Good morning 0815

 Today is the anniversary of the end of World War II in Japan. In August, the media is filled with stories and programs related to the war. This morning, I heard an interesting program on the radio.

In Germany, it seems that January 27, rather than the anniversary of the end of the war, is considered a more important day of remembrance. It is the day the Auschwitz extermination camp was liberated by the Allied forces.January 30 is also an important day in Germany. It marks the day Hitler came to power.

The idea is, apparently, to make sure that Germany never forgets its role as the aggressor.

by YUKI

Good morning 0814

 

by YUKI

On Wednesday, we went to the hospital to apply for genomic testing. Surprisingly, the blood sample will be sent all the way to the United States. We should get the results by the end of next month. In Yuki’s case, we were told that the chances of finding an actionable genetic abnormality are “very low,” but we’re going to do whatever we can. We’re also grateful that this test is covered by our health insurance.

It’s right in the middle of the Obon holiday now, but unfortunately, it’s been raining. Well, even if it were hot, I would probably be saying, “It’s just too hot,” and staying quietly at home anyway. Actually, perhaps because I’m worn out from the heat, I’ve been spending a lot of time lying down and sleeping.

Oh, on Tuesday, I played at Karaku Cafe.

Meanwhile, Yuki continues to go to the Jazz Cafe regularly, even during the Obon holiday, and plays whenever he feels like it. I’m glad that he can still enjoy his music in his own way.

This Sunday, we’re going to make a few changes to our mobile phone plans. Little by little, we’ve started to think about the future and what life might be like for me on my own someday. We’ve also started reviewing our respective ending notes.

Good morning 0806

 

by Yuki

Yesterday we went to see our doctor.

Unfortunately, they were not able to get enough tissue from the biopsy this time. Next Wednesday, we will meet with the oncologist to discuss having another test done using a blood sample.

Yesterday, Yuki officially “declared” that he would receive no further treatment. We have entered a new phase.

Our doctor also told us, “From now on, you will have to choose between being hospitalized and receiving medical care at home, so you should talk about it together.”

The possibility of Yuki leaving this world, and of caring for him until the end, has become more real to both of us.

To be honest, we are both feeling pretty down right now. But we know that it is important to keep our everyday life going. For now, the washing machine is doing its job, washing our sheets for us.

Good morning 0805

 

by Yuki

Yesterday our elder daughter came. We had good a good lunch together.

It’s sushi. Sushi is luxurious lunch for us.

Good morning 0803

 It is Monday, and a new week has started.

This week, our daughters will be visiting us on different days. We'll take each of them to a different restaurant that we love, so it will be a slightly luxurious week.

The main reason our older daughter is coming is that a gallery in Utsunomiya has invited her to its reception party. She was invited as an artist, so it's partly a business trip. This is the first time she has been invited by a gallery in her hometown. We hope this will lead to her having her own exhibition here someday.

We'll also take our younger daughter and our granddaughter to a French restaurant that we love and have been visiting for many years. As a rule, children under the age of 12 are not allowed there. However, as a special summer event, the owner kindly agreed to let us bring our granddaughter, so we're really looking forward to it.

August has started.

 

 By YUKI

August has started.

Yuki had his biopsy and was discharged from the hospital as scheduled. I'm relieved that he didn't develop a collapsed lung. The risk is usually low, but since it has happened to him twice before, I couldn't help worrying a little.

Now I'm just hoping he won't develop pneumonia. That also happened after a previous biopsy, so it's still in the back of my mind. But today he's going to join a jam session at a jazz café. I think he'll probably enjoy spending time there more than staying at home.

It's been very humid since early this morning.

As for me...

There are several things I'd like to get organized, but somehow I haven't made much progress.

Every summer I update our family photo album, but this year's is still untouched.

Maybe it's time to get started.

Good morning 0729

 It feels like the world has changed. There was another major earthquake in Kumamoto, even though it has been only ten years since the last devastating one. On top of that, they're also dealing with intense heat.

Sometimes it all makes me feel sad. The weather seems different, and the world itself feels different somehow. But then I remind myself that my mother's generation lived through the war in Japan. Every era has had its own hardships.

Yesterday, I joined an online support group for families of people with cancer. I had hoped it would be encouraging, but instead I found myself listening to people who were struggling even more than I am. By the end of the meeting, I felt even more discouraged. I guess I'm just not ready for that kind of support group right now.

Today, though, there's some good news. Yuki is actually going to the barber. The effects of the chemotherapy he had before his current treatment have finally worn off, and his hair has started growing back. It's now long enough to comb, so he's going to have the back of his hair trimmed.

As for me, I'm going to visit a friend's hair salon and get my hair done, too.

by Yuki