Monday (8/24) Ben went in for regular labs. His platelet count was not high enough for them to remove the catheter in preparation for his return home. That was the last “to-do” left to get “to-done” before heading for Alaska. Not having been smart enough to purchase flight trip insurance when we purchased our tickets we got the opportunity to pay some exorbitant fees to Alaska Airlines when we changed flights for home. The cost of an entire new ticket and a few hours later, Ben and Cari are finally home in Alaska!
Since it was kind of a last minute change we decided to keep it a surprise for the kids. Cari and Ben arrived in Anchorage yesterday just in time to go and pick up the girls on their first day of school (or at the end of her first week for Elizabeth). Nathan and Grandma successfully navigated their way to and from the airport. Cari decided to go get the kids from their classrooms. Megan looked and just stood there because – (her words) she thought it was just a dream. Sammy took a minute and then was surprised. Elizabeth lost her mind and has not let Ben out of her sight since they arrived home.
We are extremely excited that this part of the adventure is over. Now we wait. . . .Hopefully all of these pokes, prods, stabs, and sticks have done what they were intended to do and we will not see any more signs of ATRT.
Ben let Cari out of his sight for a while and ran around the house with his siblings. All of them are glad to have him and mom home. I don’t think Ben or Cari are too disappointed either. Cari is now milking the “I don’t know where you have put anything, you’ll have to . . .”. I can’t imagine that anything has really changed in six months and one day have they?
Ben and Cari's contact information is now (hopefully for a long, long time):
7640 Jason Place, Anchorage AK 99502
(907) 243-0039
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Dang it...I got a little teary reading this. I'm so glad your cute fam is reunited. We love and miss you guys! Give Ben a squeeze from his favorite aunt and cousins that he's never met. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats! We are so excited you get to be together again!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessed day! I am so happy for you all...God bless & watch over all of you. You will continue to be in our prayers & thoughts. Many tears of joy are being shed on your behalf. Keep us posted as you get back into a routine....hoping that routine is all that life throws at you from now on! Here is to good health for all of you! We love you & miss you so!
ReplyDeleteThe Monson's
:)
Cari! The first day of school!!! All your woes about the first day of school and there you were! That was a miraculous gift for sure. So happy for you all. We love you Benbo!
ReplyDeleteYEAH!!! We are so Happy you are all together again!!! Happy REUNIONING!!!!! We will be praying all the sacrifice is worth it!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Day! I'm glad you made it home. I seriously cried all day yesterday (I was so exhausted I had to take a 2 1/2 hour nap!). Everytime someone mentioned your name I lost it--I'm going to miss your friendship but I couldn't be happier for you to be home with your family.
ReplyDeleteJust the thought of Cari standing outside the classroom... We have carried a constant prayer in our hearts and are so happy to know that your family is reunited and whole. We love all of you so much and pray that your family will continue to be blessed. Thank you all for the lessons that you taught our family as you have gone through such a difficult trial. Ben gave all of us an amazing gift. Much love and excitement from our house to yours.
ReplyDeleteThe Parkinson Family
I am so happy for you all! Ginny wanted to give Ben something the day you left so we shall send it to you. :) I hope you will be able to start finding things. We shall miss hanging out with you. Hopefully we can visit someday.
ReplyDeleteIm so glad things are done now and Cari and Ben are back home with the family! Miss you guys!
ReplyDeleteIt was so great to see you today. Im cleaning my house in preparation for you to come over and play :) Any day works for me right now, but just let me know when and I will clear my schedule.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI just found your site from cancerfamily.org/forum. Our son, Andrew Padfield, also has a diagnosis of ATRT. He was diagnosed 2 years ago, and completed treatment in October 2008. So far, he is doing great!
The transition off of treatment is bittersweet and a bit scary. I wanted to reach out and offer our support and help in any way in which you need. We are very familiar with the research on ATRT and are happy to talk with you more if there's anything you might need.
We will follow your journey and be rooting for you.
All the best,
Michelle, Toby, & Andrew Padfield
www.carepages.com/andrewpadfieldcarepage
Hello Allred family - congratulations Ben on getting through treatment! It is a big accomplishment in ATRT land. Our daughter Zoe was also diagnosed with ATRT and was treated at Seattle Children's under Dr. Geyer's and Cory's guidance. Zoe got proton beam radiation in Boston. We went through treatment Jan - Aug 2008 - a year ahead of you. Zoe's doing great and no signs of cognitive delays. We'll follow Ben's story and send prayers for his continued health. Take care, Mette Earlywine (www.caringbridge.org/visit/zoeearlywine)
ReplyDeleteI was one of the first to know they were back. Awesome!!
ReplyDelete