Consultation with Dr. Shim

Today Mei-Rose went to see Dr. Walton Shim, the Surgeon that will perform the insertion of her Port-a-cath. He cleared her for surgery- scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 12:00 Noon. She will have her port inserted on the right side of her chest. We originally scheduled her surgery for 7:30am so that she wouldn't have too much difficulty fasting. Dr. Shim explained the procedure and the placement, possible complications and things to look for. We also went for pre operation blood work at the lab. The guys and ladies with the "blue gloves" set her off again, but at least she walked into the lab without crying. She associates the blue nitrile lab gloves with the pain of having some procedure done on her. She also has a general dislike for anyone in a white lab coat. She doesn't scream at the sight of the lab coat but she doesn't trust the lab coat wearer very much. The anxiety levels in our home is quite high as we prepare for the coming chemo visits....and the side effects that go along with it.....

Although we are concerned about Mei-Rose we thought that we need to let everyone know about our other children and their successes and accomplishments also. Ka`ili will be traveling to Lahaina, Maui for the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Assoiciation State Championship Regatta. She will be representing Hui Nalu Canoe Club in the Girls 13 division. She has done well this season as a steerswoman. Thanks to Uncle Bruce, she was able to take a break from steering on July 4th at the Walter J. McFarlane regatta in Waikiki. She was able to paddle in seat three where she helped her crew to a second place finish to receive a silver medal. Ka`ili and Kaenamoku started school today at Myron B. Thompson Academy. Kaili will start Seminary on Monday, August 1, 2005.

Kaenamoku has really helped out with watching Mei-Rose at home when other appointments and tasks took us away from home. Mei-Rose loves her brother and has subsequently learned a new HI-FIVE sequence that brings us to sore stomach laughter. We are very grateful for Kaenamoku. He is the only Deacon in our ward and one of four boys in the whole Young Mens program. He has grown tremendously and now stands at almost 6 feet tall and weighs 240 lbs. He is looking forward to playing football.

Pua just returned home from Ho`omaka`ika`i 2005 at Kamehameha Schools. She was able to see Kalei Vaivai, a friend from Maui and also Ashley Oshiro, a friend from Pearl City. She also was able to see the Blake's as they just moved back to Honolulu from Maui. Pua would like to attend Kamehameha and has made it a goal to get really good grades this year so that she will be ready for the test. Pua helps out with Faith In God night at church and is our family baker. Need brownies, cookies or a dessert? Call Pua's catering. Nah!!!

Kipakuhia is enjoying Cub Scouting. He attended a Day Camp, where he was so excited he could have walked outside to the car with only his BVD's on!!!! He also participated in Memorial Day at Punchbowl. He really looks forward to Mondays and goint to cub Scouts. He will be participating in our Space Derby real soon. Do I hear anyone wanting to help build the rocket? Nah!

Kala, Kipakuhia, and Pua will start school on Friday, July 29, 2005. Pua will be in the 6th grade, Kipakuhia will be in the 4th grade, and Kala will be entering 1st grade. Kala is excited to start at a new school this year. They are especially looking forward to waking up just a little later. Last year the three children caught the bus to Hawaii Kai to attend Koko Head School. To do that they woke up at 5 am every morning. He wants to play soccer and I think I might expose him to that. He loves to spend time with Zaleigh, his cousin. He can't stop talking about her or anything else for that matter.

Both of us will be attending Honolulu Community College this fall semester working on our Occupational and Environmental Safety Management Degrees. We both were fortunate to receive grants and scholarships that allow us to attend. Primary keeps Samantha busy and Kauokalani stays occupied with those Young Men. As a Unit Commissioner, we wonder where he is but he always manages to come home.

We appreciate all your thoughts a prayers. Our family is alive and well and we will continue to update as the situation evolves.