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.

A Different Perspective

I just came across this article which provides a different perspective.  It is from a oncology nurse that was diagnosed with colon cancer.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/oncology-nurse-diagnosed-cancer-writes-203228585.html

The original blog post:  https://herecomesthesun927.com/2016/11/14/dear-every-cancer-patient-i-ever-took-care-of-im-sorry-i-didnt-get-it/

There is one paragraph towards the end of the article best describes what I have been experiencing.

“Yes, there are phases — the treatment won’t last forever, but you are changed now... The worrying won’t stop, the uncertainty won’t stop, the fear of recurrence or an awful end won’t stop. I hear that gets better- time will tell. And time is precious...”

Banana Avocado Spinach Sandwich and Sweet Potato Pie

I got a call from the Oncologist yesterday requesting that I double my dosage of Potassium.  For the last two months my blood tests have shown low levels and their concern has rose to the level of a weekly sample of blood.

The remedy is the potassium supplement, increased consumption of Powerade and increased intake of food items with high potassium.  Bananas are the common recommendation from the nursing field and my wife.  The root of the problem is that I have a huge dislike of bananas.

During my college days, I worked in the produce dept. at Lucky Markets.   Being low man on the totem pole meant I was tasked with stocking the banana display.  In those days, bananas came in boxes wrapped in plastic wrap.  The plastic wrap accelerated their ripening.  During the summer days I would load up 10 boxes on my cart, trudge out and proceed to open the boxes one by one.  As you lift the cardboard top off you start getting a whiff of ripe bananas, as you remove the wrap, you get hit with blast of the fragrance of ripe bananas.  Multiply that by two when you have over ripe bananas hidden inside.

It wasn't until about 10 years ago that I started eating banana baked goods.  In agreement with Gayle, I will start incorporating bananas into my diet.  It only took 40 years.  And she says I'm resistant to change.

Misc. Notes:

Darrin and Rachel broke the Wada 5th generation male domination.  Nephew Darrin and Rachel welcomed Eleanor Etsuko Sera into the world on Nov. 27th.  Auntie Gayle is elated to finally be shopping for a girl?  But she asked if white or pink was preferable.  What happened to t-shirts and shorts?  Warning, start buying Hello Kitty stock.

You look Marvelous:  Despite feeling yucky at best at times, the comment I get most is that I am looking good.  The direct opposite of what I see in the mirror in the morning.  I look like Frank Barone when I go out to get the morning paper.

I Miss the Cold

The chemo infusion as stated before has a side affect in reaction to cold.  Grabbing cold shopping carts, opening refrigeration units at stores, walking outside at night.

The worst part is craving cold foods and drinks.  I'm still craving ice cold cokes, ice cream, cold left overs.  Case in point we recently brought home a leftover tuna sandwich.  In order to eat it, I have to pull it out of the refrigerator, remove the lettuce and tomatoe to microwave, wait for the lettuce and tomatoe to cool to warm to room temperature or play Russian roulette with the microwave.

I have learned to keep a bottle of powerade next to me in bed under the covers to keep it Luke warm. Room temperature is still too cold.  Even asking for water at restaurants without ice comes too cold.

The urge for cold often overcomes common sense.  I order before realizing my error in judgment.

So here's looking forward to next March. Cold weather or hot, I'm going for a coke float.