Love at first sight

Isn't he precious

Snuggle time with Rowan

                  

Hello from sunny Hillsboro, Oregon!                                     

All is well in Hillsboro.  Many of you are our FaceBook friends and have seen these images, but we think they are worth posting again.  When we last wrote, we weren't sure how soon little Rowan would get to go home, but they kicked him out of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in less than 24 hrs.  The little guy surprised everyone, passed all his tests, and was ready to go home with his parents by Friday afternoon, at 2 days and 5#3oz.  We were able to visit them at home that day and part of every day since (meals on wheels).  He is already gaining about an ounce a day and is just the sweetest little thing.  Having a new baby to cuddle takes away much of the negative aspects of what we are dealing with.  We planned the treatment to be available for the birth, but didn't expect it to be quite this soon. It has been a busy weekend, but we wouldn't trade it for anything.  If having to receive treatment made it possible for us to be here for Rowan's early arrival, then it is well worth it~~Barry's words.  It's fun to watch all the new activity going on in Rowan's household (it IS Rowan's house, Erika and Brad only think it's still their's).  The new parents are a great team!

Dos Amigos

Greeting Rowan

Brian and Tina Lynch visited us over the weekend and spent Friday night here.  They were on their way back home to Petersburg from a month in the Bahamas.  It was great to see them and to catch up.  Tina made a special Korean seaweed soup for Erika, a tradition for new mothers, and she's has been eating it daily ever since.  We wonder if that has contributed to both mom and baby doing so well.    

The weather this past week has been fantastic - below freezing at night, but in the low 50's during the day.  The full moon this evening was spectacular as it was still low on the horizon just as the sun was setting.  Even with all the other excitement and activity, we have been trying to get out to walk as frequently as possible.  

The therapy progresses.  I'm just starting week two, and am already experiencing some side effects which I didn't expect to occur until much later in the treatment.  Most involve getting up much more frequently than I'd like at night and learning where all the public facilities are in case I need them during the day.  Nuff said.  Since these were among the initial warning signs of the cancer and because the situation had improved so much since I started on the medication in November, I was really hoping all that would be behind us.  I can live with the current level of discomfort and inconvenience, but really hope these side effects don't get any worse.  Every Tuesday I meet with the oncologist after treatment and believe me, tomorrow I will have a whole list of questions.  We'll have more to report after tomorrow's appointment.

On the plus side, it turns out I AM receiving the image guided IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), which is the state-of-the-art technology.  Maybe the machine is worth two city blocks.  Before we left Petersburg, Bridget Wittstock gave me a book to read called "Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" and the treatment I have been receiving is 100% in line with Dr.Walsh's recommendations for my situation.  Dr. Walsh is the Distinguished Service Professor of Urology, The John Hopkins Medical Institutions, so should know what he is talking about.  That was very welcome affirmation!  It's always nice to have a second opinion from a top doctor in the field, even if it comes from a book.   

It tears my heart out sitting in the patients' waiting room and talking to some of the other patients about their experiences battling cancer.  Please pray for strength and healing for everyone impacted by this insidious disease.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers and positive energy.  Knowing we have the support of so many special people brings us a great deal of comfort.  We are blessed in so many ways and all of you are part of that blessing.

Shalom,

   Barry and Kathy