A Great Birthday

Hi friends,
Wow,what a great birthday. Thursday night the nurses from the hospital
had a party at Belvedere Golf Club for me. Ralph Kennedy
and Evelyn Knickle picked the family up in a stretch white limo and
delivered us to the golf course where a huge crowd awaited.We had a
wonderful time. I was truly touchedby it all. Then we arrived home and my
oldest son Jamie (from the US ) walked in which was a complete surprise
to me. What a great night. Thanks to everyone and particularly Marlene
Clow for a memorable evening.
Feeling great. Chemo starts again this week. So does golf.
Everybody is too good.
Sincere love,
Barry

Another Great Week

Hi folks,
It's great not to have a complaint in the world. We've sitting
out on the lower deck over the river thinking how lucky we
are. Things that weren't appreciated before certainly are
now. People and friends that weren't fully appreciated before
certainly are now. I'm a bit disappointed with myself that
it took my recent circumstances to make me appreciate
this. Don't wait so long. Give hugs like you have too many.
Sounding corney in my old age,aren't I.
Barry

A Ho Hum Week

Hi Friends,
Nothing new this week. Feeling great. Looking
forward to my 60th next week and I'm hoping for more.
Pam is great. We're just waiting for the better weather.
All the best.
Love,
Pam and Barry

The Latest

Hi Friends,
The neurosurgery team discussed my case today in Halifax and the current plan is to
continue and finish the chemotherapy program. This includes chemo 5 days a month
for another 5 months. As they suggest, so I do.
I've recently become aware of another problem that I have that actually is worse
than a brain tumour. I have terminal Maple Leafitis. There is no treatment for this. The
treating physicians have suggested that I become a Montreal Canadiens fan. This would be a
situation where the treatment is worse than the disease. Certainly this is not an uncommon
problem. If any of you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.
Love,
Pam and Barry

Happy Easter

Hi friends,
Happy Easter and love from the both of us.
Pam and Barry

Bad news

Hi friends,
Well, the MRI showed us what we didn't want to see. I discussed this yesterday
with Dr Holness. Further surgery is not an option. Niether is further radiotherapy.
There will be a team discussion on Tuesday with regard to possible chemotherapy.
Regardless, the prospects are certainly less than optimal. You can rest assured
however, that we will make the most of what we have.
Love,
Pam and Barry

Update on Work

Hi friends,
Feeling good. Started another round of chemotherapy today . Booked
for a MRI this Thursday.
I"ve had it in the back of my mind since the beginning that I would
be returning to work. However, the problems with short term memory
are significant enough that returning to work is not a
feasibility. These changes, which are due to radiation, are permanent. These
memory problems,although they don't significantly affect daily activities,
certainly preclude a return to doing surgery. This realization is a tough pill
for me to swallow. I think that I enjoyed every day and every aspect of
work. The common denominator with this enjoyment was people. This
included office staff,hospital staff, and particularly my patients. I consider
myself very lucky to have had the opportunity. However,each good ride has
to end sometime..
Love,
Barry