Yuki’s radiation treatment is going to start this weekend.
He will have to go to the hospital every day for a while, but fortunately he won’t need to be hospitalized.
Today, his care manager will visit us, and in the afternoon our accountant will come as well.
His inheritance matter will be more or less settled for now.
Today it is HINA festival.
A new week has started.
This week may be busy, and some things might change.
March has started, and the Japanese plum trees are in full bloom.
Last Friday, Yuki couldn’t receive chemotherapy. Starting next week, he will begin a different kind of treatment. The doctor said that this will probably be the last chemotherapy. If this one becomes impossible to continue, he will be monitored without active treatment.
Additionally, although they are small, two tumors were found in his brain. We will visit the radiology department next week.
Unfortunately, the disease is progressing, but Yuki remains in good spirits. Playing tennis and musical instruments has become difficult, but his appetite is still strong.
The other day, on the way back from the hospital, we were able to return home earlier because there was no chemotherapy. So we had lunch out — even with a glass of wine.
We hope to live well with the illness and spend each day peacefully and joyfully.
It is cloudy, but my face is itchy because of the pollen.
Today, before going to the clinic, we are planning to discard a set of speakers, so we will take them directly to the recycling center. It would be nice if someone could take them as junk items, but that seems difficult because Yuki modified them quite a lot.
Anyway, we have to keep up our slow and steady decluttering. In a way, it has become both my hobby and my work.
Our usual routine has started again — going to the clinic and the gym.
February will be over in four days.It is a holiday today. We are at home and have no plans. I am going to organize my books. I should organize my clothes too, but maybe another time.
Yesterday our younger daughter came. Yuki and she went to eat ramen while I was coping sutra at a nearby temple.
The Japanese plum trees are beginning to bloom at Syouun temple.
Today in the morning I am going to go copying sutra at a nearby temple.
We have a three-day weekend.
My gym is closed, but Yuki’s gym is open. I wonder if he will go by himself.
It was a long day yesterday, just as we had expected.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t receive chemotherapy because his white blood cell count had gotten worse.
The good thing is that the side effects probably won’t get worse, but we feel anxious that he couldn’t receive the treatment.
Anyway we are pig to spend this weekend calmly,
Yesterday, I joined an online meeting with all Japanese women, and I was the oldest one there.
The topic is "moving".
◆ How many times have you moved into a new house or apartment?
Including my childhood, I’ve probably moved more than ten times. I was born in Tokyo, but my father changed jobs frequently, so we moved often — within Tokyo as well as to Kanagawa and Shimane. His last workplace was in Tokyo.
Since getting married, we have moved about four times. While we were living in apartments, we moved three times, and eventually we bought a house and have been living here since then.
◆ What is the most difficult thing to move in your home? How much does it weigh?
The most difficult item to move is probably a rather unusual self-assembly table on the second floor. It was originally designed to be assembled and taken apart, but now it can no longer be disassembled. Another difficult item is a pair of paulownia chests of drawers, also on the second floor. I’m not sure how much either of them weighs.
◆ Would you be willing to move to a new country if you were offered a good job there?
At this point, my answer is no. I am thinking about moving to another prefecture — or rather, I might have to.
◆ When do you expect to move next in the future? Where do you think you will go?
That’s a very difficult question for me. By “the future,” I mean my later years — and in fact, that stage of life has already begun. Since none of our relatives, including our children, live in this prefecture, we are thinking about how and where we should live independently.
On the other hand, we are not tied down by any obligations, so we could move anywhere. The real question is whether we have the courage to start over somewhere completely new where we don’t know anyone.
◆ What are some of the difficulties of moving into a new house or apartment?
One difficulty is downsizing our belongings. Another is having the courage to move to a completely new place where we don’t know anyone.
◆ What kinds of things do you think about when you are looking for a new home?
I look for a home where the temperature is consistent throughout the house, where cleaning is easy, and where we can build good relationships with our neighbors.
Yesterday we were busier than we expected. Yuki’s care manager came, and then we had to visit our lawyer. However, he is doing fine and trying his best.
In the evening, we went to the gym for 30 minutes. I didn’t really want to go, but my gym is across from his, so we went together, and I just sort of did a lazy 30-minute workout.
Additionally, we didn’t have time to go back home for lunch, so we had a nice lunch out. Well, that’s my excuse.
Our regular week has started. This week, we’re going to meet with an accountant about the inheritance matter. It is not something usual for us.
It’s Valentine’s Day, and for some reason our house is full of chocolate sweets.
Yesterday Yuki was able to receive chemotherapy. He is scheduled to have it again next Friday.
Today we are going to have acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. The practitioner is also a friend of mine. She kindly agreed to be flexible, and Yuki will receive only moxibustion for about 20 minutes. I think acupuncture would be better, but he is afraid of needles.
Actually, we have been doing moxibustion at home every night recently. This time, we want her to check whether we are using the correct pressure points, so he will get a short professional treatment and some advice.
Today we are going to visit a shrine on a mountain with our elder daughter. It’s sunny and warmer than I expected.
After yesterday’s visit to the lawyer, it seems the inheritance matter has moved one step forward.
Until now, we used to go a bit far away to buy our favorite special soy sauce. We’ ve decided to give that up for now. If we go to the shop, we can buy it in a large bottle, but if we have it shipped, it comes in small bottles and costs extra for delivery. Still, I feel that might make me use it more carefully and appreciatively.
Though it’s a holiday, we’re busy today. In the morning, Yuki’s care manager will visit us to discuss the care services he may need from now on. In the afternoon, we’re going to see a lawyer. There are still some things we can’t quite decide on, so we’re going to talk them through. I hope it helps Yuki feel more at ease.
We’ll probably get takeout on the way home tonight. I’m glad the snow has completely melted.
Today is my performance day at KARAKU Café. I’m happy because I’m going out a little dressed up.
Yesterday we met with the radiation doctor and reviewed all the CT images. We were able to talk about the next steps, which was very helpful. We were also introduced to a psychologist and had a good talk.
He will receive two more rounds of chemotherapy over the next two weeks, then have another CT scan. After that, the future treatment plan will be decided. We are truly at a turning point.
Anyway, we’re grateful that we were able to speak with both specialists.
Snow has stopped, but it is a very cold morning. According to the weather report, the sun will appear at times today.
This morning, a staff member from City Hall will come for the long-term care certification interview. In the afternoon, we will go to the hospital and talk with the radiation doctor. After that, we”re planning to go to a supermarket a little farther away to look at the prepared foods and then come back home.
I’m glad the snow has stopped. Still, the roads may be icy in places, so we need to be careful.
It is snowing.
We can’t believe how much snow has piled up — we wonder how many years it’s been since we’ve had this much. We’re really surprised. We’re so glad we didn’t throw away our snow boots when we were decluttering.
Yesterday, Yuki was able to receive chemotherapy. While he was in the hospital, the doctor said the tumor had not improved very much, but unfortunately it has grown. Still, he could get the treatment, and we hope the chemotherapy will help stop it from growing.
To be honest, the situation is becoming more serious. Yuki even used the phrase “I’m on the edge of a cliff” for the first time. I have a headache now.
Even so, we also have a relaxed side. We are thinking about what to have for lunch today. It’s a cold day, and it looks like it may snow tomorrow,
Tomorrow is election day, but since the weather seems bad, I’m planning to go for early voting.
Yesterday, Yuki was able to receive chemotherapy. While he was in the hospital, the doctor said the tumor had not improved very much, but unfortunately it has grown. Still, he could get the treatment, and we hope the chemotherapy will help stop it from growing further.
To be honest, the situation is becoming more serious. Yuki even used the phrase “I’m on the edge of a cliff” for the first time. I have a headache now.
Even so, we also have a relaxed side. We are thinking about what to have for lunch today. It’s a cold day, and it looks like it may snow.
Tomorrow is election day, but since the weather seems bad, I’m planning to go for early voting.
It’s Friday — Yuki’s hospital day. We’re not sure yet whether he will receive chemotherapy today, and if he does, the type of treatment might be changed. In any case, we have to leave the decision to the doctor. The treatment options covered by insurance are gradually becoming more limited.
Still, we’re both doing okay. Yesterday we each did a very light 30-minute workout at our own gyms.
Yuki’s Mac computer finally seems to be working again. The shop replaced the hard drive, but things didn’t go smoothly afterward. He managed to fix the remaining problems himself with the help of AI searches. AI really is amazing.
Now, the long day begins.
All the renovations have finished. It turned out just as we expected, so we’re relieved. We’re going to the bank today to make the payment.
Meanwhile, Yuki’s Mac has come back from repair, but he’s still having trouble with it. He’s planning to go to the repair shop again today. I guess it’s kind of his hobby. Yuki’s staying busy, and I think that’s a good thing.
Today I’m holding a laughter yoga meeting. It’s the first one of this year.
As I wrote the other day, our normal routine is slowly coming back.
On the other hand, there is still a little renovation work left. Today, a door repairman is coming, and also a staff member from the welfare equipment rental company.
The only thing left after that is the payment… I’m a little scared to see how much we went over budget.
Today is my health checkup day. I was actually unsure whether I should go or not, but an early-morning appointment slot became available, so I decided to take it. I’m leaving in 30 minutes.
Today it is the day of Setsubun.
A new week has started. I think we’ll probably be able to get back to our usual routine. Yuki is graduating from tennis now, though.
In the morning, while Yuki goes to the clinic, I’ll do a 30-minute workout at the gym using an AI exercise program.
In the afternoon, while I do the grocery shopping, Yuki will ride the exercise bike at the gym. He can’t use the other machines yet, but he can do this one, and that’s nice to see.
For now, keeping and improving our strength is our main daily goal.
February has started. Today, handrails will be attached to the bed through the long-term care insurance program. Next week, the front door will be repaired, and then the home renovations we can do for now should be finished.
This afternoon, we’re thinking of going to the shrine to give thanks for his discharge from the hospital.
It is the last day of January, isn’t it?
Yesterday, Yuki did not receive chemotherapy. Since it has been less than a week since he was discharged from the hospital, the doctor decided to take a short break from treatment. The size of the tumor has not changed. We hope he can coexist peacefully with the tumor. Next week, they will discuss which chemotherapy drug to use.
In an hour, a carpenter will come to install a handrail on the stairs.
Little by little, our daily rhythm is settling down again.
At a convenience store in the hospitalToday we are going to the hospital. It is time for Yuki to have his stitches removed.
We are worried about whether he will be able to resume chemotherapy. Dealing with the side effects and maintaining his condition would be very tough. On the other hand, not continuing chemotherapy also makes us feel anxious. I wonder how things will turn out.It has been a while since I last updated my diary.
The bathroom and washroom renovations are finally finished. A few unexpected things came up along the way, but well, it couldn’t be helped. We went over budget, but I’m really glad we did it.
Yuki is already taking a bath using the handrails. Yes, Yuki has been discharged from the hospital. His oxygen saturation still doesn’t reach 95, and he gets short of breath more easily, but he is in good spirits.
After these repeated hospitalizations, we decided to apply for long-term care insurance. Today, a staff member from the city office is coming to observe our daily situation. We were told that it usually takes about a month before the formal assessment, but thanks to his illness, the process is moving faster. It’s a strange feeling.
Tomorrow we’re going to the hospital again, including having his stitches removed. I wonder what the next steps in his treatment will be.
So many things are happening at the same time that my head feels completely full.
About Japan’s long-term care insurance
In Japan, we have a public long-term care insurance system. Basically, everyone starts paying into it once they turn 40.
If you’re 65 or older and officially assessed as needing some help or care, you can use the service for almost any reason. People aged 40–64 can also use it, but only if their condition is caused by certain age-related illnesses.
When you apply, someone from the city office comes to check your daily situation, like how well you can move or manage everyday tasks. After that, they decide a care level, and you can use services like home helpers, day care, renting care equipment, or even making changes to your home—like installing handrails or removing steps—to make it safer and easier to live in.
It’s meant to support both the person who needs care and their family, which I think is really helpful.
I haven’t written my diary for a while. I’m aiming to update it every day, but these things sometimes happen.
Yuki was hospitalized again the day after he was discharged, and he is still in the hospital. He had another pneumothorax, and on top of that, pneumonia. But things are finally calming down now, and I think he will be discharged next week. Honestly, it’s been one unexpected turn after another.
Meanwhile, the renovation of our bathroom and washroom has started. Since our house is old, a few unexpected issues have come up here and there, too. Still, it looks like things will more or less settle down by next Monday.
One nice thing is that a carpenter we know is coming to help. He’s also fixing small problems that weren’t even part of the renovation.
Every day has been hectic. The carpenters have already arrived and started working. I’m going to the laundromat now.
It is Sunday.
Well, Yuki has been hospitalized again.
He was discharged from the hospital on Friday, but he didn’t look well. So we went back to the hospital on Saturday, and he was hospitalized again.
His pneumothorax has recurred, and this time he also has pneumonia. His lungs are getting very weak. His coughing seems to have caused the pneumothorax. The pneumonia had already been there since his first hospitalization, and the doctors were hoping it would heal naturally, but with the recurrence of the pneumothorax, it suddenly worsened.
Still, compared with other patients in the hospital, he is doing relatively well. We don’t yet know how long he will have to stay.
Starting tomorrow, the renovation of our bathroom and washroom will begin. Today I need to move things by myself. I also plan to let go of more than ten items, though ten items is my usual weekly habit.
Yuki will probably be discharged tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
Starting next week, our bathroom renovation will begin. It is scheduled to take about a week.
This week was mentally hard.
Somehow, things will work out, and I just have to accept it.
Today, if Yuki is allowed to leave his room, we may take a short walk inside the hospital.
If possible, we might stop by the Starbucks there. It feels like a small luxury.
It is Tuesday.
According to the schedule, today was supposed to be a day for me to perform at Karaku Café. I can’t go, so my friend will do a reading performance instead.
Today, I have to go to an accounting office with our lawyer on behalf of my husband. He was originally supposed to go himself, but he can’t, and the appointments can’t be postponed. Still, I believe that today’s consultations will help ease his stress.
His oxygen saturation level hasn’t returned to normal yet. He doesn’t feel any symptoms himself, though.
Though this is a trivial matter, we use a kerosene fan heaters at home. One of the tanks ran out of kerosene, so I refilled it, but it is heavy. Carrying it after filling it really strains my lower back.
It has been one week since Yuki was hospitalized.
Eating alone isn’t much fun, but I am managing to eat properly.
Yesterday he had another procedure and is now under observation. Since he doesn’t feel any symptoms himself, he is doing his best to stay still and be patient. One disappointing thing about the hospital is the weak signal. Phone calls are fine, but the internet connection isn’t good, so his days are filled with TV, radio, and magazines.
As for me, I’m starting to feel tired from going back and forth to the hospital. I feel a bit pathetic for getting tired just from that. Still, since I’m retired and not chased by daily routines, I’ll take things slowly and get through this calmly.
The world doesn’t always go the way we hope.
There will be no discharge this week after all. As scheduled, another procedure is needed, and the discharge has been postponed until next week. In the end, it’s exactly as the doctor said from the beginning.
Since there was a chance he might be discharged this week, I feel a bit tired this morning.
This weekend is a three-day holiday.
Still, I’ll just do what needs to be done and keep going back and forth to the hospital.
Funny enough, we talk more when one of us is in the hospital
There may be more things he won’t be able to do again, but somehow we’ll manage. We’re or he’s trying to stay optimistic.
The good thing is that we went to the hospital before the symptoms of pneumothorax became obvious. However, I hear that the recurrence rate is high, which makes it a bit troublesome.
Still, maintaining his physical strength is important, so he should be able to continue light cycling at the gym. The gym is in the same building as a large supermarket, so sometimes it’s hard to tell whether the main purpose is going to the gym or buying prepared food.
In any case, it seems that his discharge is not far away.
Yesterday I had nanakusa-gayu again for dinner. Yesterday was actually the right day to eat it, so I feel like I’ve done a proper job of chasing away bad luck.
Yuki is still in the hospital. It’s still a bit unclear whether he’ll need another procedure for his pneumothorax. He mostly spends the day listening to the radio and watching TV, but he says he’s actually pretty busy with frequent tests and nurses coming in and out.
Even so, he managed to buy an electric nail clipper through radio shopping. I’m curious what kind of thing it is. It’s supposed to arrive home next week. I have to take it to him.
Today it is sunny. I’ll head to the hospital again around tea time.
I have my own hospital appointment in the morning.
Today is a really cold morning. It’s cloudy, and it doesn’t look like the temperature will rise. I’m thinking of going to the gym this morning, but honestly, I’m not very motivated. It’s a bit of a struggle.
Still, I know I need to keep up my strength.
Today is Nanakusa-gayu day in Japan, but I made a mistake and ate it last night instead. The seven herbs are traditionally fixed, but some people say it’s fine as long as you use seven kinds of vegetables. So I made rice porridge with seven different vegetables yesterday.
Do I need to eat it again today, I wonder?
Yesterday, it was a long day.
Actually, Yuki is in the hospital.
He wasn’t feeling well yesterday, so we went to the hospital, and after some tests, they found a pneumothorax. He’s had treatment and will be staying in the hospital for about ten days—for now, at least.
He still has good strength, but his lungs are clearly more delicate than before.
Hang in there, Yuki. And I’ll hang in there too.
We’re especially thankful that the hospital is close to home.
Monday has started.
In the morning, we’re going to the clinic and then doing a few errands.
In the afternoon, we’ll each go to our own gym for a light 30-minute workout.
The gyms are across from each other, so we can go together.
Our regular routine has started again.
This photo is of my small golf bag. I don’t use it anymore, so our son-in-law carried it on his shoulder and took it home with him when he visited us over the New Year.
It’s the third day of the New Year’s holiday—the last day. For the two of us, it feels like an ordinary Saturday. Yuki plans to go to the gym for some light exercise, and I’ll work on YouTube.
Yesterday, a young friend visited us, and we spent a long time chatting. It was a lot of fun.
It is the second day of the New Year’s holiday. This year, we are not visiting any shrines or temples because Yuki’s mother passed away last year.
Yesterday, our daughters, our son-in-law, our grandchild, and a close friend gathered at our home, and we had a very nice time together.
In the evening, there was a train accident, but thankfully they were not involved, and everyone returned home safely. Having escaped the accident, it felt like a sign that even if difficulties arise this year, we will be able to avoid them gracefully.
Today, we plan to stay home and spend the day calmly. Someone may come by to see us.
