Thank you all for your love and support for the family. We know mom had so many friends and treated them like family because we have been treated like family by so many of you. Thank you all for coming to mom's homecoming. She is having a party in heaven. Today we placed mom's earthly body in her place of remembrance, Forest Lawn Mortuary, Cypress. Although we can visit this place as often as we like, we know in our hearts that Mom is watching us from heaven.
love you, Ron, Juli and Robbi
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas 08
Christmas 2008
Dear Friends and Family
Wow! We have learned so much this year. What is our purpose in life? Jesus Christ was born with a special purpose to save the world and give each one an opportunity to be united with the Awesome God of all creation. Jesus Christ served his purpose and that is why we celebrate his birth and also his death and resurrection. God loved us so much and the Takai family knows that, especially through one of His special children, our mom. God’s amazing love has shined through her throughout her 75 years. She has touched so many people throughout her life and we have been her main recipients. How wonderful to be able to celebrate such a life. We were able to celebrate Mom’s Birthday on December 14th, her actual birthday. What a blessing it was to have so many people that loved mom and those she has loved, together in one room. That was one of her best days in the last two weeks, since we got the news on Dec. 3rd, of the cancer being in her brain and spine. The day before the party, she slept most of the day and hardly smiled. Only when she heard the preview of Brittany, Mark and Rilee, singing her birthday song, did we see her mouth turn upward. Then at the party, she smiled so much, greeted her friends & family and truly enjoyed the day.
When mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in several parts of her body, primarily in her lungs, in January of this year, we were devastated. The first thing mom said, as we were all crying was, “You know what, God has blessed my life so much already , if my life is done, it has been such a good life, it is nothing to be sad about.” How could the rest of us continue to be down, when such a strong statement is made from the one who has the disease? So I think mom went through all the suffering and the treatments for us, because she was already so thankful for all the blessings that she has had throughout her life. What a privilege it has been to have the gift of her presence for this one more year. Throughout this year she has continued to touch so many lives. She wrote her autobiography, spent what time she could with her bowling group, neighbors, golfing group, church and other friends and family, and through it all, taught us how to love each other even more. Thank you for being a part of mom’s life.
Now this would not be a Christmas letter in mom’s eyes if we didn’t tell you more of what went on this year. In February, Ron and June invited Mom, Dad, Robbi and Juli to go on their 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii. We enjoyed being together so much. Robbi and Juli’s children were left under the care of their very capable husbands, Mike and Kirk, and extended friends and family, while they were in Hawaii. We celebrated their 25th with a big party at Robbi and Mike’s clubhouse, along with Mom and Dad’s 55th at the end of April. Another family event was watching Rilee perform as Molly in the Brea Stage Production, Annie, in July. She’s such a joy to watch. As for the other “wonderful grandkids”, Jeff continues to impress his professors at UOP dental school in San Francisco, and has also taken up rock climbing and biking. Brittany continues to take on so many responsibilities and social events while studying at UCLA. Mitchell is playing on his high school, sophmore basketball team and also SEYO basketball. Matt, is in 6th grade and also plays in a few basketball leagues, he’s great at stealing the ball and somehow get’s the loose balls. He is happiest when he’s on the court and smiling from ear to ear. Rilee also started basketball this year to add to her busy theatrical schedule, but enthusiastically does it all. Jackson is in 1st grade this year and finished his soccer season as a great defensive player and will be starting in a basketball league in January. Anyways, God truly has blessed our family. Since I wrote this letter, mom has gone to be with our Heavenly Father. Again she is her bubbly self, enjoying a disease free body and talking face to face with Jesus. We have been so blessed by her presence and we continue to reap the benefits of her love and prayers for us. Thank you to each of you that have helped by cooking, caring, notes, phone calls, taking her to appointments, visiting and prayers. We love you all and wish you the Merriest Christmas and a New Year filled with a Special Love from above.
Love, Don and Dottie
On behalf of Ron, Robbi and Juli
P.S. forgive me for this lengthy letter, Through all the years that I’ve formatted mom’s Christmas letters for her, she wanted me to fit it on one page. I’m sure she will understand, and you will too.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My update thrrough Radiation
Hello to my dear family and friends,
It's been since the 16th of October since I connected with all of you. I stared my radiation from the 15th of October every day during the week. I will be getting radiation daily during the week only. I will receive 12 sessions of radiation and was finished on Thursday Nov.30th. I felt pretty good until the last week of my radiation when the Nurse said I will start feeling a bit tired. They really know how a person should be feeling with this Radiation. On Monday the 27th of Nov. I thought I had a cold cause my throat was so sore, I couldn't swallow. I was relieved It wasn't a cold any way.
Now folks God allows my son Ron and June and dad come with me to the Drs. appointments cause they listen and hear thinks I forget. During my appointment with the Radiologist with Dr. Hafer on the 14th of Oct. before I started my radiation, my son remembers all what the doctor said I will be feeling.
He makes a list for me and says, Mom your esophagus will get irritated and will take 2 to 3 weeks to heal or feel better. Expect to feel very tired from the radiation treatment. That is normal and it will take 3 or 4 weeks to get back your energy. He said to do what I want, but if I feel tired to slow down.
Saw Dr, Nanci my oncologist yesterday and she scheduled me for another ct scan on November 25, so she said now is to time to relax and enjoy the things I want and to go places we want to go. All this is written on Ron's note pad and he emails me so I will have a copy. Eat small meals and cut up my food into small pieces. I thank God for all my children who are always calling and wondering how I am doing.
We will all take a trip or something very soon. Maybe to San Diego or somewhere close. So thank you all for being such support for me and I will continue my blog when I see the Dr. in December after my ct scan. Love your continued prayers, cards , thoughts and support. Love seeing all of you at church. Come all the holidays will remember to take pictures of my loving famly and place them in the blog. Much Love don, dottie and family
It's been since the 16th of October since I connected with all of you. I stared my radiation from the 15th of October every day during the week. I will be getting radiation daily during the week only. I will receive 12 sessions of radiation and was finished on Thursday Nov.30th. I felt pretty good until the last week of my radiation when the Nurse said I will start feeling a bit tired. They really know how a person should be feeling with this Radiation. On Monday the 27th of Nov. I thought I had a cold cause my throat was so sore, I couldn't swallow. I was relieved It wasn't a cold any way.
Now folks God allows my son Ron and June and dad come with me to the Drs. appointments cause they listen and hear thinks I forget. During my appointment with the Radiologist with Dr. Hafer on the 14th of Oct. before I started my radiation, my son remembers all what the doctor said I will be feeling.
He makes a list for me and says, Mom your esophagus will get irritated and will take 2 to 3 weeks to heal or feel better. Expect to feel very tired from the radiation treatment. That is normal and it will take 3 or 4 weeks to get back your energy. He said to do what I want, but if I feel tired to slow down.
Saw Dr, Nanci my oncologist yesterday and she scheduled me for another ct scan on November 25, so she said now is to time to relax and enjoy the things I want and to go places we want to go. All this is written on Ron's note pad and he emails me so I will have a copy. Eat small meals and cut up my food into small pieces. I thank God for all my children who are always calling and wondering how I am doing.
We will all take a trip or something very soon. Maybe to San Diego or somewhere close. So thank you all for being such support for me and I will continue my blog when I see the Dr. in December after my ct scan. Love your continued prayers, cards , thoughts and support. Love seeing all of you at church. Come all the holidays will remember to take pictures of my loving famly and place them in the blog. Much Love don, dottie and family
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Radiation Time
Hello to friends and family
It's been about a month since I wrote about the Radiofrequency ablation and have to explain that I went to a radiofrequency ablation specialist after my Drs. appointment and was told that it will not work for me. It is fairly a new method of fighting cancer but, the Dr. was very nice and very honest and told me that, he will not risk it in my case. My cancer cell was much too close to my aorta and was just to risky for me to take a chance of damaging my aorta. Of course we agreed on that and now I went to a radiologist last week and was told I would start a 12 day session with radiation. Yesterday was my first treatment and took only minutes from start to finish. No pain and so far no fatigue. I had my appointment with my oncologist yesterday and she said that the radiation should help. Of course Ron, June and Don were with me and makes me feel so good that I have extra ears to listen to the Dr. and have ron ask all the questions. than he makes me a list on what the dr. wants from me, like make sure I continue to drink 50 oz of fluid a day, which is very important. I could still get my flu shot and mamorgram and all and even should see my dentist, which is good cause me daughter in law in right on it for me. appointment next week already. By the way please pray for June's brother who is only 58 who was diagnosed with Cancer a couple of weeks ago and is also stage 4. Pray that he will be helped by gamalite which is going to be given to him on his brain since they feel his is spreading to the brain. His name is Dedeair, wife Sa and 3 children 2 girls 28, 25 and a son who is 21. Beautiful children and the 2 younger children and mom and dad moved here from France 4 years ago and lives with June's mom. Thank you for all your wonderful prayers and healing for us and the constant cards, food and calls that continue.
Will keep you in touch how my radiation is working. Pray that the treatment will zap that 2. 7cm cell to go dormant. Thank you all for your continued love and prayers. My family still continue to be here by calls during the week and weekend are a lot of joy and fun with all of them here and having dinner. Such a lively place on week ends. The way I feel I can enjoy watching their soccer and basketball on Saturdays and Sundays now.
Love getting to church on Sundays also. Love seeing everyone. Thanks to all of you. Will keep in touch. love don, dottie and family.
It's been about a month since I wrote about the Radiofrequency ablation and have to explain that I went to a radiofrequency ablation specialist after my Drs. appointment and was told that it will not work for me. It is fairly a new method of fighting cancer but, the Dr. was very nice and very honest and told me that, he will not risk it in my case. My cancer cell was much too close to my aorta and was just to risky for me to take a chance of damaging my aorta. Of course we agreed on that and now I went to a radiologist last week and was told I would start a 12 day session with radiation. Yesterday was my first treatment and took only minutes from start to finish. No pain and so far no fatigue. I had my appointment with my oncologist yesterday and she said that the radiation should help. Of course Ron, June and Don were with me and makes me feel so good that I have extra ears to listen to the Dr. and have ron ask all the questions. than he makes me a list on what the dr. wants from me, like make sure I continue to drink 50 oz of fluid a day, which is very important. I could still get my flu shot and mamorgram and all and even should see my dentist, which is good cause me daughter in law in right on it for me. appointment next week already. By the way please pray for June's brother who is only 58 who was diagnosed with Cancer a couple of weeks ago and is also stage 4. Pray that he will be helped by gamalite which is going to be given to him on his brain since they feel his is spreading to the brain. His name is Dedeair, wife Sa and 3 children 2 girls 28, 25 and a son who is 21. Beautiful children and the 2 younger children and mom and dad moved here from France 4 years ago and lives with June's mom. Thank you for all your wonderful prayers and healing for us and the constant cards, food and calls that continue.
Will keep you in touch how my radiation is working. Pray that the treatment will zap that 2. 7cm cell to go dormant. Thank you all for your continued love and prayers. My family still continue to be here by calls during the week and weekend are a lot of joy and fun with all of them here and having dinner. Such a lively place on week ends. The way I feel I can enjoy watching their soccer and basketball on Saturdays and Sundays now.
Love getting to church on Sundays also. Love seeing everyone. Thanks to all of you. Will keep in touch. love don, dottie and family.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Praise God for his Grace and Faithfulness
To my dear family and friends,
I am so anxious to tell you about my ct scan I had on Monday the 15th of Sept. and Ron, June and Dad met with me and my oncologist Dr. Nanci on Tues. Sept 16th to listen what the Drs. had to say about my results from my scan.
I was praying that I will continue to hear positive results from my Dr. since that was my last chemo therapy
Yes!!Praise God. Many of my previous effusion is mildly deminished in size compared to the previous study and no new nodules are identified. One of the lesions on my upper left lobe measured 5.6 x 4.0 on my last scan in July and is now 2.9 x 2,7 cm. We were all excited to hear about the decease in size, since Ron has been researching the internet and heard about a different method through his Dr. friends and asked my Dr Nanci, what she thought of this method called intervention Radiology ( Radio frequency ablation) which I guess zaps the cancer if it measures 3.0 or less. So Ron immediately made an appointment with the specialist in this method and I see him on Tues. Sept 23rd already.
Now that the chemo's are finished for now I do hope my nausea and tired feeling slowly go away and I will feel like doing more 1st thing is get back to a little exercise slowy to try ot get my appetite back and put on some meat on my skinny bod.
We will continue to let you know if I am a good candidate for this thing called ablation and if I can that will be good. That is the latest for now and pray that all goes well. Thank you all for all you love and support, which gives me so much hope knowing God is listening to all your prayers.
Much love from me and my family,
I am so anxious to tell you about my ct scan I had on Monday the 15th of Sept. and Ron, June and Dad met with me and my oncologist Dr. Nanci on Tues. Sept 16th to listen what the Drs. had to say about my results from my scan.
I was praying that I will continue to hear positive results from my Dr. since that was my last chemo therapy
Yes!!Praise God. Many of my previous effusion is mildly deminished in size compared to the previous study and no new nodules are identified. One of the lesions on my upper left lobe measured 5.6 x 4.0 on my last scan in July and is now 2.9 x 2,7 cm. We were all excited to hear about the decease in size, since Ron has been researching the internet and heard about a different method through his Dr. friends and asked my Dr Nanci, what she thought of this method called intervention Radiology ( Radio frequency ablation) which I guess zaps the cancer if it measures 3.0 or less. So Ron immediately made an appointment with the specialist in this method and I see him on Tues. Sept 23rd already.
Now that the chemo's are finished for now I do hope my nausea and tired feeling slowly go away and I will feel like doing more 1st thing is get back to a little exercise slowy to try ot get my appetite back and put on some meat on my skinny bod.
We will continue to let you know if I am a good candidate for this thing called ablation and if I can that will be good. That is the latest for now and pray that all goes well. Thank you all for all you love and support, which gives me so much hope knowing God is listening to all your prayers.
Much love from me and my family,
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Praise God my last chemo for awhile
Hi to all my dear family and friends,
Thought I would connect with you while I am feeling quite wonderful before going in for chemo tomorrow the 5th of Sept. I would like to share with all of you how normal I have been feeling with enough energy to attend church, twice in August. How nice it was to see the church family after about 6 months of absence. Felt very emotional seeing so many smiling faces, and especially the prayers for my healing. God is always here with me, I can feel his presence and Gods strength to pull me through.
As for my social time, the last couple of weeks I have been eating better so I have been enjoying lunch or dinner out with friends to put on more weight before tomorrow. I still eat funny stuff so I order very strange things from the menu like side of coleslaw and mashed potato and I love it. the other day I had fried oyster for appetizer and that was it and it was good. Usually I am happy just with appetizer size meals and it fills me up. But it has been fun the last couple of weeks to have my white blood cells high enough to go out.
So folks I really had a great Labor day with the whole family together to enjoy labor day from 11:30 in the morning with swimming, hot dogs, hamburgers and all the trimmings and since Robbi made some lettuce wrap with ground pork we enjoyed eating all day and Some of them enjoyed the UCLA game and I will get Brittany's help in showing you some of the fun pictures we took with activities going on throughout our house. Will let you know my progress soon when I feel well after the chemo. Much love and thanks to all for your love, cards and prayers. til later much love dottie and family.
Thought I would connect with you while I am feeling quite wonderful before going in for chemo tomorrow the 5th of Sept. I would like to share with all of you how normal I have been feeling with enough energy to attend church, twice in August. How nice it was to see the church family after about 6 months of absence. Felt very emotional seeing so many smiling faces, and especially the prayers for my healing. God is always here with me, I can feel his presence and Gods strength to pull me through.
As for my social time, the last couple of weeks I have been eating better so I have been enjoying lunch or dinner out with friends to put on more weight before tomorrow. I still eat funny stuff so I order very strange things from the menu like side of coleslaw and mashed potato and I love it. the other day I had fried oyster for appetizer and that was it and it was good. Usually I am happy just with appetizer size meals and it fills me up. But it has been fun the last couple of weeks to have my white blood cells high enough to go out.
So folks I really had a great Labor day with the whole family together to enjoy labor day from 11:30 in the morning with swimming, hot dogs, hamburgers and all the trimmings and since Robbi made some lettuce wrap with ground pork we enjoyed eating all day and Some of them enjoyed the UCLA game and I will get Brittany's help in showing you some of the fun pictures we took with activities going on throughout our house. Will let you know my progress soon when I feel well after the chemo. Much love and thanks to all for your love, cards and prayers. til later much love dottie and family.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A few days in the hospital
Hi Everyone! This is Brittany, Dottie's granddaughter. Grandma wanted me to write in her blog because we're sure that she is getting e-mails in the masses whose writers are maybe a little worried that they haven't gotten a response. As some of you may know, Grandma has been in the hospital the past few days. She had her 5th chemo session last Friday, Aug. 1st I believe, so she hasn't been feeling very well. This past Saturday she had a fever so Grandpa and my dad took her to emergency where they drew her blood, then followed the decision to admit her into the hospital due to her low white blood cell count. My mom and I went to the hospital to see her, but didn't know she would be staying. Auntie Juli and Auntie Robbi waited with her until they got her a room on the oncology floor at Hoag Hospital. She has a beautiful view of the Newport Bay.
We've made sure to keep her company throughout her time at the hospital, visiting her every day. Auntie Juli, Uncle Kirk, Jackson, Auntie Robbi, Uncle Mike, Mitchell, Matthew, Rilee, my mom, and me...oh and of course Grandpa. Grandma says "I have to make sure to say my hubby's been coming." My dad hasn't been able to see her because he has a tiny cold and doesn't want to take any chances in getting Grandma sick. And my brother Jeff is in San Francisco at dental school, but he calls to check up on her. Ed and Mie were also able to visit because they have another friend who is in the same ward as Grandma. She has colon cancer and is in for the same reason (a low white blood cell count). Mie was so nice she treated Grandpa, my parents, and me to dinner in the cafeteria. Grandma's friend Amy visited today too.
Good thing the Olympics have been on because Grandma spends most of her time in the hospital just watching T.V. Tonight we critiqued the synchronized divers and rooted on good ol' Michael Phelps. Her room is full of pictures that Jackson and Rilee drew in the waiting room; they're definitely items of encouragement saying things like "The sun will shine again," "The sun will come out tomorrow," and "I love you." She takes walks around the oncology floor, pushing around her cart that she's attached to, and Grandpa usually accompanies her. She's getting hydration, antibiotics, electrolytes, and is taking nausea pills. She still doesn't have much of an appetite, but everyone encourages her to eat, so she tries. In the beginning, her bed beeped every time she got off of it to go to the bathroom and the nurses would come rushing in, so they moved her to a room closer to the nurses' station. The nurses are very attentive and of course she strikes up little conversations with them every time they come in.
Her white blood cell count is improving so hopefully she will be able to go home tomorrow. My family is so grateful for your support. It's not, however, very surprising to me how many people are writing to, praying for, and calling Grandma because I know she's all touched your lives in some way. She's such a strong woman of God, spreading her cheer within moments of meeting her, lighting up every room she walks into, and loving without borders, cancer or not. I'm still trying to figure out what God's plan is, but maybe it's not for me to figure out. All I know is that if we all have the faith that my Grandma has had, she's going to get through this. She says, "I appreciate all your prayers, love, and support through my ordeal. I know the Lord is with me everyday because I have wonderful people with me keeping me going."
Sending Grandma and the family's love,
Brittany
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