Thursday, January 26, 2017
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.
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.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
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.
Georgeš·
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.
Georgeš·
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.
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.
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