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Monday, June 24, 2019

One Year Check-Up

Today was my one year check up since my cancer diagnosis.
The appointment went okay, just lots of waiting around.  First was the mammogram. Not a nice
experience but over in a few minutes.  Then a CT scan.  To help with the contrast a special
liquid is injected through a drip. I always have problems with having a drip as my veins are rather deep, I ask for the nurse to use the vain on my hand.  But the nurse today said that she could get a vein in my arm.  After lots of slapping she finally found a vein to stick me.  Getting the drip in was alright, but she kept asking if it hurt.  I wanted to say of course it hurts you just stuck a big needle in my arm, but I smiled and kept my peace.  The CT scan was painless and the staff got it to speak in English to me.  At certain times you have to breathe deep and hold your breathe, in Japanese I always get mixed up!  Having the English really helped.  After that was an echo and then more waiting to see the doctor.  One thing with this hospital is that everything is there, so when they take blood it is sent to the hospital lab to be processed.  The same with the scan, everything is sent to the doctors computer, no waiting for  outside labs!  Makes things a bit easier, over and done in one day.
The good news is that every thing is clear, no sign f cancer anywhere.                                                      

These are ume fruit that David picked from mother in laws garden the other week.  He is making a drink from them. It's really nice and refreshing in the heat.  Little sharp which makes the drink nice!

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Hisao's Birthday

Friday would of been Hisao's 58th birthday.  It's hard to think of him as being 58!
I often wonder what he would be doing if he were here.  One thing all the problems with
my mother in law would of been on him!
I found some older photos that I've scanned into the computer,  not good quality because of the scanner but enjoy!

About 5 years old

20's maybe





18 years old in Tokyo

With my Mom and Dad, 30 years ago.
With David and Hannah and our first dog


With the kids
I really miss Hisao!

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Here We Go Again

Every year while it is still cool I tell myself that I will do better in the summer.
I determine not to be defeated by the weather.  That I will keep to my schedule and not
end up in bed, being miserable.  I dream of going out, of visiting places and seeing things,
especially during the holidays.  I tell myself that a positive attitude will help because
complaining is not going to change the heat and humidity.
Most years I can get through the first few weeks then end up getting sick.
This year I didn't make it through the first week of the intense heat!
Yesterday, according to a weather app that I have it was 30C but real feel was
up to 36C.  I decided that it would be best to use the air conditioner while I was teaching.
But I couldn't find the remote. Mikey and I searched for half an hour but no luck.
I taught for 2 hours, with a big fan on but it didn't help that much.
In the evening I couldn't cool down, got an awful headache and felt sick.  When I checked
my temperature it was 38.5C, I had heat stroke.  I couldn't believe it, the first week!
So I realized that a positive attitude is not going to change my body and it's reaction
to the heat.  But being positive is so much better at dealing with the heat.  Moaning is
a waste of time.  So now I am trying to find the humor in my situation and how to manage
the rest of the summer.

Our animals seem alright in the heat.  The cats don't like to be held, which is understandable.
They roam around the house looking for a cool spot, then they don't move until it's time to
eat, sensible creatures.  Our dog, Lucky has found a cool spot in the yard.  She is getting old now
and doesn't have the energy she use to.  I make sure she has plenty of cool, clean water.




As always cat photos.  We had a long box that the cats loved running in and out of!