11/19/10

This past Friday I went for my triannual follow-up with my oncologist, Dr. Hastings. She spent some time reading the PET scan report which worried me but finally said that there was no evidence of cancer. However, there are several age-related issues which the scan picked up: swelling in both shoulders and hips (no problems of which I'm aware), slightly enlarged prostate (OK, I'll get it checked out), minor obstruction in arteries going to my legs (may be indictive of atherosclerosis/cholesterol problems--will check that out as well). End of medical report. Bottom line: I'm healthy but getting older!

This Thanksgiving, I have a lot for which to be thankful!  Thank you, Lord!!

Gettin' Caught Up

In September, we went to Colorado Springs for an OSI (my former AF unit) reunion with about 200 other old folks. Was great to see so many old, literally, friends. Ran into a guy who I last saw, we estimated, 35 years ago and we both recognized each other! Probably a sign of the times: we used to trade war stories; now we trade medical stories! Tour of the AF Academy was instructive (pun intended!) and included a very nice lunch at the Officers' Club.

Had a chance to reconnect with some younger old friends from the AF, the Cheshire's and Peasley's, both of whom live in the area:

Also had a chance to get together with my cousin Tom and his wife, Deb. He's also retired from the AF and they spend their time pulling a trailer around the country visiting grandkids and sightseeing. We were lucky to catch them in town:

From Colorado Springs, we went to Los Angeles and got on a short cruise to Mexico. Geri got us a GREAT deal and the whole trip for both of us cost less than a cheap hotel room!

Even though we went with the cheapest fare possible and had fairly austere accomodations, we enjoyed it immensely. We were certain to exercise every day as the most important decisions were where to have the next meal! We splurged: Geri spent some time in the spa and the highlight of the trip was a multiple course, gourmet dinner prepared by the Head Chef. There was so much great food and wine that I couldn't bring myself to eat the fabulous chocolatey dessert!

God is good and life is good. Praising Him every day for the many blessings!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Another quarterly check-up, more tests, same result!! STILL IN REMISSION!! Not only that, Dr. Hastings, my oncologist, recommended that I go to check-ups once every four, not three months: still more good news!!

Am doing the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life again this year with others of our family. If you want to support this worthy, tax-deductible cause, please go here: RELAY

God is good. Please join me in giving Him praise and thanks!

03/10/10

Went for my quarterly checkup. Lab work showed everything was normal. Scans showed no signs of cancer anywhere. I'm boringly normal, except for having only one kidney and assorted scars from a lifetime of being accident-prone, but that's another story.

Praise God for his continued love, faithfulness and mercy!

Happy/Sad News

Mom Yasuhara, 90, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, at 12:48 p.m. Up to the very end, she was mentally sharp, was able to walk without assistance, and was in good spirits. Unfortunately, a large mass was found on her left kidney and she elected to have an operation to remove the kidney. After her operation on January 29th, she had a reaction either to the anesthesia or antibiotics which were administered and never recovered.

Yoshie Ethel Yasuhara

1/20/1920 - 2/16/2010

Obviously, we're sad to see Mom pass on but we have the hope that we'll someday see her since she was a devout Christian. She was truly preparing for her homecoming for her entire adult life. She's got on her dancing shoes, gets to see Jesus face-to-face and is reunited with Dad. What could be better than that?

We are at peace.

2009 Recap

Joy and Daniel continue their hectic pace. Joy went to New Orleans with her company in December which sells supplemental insurance to union members because she was one of the top performers again. The great thing about her job is that all her clients are referrals and she doesn't have to find her own clients. Daniel is working as a security guard. All of the kids attend a Hawaiian charter school, Halau Lokahi in Honolulu, HI. It's really neat to hear them doing Hawaiian chants and to hear Emalia sing the Hawaiian doxology, commonly sung as a prayer before meals.

Christian, 13, is active in Boy Scouts and had a role in the Youth Choir's presentation of It's a Wonderful Life. After months and months of practice, they presented 11 really professional performances. We took our neighbors to one of the performances. Their comments included, "Beyond our wildest expectations!" He still enjoys reading and playing video games.


Jonathan, 8, is our athlete. He's played flag football almost all year but recently decided he wanted to give basketball a try. His uncle Cary bought him matching Jordan shoes so Jonathan is ready to hit the courts. Jonathan also enjoys video football and basketball games on the computer, GameCube and Wii.

Emalia, 5, recently started soccer. Her favorite Christmas song was "All I want for Christmas are my FOUR front teeth." She's still the baby of the family but enjoys dressing up with makeup, jewelry, etc. (must be genetic!) Her favorite video game is Wii boxing!

2009 Recap

Cary continued to be employed with Butte County, California, working with at-risk kids. He's really got a heart for these kids for whom few others, in some cases, really cares. He was in for a surprize when he was informed that he was not in a permanent position but had to compete for his own position, which he did, successfully. Susan is still working as a radiation technician but there are still no bambinos. Oh well, they ought to take their time because they'll have them for at least 18 years!! Besides, Cary is almost more than Susan can handle on her own!

2009 Recap

We didn't take any major trips in 2009 but I did get a new toy which was on my bucket list. It's a 2004 BMW which is new to me. I've spent much of the year buying "farkles" to get the bike exactly how I'd like it. (Geri, to her credit, has been very understanding--you know the saying about boys and their toys!) So far, I've replaced the seat, windscreen, shocks/springs, mirrors (it was a safety issue (!)) and air cleaner and got the exhaust headers coated and the decals clear-coated. Only a new muffler remains.

The NEW Journey

Since my updates on recovering and staying remission have been few and far between, this blog will morph into a family update to keep those who care updated on the doings of our family. Please tune in for more to come very soon.

To recap 2009, the major health story was Geri's broken femur in Sep. She's recovering with physical therapy and daily stretching and exercises. Seems the most debilitating damage was to her muscles which contracted so forcefully that they hemorrhaged internally. Only time can remove this blood from the body and her muscles, in the meantime became weak and stiff. In any case, she's walking almost without a limp and is now bionic with a titanium rod and other assorted hardware. Here's her latest portrait: