First Appointment After Leaving PMH

I know it's Thursday, not the usual Wednesday when I update my blog.  I did this on purpose cuz' Mom has her first check up appointment Wednesday and will do it every Wednesday from now on.  Just want to make sure it's included...

20121126 Monday - Mom's first week living in her own place after PMH.  Appetite wasn't the best, maybe she spent too much energy at the anniversary dinner the night before.  She is also tired, sleeping all the time.  In general, she's not bad.  She's coughing a little bit so Dad had to get the same medication from the PMH nurses.  Good thing is just off the counter.  Dad ran some errands while Mom was resting in the afternoon.  Preparing, settling, adjusting, and enjoying themselves.  Thank God once again.

Even though Mom was tired, Dad encouraged her to make a trip over for dinner.  Mom didn't eat much but she was very awake when the boys are around.  Jonah once again has melted their hearts, haha.  God has His plan, we are just not sure.

20121127 Tuesday - Mom's not as well today compared to the past few days.  She can't eat much again, especially at night.  Morning was not bad but once the sun is set, something is blocking her.  She even wanted to puke and said she feels like she's pregnant again, hahaha.  Gloria did offer her those Chinese super sour snacks.   Yes, Mom and Dad came for dinner again.  I know Dad wants Mom to move more and I can also sense that he wants Mom to be around the boys more.  He probably wants to see the boys too.  To our surprise, we just found out that Jake knows how to draw, hahaha.  He probably knows it but never showed us, hahaha.  

The hospital contacted them informing them that their first BM transplant appointment will be December 12th, 2012.  It's much sooner then I expected at least.  They even offered an interpreter for them as there'll be a lot of information which having someone who speaks their first language is very important.  How wonderful it is?!  It doesn't mean that the transplant will be done on that day and it doesn't mean that it'll be anytime soon but it takes a long preparation time before it actually happens.  Thank God that this is actually an option, thinking a year back.

20121128 Wednesday - They headed downtown early today as their appointment is at 9am.  It took them 15mins from their house to just before DVP but another 20mins right at the bottle neck before they can really get on DVP.  About an hour until they exited Bloor.  Dad was smart enough to park at the parking structure cuz' they ended up leaving after 5pm!!!  Yes, blood work was done first thing and they saw the doctor when the result is ready which is 1.5 hours later.  Everything looks great except her hemoglobin.  It's not at the critical level but still abnormal.  So the doctor recommended her to have a transfusion.  Since Mom had a complication, they had to find the right blood match.  Thank God that they have it ready before 3pm or Mom and Dad would have to come down again tomorrow.  

BM biopsy's result came back showing 16% of blast cells which is a bit surprising to the doctor as Mom's blood work looks pretty good.  And that's why Mom had another BM biopsy in the afternoon while they are waiting for her transfusion.  The Doctor mentioned second chemo which is something I really don't want to hear but God will show us the path.  They even mentioned that Mom won't need to stay in the hospital during her second chemo.  However, Mom wanted to stay though, which kinda make sense especially when she would probably need lots of transfusions.  I don't want to give out too many unknowns on the blog but I guess it's alright as whoever is reading this are probably ppl who are really close to us anyways.  So please continue to pray for Mom's recovery.

Dad's laptop is not working.  Well, it's working but not the screen's back light.  I borrowed a monitor from Vincent/Janet and try to help but it won't let me uncheck the laptop monitor as the main display which means I can't put the whole screen to the monitor.  It's very annoying and honestly, maybe it's time to have a new laptop...anyways, it kinda bugs me as it took me quite some time but still didn't get it fixed.  Need more prayers, hehehe...

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1,26 NIV

Mom is really home

20121123 Friday - Mom is still resting at my place.  Today is PA day, so no school for Jake. Gloria and I both took time off in the morning just to spend time with the boys and Mom and Dad.  We did the Christmas Tree together.  When Mom got back to rest, Gloria and I brought Jake (and Jonah) skating for the first time!  For some reasons, Jake loves hockey and first thing of course is to learn how to skate.  Poor Gloria, had to keep lifting him up, haha.  Me and Jonah were just enjoying watching, haha...yup, I'm not a good skater, hahaha...snow is not the same as ice, hahaha

We had lunch outside and brought some take out home for Mom and Dad.  Mom's appetite is not bad.  She can't eat a lot but still have cravings and have the desire to eat!  Gloria and I both went back to work after lunch when the boys and Mom are napping and when Dad was busy cleaning.  It's Mission night Friday, so no fellowship and just me helping worship.  Auntie Constance dropped off the soup and got to talk to Mom for a little.  Even though she's already much better, Mom still looked a bit weak.  But they are planning to go home soon.  Praise the Lord!!!

So yea, for all aunties and uncles in the soup team, from now on, soup doesn't have to be in a Thermos container.  And if possible, please deliver it a little earlier so Mom and Dad can have it for dinner.  Maybe around 6pm will be perfect but of course, only if it's convenient to you.  Thanks always!

20121124 Saturday - Thanks to Helen C Mo, she dropped Mom and Dad congee in the morning and with soup from Auntie Constance, they are all set for lunch.  So we could have lunch with Chloe (Jake's prenatal class and Chinese school buddy) after Chinese school.  We also had a birthday party in the afternoon.  That's when Mom and Dad went back to their place!  Yup, thank God for letting this happen.  They are finally home after more than a month time!

Mom had a craving for oven pork rice with tomato sauce.  So, we ordered it for them and Dad went pick it up together with his packed dinner from my place, hahaha.  Yea, we also stayed home for dinner.  I haven't cooked for a long time, kinda rusty I have to admit but still good, haha.  It's tiring but I'm glad I have more time now to prepare dinner for my family!!!  Thank God once again, hehe.  

20121125 Sunday - Happy 39th anniversary! It's just amazing.  Mom said she wasn't sure if she gets to see this date but she never mentioned it before.  I totally understand and I'm so proud to tell the world about this testimony.  God is using us I know and I just pray that He'll continue to use us.  

Dad finally got to come to MCBC once again.  I'm sure he was busy saying hi to everyone as there are just so many friends, auntie, uncles who care and love our family so so much during the whole process.  I just couldn't thank you guys enough for all the prayers, supports, smiles, etc.  Mom was such a good girl, stayed home, hahaha.  As you may all know, Mom would probably want to join whenever she has a chance but I also know that she will take better care of her body from now on with a better understanding at the same time about the limits, hehehe.  It's all good.  No need to rush, I trust that God will bring her back to church soon.  

She stayed home the whole day to get charged up for their anniversary dinner at night!  Yea, we went out for dinner as a family once again with Uncle Ed, Auntie Tiana, Derek, Carly, Tyler and my family of course.  Food was not bad, even though Gloria and I were busy feeding the boys the whole time and didn't really have time to chat with them, I know Mom and Dad were enjoying thankfully.

Cyber Monday tomorrow and Mom actually called and asked for a new laptop, haha.  It's always a good to know that a woman is thinking about shopping.  That means she's all healthy, hahaha.  So yea, all good signs, hahaha.

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own

You are faithful, 

God, You are faithful

Mom at my home...

As excited as all of you, Mom and Dad spent their first night outside of the hospital at my place and were sleeping on the same bed together for the first time after more than a month between NYG and PMH.

20111121 Wednesday - Mom did her bone marrow biopsy in the morning by Dr. Lutynski.  According to Mom, she didn't feel any pain at all.  So far, she thinks this is the best one.  It only took less than half an hour before she needed to rest.  They then talked to the doctor, dietitian, pharmacist, nurses and got all the paper work done before lunch.  They had a quick lunch while waiting for the prescription.  It was a three hour wait however but it's all good as Mom needed to rest anyways.  Dad called me shortly after lunch at 1239 telling me that they are ready to go within 15mins.  Too bad I was busy at work and had to finish something before leaving but I beat the rush hours and arrived there at 3pm.  Dropped off a box of candies to the nurses and said goodbye.  "Hope to see you again" was never heard, however, from the nurses, hahaha...even though we know we will come back for more check up and regular visits from now on.  But yea, bye bye!

Other than being super happy and excited, Carly kept "ordering" us "no stairs for Gu Ma" and yes, Mom didn't even have enough strength to step up my SUV when we were hopping in.  On the way down, Dad was very sensitive explaining to Mom every single corner of the hospital and telling her this is where we came in, where we get Tim Hortons, where we park, etc.  Very sweet...for once, haha!  The traffic back up wasn't as smooth but it wasn't bad and honestly, the more time we spend together the better.  As long as we are together.  Mom asked for hot dog from Costco and I'm sure Dad missed it too.  And to Dad's surprise, she managed to finish half!

The last time we had dinner at home with the boys are September 30th at the Autumn Festival.  Almost two months ago already.  The boys were so excited about seeing Mah Mah Yeh Yeh again at home.  We had fun with the squid ink pasta, hahaha.  Thank God once again.  Dad went back to clean up while Mom was resting at my place.  They will probably stay at mine for a few days, at least we can prepare them dinner here.

20121122 Thursday - Good morning Mommy!  How wonderful it is to see her once I woke up in the same house.  It reminds me of our Springbrook home before I got married.  She slept really well last night and only woke up twice for washroom breaks.  After BSF, Gloria, the boys, Mom and Dad and I had lunch together at home, isn't it amazing?!  God is good all the time.  Gloria took Dad to Costco after while the boys and Mom were napping.  And of course, I went back to work, haha.  

Mom slept very well at my house so far, thank God.  She's also feeling better and better with more strength on her knees.  Yes, she spends most of the time upstairs resting Carly, hehehe.  Dinner was simple but very homey.  Dad helped Mom shower for the first time at my place.  It was not too bad.  Her Picc line is still with her, so we need to wrap around it with saran wrap.  It's all good.  She also asked for Chinese TV but too bad we don't, haha.  Dad will activate Roger's cable tomorrow.  And I think he is pretty much done cleaning up their house and ready for Mom to really go home, hehehe.

Please note that Mom is still sick but she's better and well enough to rest at home.  After more than a month of full time nurse training, Dad is fully certified (just not registered) for Mom.  Please continue to pray for his health and fitness cuz' taking care of a patient is not easy, taking care of a wife is HARD!!!  Thank God for unfolding his sovereign plan all along.  I trust that everyone is feeling His presence.  God please keep using us.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5)

Getting Rid of Your Two Brothers and let’s go home

God is good all the time, He walked through the darkest valley with Mom and led her to the green pastures beside quiet waters.  He is with us the whole time. 

20121119 Monday – Thank God for His healing hands, Mom doesn't need the oxygen starting this evening.  Not just that, even her two “brothers” is no longer required.  Yup, that’s what Dr. Lutynski called the IV and her medication lines (that made my parents scratch their heads again, haha).  Let’s call it joke of the day from now on.  In other words, Mom is all “unplugged” with nothing attached.  She even went to the washroom by herself.  Yes, goodbye commode chair (Mom’s moving potty chair).  Her Picc line is still there for blood works though.

Dad said Mom’s been sitting on the arm chair the whole day which tells me that she’s feeling better.  She’s need to lie down as much with more energy.  Uncle Ed and Auntie Tiana were there when I arrived tonight.  I was so full after having so much at Shirley and Jack’s (happy birthday Jayden!).  I was kinda tired driving down.  I guess I need to remind myself how “young” I actually am (regardless of my mind, my behavior and my look, haha).

The hospital wi-fi wasn’t working but we still managed to FaceTime with Grandma and my Uncle/Aunt in HK with my hotspot.  Grandma kept teasing us about their hairy crabs dinner later with Fian and Kau Fu’s family.  Man, I miss my male hairy crabs!  Mom did two big scans this afternoon, one for her heart and one for her abdomen.  It took them the whole afternoon but Mom had a donut and French Vanilla while waiting.  Expect to see more BM, hahaha!  The only question mark is Dr. Lutynski’s “second round” comment.  According to my parents, he did mention it while leaving the room this afternoon but they are not sure.  But who cares?!  We just need to have total trust in Him.  Whatever it is, let’s take it with a smile!  We will all take it together always.

20121120 Tuesday – How many times did I thank Him?  I didn’t cry this time because I know He will take care of us.  Listen to this from Dad this morning…

Check this out on Chirbit

Yes, MOM IS GOING HOME TOMORROW!!!  Auntie Constance and Monica, please inform the soup team to keep making soup but Mom can have it at HOME!!!  Dr. Lutynski said she can go shopping, she can meet friends, she can play with the boys and even have wines!  When Mom said she doesn’t drink wine, he said, “Oh, whiskey is fine too!”, hahaha.  What else can I say?  Gloria is right, “everything is a blessing”.  She said that with faith and trust even at the beginning when I was having doubt.  Wife is always right once again – thanks B. 

I brought an empty luggage down and came back with a fully packed one.  Dad was so excited that he wanted to pack everything up.  Mom and I calmed him down and asked him to take his time, hahaha.  So tomorrow, I’ll leave early from work and go pick them up.  Mom will need another bone marrow biopsy before she leaves tomorrow morning.  They will also need to see the discharge team and getting prescriptions before leaving.  Bye bye PMH and the numbers for now.

You may have already received Mom’s email last night about this good news.  This is definitely not the end.  I’ll try to keep this blog as updated as possible cuz’ our journey in His path has just begun, maybe just another chapter.  On behalf of my family, including Mom and Dad of course, I sincerely thank each one of you again for all your soup, phone calls, emails, presents, cards, visits, coffee, desserts, love, care and prayers.  Thanks Carly and Tyler for your warm hospitality for Dad and thanks for all the doctors and nurses at PMH.  And most important, thank God.  Let His kingdom come and let His will be done.

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentation 3:25-26)

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22)

Peace...

Hello BM again...other than just bone marrow, BM actually stands for something else (thanks Adrienne), hahaha.  Correct, Mom does have some bowel moments these days which means she's eating well!!!

20121116 Friday - Mom's left hand and ankle are all swollen. It could be because of her Picc line on her left side. That means Dad will have some exercise to do everyday now (massage).  I came down on time tonight as we drove two cars.  Thanks B for taking the boys home!  Jake and Jonah both had some allergic reaction and I'm hoping it's only allergies, not MRSA.  They both seem okay after Benadryl though.

Mom and Dad were FaceTiming with Grandma and my other Uncle (Hung Kau Fu) in HK when I got there.  I spent most of the time talking to my grandma as she's like me, super very talkative.  God made man with two ears and one mouth but I think my grandma and I both have more mouths than ears!  Yup, we'll need to keep learning.  Actually Mom too, haha.  Mom's blood works kinda stays the same today.  Question marks are popping in my head again.  Please for peaceful minds and let's keep praying for Mom's response on the therapy and pray that we can trust in Him no matter what.

20121117 Saturday - We went down as a family once again but only I went up this time as the boys were napping in the car and Gloria wasn't feeling well.  It was shortly after lunch, Mom just had a shower when I arrived.  She looks better with more energy today.  She also ate more and that's where the BM is from, hahaha.  If it's not her pneumonia, she may have been discharged, just my feeling.  It's all good though.  No rush, everything is based on His time, not ours.  Her hand looks better but her ankle is still like a "pig foot", still swollen.  Dad will need to work harder today for sure.

Her numbers went up again and my questions marks are gone again.  I'll check with Carly and see what the normal numbers should be.  We didn't stay for dinner tonight cuz' we have a farewell dinner with Pastor Adam.  Pastor Adam, thank you for being part of us in the past year and I trust that God has already planned out everything for you and your family.  Remember that you will forever be part of our cell group, so just show up.

20121118 Sunday - My little Sheldon is turning one this week.  Happy birthday!  I can't believe how fast time flies.  Janet must have spent a LOT of time preparing the party.  It was all good.  God bless this little funny guy who loves me a lot, hohoho.  

After Sheldon's after church, we all went down again.  Mom was sleeping deeply.  Maybe her body is exhausted fighting for the germs, maybe she is tired from the night before.  Friday night, she only woke up twice but last night she woke up every hour (thanks Dad).  We FaceTimed with Fian a little.  I helped them with a few iPad issues as usual (I wonder if my boys will be patient enough for me when I'm old, hahaha).  This time, we took Dad out for dinner.  He picked this dumpling place in China town (the same one Derek brought him last time) and it was pretty good.  We then dropped Dad off at Carly's after for shower after.  Jonah once again was "hanging" on to Dad the whole time.  I'm glad to see Dad having a great time with him.  Thank you Jonah, hehehe.  You do have ways to melt people's heart. And happy 22nd months - thanks for your advanced prayers.  

It was the Santa Clause parade this afternoon and the highlight wasn't the parade for me.  Actually we were trying to avoid the crowd and traffic.  It was Dad who was able to go across University Ave. when going to get Mom noodles but he was stuck coming back, hahaha!  Yes, cuz' the road was blocked, hahaha.  So he's forced to "enjoy" the parade with the hot noodles while busy calling me asking for help with his eyes looking for the subway entrances, hahaha.  Thanks to the crowds, it took him a good 15-20mins to locate one, hahaha.  He managed to get back to the hospital but just imagine how close he is from the hospital but just couldn't get back made me crack up big time, hahaha.

I want to thank you all for those who asked about visiting Mom.  She's still under isolation and it's probably not a good idea, especially when you have young children and elders at home.  Plus you know, she's a lady after all and still wants to wear make up (and dress up) before seeing people, hahaha.  So, the best thing is to continue to pray for her recovery.  When she's well enough and gets discharged, she will be the first to show up in front of you, I know.  You can contact her through emails and my Dad's cell.  Can't appreciate more and thank God for all you angels!

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." (Psalm 3:6)

I don't like eggs...

His love made me cry like a baby...

20121114 Wednesday - Mom had another fever the night before but once again, it's cuz' her own neutrophil is working hard fighting for the germs for her.  So, it's all good.  Her blood works is still going up but not as fast as the past few days.  This new doctor, Dr. Lutynski, who always make my parents laugh was funny enough to make Dad keep repeating the funny things non-stop the whole day.  Mom was annoyed and even Dad laughed at himself afterwards, hahaha.  

• Yesterday, while the nurses are changing her bed sheets, Mom was having a shower.  Since the nurses weren't ready and she was enjoying the warm water, she was waiting naked inside the washroom with Dad helping her with another nurse.  Dr. Lutynski came in and actually had a good 10mins conversation with my parents with the washroom door widely open, hahaha.  I think the doctor is used to it and he was probably focusing too much on the reports (she had another scan on her lungs beforehand and this time she had to drink something with colour so they could see things better).  Somehow, Mom didn't mind, Dad didn't mind and the nurses didn't mind either.  However, I was like dropping my jaws when I heard that!  Mom and Dad finally realized it when they saw my jaws on the floor, hahaha.  We had a great laugh, thank God, hahaha.
• This morning, when Dr. Lutynski walked in trying to greet them.  He saw some eggs on Mom's breakfast plate, he went, "I don't like egg...".  Then he repeated, "I don't like egg..." a few times and my parents were like scratching their heads, before he said, "on your table!!!".      All he wanted was to have Mom finishing her eggs, hahaha.  So he made Mom finish her egg before he left them alone, hahaha.  
• And just before he leaves, he turned around and said the oxygen is really expensive, so Mom shouldn't use that much, hahaha.  Therefore, for the first time, Mom walked without the oxygen around the floor with Dad!!!  Just once, but it's a really good start!!!  Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King.  Mom said she felt like she's the Queen walking so slow with two nurses and Dad following closely around, hahaha.

Thanks Karen for taking my McDonald's order for Mom, hahaha!  Mom had a quarter of the sandwich and half of the hash brown.  The rest, of course, is now inside Dad's tummy.  Dad sounds very excited about the "Let's go home" news and started to ask me bring stuff back, hahaha.  He basically told the whole floor which kinda annoyed Mom a little (again), being the traditional conservative Chinese wife all of a sudden, hahaha.

Mom's appetite wasn't the best but she ate quite a lot today including soup from hospital, some beef, mashed potato, Carly's home made lentils rice, ice cream and more soup from Auntie Esther.  However, she was complaining about her stomach ache when I was there.  She felt asleep after taking some pain killers.  A ENT (ears, nose, throat) specialist with two of his students helped Mom with her left nostril blockage this afternoon.  They did manage to remove some "stuff" away but still recommended a detailed scan tomorrow.  The nurse then asked Mom to use her face mask again so her nose won't be as dry.  Add oil Mommy, Jonah is always in support!!!

Thanks Auntie Esther and Uncle Alex for the soup, fruits, snacks (for J1 and J2) and the Sudoku books for Dad!!!  Thanks Derek for treating Dad dinner with Jenny, Carly and Tyler.  You guys must be having a lot of fun cuz' when I call Dad at 9:30pm, he said you guys are just finishing!!!  Mom didn't complain this time, hahaha.  It's all good.  You guys are great!!!

20121115 Thursday - The best has yet to come.  God really loves us so much.  I got home after work, missed a call from Auntie Tiana.  She left me a voice message 

The Gospel - Good News 

and good thing I was sitting down on the toilet while checking.  The hospital confirmed that the initial check of Uncle Ed's blood is matching Mom's.  Let me repeat it one more time:  we have found a BM match!  

I was weeping like a baby and I couldn't help but to listen to the same message over and over again.  My tears wasn't because of happiness, but I was simply just touched by God's love.  It doesn't mean that Mom's all healthy, it doesn't mean that there won't be any more issues, it doesn't mean that there won't be any more complications but God definitely lit up a light at the end of the tunnel.  We'll just keep walking, simple as that.  Speechless, helpless, useless but it's all okay cuz' we have You.

I ran out and let Gloria hear the message.  With Jake and Jonah in my arms, I was praying, "Our dearest heavenly Father, thank you for listening to our prayers. Thank you for showing us that you are around us by answering each one of them.  Thank you for your love.  We don't deserve anything but You sent your only son who died for us, just to save us from sins.  HOW CAN WE NOT HAVE TRUST IN YOU?!  Please use us as much as You want as we commit ourselves to You.  No matter what's gonna happen down here in the world. No matter what other trails are to be in front of us, nothing, NOTHING can take away my FAITH to You.  We'll keep putting Mom's health and my family in Your hands.  This is only the beginning.  Love you so so much, Amen."

Gloria prepared soup and came down with me at night.  Uncle Ed and Auntie Tiana were there.  I was making fun,  insisted Uncle Ed to sit down, and treating him like a king.  I also asked him to give me a wish list, like shark fin soup, abalone but told him that he is not allowed to go out of town, do crazy and dangerous things, plus nomore beers, hahaha.  We had a good laugh dreaming about after the BM transplant about how Mom will get Uncle Ed's blood starting to like beer, hockey and skiing, etc., hahaha.  Good thing that they both like going to trips (not like my Grandma), or else a lot of friends of hers will be stuck with no more cruise trips, hahaha.  Please keep praying for her lungs.  She slept the whole day cuz' of her pneumonia, her stomach pain and those drowsy medications.  But she was wide awake after the laughs, hahaha.  She managed to finish the soup and had some special home made squid by Auntie Tiana - it was good.

Carly said Gu Ma (myMom) is beating all the odds and I know who's working the hardest.  ThankYou God.

"He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen." (Deuteronomy 10:21)

Morning Mr. BM!!!

20121112 Monday – I think Mr. BM (Bone Marrow) is waking up!!!  It’s actually a very good news.  It means that Mom’s BM is recovering and showing signs of responses to the chemo therapy.  Her neutrophil was 0.02 on Saturday, then 0.06 on Sunday, 0.19 on today – it looks like it’s going up 300% each day.  If everything goes well, and if it’s part of His plan, she’ll see 0.6 tomorrow.

I arrived a little more than half an hour late tonight after Jolie’s birthday dinner.  Uncle Ed and Derek were there.  Mom looks very awake with energy.  She even “complained” why I was being so late.  I told her about Jolie’s birthday dinner.  She didn’t stop and kept going with a few other points like, “should’ve left earlier” and "everyone should know", etc., hahaha.  As usual, I didn’t stop either and we just kept going to a point it turned into a heated conversation!  Yup, this is how Mom and I communicate and it’s all good, hahaha.  I was taking all these “arguments” for granted before and I rather to have more if you know what I mean, hahaha.  God is always around us.  Keep praying that Mom's healing is part of His plan.  I found this air chamber similar to what Jake and Jonah used when they are sick, kinda cute.  

Thanks Auntie Tinnie/Uncle Jonathan for your soup and the super big shrimps!!!  Too bad I was so full or I would have finished them all before dropping them off, hahaha.  Auntie Tiana’s ribs are with me, however, cuz’ Mom was too full and I WANT THEM!!!  They’ll be my lunch tomorrow, thank you, hahaha!  Give thanks to the Lord our God and King, His love endures forever!!!

20121113 Tuesday – Thanks Karen for the McDonald sandwich!  When Mom woke up, she actually whined a little knowing that Dad had finished the whole thing without sharing, hahaha!  Sorry Mom, it’s partially my fault cuz’ when Karen mentioned McDonald’s, I only thought of Dad – you never liked it before!  No worries, I’ll "place my order" through Karen later this week, hahaha.  See, we have so many angels around us.  That's right; Mom’s appetite is back together with her blood works.  I was right; her neutrophil is 0.6 this morning!  Look what God has done...

This evening, Mom had a craving of this Chinese bakery (炸菜肉絲包) and not sure if it's the best, I found the second last one from TNT before heading down last night.

As you can see from the number table above, all her blood counts are climbing and it's the first time having 100+ on hemoglobin ever since October 11th!  Dad said Mom had fever the night before and was feeling cold and hot.  Her oxygen level dropped to less than 90 with heart rate up to 150+.  The ICU team from Mt. Sanai came adjusted the oxygen and asked her to use the mask.  Her heart rate came back to 128 after the nurse gave her some medication.  The ICU team actually came back two more times to double and triple check and guess what, they think her own neutrophil is fighting for the germs in her body.  They are working hard already!  The doctor confirmed it this morning that she may even get discharged next week if things keep improving!!!

All of a sudden, it reminds me of the slam dunk contest in 2000, "Let's go home"!  God is amazing, isn't it.  Glorify to Him!  He loves us so much with sufficient grace to each one of us.  Not more, not less but just enough.  Just simply trust and obey for there's no other way.  I really hope that this can be a testimony to some of you who's still not too sure.  Remember, we don't need to be perfect before we come to Him cuz' if we are, why would we need Him in the first place.  Don't stop praying cuz’ this is only the beginning.  His plan wouldn't stop here.  To be continued...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Picc Line

Mr. Bone Marrow, please wake up...

20121109 Friday - I left fellowship early and tried to visit Mom earlier but she fell asleep early too, so Dad said not to come down.  But he has this problem doing hyperlinks in iPad, so we had a good chat (not successful though).  I guess it's a little bit too complicated for them.  I used to have no patience at all with them on these things (actually, I'm still better than Fian, hahaha).  Surprisingly, I think I have become a more mature man lately, believe it or not, hahaha.  God has taught us things through different circumstances I guess.  Through Jake for sure and now through my "aging" parents.  God is great!  

Because of the yeast infection and the removal of the Hickman line, Mom had her Picc line done this morning which is a line that is similar to Hickman line but this time coming from her upper left arm.  According to Dad, she eats a little better than the day before, during breakfast time at least (still not much during lunch/dinner).  Her blood work is always fluctuating.  I know God is in control and I know even if I understand everything medically, it may not help much stopping me from worrying.  Yes, it sounds contradicting but it's true.  Worry, peace, worry, peace, worry, peace just keep popping up non-stop, hahaha.  Not sure if this makes sense to you, there are just still a lot of question marks in my head.  I guess I'll just need to keep bugging Him, hahaha...

20121110 Saturday - like last week, our whole family went down after cell group but since Mom has MRSA, only Gloria and I went up (we took our turns while the boys were napping).  I spent quite some time helping them with the Korean show and the email hyperlink issue.   Yes, I can't do hyperlink on iPad when composing emails!  Does anyone know how?  Mom looks better today, finished one episode with the congee.  She also asked for dumpling noodles from Kenny's noodles specifically.  I'm always so happy to receive her requests if you know what I mean.  We left when the boys got up and we had dinner at China Town again.  The last time I had dinner this often was when I was still a student.  Most of my friends are now in HK (you know who I'm talking about, hahaha).  

Mom was too full for the noodles after the congee.  I guess she will have that for dinner.  Dad will finish Mom's dinner from hospital plus whatever leftover of the noodles.  We offered to bring him up but he refused again.  I still want to give him a break.  Pray for Dad's health and his strength, not just physically but mentally.  I can't imagine but I guess if Gloria is sick, I probably can do the same.

20121111 Sunday - what a warm day today.  God is good always.  We went visit them after visiting them little Carson.  Mom's blood work is showing some signs of response.  Her Neutrophil (white blood cells for fighting germs/diseases) was almost zero in the past but it's going up to 0.06!  Yea, I know I must look crazy being this excited with 0.06 but God gave me this peaceful excitement somehow, thank God.  Pray that Mom's bone marrow is starting to give us some good feedback cuz' if the response is not pleasant, Mom may need to go through another round of even stronger chemo with greater side effects.  

Uncle Ed and Auntie Tiana came just shortly after I stepped in.  Cuz' it's already six when I arrived, I didn't stay long as my boys normally eat at six and when they are waiting downstairs.  Mom only wanted my phone (so she can watch more Korean shows).  I want to switch them to Wind Mobile or something cheaper with data.  They can use my phone even, anything.  I left my phone (and the soup) but I took Dad with me for dinner.  Yup, Dad got to spend time with the boys!!!  Jonah my sweetest baby kept asking for Yeh Yeh the whole time.  I'm sure Dad will give you a big smile if you ask him about Sunday's dinner with Jonah.  And cuz' of that, I didn't even need to feed him one spoonful of food the whole night, hahaha.  Thanks Jonah (and thanks Daddy)!!!  We asked Dad about his feelings and it seems that God has done something.  He said he loves spending time reading his famous Chinese books by 金庸 and playing his Sudoku, hahaha.  Oh yeah, almost forgot to print him some Sudoku blocks, hahaha.  (See the pictures below, Dad is still Dad - wants to keep his Sudoku book playable forever!).  

When I came back, Mom finished two good episodes of the show and showed no signs of tireness, hahaha.  God is good once again.  Sorry Mom, I can't kiss you goodbye these days with MRSA, bank it for later alright?  Dropped Dad to Carly's for his night routine, hehehe.  Congrats once again to Tyler for getting his Diamond Jubilee Award (thanks Derek)!

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his willthrough all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9)

Love is Patient...

20121107 Wednesday - after a day of complaints and whines, looks like everything went back to normal again.  Dad didn't want to take my offer taking a break, saying he will stay with Mom whenever Mom can stay in a single room.    I still want to him a break somehow cuz it's not healthy to stay in a hospital when you are healthy.  Continue to pray for them please...

We FaceTime after dinner so they get to see the boys and we get to see Carly and Tyler.  Congrats to Tyler for getting his first choice job at this law firm even closer to school!  That means you won't have any excuses to escape from us, haha.

Mom slept the whole day!!!  She had an eye check this morning to make sure that her eyes are not infected.   Thank God, everything is good.   When I first got there, mom was snoring even! She didn't want to wake up at first but once I turned on the Korean show, she's up.  Watched the show and had some soup.   Thanks for your soup and BBQ pork Auntie Janet (Mom's high school friend, just a "few" years ago, haha).  Also saw a present (hat for Mom to FaceTime, haha) from Derek and Jen, thanks.  You guys probably came and gone without waking Mom up.

20121108 Thursday - I'm starting to worry I know cuz I was asking more questions.  Grant me a peaceful heart God. Mom had a great morning today.  Got up and sat herself down on a chair and had a pretty good breakfast together with her Korean show facing the windows.  She was enjoying the view and appreciating God's creations.  The nurses actually noticed her good condition and offered the give her a shower, thanks!  Gloria said we should give them a little treat.  I may bring them some sweets tonight, hehehe.  Not sure if Mom has used up her energy or if it's the medication for her headache, she slept rest of the day.

Gloria and I dropped off the soup and snack for them.  Yea, I finally found the spicy dry fish Mom has been craving for yesterday.  She had a little of both but she didn't even want to get up for her Korean show tonight.  Pray that Mom will have enough sleep and have enough nutrients as she didn't even want Ensure.  Uncle Ed and Auntie Tiana promised seasoned squid ("老"水墨魚) next time when they visit, can't wait!  Thanks for visiting again.

Thanks also to Karen, my primary school friend (again, just a few years ago, haha), who is a RN somehow having to work at PMH for a few days for visiting with your snacks and newspaper. I'll make "use" of you for sure! Thank God for sending another angel.

More updates from Carly, this new doctor doesn’t like to plan things for more than 2 days, hahaha.  It’s not as easy to get an understanding of the big picture.  With Mom’s condition, we are not sure if they still do another bone marrow biopsy on Day 28-30 anymore at this point.  But guess what, it’s okay as we are not in control anyways.  Just have complete trust on Him and be patient. 

Mom’s left nostril is still give her trouble, even though she can now use the nasal prong.  They may send her to see the ENT (eyes, nose, and throat) specialists for further examinations if there’s no improvement. 

Regarding her infection I mentioned previously, her blood cultures were positive for a fungus.  We still haven’t heard from them about where is it from (either from just the Hickman line or from her heart).  Endocarditis is the term if it’s really from her heart.  This can lead to heart dysfunction and affect the heart valves.  It may also cause thrombotic event which is little clots in the circulation.  That’s why Mom had her eyes check the day before and thank God that her eyes were okay.  God, please wake up her bone marrow, so it makes healthy white blood cells to fight for the infection (and goodbye to those bad white blood cells).

MRSA is the latest enemy of ours.  They confirmed it from Mom’s sputum/pheglm (stuff she coughed out).  It’s something highly contagious which means isolation is required once again.  All visitors need to be wear gloves, gowns, and masks.  Yup, you guys are right, I’m thinking about Dad.  Not sure what to do as usual but will leave it up to God again.

Pool Jonah fell from the tricycle down a few steps.  Now his thick lips are even thicker but thank God that he's alright.  Yes, therefore, we went to Costco for ice-cream together - what an excuse for myself, hahaha.  Heard that snow is coming down soon.  Pray that it won't affect my regular visit to my parents.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27)

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” (Psalm 37:7)