Cycle 2 - John Muir NHS

Immediately after finishing Cycle 1 of chemo, my scalp started hurting, and my hair began to fall out. I expected this to happen but I really wanted to hang on to my dark curls a little bit longer. I only had hair for one and a half years, and I wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet. 

Initially, I washed my hair less, but every wash resulted in more hair loss. There was the possibility of not washing my hair, but that wouldn't be sustainable. After much thought, I came to the brilliant idea of gently washing it. 

Truth be told, I'm not sure what happened, but my gentle hair wash turned into a disastrous tangled mess! I spent over half an hour trying to comb out the tangles, and even enlisted my Mom's help to no avail. At this point, my hair was being more trouble than it was worth, and this was the moment when I knew that no matter what I did, it was the end of the line for my hair. 

Who needs a hair cut barber gown cape cloth when you have a trash bag?

My Mom was extremely worried about hurting me while using the buzzer, 

so naturally I yelled out in fake pain when she started. She was not amused. 

For Cycle 2, I had less confusion and fatigue than Cycle 1. However, the nausea was much worse. Even though I was taking two anti-nausea medications (Zofran and Reglan), both did little to relieve the side effects. There were additional medications available, however most had stronger side effects, and would cause me to be heavily sedated. This was something which I didn't want, and so I endured the nausea the best I could. 

Cycle 2

Funny snapchats helped pass the time. 

A visit from the Pet Assisted Wellness at Stanford (PAWS). 

Before I could enjoy my between the chemo adventure, I had to get a blood 

transfusion for two pints of blood since my hemoglobin dropped to 7.9 g/dL. 

(The standard range is from 11.7-15.7)

John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez CA

John Muir was America's most famous naturalist and conservationist. His writings convinced

 the United States Government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon, and Mt. Rainier as National Parks, earning him the title of "Father of the National Park Services." 

John Muir lived in this hilltop home, built by his 

father-in-law Dr. John Strentzel, from 1890 to 1914. 

All of the rooms, including the attic are filled with Victorian era furnishings, clothing, 

household goods, farm implements, books, and textiles to recreate Muir's time period. 

The bell tower atop the house once provided a glorious view of farmlands and wilderness 

in all directions. Just make sure you don't stand underneath otherwise your ears might ring!

Muir grew many different types of fruit and nut trees on his 2,600-acre ranch. 

Visitors are allowed to pick a small amount of fruit that have already fallen. 

The Coast redwood, sequoia sempervirens, is the tallest type of tree in the world. 

In 1849, The Martinez Adobe was built by the third mayor of San Francisco, Don 

Ygnacio Martinez. The home is an example of the Spanish-influenced architecture. 

 

The California poppy (Eschscholzia Californica) was selected 

as the official state flower of California in 1903.

Mount Wanda, Martinez CA (2.4 miles; 460 ft elevation gain)

The two highest points, 660-ft Mt. Wanda and the 640-ft Mt. Helen are named after Muir's 

two daughters. Both girls often accompanied their father on walks in the nearby hills. 

Andrew enjoying the sweeping views of the Carquinez Strait, and Mount Diablo.  

Nature heals and give strength to the body and soul. 

Cycle 1 - San Jose Tech Museum

Welcome to my between the chemo adventures.

Having a recurrence is something that I worried about as most cancer survivors do, and it's never easy for anyone and their loved ones when the beast returns. The best decision I made for myself long ago was being the most physically fit I could be. I made sure that if the cancer returned, I would always be ready to fight it with all my strength. I made it a priority to set myself up for success.

When the cancer did return, there wasn't much time to emotionally or physically prepare myself. The time from when I saw my oncologist and learned of my third recurrence to being admitting for chemo treatment was less than a week.

Cycle 1 was the hardest of all the cycles I've been through. I experienced extreme fatigue, nausea, and confusion, but somehow always manage to keep a smile. It must have been all those drugs!

Cycle 1

We celebrated Andrew's birthday in the hospital with cake and pie. 

Thank you for the awesome care package Amy!

The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose CA

Phong harnessing water, wind, and solar energy to power the tower!

After the 2011 tsunami in Japan, inventor Shoji Tanaka designed this rescue capsule. 

The pod is made of thick fiberglass and has space for food and supplies under the floor. 

The Jet Pack Chair resembles a NASA manned maneuvering unit (MMU), and stimulates 

a real astronaut floating in space. Astronauts move untethered by hand-controlled 

packs that shoot blasts of compressed nitrogen aim in different directions. 

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination explores the science and research behind the 

futuristic technologies depicted in the films. The 10,000-square-foot exhibition features 

more than 80 authentic costumes, models, and props from all 6 Star Wars films. 

Rebel Alliance X-wing starfighter Model from Star Wars Episodes IV-VI. 

Devastator Imperial Star Destroyer Model from Star Wars Episodes IV-VI. The filmmakers 

made Darth Vader's flagship seem enormous by detailing the surface very finely, 

and by running the camera very close past it, so it would seem to fill the screen. 

Tartful and Salporin Costumes from Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

The life-size wookiees were incredible in size and height!

Resist a selfie with Yoda I could not!  

It's so much more fun being the bad guy. 

"I find your lack of faith disturbing."

This was my failed attempt at a stormtrooper choke hold. I blame the chemo brain.

I won't make that mistake again!

In the famous words of Spock, "Live long and prosper."

What a memorable sibling day with Phong!

Sutro Tower, Lands End, Coyote Hills, San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, Santa Monica

It's been some time since my last update, so I'll cut right to the chase.

Unfortunately, my repeat 2 month CT scan in February showed development of four new nodules: 14-mm in the right lower lobe, 10-mm nodule at the left lung base, 3-mm nodule in right middle lobe, and 3-mm nodule in the right lower lobe. Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, my oncologist stated that next course of action would be to undergo six cycles of high-dose ifosfamide. To date, I've completed four cycles, and have two left.

This post will encompass my adventures leading up to my first round of chemo. Stay tuned for my between the chemo adventures.

Sutro Tower, San Francisco CA

The three-pronged 977 ft high antenna tower was completed in 1973. Currently, 

it's used by television stations, radio stations, and satellite and cable providers. 

The Three Blind Mice.

Lands End, San Francisco CA

Before the Europeans arrival in North America, the Yelamu 

Ohlone tribe lived at Lands End in seasonal settlements. 

Titi and Tuan braving the cold weather. 

During the 1880s, millionaire Adolph Sutro transformed the area into a 

popular seaside destination. He believe that all San Franciscans, 

rich or poor, should take advantage of Lands End's beauty. 

The future is so bright. 

Coyote Hills, Fremont CA

European explorer Juan Bautista led two expeditions in the late 1700s. While surveying

the area, Anza remarked on the Los Cerritos, or "little hills," now called Coyote Hills. 

Before becoming a regional park, Coyote Hills operated as a hunting 

club, small rock quarry, diary land, a military NIKE missile installation, 

and field station for Stanford Research Institute.

We're so happy together. 

San Francisco Botanical Garden, CA

California's first Municipal Green House was patterned after The 

Conservatory, Kew Gardens, England. It was completed in 1879, 

and is the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America. 

The 1,700 species of plants at the Conservatory represent unusual and 

often endangered flora from more than 50 countries around the world. 

The Butterflies and Blooms exhibit provided a close-up view of more 

than 20 species of colorful and familiar North American butterflies. 

Say cheese!

Orchids do not have separate stamens (male reproductive structure) 

and pistils (female) in their flowers. Instead both are united into

 a single central structure known as the "column". 

Annenberg Community Beach House, Santa Monica CA

In the 1920s, media tycoon William Randolph Hearst had the beach house 

built for his mistress, silent film start Marion Davies. For this grand estate, 

he commissioned architect Julia Morgan, who designed the Hearst Castle. 

The property was a hot spot where Hollywood celebrities came to 

enjoy the sun, the sea, and fabulous parties. We're so important!

More closet space please.

Gauchos reunited.