Namaste

We've met with our yoga instructor a few times now and we've been very surprised (yet happy) at how traditional the practice is for this study. Our understanding is that this study is examining whether traditional yoga practices affect overall health, tumor regrowth, or overall quality of life. The first day we did basic poses, some of which required Jason and me to support one another. This sort of cracks me up since we've never been able to do well in any physical couples class, the worst was a dance class (but that's a story for another day). Today we practiced different breathing techniques and sounds, which I enjoyed a lot.

I met with my radiologist after proton therapy this morning. He recommended a nutritionist to figure out what higher calorie foods I should be eating. Don't hate, not everyone can lose weight so easily. His office also is able to take care of two crucial things I've been waiting on from oncology for a month. The nurses in oncology don't seem nearly as competent as the peeps over in radiology. I've been imagining some kind of gladiator event where I pit them against one another. As the radiologist's assistant defeats each of the oncology nurses she'll yell, "Are you not entertained? Is that not why you are here?" It'll be awesome!

Having Jule here has been wonderful. Today after my appointments she, Jason, and I walked through the Japanese gardens at Hermann Park. So peaceful and beautiful. Another recommendation for those who might find themselves looking for things to do in Houston. I still haven't made it to the zoo, but I plan to before we leave. Tonight the five of us are going out to dinner and then tomorrow Jule leaves as Uncle Steve flies in to get the kiddos on track. They think he's the "fun uncle" but I'm hoping he'll be the one to get their sleep schedules straightened out, get their school work completed, and hold the fun over their heads until all else is complete. Now that I type this, I'm wondering if my plan is going to happen given that Uncle Stevie does like to be the fun uncle and the kids are virtually impossible to snap out of "brain tumor vacation" mode. Maybe I'm losing this battle before it begins.

According to the nurse, I'm halfway finished with my proton therapy as of today. I really like the people there but I won't be too sad to ring that gong and get the heck out of there. Between the yoga practice, the Japanese garden, and the celebratory gong at proton, it seems we are living an eastern theme. Namaste.