Authentic Panda Express

The subject of Chinese food came up when talking to a Jewish friend today.  We were talking about his standing reservation with his local Chinese restaurant for dinner on Christmas day.  He does not have to call, they just know they will show up.  They happens to be the members of his temple.  He shoots out an email invitation and they all come.  It's not an e-vite, but just a simple email stating they will meet at 6pm.  They know where to go.

Mental Floss has an article on the history of Jews and Chinese food:  http://mentalfloss.com/article/521724/fascinating-history-behind-why-jewish-families-eat-chinese-food-christmas

That reminds me of Chop Suey, Egg Foo Young, Chinese Chicken Salad and Panda Express.  Every time I pass a Panda Express, I think of my daughter in law.  Her family has deep roots in Taiwan.  She was born a Texan, but both her parents are from Taiwan.  Every time I mention Panda Express as a destination, she has a fit.  For some reason, she does not consider it Chinese.  I consider it decent food after 9pm when everything else is closed.  OK, I admit their soy sauce is suspect, but rice and noodles as fast food?   In Torrance?  Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing one in Alhambra.

I was originally going to take a photo at a Panda Express at each city we visit across the country and send it to her, but thought better of ticking off the mother of my Grand kids.  So Panda remains in the category of Chop Suey, Egg Foo Young, Chinese Chicken Salad, Pakkai, and other terms that sound Chinese, but are truly Americanized characterizations.  I'm getting hungry and may need to sneak out to visit PE before they come to town.

Markers in Life

Music is often the most common jogger of our memories.  I can listen to a song and remember a certain time of my life.  The Classic IV songs bring me back to junior high school.  Certain songs from 3 Dog Night and Tommy James take me back to the first summer I moved to Vancouver Wa.  Crystal Blue Persuasion will kick in strong emotional memories.

I don't spend a lot of time reminiscing about chemo therapy.  Those are memories I would rather ignore (they somehow can't be erased).  But as I was channel surfing (it's two in the morning) I came across a news station displaying their daily weather report with their distinctive tune in the background.  I use to watch that news channel late into the morning, laying in bed feeling like yuck. The still of the night, silent other than the sound of the tv, the isolation of being in a room by myself. The tune just hit a nerve and sent a chill down my spine.  It was one of those things that make your body shudder involuntarily.  I actually felt the yuck for a moment during the shudder.

This was the second reminder this week.  I came into contact by chance, someone who went through a similar experience with colon cancer during the same time as I did.  When he shared his experience, there was an instant bond of understanding.  The surgery, the chemo and it's after affects.  That was the first time for me and I'm not sure how to process it.

Our lives are unique, as unique as our personalities that we are created and born with.  At this stage of my life, it just makes me wonder why.

A Bit Less Sharp

It's been some time since my last post.  It is not due to the lack of material, but more a victim of my recovery.  I have posted this before, my days activities are restricted to waking up, going to work, napping at lunch, work, come home and nap, eat, watch TV and sleep.  Saturdays are sleeping in late, running errands, napping, dinner, TV and sleep.  Sundays are a little better.

My latest visit to the oncologist went fairly well.  Cancer has not returned and everything kind of looks OK.  Further blood tests are being evaluated to ensure nothing else is going on.  I'm still not back to normal, (Gayle still doesn't think I was ever normal), it is more of an issue of establishing the new normal.

 I was doing what the Drs. said not to do and that is check the Internet to confirm the after affects of Chemo therapy and I found this that confirms Gayle's suspicions.

CHEMO BRAIN

It is estimated that one in five people who take chemotherapy for cancer experience “chemo-brain.” This is a side effect described as a hazy experience with symptoms such as forgetfulness, difficulty finding the right words and difficulty multi-tasking or concentrating. Some regain mental clarity over time, others remain a bit less sharp.

PS:  We are proud to announce Jordan passed the California Bar.  He is now a legal lawyer (?)

Just My Imagination

Is it really happening or is it just my imagination?  These days I find that more people (younger folks) hold the door open for me.  While going back to the my childhood and being lectured about opening doors for the female gender, it often morphed into holding doors open for the elderly.  Am I now in that visible classification?  Do I appear that old?  According to our sons, yes.  So much for their inheritance.

How am I feeling?  About the same.  I am doing well in my recovery.  Blood tests are coming back OK, even my potassium levels have come up to where I am not taking a large quantity of horse pills.
But you can never escape the stain of cancer.  I find it similar to those horror movies where murderers try to wash off the eternal perceived blood off their hands.  You can never quite get rid of the nagging feeling that cancer will possibly come back.  Every normal occurrence of the past (aches, pains, boo boos ) now become an uh oh.  Is that an indication of something occurring?  Is my fatigue a result of the chemo or is something else developing?   Or is it just old age?  Maybe having the door opened for me isn't that bad of a thing.

Cultural Crossovers and Discoveries

In Cody Wyoming we went to a rodeo. It was surprisingly highly entertaining. But there are a few observations from a city slicker.

I view the rodeo as a cowboy version of a Tractor Pull or Monster Truck Rally. The format is similar but with different cultural events.

Second observation is that they are highly religious (Christian) and patriotic. It is an indication that for those of us in California, we are definitely out of touch with the values of the Midwest. The last presidential election is an example that comes to mind.

But as we sat there, I was looking out to the surrounding hills imagining how hot and cold it could get and why would anyone want to live in such conditions. Then there was a mention of Heart Mountain. Heart Mountain was the name of one of the 10 internment camps during WWII and happens to be where my mom and her family were initially relocated to. Hmmmm.

After getting back to the hotel we found out the camp location was only 15 minutes outside of Cody. It was disappointing that we could not make it ti the memorial and visitor center that has been established there. If you ever go to Cody, you will not find anything in the city that publicizes the site like the numerous buffalo bill Cody tie ins. Asking the hotel clerk about the site did not get much info. He did recall a brochure about a camp but could not find one in the display of dude ranches and Buffalo Bill tributes. The next morning I went next door to the other motel to see if they had anything. I ended by chance picking up the Cody things to do magazine. When I looked through it, I did find a two page spread of the relocation camp site. It turns out the official Heart Mountain reunion is in two weeks staying at the same hotel.

Gayle sent the info to my cousin and she would like to arrange for a trip there, so our goal is to figure out how to arrange a trip to return to Cody. It turns out you can fly directly into Cody (American or United) or drive from Bozeman or Billings Montana. I guess we are making our way back.

Air Conditioning

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons were on the agenda. There are crowds in spite of the 100 degree weather. Yellowstone is living proof of the instability of the earth's crust as the tectonic plates collide and the evidence of the earth's volatility beneath the surface. A little un-nerving. It would be a great commercial for earthquake insurance here in California. In the heat, we got used to air conditioned rooms and especially an air conditioned bus. We mastered the ability to quickly move from the bus to the air conditioned souvenir shops, diners and restrooms. In the middle of the tour we came across the National Park version of air conditioning.

50 lb Limit

One of the benefits of no longer paying for college tuition is that we have opportunities to do other things. Dow we buy that car made in this century? Or do we take the trip more in tune with our age. Well, we chose the later. It was one of those bus tours where we found our youth, being the youngest by far. We made our way to Rapid City and Mt. Rushmore then on to the Crazy Horse Memorial.

The memorial is a completely independent (no government funding) enterprise that will eventually carve a huge sculpture of the Native American Warrior Crazy Horse. When it is finished, it will dwarf in sheer size, Mt Rushmore. It was initiated by the American Indian Tribes to counter The sculpture of the nearby American presidential monument. The foundation raiser funds by the usual means, gift shop, souvenirs, liquid refreshment in 100 degree weather. What do we come back with as souvenirs? Rocks from the sculpture blasting the size of softballs. It comes with a business card authenticating the rocks heritage.

This is my dilemma, do I put them in my carry on backpack and risk having to explain the two rocks to TSA, or do I put them in the suitcase, risking the over 50 lb weight limit fee of $100. Did I mention the numerous books being purchased for the classroom. Can I write off the overweight fee as a professional expense (kindergarten teacher)? 53 pounds at the airport checkin. With a little creativity we were able to shed a pound and receive a look the other way for the other two.

    

And yes, the rocks did not leave Texas and the suitcase made weight. The grandsons loved them, the parents not so much.

The Honorable Rice Pot

We recently made a trip to Henderson NV to visit my uncle (my moms brother).  I still can't quite figure out how, but I came home with the Yokoi family rice pot.  In the days prior to rice cookers, rice was cooked in aluminum pots on the stove.  This one has a history with the Yokoi family.  It was the one they grew up with.  It was purchased pre war.  Of the limited items they could bring during the forced relocation of WWII, grandma brought the pot.  It made its way through the temporary assembly center in Pomona and two internment camps (Heart Mountain and Tule Lake).  Then to Japan when they were literally dumped off after the war and later, back to the U.S.  It was stored in various boxes between my aunt Yoshi and Uncle Hank after grandma Yokoi had passed.

It was brought out during our visit as a family memento.  One of those things of memory (not necessarily fond ones) and shared experience.  But it's not something you usually display in the living room China hutch.  It survived what we estimate is over 80 years dating back to the 1930s.  American made, cast aluminum, Griswold foundry in Erie Pennsylvania.  It is slightly bowed at the bottom from daily use and a few dents here and there.  I imagine it's been dropped a few times throughout its journeys.  If only it could talk.  It was the central utensil of family life in east LA and the excuse to leave the flower picking early to go prepare dinner.  What were the soldiers reaction when they came across the pot in their inspections during relocation.  It has traveled by train through the desert and over the Pacific on ships.  It survived the temperature extremes of the harsh seasons of the isolated camps.

The JA legacy is probably tied to these types of rice pots.  I never saw one in use until I met Gayle.  Her family cooked their rice in one on a electric stove well into the 70s, feeding a family of seven.  My earliest memory of a family rice cooker was putting water in between the outer and inner pots and measuring water above the washed rice by using the first bend line of your index finger.  Washing rice was and remains one of those chores we try to avoid.  Fuzzy logic and multiple functions are now the norm.  We use ours for our breakfast oatmeal.  Set the timer the night before, hot oatmeal in the morning.  The least favorite function is the brown rice setting.  It makes it too convenient to be healthy.

In tribute to the Yokoi family. Kichijiro, Tetsuo and their children Kazuko (Kay), Yoshiko (Yoshi), Haruo (Hank)  and Mizuye (Mizzy).

The Appointment

The appointment was with the Oncologist to discuss the results of the recent CT scan, Colonoscopy and Blood Test.  I have to admit there was some anxiety before the appointment resulting in a few sleepless nights.  What if?  Well, the results are positive (in the good sense).  No evidence of polyps and the surgery removing part of the colon looks good.  The CT scan shows no sign of cancer and the blood test is negative for cancer markers.

Am I relieved?  Sort of.  I have an adversion to the term "remission".  To me, that word means it can come roaring back, that the cancer free condition is temporary.  Well, maybe it is an accurate description,  I just read a blog by Kristen Lummis on her experience with cancer and Lynch syndrome and this quote sums it up the best:

And the conversation goes something like this.
“But you’re okay right? You don’t have cancer anymore.” And technically, I am okay, but as I’ve learned from other cancer survivors, even if we have no evidence of disease, we still carry the emotional scars of cancer and a fear of recurrence. It’s part of our permanent baggage.

We are checking into some findings in the CT scan that the Dr. considers to be not unusual and not related to cancer.  Just another Dr. appointment with a different specialist.

On the bright side of things, we got to see the new addition Ellie during our visit up in Seattle.  What a cutie!!

In Search of .....

We recently went on a short trip to Seattle to witness the graduation of #2 from the University of Washington School of Law.  He has spent the last three years studying up in the clean environment of the Pacific Northwest.  Jordan is proof that clean air aides asthma sufferers as his symptoms were diminished during his stay up there.  When he would come home for a visit, he would start wheezing the moment he stepped off the plane.  At his mother's request, he reluctantly went through the graduation ceremony.  It was Sunday night at Benaroya hall in downtown Seattle.  It was streamed live and you can watch it on YouTube at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXMaZ_i9mA0.  He appears at the 1 hour 40 minute mark according to his cousin in Ohio.    We were fortunate to have his two brothers, Auntie Judy, Auntie Phyllis and Uncle Jerry and Jordan's friend David from the bay area in attendance.  Though there is some doubt the brothers were paying attention as they were reportedly watching the Golden State Warrior Cleveland Cavalier game on the iPhone.

During the Face Time conversation with the Grandsons, Grandma promised that their dad would bring back a present for them.  The response was a request for Pokemon Cards.  They still have those?  Well, according to the Internet, there was a Pokemon store located in Seattle on the way to the airport at Northgate Mall.  One of three in the United States.  On further investigation as we were heading there with visions of Pokemon paraphernalia galore, Jared reads the fine print, that the store is actually a kiosk.

In my mind I envisioned a sectioned off area in the middle of the mall filled with every version of Pikachu you could imagine.  I had just read an article that Amazon was opening a kiosk in Torrance with a photo of an open area filled with merchandise and figured a large company that owns Pokemon would have something similar.  We had been to the Pokemon store in Shibuya years ago where we had to wait in line just to get in the store.  My expectations were not high, but......

What we found after a long walk down the mall corridor was a Pokemon vending machine.  With stuff you could probably buy on Amazon.  Then we noticed next door there was an actual store that sold anime merchandise that included Pokemon.  I'm still kicking myself for not taking a picture of Gayle next to the machine.  My reaction?  You mean to tell me Seattle and New York are the only cities that have an official Pokemon Vending Machine?  Of course we bought the cards and a plush from the official vending machine instead of the store next door.

Road to Recovery, Verification

Being a Quality Engineer, we always have to respond to write ups with Corrective Action and Verification.  Verification defined as confirming the Corrective Action actually works.  For my cancer I have started the Verification process with a follow up colonoscopy.  For those of you familiar with colonoscopies, the preparation is the worst part of the process.

Preliminary results are that the colon is clear.  They did find some redness in the upper gastro tract and took a precautionary biopsy.  I will know the results in two weeks.  This Thurs. is step 2 with a CT Scan.  Step 3 is the appointment with the Oncologist to go over the test results.

Everything was fine approaching the colonoscopy until Gayle asked a simple question.  If something happens to you, where do you keep the bills and how does she pay them?  Huh?  You mean it is a possibility that the surgery and chemo might not have worked?

It is one thing to be reminded daily by the neuropathy of the chemo and cancer process, but it is another to come to grips of it's success or lack of success.  There are plenty of examples of both in peoples lives.  For every life, there is a death.  So far the count is ball one.

You Oght to be in Pictures

These are my fellow film makers from the Digital Histories class and our advisors Gary and Christine.  It was a fun time to watch their finished projects up on the big screen.  I have to admit, age does add an edgy freedom to their creativity.  You can watch the collection of films on Vimeo at:

https://vimeo.com/album/4574086

password: DH2017

I was impressed by and enjoyed all of them, buy I have to admit my favorites were "With Help from my Friends"  and "Mottainai".  "A Matter of Truth" gave me a better understanding of the political propaganda regarding the camps.  Watching these again motivates me to improve my skills in creating stories to the level of my fellow classmates.

Canneling Rod Serling

Did I mention that returning to work is like a episode of the Twilight Zone?   It is as if I never left.  I was plopped down into the same circumstances as when I left in July.  There seems to be a sigh of relief from everyone, that I am OK (you look good!) and that my return signals a return of sanity in a sea of unpredictability.  Go figure.

It has gotten to the point where I have to go back and review my previous posts of this blog to remind me of the process of life that I had gone through these past 10 months. 

Neuropathy is still the lingering reminder of the cancer.  At times it intensifies where I find myself shaking my hands and flexing my fingers, especially when it gets cold.  For some reason, it will flare up in the middle of the night.  A co worker has described it as your extremities (hands and feet) are constantly asleep.

I found it ironic that I have received a positive response from my video project on Sunday.  I was not thrilled with the way it turned out and I could tell by the luke warm reaction from Gayle was that it was so - so and a little hard to follow.  The response may be leading to another project on Asian basketball and it's origins.

We just got back from Santa Barbara to witness for ourselves that the youngest graduated college in four years.  It is a sigh of relief, now lets see about employment!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Work I Go....

I started back at work on Friday.  It was a process of trying to get set up before I hit the ground running on Monday.  The best way of describing the experience is the Twilight Zone.  It was if I never left.  The commute was the same, even driving up to my usual spot in the parking structure. The office was the same as I left it with an additional layer of dust.  The adjustment was catching up with personnel changes and what has occurred in peoples' lives these past months.

The biggest adjustment was waking up at six in the morning.  I did come home and take a long nap at the end of the day.  Oh well.

Today was the showing of my video I had created on basketball referees.  A friend had convinced me to join a Seniors Video Class sponsored by Visual Communications called Digital Histories.  It was established about 13 years ago with the intent of documenting peoples lives through the use of video.

The projects are then showed at the Asian Arts Festival at the Aratani Theater in Little Tokyo.  It is a little intimidating to see your project on a full movie screen in a mid size theater.

They keep emphasizing that as seniors, we bring a different perspective and therefore are in tune to document those stories.  Two questions come up.  One, when did I become a senior? and two, when did the senior perspective become so significant?  The answer, both are inevitable.

It has become clear that stories need to be documented and available, and time is short.  In conversation with a friend, it was stated that it was too bad we didn't do this 20 years ago when her dad was still alive.  But the program is a product of timing, where technology has enabled us to easily record and edit.  Any digital camera and a computer with iMovie will enable anyone to create a video.  The issue then becomes one of availability.  The internet and You Tube has resolved that issue.  More to come.

http://festival.vconline.org/2017/shorts-programs/digital-histories/

Land of Brick and BBQ

We went to visit the grandkids for a few days last week in Texas.  Im feeling better and it was Gayle's spring break.  This was my first time visiting the Lonestar state.  My first impression of the Plano/Allen area of Dallas was Orange county about 30 years ago.  Newly developed and lots of open land.  Gas stations were huge and selling gas for about $2.30 per gallon.  there were the usual nationwide chains (including the SC palm tree emblazoned In and Out).  

I did not notice much of a southern accent among the natives, but it did remind me of my days in Vancouver Wash.  Asians are still a subtle but noticeable sighting.  According to the internet, asians (mostly Chinese) make up 14% of the population in those suburbs.

The weather can best be described as unpredictable.  We woke up to 80 degree weather with a breeze,  and went to sleep with thunder, lightning and rain.  Hail was reported in the adjacent communities.

The highlight of the trip next to seeing the grandkids was the visit to the Dallas Textbook Depository Museum (officially called The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza), the sight of the assassination of president Kennedy.  We both can distinctly recall when Kennedy was shot.  Gayle was at home and remembers telling her mom that president Kennedy was shot.  I was in class, 3rd grade, Miss Coen, when the school suddenly starting broadcasting over the PA the radio reports,  I also remember watching tv when Oswald was shot.  For any one visiting Dallas, we highly recommend this on your itinerary.  Gayle also recommends a visit to the George W. Bush presidential museum, there is an section dedicated to 9/11.  That will probably be my next trip.

The grandkids.  As always, a joy to see.  Grandma as usual had her bag of treats, her favorite books to read, stuffed animals, and of course clothes from her and auntie Judy.  The week before, we asked the oldest what he wanted us to bring and his response was shirts with buttons.  Not your usual request from a 3 year old.  The youngest reminded us of his uncle Jordan at that age.  Never sitting still and always ready to eat.

In short, we miss the boys, but Texas is still not calling us.  Only to visit.  There still is nothing like shorts year round, and the life we built here.  Southwest frequent flier miles and FaceTime will have to do.

The Forgotten and Blind Faith

It has been about a month since my last Chemo treatment but i have been feeling better only the last two weeks.  I was talking today to someone I have known since the college days about his bout with esophageal cancer.  There was a bond in shared experiences.  Surgery, Chemo, the affects during and the continuing reminders.  He is now 3 years cancer free.

It felt comforting to have the shared experiences.  It's one of those things that are hard to describe.  It is like being a grandparent.  Once you become one, you understand that look.  The look when you gaze upon the child in your arms.  It is different than when your child was born.  That next generation  that is a part of you.

The comfort in shared cancer experiences vary.  Gayle tried attending a cancer support group.  She found people where their personal situation was considerably more drastic.  But one common denominator was a lack of faith in God.  The suffering becomes self centered.  What I have been reading is that our faith in God diverts the suffering, the burden, to be given up, not just shared.  Of course I admit I have not gotten to that point yet.

The forgotten people are the support folks.  Especially family.  Gayle has been the rock, support and brunt of my emotional mood swings.  Pair that with her profession as a public school teacher, increases the pressures of life.  Which reinforces the concept that love is blind.

Pain in the XXXX

One of the permanent affects of the Chemo Therapy is neuropathy of the extremities.  In the past I have described it as a "fuzzy" feeling in my finger tips.  I have also been noticing it slightly in the bottom of my feet.  The fuzzy feeling is affecting my fine motor skills that require manual dexterity.  I notice my printing is now looking like my handwriting.  For those of you unfamiliar with my writing, I have printed ever since they stopped giving me a grade in handwriting.  I barely squeaked out Cs throughout grade school.  My printing has become somewhat distinct as it has evolved into a certain style.  It's current legibility is comparable to my 4 year old grandson's writing.

It has not detrimentally affected any other manual function.  Typing on the keyboard is a little strange.  The tactile feel is not quite there, and I have trouble using a track pad.  This will be a permanent result of chemo and one Dr. has recommended vitamin B12 as a possible aide in lessening the affect.  Time will also diminish the neuropathy, but to what extent is unknown.

Overall it is a small price to pay.  It is also a constant reminder of the cancer and it's possible comeback.  I'm currently reading a book by Phillip Yancy,  Where is God When it Hurts.  The first section is on the value of pain, and how it is a warning system.  It also goes into how pain enhances pleasure.  Interesting concepts.

Larry H Parker

I noticed recently that the lawyer commercials have changed over the years.  They were once dominated by Larry H Parker and Jacoby and Meyers.  Now its Joseph Emrani and a assortment of firms soliciting clients for various ailments.

It is now been two weeks since my last round of chemo pills.  Now I wait for the chemo drugs to filter out of my system.  The past few days I have been feeling better but still feel the affects of the drugs.  I still tremble when attempting to write,  Fuzzyness in the finger tips, slight tinge of the taste buds,  and fatigue.  

June will be my appointment with the oncologist to compare the scheduled tests with my baseline.  Those tests include a CT Scan and colonoscopy.

Today I met with the surgeon.  Interesting info.  He removed 40% of my colon.  Essentially everything is functioning well with a few adjustments in the bowel process that are permanent.
He did mention that the tingling in the hands will probably diminish with time but never go away completely as a result of chemo.

i did just get through watching an episode of Charlie Rose on cancer treatment.  Immunology Therapy appears to be the next frontier.  Apparently with colon cancer they are experimenting with applying it after chemo.

As with the lawyer commercials, cancer treatment will evolve.  (didn't think I would be able to tie those two together!)

Insomnia

Round 8 is being distinguished as the Insomnia round.  Tomorrow I approach the completion of the first week.  I'm drowning myself in room temp lemonade and powerade, managing the hourly output discharge And trying to alter my sleep pattern.  No such luck. It is 3:30am.

I was talking to a friend recently about our heart conditions, he had stents, I had bypass.  Someone we know our age recently had a heart attack.  Both of us were tempted to send a "welcome to the club" message, but thought better of it.  A little on the morbid side and the many that have not the privilege of the experience may object.  But I learned today that someone else I know will be undergoing heart surgery.   We are at the age where this is no longer an anomaly.  It is a trend.  So how is your health status?

I can only offer support and answer any questions about the recovery.  My aunt is sad in that many of her friends have passed on and with each funeral, you can see the effect deepening.  I'm beginning to get a glimpse in understanding her feelings. I can list on one hand friends that were dear to me who passed on, but as we age, our list grows.  I'm not sure what this implies to my life currently, but food for thought.

Of course, the opposite of all this is grandchildren.  They provide joy, and optimism for the future.

Temperature Control

In previous posts, I have shared the adverse reaction to coldness due to the Chemo drugs.  It occurred to me that I have made more adjustments than I thought.


House temperature:  keeping the house consistent is a dilemma due to the original floor furnace.  So I rely on the blanket, down comforter and electric blanket combination.  This gives me flexibility in adjusting to both the outside environment and internal body fluctuations.

Auto: The van has been stocked with various blankets, pillows, and drinks to keep me comfortable.  They also provide a great deal of comfort for Gayle when I drive.

Aparrel: hats, extra jackets for layering, long pants, no slippers, and that is just to get the newspaper from the driveway.  Digital just does not do it for me.  The morning newspaper and coffee are still a habit.

Drinks:  It is always a challenge to not only determine which types of fluids are working.  They seem to change with each round but red powerade seems to be the consistent favorite.  The problem comes when determining the temperature of the liquid.  Most of the time I leave it out on the coffee table at room temperature.  But if it is still too cold, I will tuck them under the bed covers next to me to warm up.  I have gotten used to asking for tap water at restaurants as requesting water with no ice is still too cold.

Hygiene:  it seems a little wasteful, but I often have to run the water until it warms up before I can wash my hands.  At least our bathroom is close to the water heater and the warm water comes quickly vs the kitchen.

Refridegeration:  when it comes to refrigerators, especially at stores, chemo brain fog kicks in.  I usually forget about the fuzzy chill until I open the fridge or freezer door at Costco.  I avoid Nijiya stores as their ambient temp in the store is on the colder side.  Don't even ask about the kitchen fridge as I wear shorts at home.

I'm still looking forward to that ice cold Coke later this year.

Light at the end of the tunnel

Today platelets were low, but up from last week.  Therefore round 8 was approved to proceed.  It just means that I need to be especially careful to not be exposed to infections and germs for the next 3 to 4 weeks.  We meet with the Oncologist in two weeks to see what is in store for the completion of my treatments.  

A friend who is living in Japan has been reading the blog and has sent a variety of masks to lighten up the mood.  Apparently Japan is the land of surgical masks for consumer consumption.  I can now be fashionable in my choice of masks.  Plaid, mickey mouse, unknown and charcoal.  Thanks Joyce!!!

This weeks choice of liquids are of the semi sweet kind.  It's been organic lemonade from Costco.
Breakfast has been TJs cereal and unsweetened soy milk and of course a mug of Peets Arabian Mocha Java.

After talking with Gayle the other night, some subjects came up.  The prospect of me not being around (always a possibility whether or not the cancer is cleared).  Retirement, Heath Benefits, IRA accounts, wills, medical wishes (DNRs), etc.   Sobering stuff.  Some have been in the works, others need to be accelerated for peace of mind.

Speaking of the future, Jeff and the family are moving into their new home in Allen, Texas this week.
The house has 4 bedrooms, one designated for visiting grandparents.  Of course this grandpa has claimed a spot on the floor in the boy's room.

By the way, you can tell have finally figured out how to upload pictures to the blog.

Bummed

Round 8 was postponed again, making this a two week wait due to my platelets being low again.  It was explained to me that low platelets make me more susceptible to infection and reduces my ability for my blood to clot.   I have to avoid getting cut, and exposure to germs.  I was so looking forward to starting my last round.

This setback is another reminder from my wife that nothing is ever normal with me.  But putting it in perspective, it does not adversely affect the long term plan for treating the cancer.

Secret Weapon

We send a monthly package to the grand kids and for some reason Camden always thinks its from me and not Grandma.  Grandma always makes sure there are things like books and developmental stuff along with the treats.  The Secret Weapon is Honeyballs.  I've always kept a stash in the cars and doled them out when needed.

False Start

Round 8 of Chemo was scheduled for yesterday.  It was met with anxiousness and trepidation.  There was a feeling that something was not going to happen.  Preliminary blood tests showed low platelets causing them to postpone Chemo one more week.

It was explained that chemo reduces the production of platelets and that if they proceeded it would lower them to a critical level.  The conclusion is that I am highly susceptible to infections and germs.
Therefore I am limited to exposure to the outside world for a bit.

I am getting used to wearing a surgical mask when I do go out.  The adjustment is getting used to the looks from others and the fogging up of my glasses when I talk.  The most frustrating part of this is the postponement of another week taking my treatment well into Feb. when it was originally scheduled for the end of Jan.

As an added positive note, I put in for my  National Park Pass for seniors and one for Canadian National Parks.  The Canadian is for one year, but was free.  It's about time to start taking advantage of my age.  It's a sign of optimism.  Once I finish round 8, I go in for a review, then a series of tests to confirm my condition (blood, CT scan, colonoscopy, etc.)  Chemo is only stage 2 in my process of dealing with the colon cancer.

The Holidays

There never ever seems to be a time during the holidays where no one is sick.  This was especially true this year.  Number two grandson flew into LA vomiting.  So time was limited.  I did get to hold him in my lap during a viewing of Beauty and the Beast (he was over his bout).  That made my whole holiday especially since being a Wada, he and his brother do not sit still for very long, at all.  With number one, we have a special bond since we spent so much time together when they lived in LA.  With number two, there is always that lingering fear, that he will not remember who I am.  FaceTime helps.

Relatives visiting is always a scheduling nightmare.  Folks from Texas, Wisconsin, Seattle, Santa Barbara, and the Bay Area were all coming to the center of the universe at the Miyoshi house in Gardena.  Of course the hospitality of Judy, and the complete cycle of anticipation and fulfillment of uncle Cliffs cooking made it what holidays are all about.

Ozoni at Cliffs on New Years was quiet as most everyone had returned home.  But for some reason ozoni seems like the ultimate JA comfort food.  Every family has their own version (Cliff's is with his chashu) and it remains a comforting, secure assurance of each new year.

To everyone who takes the time to read this, may you have a great year of comfort and joy.

George😷

Nothing is the same

With each round of chemo, my reaction changes with each round and even within each round.  The previous two rounds I was binging on red Powerade, Hawaiian Punch and ginger ale.  Currently it is Martenellis sparkling cider, Shasta orange soda from the 99 cent store and tangerines from Clare's back yard.  She brought a large bag of them during the Christmas break.  Now these are not your Halos, but a tart taste that most would return to the store if they bought them.  For me they became addictive consuming four or five a day for two weeks.  I bit into a Halo today and spit it out due to its sweetness.  Every time I think I have adjusted or have prepared for the next round, the body reacts differently.  According to the wife, it is me being me (not normal is the implication, a constant theme in our marriage).

I am in week two of round 7.  Low white blood count remains a strong concern.  The ability to fight off infections has motivated Gayle to impose a quarantine  on my activities.  No exposure to the latest cold front, especially at night.  She conceded to allow me to attend my senior video class tomorrow providing I wear a surgical mask.  So much for being inconspicuous.  I need to explain that it,s purpose is to protect me from germs and not the other way around.  I'm thinking of printing "germs, it's you, not me" across the front.  I did notice they come in only one color.  They have boxes all over the infusion and waiting room like Kleenex boxes.  So if you run into me around town, don't freak out, don't be offended if I wash my hands after greeting you, or if you detect the smell of hand sanitizer .  It's just me with one more round to go.