Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sorry I've been off line for a while, but I've been a bit out of commission. As most of you know, I've been resting from my double mastectomy, which I had received on Friday, December 5, 2008. I was in Torrance Memorial Medical Center (TMMC), until Monday, December 8, 2008. I'm so thankful that Hank stayed with me at the hospital throughout the entire ordeal. He even slept there all three nights on the pull out couch! (Ouch on the back!) Also, I'm so thankful for so many family members and friends who came to visit me after my surgery.

Rick Izumi gave me a beautiful crochet blanket, made by the women's ministry of Faith United Methodist Church. It really kept me warm and cozy in the hospital by covering me with a blanket of God's love! Thank you!
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Catherine, Baldwin, Grace, Jason, Jordan, & Jennifer
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Kathy, Aunt Mary, Mimi, & Lydia (We all loved your homemade Rum cake, Lydia! Thank you!!!)
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Angel, James, Stephanie, Hank, & Sammi. Angel bought me a Hula Hoop and Paddle Ball toy! I sure hope you don't expect me to do that hoop thing anytime soon! I have lots of use for that paddle too! Thanks!
Dr. Michael Newman
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Wanda, Ken, Lauren, & Ryann
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Carolyn, Chuck, Amber, & Connor (Brent). You are so patient and talented, Carolyn! Thanks for the beautiful blanket!
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Danny & Larry
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Ada, Ed, Tiffany, & Scotty
Dr. David Chan
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Glenn and Bob surprised our entire family with a Thai feast! There was so much food, we had both lunch and dinner! Dr. Chan thought you guys are great! He said I have a nice family, and I agree! It was a good thing this floor was equipped with a lounge/family room, made for people like us!
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Tony, Grace, & Bradley (Natalie)
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Chris, Janet, Thomas, Matthew, & Emily
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Deena & Sammie (Jerome & EJ), Maria (Alfred & Eddie), & Aki
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Sandra & Nathan (Rick & Alexis)
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Donna, Kelly, Pat, & Chloe (She's a very mellow, yet talented doggie; She's a gorgeous mix of Briard and Bearded Collie). Chloe is part of the TMMC Pet Visitation Program. She's been working for TMMC for 8 years, going room to room with Pat to cheer up the staff and patients. Thanks Pat and Chloe!!! You made my stay extra memorable...... Hey Angel, recognize the Hula Hoop? We made great use for it before I got out of the hospital!
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I'm going home with so many blessings!!! Thank you!!!
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May (Sam, Lisa, & William), Susie & Jeffrey, Christina & Calvin, and Angel. We celebrated my "coming home" by having dinner at the beach at Scotty's.
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Colney, Bobbie, & Mitchell
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Marian & Ralph
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Dana & Leslie
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Ethan Hedbery, Jeff Volkmer, & LeRoy Benson
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Mimoe & Sammi
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Tony and me!
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Matt & Lily, and James
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Wendy & Kristin (Dave & Kyle)
Tiffany, JoJo, Timmy Louie (Brian)
Carla Deckard
Darren & Christy Hom
Jerome & Helen Wang
Bonnie Wong
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Darrell, June, Chris, Kaitlyn (Allison & Rachel)
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Benny, Lori, Brian, & Breanna
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Robert, Donna, Austin, Brady, & Tanner
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Derrick, Kathy, Traci, & Kristen
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Hank, Stevie, Sammi, and I
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Max, Adriana, Tiffany, Veronica, & Amy
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Jonathan, Joanna, & Elizabeth Hoffman
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Mamiko, Noah, & Kento Fleder

Unfortunately, I had a slight positive margin remainder above my left breast (a bit more cancer) and a small skin infection on my right. My team of doctors had agreed to perform an emergency surgery on Tuesday, December 23, 2008. The good news is that it was an out-patient procedure (about 2.5 hours surgery). After an hour or so in the recovery room, I was able to return home around 11:30 p.m., just in time for our Christmas celebrations. I was able to rest all day before going to visit my family today. Another good thing is that I won't have to cook at all. Sorry to the Chan and SooHoo families, but I'll have to make my Ngor Mai Fan for you another time.

God's blessings are endless. I appreciate all of the visits, calls, emails, cards, letters, and prayers! I've been showered with gifts of love, flowers, food, desserts, prayers, and well wishes. I am deeply touched by your love, and I truly appreciate all that you've done for me and my family! Thank you for the continuous prayers! I can never have too many of those! I can use all that I can get too! I know God hears them, and he truly has been answering them. Again, thanks to all of you!

In case I don't get a chance to update my blog again, I just want to wish everyone a wonderful, Merry Christmas. May God bless you and your loved ones with a prosperous, healthy, and Happy New Year in 2009!!! Holy hugs and kisses to you,... until next time!!! xoxoxoxoxo Berda SooHoo (and still KooKoo)