Thanks everybody. It was a hard blow to decide to cancel after planning and preparing for over a year, but we now realize we made the right decision. DH was hospitalized today and could be on the verge of pneumonia.

We lost a lot of money on fully paid apartments that were non-refundable canceling 3 hours prior to departure, but a smalll price to pay for him not having moved into the pneumonia stage on a 14 hour flight. He is being well taken care of in our little hospital here. We are bound and determined to start re-booking everything in January for next November.

Thanks again for the wishes.

Oh, and Mara....best of luck with the knee surgery. I see that there are a lot of people here who know how we feel and that is quite comforting.

Statia - No travel insurance, oh dear, I learned my lesson about that a while back.

Oh, so far no one's mentioned surgery for me....

Here's hoping your husband gets well soon and you can reschedule and have a wonderful trip.

Very sorry to hear about this unfortunate turn of events. Anyone who has travelled very much at all has experienced illness just before departure, while they're away, or on return. All of us remember these occasions, and sympathize with you. It is difficult to change plans, but you did the right thing. Best wishes for a good recovery and the renewal of your plans for a wonderful holiday. With the return of health comes an upsurge of hope.

Thanks, WillJame.

We've traveled extensively in Europe and have honestly never had an incident with health issues on trips prior to this. We live in the tropics and the climate must agree with us because we have rarely been sick since moving here years ago.

We have decided to reschedule for mid-November next year and I will be getting on those plans come January. And, many of our rental agents have been more than accommodating in going against their cancellation policies under the circumstances. I'm overwhelmed with their generosity. So, the funds lost won't be as bad as we anticipated.

Mara, I'm glad to hear there are no surgery plans for you in the near future. But do take care of that knee! And, I do hope you get back to Japan soon.

Mango, I'll be sure to add Goober Grape to the list next time.

Hubby is resting somewhat peacefully in the hospital tonight and I'm hitting the hay after no sleep for over 48 hours now. Bags are still packed and by the front door. We hope to now make it to Houston a week from today if he is well in order to visit family so that not all of our vacation time is lost.

Thanks again for the comfort my Asia Board Fodors friends. I'll keep you posted on the next "go round" of plans.

Hope your DH gets well soon [-o<

glad you're feeling more up, Statia. Hope DH clears up soon

Thanks, mrwunrfl and mango...he's finally home tonight and resting peacefully for the first time in a week. There are much worse things in the world than missing a trip to Japan (although it was quite a blow). He's still with me and on the mend and that's all that really matters at this point.