Phase 2 Done and we are Goin' home!

Our last day in the city has finally arrived. ..it was cooler and cloudy by afternoon. We awoke early for an appointment at the MRI facility across from the hospital. Realizing we had only one more night in Seattle and we'd be flying tomorrow I burst into tears. It was that kind of day, full of relief and thanks to all those who have helped along the way, including all our visitors, friend, colleagues that have been tracking us on the blog.

Today at about three thirty Dennis rang a bell outside the radiation room three times to symbolize his treatments were finished. The entire radiation team applauded and presented him with a certificate for accomplishing his program. He gave them many compliments for their care and their awesome attitude-they truly have a touch job. Afterwards we went for a walk and ate coffee ice cream bars to celebrate.

It was a monumental day-right before going in for radiation we got the MRI results back from that morning-the report from the radiologist, and later his doctor agreed that there were few perceptible dye enhanced cells indicating cancer. There was a symmetry that had returned to his brain, the folds and fissures were well defined, the blood vessels seemed intact, the optical nerve seemed good. These were very good results.

Today the medical records that will travel with us whenever he goes for treatment also arrived. Imagine a file folder three inches thick and you will have a sense of his records. We returned from his last appointment quite exausted but ready to eat leftovers and pack.

Faith and I have been going through celebration flurries throughout the day. Every step we took ended one more thing needing to happen -- on the last day of this phase. First was the MRI, which produced outstanding results. Then came the second application of the cognitive test, designed to see how well my brain functions were recovering from the tumor and the surgery. I did much better this time than the first one, showing improvement in several parts of it. Then I had the 30th and final application of radiation. The crew there is terrific, and served us throughout the six weeks as both highly competent and very caring and friendly. One couldn't possibly ask for a better crew. Finally, at the end of the day, we met with the doctor providing the overall management and direction for all the medical treatments I've been getting since my surgery. She was extremely pleased with the results of my treatments, particularly as shown by the MRI, and congratulated us on how well the treatment had gone.

I will have chemotherapy for the next year, and more MRI's and exams, as well as meetings with doctors and other people. But a great point has been reached, and I go home to build my condition and abilities back as much as I can. And I get to fish a little, and go hunting this fall. Life feels good right now, and once we get back to Alaska, it will feel a lot better.

We will cut our blog entries to once a week on Sundays, unless something really exciting happens. And we'll be back at our home mailing address, so you can use that again if you want to.

Thank you so much for your love, support and thoughts...

Dennis and Faith