take care of yourself.

Prayers are powerful medicine and I'm sure you are getting many from AR"s

Carl

My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family, Bruce. My Dad was diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to live ... would you believe he made it 14 years?! Enjoy your life, Bruce ... and your hot dog!

Bruce, We pray for good news coming your way. Stay positive! You are an inspiration to others. I'm sure you will be able to have your treat and will savor every bite. You remind us to take pleasure in the many gifts we take for granted every day. Thanks for sharing and let us know how it goes.

Bruce, My friend, Calie Waterhouse first drew my attention to your post. There she is right above me. (I'm smiling at you Calie.) It was with great interest that I read your post as well as the many comments with so much support, prayers and well wishes. Isn't it wonderful to know you have this many people who are pulling for and praying for you? How dissapointed you must have been when the ENT said it will be a bit longer. For that I'm so sorry. Yet, it appears to me that you will be eating those hot dogs pretty doggone soon. Cool! PS I'm from the west and I wouldn't even think of putting catsup on my hotdog! Yeck! and Yuck!

Wonderful news! Best of luck at that appointment. I am sure you will appreciate those first bites and we will look forward to some of your favorite recipes.

JUL

2007

Carl --What I really miss is the BBQ from Rudy's in New Braunfels! Aloha

Rhonda, Yvonne, and Jill and Ron --Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. You have no idea how much I appreciate and cherish them. I will keep everyone posted as we continue down the road in the Rain. Aloha

Bruce,

My thoughts and prayers are with you - I have a feeling that you'll bve eating that $500 Hot Dog really soon!

VAL

Thaks so much for your thoughts and prayers Val. You have no idea how much I cherish them. Aloha

JUL

2007

Bruce, everyday I thank God for steering me toward Active Rain and this is just another example of why this is such a great site. With all the people here praying for you - the outcome has to be good. I have a dear friend who is a throat cancer survivor for over thirty years!! You will be one soon. You're added to my prayer list. Betty

As a cancer survivor, I know your feelings of the wait and see. Please know you are thought of and we all look forward to keeping up with your journey. Hotdogs are a wonderful tradition,,,and I hope you get to have yours soon,any old way you want it too!!!

HI, Bruce.......

I prayed for you for continous healing, and I prayed for that hot dog to be the MOST AMAZING hot dog you EVER had ! :)

Keep us posted!!!!!!!!!!!

Julia

Hi, Bruce!

Hope everything goes well. And go and enjoy that hot dog!!!

Brigita

Betty and Nicola--Thank you so much for yoru thoughts and prayers. With your backgrounds, I know that you know how much I cherish these prayers and thank you for your encouragement. I will keep you all posted. Aloha

HI Julia and Brigita --Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. I do appreciate them and cherish them. I will let you know when I finally get my hot dog. It is coming soon. Aloha

Bruce: You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. I'm going to look into how I can send you the BEST hot dogs in the world -- Hummel Brothers from right here in Connecticut. Thinking of you -- Lisa/Luxury Fractional Guide

Hi Lisa --Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. You have no idea how much I cherish them. Thanks also for the thoughts on the hot dogs. If you will give me the website I will go and order some. I have never heard of them but with a name like Hummel they must be good! Aloha

Bruce: It's a very, very old family company and I'm not quite sure if they have a website, but their info is as follows: 180 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 787-4113. I lived in Florida for five years and went hot dog free the entire time because they didn't carry Hummels!!!! I should know more since an old high school friend married the owner's daughter, but...oh well! All I know is that I'm old and Hummels are the only hotdogs my family ever served and the only ones I've ever eaten! Don't get the skinless dogs. The skinned ones have way less filler, way more flavor! Give me a date and I'll ship some to you!!! -- Lisa/Luxury Fractional Guide

Hi Lisa --Assuming all goes according to plan my trach will come out on Jul 31 and i should be able to eat by Aug 6th. I think Judi from San Antonio has declared Aug 11th as hot dog day. Thanks so much. what a hoot this site is. Aloha

JUL

2007

All my best to you Bruce! Praying that everything goes great!

JUL

2007

HI Mary -- Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. You have no idea how much I cherish them. Aloha

NOV

2007

To Bruces Family

I just thought I had made contact with Bruce after many years only to find that I had put off looking for to long. I believe this is the same Bruce that I served with in Vietnam. I am sorry for your loss., My Prayers are with you. Our time together ment more to me than words could tell, He was a good soldier,a reat person and a friend that I always remembered and he will always be on my list as one of the people that i took pleasure in having know. I am sorry that I did not stay in contact with him.

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Bruce Bourgault, Vice President, Mpro

Honolulu, HI

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Central Pacific Homeloans

Address: 201 Merchant St Ste 1700, Honolulu, HI, 96813

Office Phone: (808) 779-2194

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