Back in Los Angeles

I’m now back in L.A. I got on a 7:20 a.m. shuttle bus to Taoyuan International Airport yesterday morning. Not wanting to give my dad more ammunition for any “irresponsible” behavior, I made sure that I got to the airport early (also since I missed my New Year’s Eve flight in Shanghai).

I said goodbye to my dad and told him to take care of himself and stay strong. He thanked me for coming and we hugged. My mom walked me to the shuttle stop and we talked about his appetite. She said that once they find an apartment to rent, he’ll be better.

Before I left, I went over with my dad what he can and can't eat. The doctor provided a table of information that will help guide him, which in summary says:

Things My Dad Can Eat:
It's still OK for my dad to eat most things, but particularly it mentions stuff high in protein like egg yolks, milk, cakes, ice cream, soy milk, soy products, and tofu. Then of course, fruit, vegetables, and rice. Green onions, ginger and garlic will enhance his appetite.

Things My Dad Can't Eat:
Avoid salty foods especially when his feet are swelling/there is water retention. Not too much fatty meats, innards, stuff cooked in animal fat, ham, sausage. Preserved foods like beef jerky, smoked chicken, salted fish, preserved egg, tea egg (lots of soy sauce in it?), beef ball, fish ball, pickled vegetables, and any canned food. Also, he should avoid fast food of any kind - fried chicken, hamburger, peanut butter, some crackers, cookies, instant noodles. Then it says stay away from za cai, do ban jiang.

The morning I left, my dad had an appointment for a blood test. And the next day, he'll have to go in for an appointment with the cancer specialist, who will give him his results. By this evening, I should have a new report.