The journey begins...

Greetings to All of our Friends and Family,

We're trying out this "blog" format in an attempt to keep everyone up-to-date with regard to Barry's treatment for prostate cancer.  Since we're just learning how to do this, the format may change while it evolves.  Thanks for bearing with us!

We arrived in Portland, OR, on schedule, Thursday, Jan. 12.  We headed directly to daughter Erika's in Hillsboro, where we've had a couple days to decompress, visit, and start preparations for the months ahead.
Tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 16, is the date we've been anticipating/dreading since early November when the timing of Barry's cancer treatment was established.   The "set-up" for the radiation treatment is scheduled for tomorrow morning.  This is what we understand will take place:  Detailed CT scans will be done to determine what the exact position of the patient should be and where to target the beams. Also, a mold of his body will be made and a cast created, which will keep him immobile during each radiation treatment.   We base this info on our own research regarding the procedure, as no clear description was given to us by the Radiation Oncology Dept. before we left Portland in mid-November.
The computer modeling, etc., will take about two weeks to complete, so actual treatment doesn't begin until Jan. 30.   

Rather than just hanging out in the chilly, damp Northwest for the two-week waiting period, we decided to take a break and head to San Jose del Cabo at the tip of Baja.  We'll be there for a week, working on our Vitamin D absorption, relaxing, and walking on the beach.  Barry says, why not get some full-body radiation before starting the targeted radiation?  Yes, we will use sunscreen!

This is our tentative schedule for the next 10 weeks--knowing full well that We plan; God laughs.

 Mon., Jan 16, radiation simulation/set-up, Providence, St. Vincent's

Tues., Jan 17, Bone density scan OHSU

Wed., Jan. 18, PDX > CABO

Wed., Jan 25, CABO > PDX

Move into rental in Orenco Station, Hillsboro, sometime in this time frame (Thank you, Thomasons!)

Mon., Jan 30, Barry starts radiation

Five days a week for eight weeks, radiation.  We hope to get it scheduled for morning, but that's not determined, yet.

February 28, Erika & Brad's Baby Boy will be born--Riiiight...
March 23, end of treatment, hopefully and home soon after.

More to come--there will be lots to tell!

No doubt, Barry will have a story or two about tomorrow's escapade!

Good night, Shalom,

Barry & Kathy