Authored by Justin Yuen on Oct 5th 2010, 23:50
They let me sleep last night, and I woke up so refreshed that I over-enthusiastically depleted most of my energy within the first half of the day. After waking up, I managed to get myself out of bed, shuffled over carefully to get my walker, walked to the other end of the room to get my computer, then scooted myself back into bed, all without a break. That's the longest stretch of continuous upright activity in which I've engaged in a while.
My energy level has increased to the point that my attention span can now support mild reading, so I've been hooked on absorbing news articles all day long (I don't quite have the stamina for a book yet). It's easy to forget that in addition to getting out of shape physically, it's equally easy to become mentally malnourished. I started off, out of habit, reading cnn.com, but was quickly reminded how shallow and entertainment-oriented many of their articles have become. So instead, I've been enjoying nytimes.com, bbc.com, and a good old Time Magazine.
Among the more interesting articles was this one: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11479563, in which a new language called Koro was discovered in India. I had no idea they were still discovering new languages! I also had no idea there are 6,909 known languages in the world. Pretty fascinating. It's great to know what's going on in the outside world.
The hospital seems to have botched my meal orders today. I have been ordering a lot of ground beef and ground chicken because they are high in protein and fairly easy to ingest and digest. But for some reason, today, they put in orders for pureed meat. Never seen pureed meat? Think cat food. Luckily, my mom has been taking great care of me ever since I was admitted to the hospital and brought me a yummy roast beef, pepper, and caramelized onion panini. Delicious!
Big day tomorrow. My next round of chemo should begin, and both Sami and my Dad will be arriving to visit. My Dad is flying in all the way from Hong Kong. He was here last month - it's hard to believe that a whole month has already passed by - it seemed so far off before. In any case, the results from my second bone marrow biopsy came in, and my body seems to have reacted positively to the first round of chemotherapy. It's much too early to celebrate, of course, but the signs are encouraging. Ready for the next round!
Good night everybody!
hiya, have you been watching TED talks online? they had a TEDxHK last month, wasn't very good though... you, on the other hand, would be an awesome speaker!
Hi, Son: Sorry I couldn't talk to you (when you were on your throne) before I boarded the plane. Now I'm glad to see your posting in Narita Airport while waiting for a connecting flight to Chicago. I'll try to sleep in the next stretch so I can have enough energy to rent a car when I get to Hartford to drive to the hospital. I'll call you around 3pm on Wednesday when I get into Chicago. I just can't wait to see you and give you a big hug..as a matter of facts, many hugs from many people from HK.See you soon.LoveDad
Just by seeing how much and how well you wrote from your last post, I could tell you're feeling much better and well rested!!! Try not to do too much... you need to build up the strength gradually....I had a social engagement this evening after work and I was exhausted when I got home that I was debating whether to wait till tomorrow to read your blog - I am SO glad I got on the computer and see that you had a good day!I hope you'll have another good night and ready to give your dad the big hug that he's waiting all month for!!!!Keep smiling....... Sweet dreams. Laura
Justin-You are obviously getting stronger. When we lived in London there was so much material for us to read (at our Club and libraries) I had to cancel my New Yorker subscription (started in 1961) as I had no time to enjoy the articles and cartoons properly. Now HK papers are so abysmal and reading on the computer very tiring for old eyes I got your Mother to start my subscription again (she did it just before you got ill).The first three issues have arrived already - I am so glad to have them in my hands! Please thank her for me.We are so happy to have your latest news - a V sign for your next chemo round. Take care. Love, A Elliel
Hi Just-Just! It's great to hear that you're better and the signs and encouraging. Been thinking about you and praying for you all the time :) Keep up the good spirit! Take care. Miss you much and love you loads! :) :) :) :) Keep smiling
Hey Just Just, ganbade ne! Keeping up with your Chinese and Japanese?? I'll start leaving you Chinese messages soon... Best of luck of "chemo round 2" (doesn't that sounds like a term from computer games? ok, maybe I have been spending too much time playing games on my iPhone lately)... anyway, thinking of you always!! Love you loads!!
We're all thinking and praying for you during your second round of Chemo. Take care.
Dearest Justin...it's so good to be reading your posts again! Now that ICU is behind you (hopefully for the last time) and round 2 is getting started, we have full confidence that your valliant battle will prove you to be the winner. Can't wait to see you again sometime soon. We'll bring more pop-tarts and cup-a-noodle to complement your high-protein diet! Love ya...
Hi Justin, thinking of you, hope your second round of chemo will be completed in no time. I was hooked on the TV listening to David Cameron's speech, if you find UK's politic interesting try this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11481223 .Lots of love and prayers from auntie Fei
Hi Justin, we are glad to hear the signs are encouraging. Take more rest and keep relaxing for the 2nd round treatment. :)).
Hi, Justin, thinking of you and never cease praying for God's healing on you. Great to hear that the reports of your recent biopsy are positive. Take every step with ease and confidence. Eat and sleep well before the commencement of your second round of chemo. May God continue to bless you with good recovery. Miss you and lots of love and prayers,Gu Ma Betty and Uncle Moses
Got us worried when you stopped blogging and glad to read that all systems go again. Also relieved to know you are fit enough for round 2. You know, looking at the chemo cocktail you had, you were very blessed with the relatively minor side-effects that I can read between the lines. OR you are dealing with them competently. May this round be even more smooth than the last. Interesting comments on CNN, which I go to regularly as well. Will try NYtimes from now on to see the difference.God Bless You.
Hi Justin, all of us feel our energy and hope rising each day with your new blog! Like the moment in "UP" when all the balloons started to emerge out of Karl's chimney! Our thoughts are always with you on your journey.Berenger, Peter and Linda
Hi Justin, this is another new day, the sun is shining for a change and I hope you will have a good day too. With both your parents and your good friends by your side and lots and lots of prayers of intercession from us, I am wishing that you will get through your chemo treatment without too much side effects. Be brave, the sun is shining. :-)Thinking of you, auntie Fei
Justin - I am so glad your blog is up and running again. It is amazing to read your stories, to feel your positive energy, and to know you are well enough to keep in touch with all those who love and support you. You are so blessed that your Mom is next to you...and I know your Dad has also arrived, so you both must be thrilled....even got to say hello to Leonardo, eh (sorry I missed out!)?It is also super cool that you are having movie dates, that Kaori supports you so much, and that you maintain your sense of humor. Lots of good energy coming your way from all around the world.Big hugs,Ming and Leonardo
Hey man, just wanted to check in and say hi. We're thinking about you and happy to hear you're getting some energy back. PS - Jasenka admitted the other day that she doesn't pay attention to any links I send her while she is at work, so from now on if I find something cool/funny/fascinating, they are getting sent to you! Sorry!http://www.hulu.com/watch/107512/saturday-night-live-scared-straight
Hi Justin,I just came across your blog and wanted to let you know how amazing you are. Your blog is inspirational and it puts life into perspective. Thank you for that.Keep fighting! You're in my prayers,-Y
thinking of you during round 2!!!
Hey Justin - I haven't seen you since Sami's dinner party awhile back but I just wanted to let you know I've been thinking about you a lot and am in total awe of your strength during this time. I think mindset is so important and I'll continue rooting for you!Best - Ashley White
Hi Justin,I'm A from RISD. Not sure you remember me or not. Heard about you and just wanna wish you the best. Your strength and positive attitude is truly inspiring. Keep up the good fight! I'll be praying for you too.BTW, read in your above entry about your meat diet, and I'm not sure but aren't you not suppose to have red meat (i.e., beef,pork,chicken)? I have an aunt who has cancer and from what I know, red meat is not good for cancer patient. Supposedly it uses up important enzymes in your body that are critical for the immune system to kill cancer cells or something. I may be wrong and maybe there are types of cancer that are ok to eat meat, but I want to suggest you look into this. At least just as a cautionary? Sorry if I seem nosy; I don't mean to be, just want to see you get well :).Best, --- A
Justin,As I was watching the chilean miners being rescue slowly one by one this evening, my thoughts were constantly on you. Be patient, keep kicking that purple blob and keep smiling!!!! We are all fighting with you!!!!! Hope to hear from you soon.Laura