Mom's Update January 28, 2010

Just want to update everyone on Moe. We were disappointed on Monday, Jan. 25th to learn that Moe is not eligible for the heartmate. However, he is responding to "dobutamine" taken intravenously to help his heart to pump better. He was moved to the North Tower Room 6018 from the ICU last night at Cedars-Sinai. We're taking one day at a time. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers..

January 27, 2010

We had a family meeting on Monday at Cedar Sinai where Dad is in the ICU unit. Dad looked good, better than he has been. His eyes were open and he was aware and present when I walked in, but I must say that I was suprised at all the tubes and needles connected to him.
They have him on a feeding tube to hopefully have him bulk up. If/when he adds more weight he will have better chances at being a candidate for the heart procedure that we were hoping he could have.
We all met with the head doctor and a social worker and Aunty Mimi also attended. It was a tough meeting....we talked about how this is Dad's decision and HE has the choice whether to go another fight for his life or if he wants to throw in the towel. The doctor spent a little time with Dad and Dad told the doctor he "wanted his legs back" and he wanted to hold his children's hands....
please continue to pray for my father- that he is able to gain weight and continue to get stronger if that is what HE wants. I have never seen someone with so much fight in him......what an inspiration .......or is it pure stubborness??? Love that guy....thanks!

Jan. 21, 2010 cont.

Mom just called me to update the info on Dad- he had an angiogram today and everything looked fine- no blockages. His numbers are better and they are giving him medication to help get rid of the fluid.
She said he is still kind of low energy but hanging in there like he does!
thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!

Jan 21, 2010- Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday to DAD!
Here is what Mom put in an email last night-

Dad was admitted to Cedar Sinai today. Room 6S48. No visitors from 7-8 a.m. and 7-8 p.m. during change of shifts. No outside food or plants. They lost no time. They ran tons of tests and inserted the catheter with meds to be fed intravenously. He is very very ill, and it is too early for them to make any decisions about the procedure. The gps got me there with this address. 8700 W. Beverly Blvd, LA 90048.
God is so good and I started counting my blessings starting with Aunty Mimi at my door, finding rooms and places, parking spots, and clear and fast freeways coming home. We're asking for prayer that the doctors make the right decisions. They are doing everything they can for him right now.
Mom

Jan.17 2010

Dad has been so blessed to have so many visitors- Mom said that Kathy Morimoto, the Funatsus, Aunty Mimi, Stacy and Mrs. MOrimoto, Robert (one of his coffee buddies) visited on Saturday and today, Aunty CHiyo & Uncle Gerry (thanks for bringing Mom lunch!) Joan and the twins, Scott Hirotsu and my family visited to celebrate Dad's birthday which is really on Thursday. Mrs.Grosser sent Ding-Dongs and party plates, napkins, a sign and hats for Dad's birthday. Kiana made cupcakes for everyone and then Mom took everyone to the ice cream parlor for some ice cream. Scott and I stayed with Dad. Dad was pretty tired today- asked Joan if Mabel took a train somewhere and came in and out throughout our visit.
Mom said that they appt to go to Cedar's this coming week.

Jan. 14, 2010

Gregg called me to let me know that he spent some time with Dad on Tuesday. Mom stayed home since she wasn't feeling well. She spent the day taking it easy which is what she needed.
Gregg also let me know that Dad will be admitted to Cedar's Sinai next week sometime. I believe that he will be preparing for his procedure-
Joan saw Dad last weekend and the Niimi's visited.
I wonder how this is going to go and what we can expect from the outcome as far as a "better quality of life". Part of me doesn't want to get my hopes too high but I am hopeful that this procedure will IMPROVE his life....
He is such a special man- loved by all, especially his family!

Monday with Moe

I visited Dad yesterday and when I got there he was asleep, as usual. He had the tube for oxygen in his nose and his breathing was very deliberate. When I visit I usually say, "Hi, Dad!" so he'll know I'm there and also to wake him up. He was wearing a white t-shirt and looked up at me to say "hi". I think he said something like, "I'm glad to see you". His speech was clearer and he looked at me and smiled. I asked him how he was doing and he said he was ok. During the first hour , he would occassionally wake up. When he did open his eyes and look around, he commented about his skin looking brown and then he also spoke of "someone" writing a book about him or making a movie about him or the marines.
He livened up around 10:30 and we watched "Overhaulin'" which is a show where they refurbish old cars. He watched (off and on) two episodes.....
Mom said Dad is going to be moved to UCLA this week to prep him for his procedure but didn't know exactly when....

Latest Update: January 9, 2010

I saw Dad yesterday and he looked good. He was happy to see me and asked about John. "Where is John", he asked. I told him that John was at work because it was Friday. During that first hour or so as he lay in bed dozing in and out and when he did wake up would tell me that he wanted to go for a walk, then he would quickly close his eyes and doze off. After the third time he told me he wanted to get up, I called for the staff to help me get him into his wheelchair but by the time they arrived, he was back asleep.

Uncle Yogi and Aunty Joy came to visit. They have been family friends since forever! We laughed and Uncle shared some funny memories of Dad...mentioning that he has always been helpful to every and anyone (this I already knew) and how much he loved people. Thank you, Dad, for being such an amazing example of this..... he smiled as Uncle was sharing...

Uncle also brought up that Dad had numerous cars. I remember the beige VW, the green station wagon, the station wagon w/the brown wood sticker down the side of it, the dune buggy (one of my favorites) the van, the motorcycle, the Z, the pickup, and the two vans. These were just HIS cars.....

Next week Dad will be admitted to UCLA to prepare for a procedure that will help him have a better quality of life- my mom can explain the details but we are very excited about this-