Here are a few pictures I took from my TV:
Here are a few pictures I got off the Internet:
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama Mania!
January 20, 2009, Barack Obama is officially in office now! He is the 44th President of the United States of America, our first non-Caucasian president ever. We are looking forward to his leadership, for some positive changes in our country, and for the rest of the world as well. We pray that he seeks God's wisdom and will, as he makes decisions that will affect all of our lives. As this day go down in history, we wish to President Obama a very Happy 2009 Inauguration Day, and may he be an effective and successful president throughout his term(s). As the song goes... "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free... God bless the USA!!!"
Here are a few pictures I took from my TV:
Here are a few pictures I got off the Internet:
Here are a few pictures I took from my TV:
Here are a few pictures I got off the Internet:
Sunday, January 18, 2009
God Is Love!
Look at the ivy that's growing on this tree! Can you see it? God is so creative! I've passed by this tree thousands of times, but never noticed it. One morning, as I was traveling to the hospital for my IV infusion, I was stopped for a red light. At that moment, God had blessed me with a small reminder of his awesome love. This picture was taken just as the sun was coming up from behind it. This beautiful heart cannot be seen from any other angle, and it's much more hidden during any other time of day. Pretty neat, huh? I feel so blessed to have seen it, and even more blessed to have a picture of it. ;-)
IV infusions aren't any fun, but time passes quickly with warm friendly smiles from the staff. Here I am with Gloria, one of my nurses.
Jolene, Wayne, and I decided to eat at New York Deli in Torrance. We ordered my favorites, Matzo Ball soup and the Fontana sandwich (pastrami and beef brisket between three slices rye or sour dough bread). I can feel my arteries screaming for help, but it's oh so worth it! Yummy!
On January 14-16, 2008, Sammi had three performances for her first school dance, called A Fairy Tale. She played the part of Servant #1. She did great, but then again, I'm bias! I'm so happy she's dancing. It's too bad she doesn't want to hula anymore... at least for now. (I still have high hopes for the future!)
Intermission... Time for another Cha Shiu Bow!
Debbie is Taylor's biggest fan. Could it be because she's her mom? BTW, I am Sammi's biggest fan as well. hee hee hee
Marcelo is sweeping Sammi off her feet, literally!
Joneth, Sammi, & Hannah are all dancers in this show.
Ailo with Stevie.
Did anyone call for security? Here's Ann and me!
Farmer's Market is a fun place to go, but it's even better when you run into friends! Hey, Lauren and Ryann... Where's my Nutella strawberry banana crepe?!?!? And don't forget some hot gourmet coffee. BTW, the flowers, breads, fruits, and veggies are fresh too! hee hee hee
Danny, Larry, and Jeremy took me to the Fish Market at the wharf for lunch. We had some fish and shrimp, a foot of garlic bread, french fries, and nachos. Can you believe we ate the whole thing?!?!? oink oink oink ;8]
Margie, Tom, Mike, and Yuri were visiting from NYC. Time for more fun, and of course, more food!
Sammi and Hannah look like twins... and they didn't even plan it! This sounds like a couple of other people I know... Hank and Derrick!!! Amazing!
Finally, my two weeks of IV infusions are done! On Sunday, January 18, I was excited to get this PICC line removed. This was all I've been seeing...
... But, when Nurse Jeannette pulled it out, there was an additional 12"-14" line that was inside of me!!! They said the meds entered right above my heart, and now I know why!!! Yikes!!!
I am just so thankful that the antibiotics worked, for the great staff at the hospital (TMMC), and for all of your support and prayers. God continues to answer our prayers, and he keeps amazing me all the time, even in the smallest of things. God is love, and we are so blessed to be his children!!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What's coming up next?
God has the perfect plan for each and every one of us. He puts people in our lives as we need them, or as they need us. On December 26. 2008, our friend, Dennis Cho, has gone home to be with the Lord. The memorial service was held on January 10, 2009 at Evergreen Baptist Church San Gabriel Valley. It was such a beautiful service, which Dennis himself had planned out to the smallest detail. His family and close friends shared with us about Dennis' passion for God and for life. Even through his battle with cancer, his faith never wandered. I am inspired by all the things that was said about him. He was truly a good steward for Christ. I met him back when I was in junior high, and he was one of those "old kids in high school". Unfortunately, after I graduated from high school, we did not keep in touch directly. As I reminisced, I was filled with many emotions, from sorrow to joy. We went to celebrate Dennis' life and to support his family. But our amazing God turned it into a blessing for us once again, as we rekindled old friendships. I'm going to try my best to bug my new old friends much more! Thank God he gave us email! Too bad we didn't take any pictures for my blog, huh? We'll just have to get together again soon! ;-) hee hee hee
Cynthia and me! She's a semi-retiree. Is this what you do when you get bored being at home? When I get my body back into health, maybe I can find a job? Well, maybe not. I'm just having way too much fun.
Ako, Cynthia, and me again! Here's another example of God's amazing plan for our lives. The three of us just met each other at South Bay Community Church, and we found out that we're all breast cancer survivors! We went to church to praise God, and he gave us a special bond to each other. God is sooooo good!!!
Here I am with my very handsome, Dr. Michael Newman. He's so young, yet so skilled and talented. He has the stamina to handle long grueling hours of surgery with ease. It's a good thing, because he doing all of my reconstruction surgery! Praise God, he hooked me up with a great team of doctors!
As far as my health issues are concerned, my infection is looking fine. Dr. Newman took out my drain tubes last week. He also gave me the green light to exercise again, with no restrictions. Yikes! I'm thinking about going back to End Results Fitness Training Center in Torrance. They are one of the sponsors for the Wellness Community. They have a special program designed for people recovering from cancer. They even allow us to bring our family and friends. Stevie went with me a few times last summer, and we both enjoyed it. It's time for me to get back into shape. Just remember, ROUND is a shape! ;-) hee hee hee
Due to the two skin infections I had, my radiation has been postponed for a few weeks, until February. I want to get back on track with my treatments, so I can finish everything on time. That should be by the end of this year! Ughhh! So what's coming up next? Well, it's all a surprise for us, but I know God has it all under control. ;-) Have a blessed week! Holy hugs and kisses! xoxoxox Just KooKoo
Cynthia and me! She's a semi-retiree. Is this what you do when you get bored being at home? When I get my body back into health, maybe I can find a job? Well, maybe not. I'm just having way too much fun.
Ako, Cynthia, and me again! Here's another example of God's amazing plan for our lives. The three of us just met each other at South Bay Community Church, and we found out that we're all breast cancer survivors! We went to church to praise God, and he gave us a special bond to each other. God is sooooo good!!!
Here I am with my very handsome, Dr. Michael Newman. He's so young, yet so skilled and talented. He has the stamina to handle long grueling hours of surgery with ease. It's a good thing, because he doing all of my reconstruction surgery! Praise God, he hooked me up with a great team of doctors!
As far as my health issues are concerned, my infection is looking fine. Dr. Newman took out my drain tubes last week. He also gave me the green light to exercise again, with no restrictions. Yikes! I'm thinking about going back to End Results Fitness Training Center in Torrance. They are one of the sponsors for the Wellness Community. They have a special program designed for people recovering from cancer. They even allow us to bring our family and friends. Stevie went with me a few times last summer, and we both enjoyed it. It's time for me to get back into shape. Just remember, ROUND is a shape! ;-) hee hee hee
Due to the two skin infections I had, my radiation has been postponed for a few weeks, until February. I want to get back on track with my treatments, so I can finish everything on time. That should be by the end of this year! Ughhh! So what's coming up next? Well, it's all a surprise for us, but I know God has it all under control. ;-) Have a blessed week! Holy hugs and kisses! xoxoxox Just KooKoo
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year 2009!!!
I felt pretty good after my second surgery on December 23, 2008. I had happily attended most of our family events! Unfortunately, my inner body was fighting yet another infection. On Tuesday night, December 30, 2008, I had some redness on my upper left breast near the armpit, with a high fever of 103.4*. The fever did go down with Tylenol, but I had to take it a few times before it would break. In order to avoid another emergency surgery, Dr. Newman and Dr. Milefchik admitted me back into Torrance Memorial Medical Center (TMMC) in the afternoon of New Year's Eve, December 31, 2008. Apparently, my body was trying to fight the foreign objects that were installed within me (drains and skin expanders for reconstruction). The oral antibiotics were not strong enough, so I was given much stronger antibiotics, but this time, intravenously (IV). It did clear up the redness, and my fever did not come back.
Usually, I would ring in the New Year with family and friends, but that did not happen for 2009. I had to remain in the hospital for several days. We had previously committed to a friend's house party, so I sent Hank and the kids there on my behalf. As I planned for a quiet night alone, I was happily surprised by visitors. Thank you to the Felix and Armenta families, Grace, and Angel for keeping me company. I didn't want you to change your plans for my sake!
After their visit, I rested and reminisced on an extraordinary 2008, a year full of extreme highs, and some not-so-high events. My sister, Wanda was gravely ill last January, I was diagnosed breast cancer at the end of June, I lost my Dad and a few dear friends this year, our nation hit a major financial crisis, but so did the world. But, some babies were born, a few couples got married, I survived seven chemo treatments, Stevie graduated from high school, we were able to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, I survived the first and second surgeries for my double mastectomies and reconstruction, we have a new President Elect, I've reconnected with so many lost friends through my walk with cancer, I was able to see first hand of God's grace through His church, His people, my family, my friends.
As I laid in bed, I watched Dick Clark's countdown in the many time zones, until the stoke of midnight. My IV monitor echoed in the quietness. It was even quiet at the nurses station. I heard one of them whisper, "Now, take a picture with my camera..." A few seconds later, my cell phone rang. Hank, Stevie, Sammi, and Angel were all calling me at the same time, but Angel got through first. It was the entire gang, screaming, yelling, blowing horns, popping poppers, all wishing me a Happy New Year!!! Wow, I was really touched to be included in their celebration!!! Yikes, I heard the party broke up around 2:30 a.m.! Hey, what ever happened to getting home before 2:00 a.m., BEFORE all of the bars closed?!?!?!?
I'm extremely blessed with a great team of doctors. God has been my strength, my refuge, my ultimate healer. He was there to calm me when I had a PICC line installed in my upper right arm on Friday morning, on January 2, 2009. I was comforted knowing that I was not alone. Finally, on Sunday, January 4, 2009, I was released late in the evening at 5:30 p.m., after 5 days of hospitalization. Although I was released as an inpatient, I will have to go back and forth to the hospital as an outpatient, every day for the next two weeks to continue my IV antibiotics. My doctors want to make sure I don't get another episode, and I can appreciate that! When I'm done with my two weeks, it'll be time to start my six weeks of radiation therapy, at five times per week. That will be a total of 8 weeks of traveling back and forth, but it sure is better than letting that cancer come back! God continues to bless me with great support in the faces of my family and my friends. Thank you for being my peeps! I love you, and you know who you are!!! Holy hugs and kisses!!! xoxoxox from the KooKoo SooHoo.
Sammi, wasn't that Matza Ball Soup for me?!?!?
EJ, Alfred, and Stevie.
Sammi and Sammie
Deena, Angel, and Maria
Grace and me.
And Angel said, "Of course I've tasted this custard mochi! I made it! I got the recipe from Berda, and I've made six batches in two days!!!"
Jessie-Lin works in both TMMC and Cancer Care with Dr. Chan (See my October blog... she gave me my last chemo!)
Aloha Jolene! Thanks for this beautiful lei! I can't wait to learn how to make it! You are so talented!
Diana tackled me down to lower my blood pressure. She said too much laughter is not good for my reading. She was really worried... hee hee hee She's so sweet!
Angel and James searching for things to buy, places to go, people to see, etc... But they were stuck with me! hee hee hee
Lauren and Ryann chilling with Stevie on my bed.
Pat and Ann came to cheer me up, and it worked too!
Angel, Christopher, and Bradley
Ada, Ed, Tiffany, Scotty, and Phoebe came to visit me.
Ryann, Britney, and Lauren.
Oh me, oh my! It's a good thing TMMC has a family room for our group! It's great to be surrounded by so much laughter, and that was just from these kids. The grown ups sat in my room. I think I need a bigger room!
Sammi, Angela, and Joneth
Colney and Bobbie cooked up a ton of spaghetti and meatballs. Yummy!
There's a face in there somewhere... Thanks Rene!
Celeste works at both TMMC and Cancer Care, too! There were many familiar faces, now I know I wasn't seeing things.
Annabelle, let's crochet together! Is it your break time yet?
Hey Missy! I hope we can resume our walks on the beach. I hope the weather warms up soon!
Usually, I would ring in the New Year with family and friends, but that did not happen for 2009. I had to remain in the hospital for several days. We had previously committed to a friend's house party, so I sent Hank and the kids there on my behalf. As I planned for a quiet night alone, I was happily surprised by visitors. Thank you to the Felix and Armenta families, Grace, and Angel for keeping me company. I didn't want you to change your plans for my sake!
After their visit, I rested and reminisced on an extraordinary 2008, a year full of extreme highs, and some not-so-high events. My sister, Wanda was gravely ill last January, I was diagnosed breast cancer at the end of June, I lost my Dad and a few dear friends this year, our nation hit a major financial crisis, but so did the world. But, some babies were born, a few couples got married, I survived seven chemo treatments, Stevie graduated from high school, we were able to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, I survived the first and second surgeries for my double mastectomies and reconstruction, we have a new President Elect, I've reconnected with so many lost friends through my walk with cancer, I was able to see first hand of God's grace through His church, His people, my family, my friends.
As I laid in bed, I watched Dick Clark's countdown in the many time zones, until the stoke of midnight. My IV monitor echoed in the quietness. It was even quiet at the nurses station. I heard one of them whisper, "Now, take a picture with my camera..." A few seconds later, my cell phone rang. Hank, Stevie, Sammi, and Angel were all calling me at the same time, but Angel got through first. It was the entire gang, screaming, yelling, blowing horns, popping poppers, all wishing me a Happy New Year!!! Wow, I was really touched to be included in their celebration!!! Yikes, I heard the party broke up around 2:30 a.m.! Hey, what ever happened to getting home before 2:00 a.m., BEFORE all of the bars closed?!?!?!?
I'm extremely blessed with a great team of doctors. God has been my strength, my refuge, my ultimate healer. He was there to calm me when I had a PICC line installed in my upper right arm on Friday morning, on January 2, 2009. I was comforted knowing that I was not alone. Finally, on Sunday, January 4, 2009, I was released late in the evening at 5:30 p.m., after 5 days of hospitalization. Although I was released as an inpatient, I will have to go back and forth to the hospital as an outpatient, every day for the next two weeks to continue my IV antibiotics. My doctors want to make sure I don't get another episode, and I can appreciate that! When I'm done with my two weeks, it'll be time to start my six weeks of radiation therapy, at five times per week. That will be a total of 8 weeks of traveling back and forth, but it sure is better than letting that cancer come back! God continues to bless me with great support in the faces of my family and my friends. Thank you for being my peeps! I love you, and you know who you are!!! Holy hugs and kisses!!! xoxoxox from the KooKoo SooHoo.
Sammi, wasn't that Matza Ball Soup for me?!?!?
EJ, Alfred, and Stevie.
Sammi and Sammie
Deena, Angel, and Maria
Grace and me.
And Angel said, "Of course I've tasted this custard mochi! I made it! I got the recipe from Berda, and I've made six batches in two days!!!"
Jessie-Lin works in both TMMC and Cancer Care with Dr. Chan (See my October blog... she gave me my last chemo!)
Aloha Jolene! Thanks for this beautiful lei! I can't wait to learn how to make it! You are so talented!
Diana tackled me down to lower my blood pressure. She said too much laughter is not good for my reading. She was really worried... hee hee hee She's so sweet!
Angel and James searching for things to buy, places to go, people to see, etc... But they were stuck with me! hee hee hee
Lauren and Ryann chilling with Stevie on my bed.
Pat and Ann came to cheer me up, and it worked too!
Angel, Christopher, and Bradley
Ada, Ed, Tiffany, Scotty, and Phoebe came to visit me.
Ryann, Britney, and Lauren.
Oh me, oh my! It's a good thing TMMC has a family room for our group! It's great to be surrounded by so much laughter, and that was just from these kids. The grown ups sat in my room. I think I need a bigger room!
Sammi, Angela, and Joneth
Colney and Bobbie cooked up a ton of spaghetti and meatballs. Yummy!
There's a face in there somewhere... Thanks Rene!
Celeste works at both TMMC and Cancer Care, too! There were many familiar faces, now I know I wasn't seeing things.
Annabelle, let's crochet together! Is it your break time yet?
Hey Missy! I hope we can resume our walks on the beach. I hope the weather warms up soon!
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