So great news, the tumor shrank! The doctors weren't too optimistic going into this as people don't generally respond that well to the second round of chemo. But I'm not surprised as I'm sure their bodies took a toll with the 1st round. But mom is a trooper despite the pain she suffers on a daily basis. The oxycodone she's taking is managing the pain but she gets a little loopy.

The doctors also ok'd our trip to HK after she does two more treatments. She'll be done on 5/8 and then rest for a week or so. I'll start looking at airfares and book our trip. Yippee!! It'll be good for her to see her brothers.

And lots of love and thanks to our family here, the Chins! We appreciate the love and support you've shown to us during this time. My mom is very fortunate to have

Since Mom was going to have a break next week from chemo, she decided she wanted to go to NYC. Nancy and Brandon were going to meet us. Nancy made appts for all of us for haircuts and massages. All of us except for Dad.

Somehow Mom managed to slip away by herself and bought some cigarettes! Nancy was getting her haircut, I was getting my massage, Brandon was picking up groceries and who knows where Dad went. I found her smoking outside the hair salon and she just smiled. She said she was happy so wanted to smoke. I couldn't bring myself to scold her. 

We all had a good time but it was tiring driving there and back in one day. Will need another driver next time to help out, wink wink! Check out the videos!

A tough morning out of the gate with the time adjustment and my recent bout of illness I woke up late for my mom's appointment. It turns out that when I called her she was still asleep! Luckily for me Choco woke me up. We still managed to stop off at DD for coffee and a bagel. Mom needed to eat something so she can take her meds. Normally she would eat something at home but since we were late.....

Met with Nurse Pam again and mom complained of not having that much strength in her legs. So Pam showed a few exercises to do while sitting. Overall, mom was doing ok on the chemo. She gets a break next week and then will do a CT scan the week after.

Uncle Rob and Mona wanted to take my parents out to the Misono Grill in West Roxbury for some Korean short ribs. Uncle Dave kinda invited himself. Just teasing, all were welcome. I was supposed to go but ended up in NYC to see the musical Spiderman: Turn off the Dark. It was an amazing show and I totally recommend it but I digress.....anyways, it was great to get the Chin Bros. together - sorry John couldn't make it.  Renee was also there and took the picture below.  My mom wanted me to express her thanks to everyone for taking the time out of their busy schedule to spend time with her. She was very happy and hopes to do it again.

I wish I was there to listen to the stories of my dad growing up with his brothers. I understand our family was poor and the brothers made do with what they got. And it sounded like it wasn't the most nurturing and loving environment (that's an understatement!) but it made them tougher and stronger.  The trials and tribulations my dad and Uncle Rob had to go through in China to be where they are today - unfathomable for us to imagine. I hope to capture some of their stories on this website to share some day. But for now, it's all about Becky! But here's a salute to the two older Chin brothers. Thank you for not letting your traumatic childhood affect your outlook today. You guys could've been bitter and mean based on the events that happened - being homeless at a young age, illness, physical abuse, etc. Yet, the both of you are always the first to laugh at yourselves, and make others laugh around you. You guys are generous, well when you have $$ and love to have your kids nearby. Who knew the family man would come out later in life!! Hey, it's never too late and we love you for it.

It's Mom's 2nd chemo treatment today and she's in good spirits considering. When we met with Pam the nurse, I had to tell her mom smoked while on vacation in MD. Pam looked like she was in shock and asked my mom why? Mom smiled and said she felt really free so she wanted to smoke. She also said since she came back, she hasn't smoked. Yea, right.....