Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A Minor (Positive) Change of Plans

Hi, Everyone,

We thought it would be a good idea to jot a quick post to let everyone know that we have cancelled the medical procedure scheduled for Friday.  The good news is that the reason we are cancelling it is that we no longer feel that it is necessary.  We bounced this off my radiation oncologist during our visit on Monday morning and he agreed that there would be no benefit to having the procedure, particularly since the symptoms that the gastroenterologist felt needed to be checked out two weeks ago are now so greatly diminished.

The even better news is that Dr. Hansen  has given us the go-ahead to return home to Alaska until sometime next fall.  He was so confident in continued improvement that he just told us to call and schedule an appointment for a follow-up when we are back in the area.  When we made our reservations back to Alaska a week or so ago, we were hopeful, but not certain that we would get a free pass.  

Leaving here is bitter-sweet.  We have so enjoyed watching Rowan grow and spending an extended time with Erika and Brad.  To say that we will miss them tremendously is a gross understatement.  It helps that our son, Matt, and his family are scheduled to arrive at mid-day tomorrow, Wednesday, for a short visit.  Cancelling the medical procedure on Friday will give us another full day to be together while they are here.  Our six-year-old grandson Caden will get to meet his cousin Rowan for the first time.  We are really looking forward to seeing that!

On the other hand, we have been away from home for way, way too long.  It will be so great to get back to Alaska, get caught up, and to see all of our Alaskan friends over the summer months.  Also, we won't be totally isolated from our kids and grand kids during the summer.  Erika's family is scheduled to visit over Little Norway and Matt and his family will be in Petersburg in August.  And, I'll be very surprised if "Nana" Kathy makes it through the summer without at least one trip south.  Anyone want to take bets on that?

Shalom,
      Barry and Kathy

5 comments:

  1. That is so good to hear, and we look forward to seeing you back in sunny Petersburg!

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    1. Your descriptions, photos, and thankfuls are so enticing, I guess we'll come home!
      But, in some regards it will be very hard...
      Sunrise over Frederick Sound will help!

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  2. Glad to know that Barry's treatment is over and you can come home, but so happy for you for the opportunity to have spent this time with Rowan and family. Look forward to seeing you, and look forward to Barry being back to his normal self.

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    1. It certainly will be great to be back in our Petersburg home. It will be a challenge to switch gears--may take a couple days! Save some sunshine for us :)

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  3. Congrats on the recovery Barry and Kathy! You are both an awesome team together! I hope you both have a wonderful flight back home to beautiful Petersburg! Tell my sister and Kurt hello if you see them. I know Sheri is home right now....and you can meet their new Newfoundland puppy, Calder! I have enjoyed catching up with you via your blog and hope that the next time you are down in Oregon you will give me a heads up...I would love to come visit and/or have you both over to our new place in McMinnville.
    Until then, safe travel home and I am so very happy that the worst is now over and the rest of your lives can carry on! You deserve it!!!

    Best regards,

    Cindy

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