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Posted 10/7/2006 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ladies!  I missed you all.  DH and I and MIL had a great time in Japan.  I made it through without any problems.  No lymphedema from flying or the hot bath.  That (the hot bath) was very nice.  It was at a Japanese Inn on a hilltop overlooking the sea.  The baths were outside facing the sea.  When I went, it was just MIL and I, so I didn't feel self conscious about my road map of a body.  LOL  Yes, you go in naked.  It was very liberating to stand there, butt naked, looking out at the sea and not caring if anyone saw me or not.  (I know they couldn't)  It's a very hot, salt water.  Some of them are actual mineral springs, but not this one.  I managed the whole time with no pain pills.  The left breast is still tender, with ocassional shooting pains, but other than that, good.  The spot that was a little infected is much better, too.  DH had a great time.  He was looking forward to putting that gimpy foot in the hot bath.  He said it felt like all the tension and pain just drained away.  He really needed that. 

 

DH's cousin took us around to some places we hadn't been before.  One was a very old town, like you see in old Japanese samurai movies.  You can just imagine the sword fights in the streets.  The amazing thing is people still live and conduct business in these old buildings. 

 

We ate and ate and ate.  Now it's time to get back on track.  I feel like a pig!  LOL  I had a blast shopping at the 100 Yen store.  It's equilvalent to the 99 cent stores here, but the items are much better.  I bought more for myself than I bought gifts for friends.  I could have gone crazy, if I lived there. 

 

The strange thing I noticed about this trip is that I felt comfortable there.  I've been there many times and always felt on edge - on my best behavior.  This time it was like visiting a relative here.  They speak some English, but mostly everything was Japanese and it was OK.  Also, a Japanese lady on a train started talking to me.  Now that has never happened before.  Lately I've noticed that people smile at me or say HI more than before.  I just wonder if I have a different aura about me or something.  It's all because of BC.  Things that used to make me feel scared don't bother me anymore.  Has anyone else had this happen to them?  Just curious. 

 

Well, that's enough rambling.  It's great to be home.  DH did the laundry - 3 loads!  Isn't he sweet?

Posted 10/7/2006 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Kathy,

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. AHHHH, that HOT BATH sounded sooooooooooo relaxing!

Thanks for sharing your journey with us here at HW, kind of makes us feel like we were there too.

What a husband you have!!!!!!!!!! Doing the laundry, WOW!

Welcome home.
Debbie
^j^ ^j^
Posted 10/8/2006 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, I forgot something very important.  I will blame chemo brain.

 

While in Japan, we were watching TV and there was a program on the very first (at least I think it was) Relay for Life in Japan.  I was crying my eyes out.  The stories were so inspiring.  One man voluteered to honor his wife, who passed away from cancer at the age of 36.  They had been married only 3 years.  It was amazing to see this, because the Japanese are still very reserved and many times don't even tell friends when someone is sick, particularly with cancer.  The man responsible for this event had cancer himself and this meant a great deal to him.  As I watched, I was thinking of all you ladies here and those who are in our memories.  I wish you could have seen it.

Posted 10/8/2006 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Kathy

Sounds like you had the trip of a lifetime, you deserved it I glad you had a great time. The bath sounded so relaxing. Maybe my DH should try a hot bath his foot has really been hurting lateley, I keep telling him to go in for a checkup but he won't. I think something is wrong because he limps alot more than he did because of the pain.

 

Anyway, so happy that you had a great time and welcome home.

L&H

Bernadette

Posted 10/9/2006 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Sounds like you had a marvelous time. What special memories you will always have. Lauri

Posted 10/10/2006 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
What a wonderful trip. We had a Japanese exchange student when my kids were in high school and her mother and two sisters also came to visit while she was with us. They were wonderful friendly women. I always wanted a chance to go to Japan and visit them but it never happened, so I really envy your trip. Thanks for sharing. I was surprised to hear about the Relay for Life, too, altho I am not sure why. Hugs MK
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