April 28, 2008 – Finally, another blog entry!

Hello dear ones,
I realize it’s been a long silence since my last writing. April was a very full month to say the least. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one scrambling to get taxes done and that was a huge part of my month. Problem was that I kept getting interrupted with health complications, particularly having to do with fluid build-up around the membranes surrounding my lungs. I am doing much better though and am slowly getting stronger and more energetic. For those of you wondering about how I’m “treating” my cancer the 8th paragraph below gives some details on that. (In case you’re not interested in reading the whole long entry I’ve included).
I hope this communication finds you well, healthy and happy!

March 31, 2008 – original date of this writing

It’s springtime. I’m looking out my east window in the early evening sunlight at the branches of the wonderful large tree in my backyard. It’s one of the biggest trees in the neighborhood and I’ve known this tree for 28 years now. I first met her when I drove out here from New Mexico in 1980 in my 1963 push-button-automatic-transmission Rambler. My car was filled to the gills with all I owned (clothes, books, sewing machine and memorabilia) and $300 in my wallet. I had a good friend who lived in the house I’m in right now who invited me to stay as a temporary housemate until I could establish a more permanent home. So, that was how I met the tree whom I now call “Four Seasons” (see above picture).

New Mexico has four really defined seasons. One never wonders what month it is there. I found this not to be the case here in the Bay Area. Over the years I’ve become more attuned to the subtle changes, but in general, there are days where it could just as easily be May as October, or January as June. So, “Four Seasons” has stood her ground over the years as I’ve moved into this same house three times. My first stay here as mentioned above was a temporary landing pad. The second time I was a housemate for a few years. Then a 14-year gap occurred during which time I met, fell in love with and married my dear hubbie and we moved back in and have been here over the past 11 years. This home has became a very stable ground for us and, especially now, is serving as a great respite for healing and strengthening.

When I left New Mexico there was much I was driving away from, but there was only one thing I was driving to and that was the huge and powerful ocean! I’ve always felt there is nothing more soul-sustaining for me on this planet than the ocean. I love the high desert of NM but longed to live near the ocean since my first visit to CA when I was 13 years old. The ocean renews me and gives me strength. It also calms me and allows me to feel the interconnection of all of life on this tiny blue planet.

Little did I know at the time I drove out here at age 27 (a little less than half my current age) that San Francisco would become such a stable home for me. Little did I know that I’d find the love of my life on a gray, overcast day on an almost empty Ocean Beach; Little did I know that I’d find my life’s calling as a Yoga teacher and healing arts practitioner; Little did I know that I’d find myself where I am now—dealing with this thing called cancer in a city that vows to take care of all its citizens (regardless of their financial status) needing hospitalization and health care; Little did I know that I’d have the opportunity to really know what it is to love and be loved by countless precious human beings. How could I have ended up anywhere else other than where I am right now? It all feels so perfect in so many ways—even the dark and difficult times.

So, this amazing house I live in with this beautiful “Four Seasons” tree is in the inner Richmond district. I’m too far to hear the sea, but close enough to feel it with many other senses. There are often Seagulls flying by within my view and earshot. There is the fresh ocean air that I feel just by stepping out my door. And, of course, there is the long “OM” chant of the foghorns that sound whenever they’re needed.

Right now “Four Seasons” is just barely revealing a very exciting change from winter to spring. Her giant and numerous branches have been bare and dead looking since the last of her leaves dropped of in mid-December (the time of my diagnosis). The tree has helped me “winter” this change in my body and in my life. It has shown me how to let myself get bare and empty and in many symbolic ways just shed much of whom & what I’ve believed myself to be. The truly beautiful thing about this naked state is that it reveals so much light and form. With “Four Seasons” the sky in the background shows her exquisitely sculptured branches. There’s actually so much more sunlight that shines into our house and in our yard during this naked winter time than any other time of the year.

All of this is paralleling my experience with cancer and all the related processes that are evolving every day into the magical realm of healing. There have been lots of ups and down over the past months especially as I am gradually being taught what it really means to heal. There has been deep confusion at times about what “to do” next and always the way out of that trap has simply been to surrender to “not knowing” and trust that the answer will appear when I am ready to receive it. That’s not an easy one for me much of the time, but when I do let go into “trust” amazing things—miracles—happen.

Over the past week, “Four Seasons” is displaying some tiny green clusters at the end of her dead-looking branches. A few days ago they were hardly detectible—almost imaginary. This evening, as I look upon her, many of those clusters are actually showing some tiny green leaves. The same thing is happening with me. I made a well-studied, discussed and grounded decision to forego Chemotherapy treatments at this time. Matt & I have been guided to a very wise and knowledgeable alternative/complimentary program at a wonderful place in San Anselmo called the Pine St. Clinic. They have been helping people live with cancer (whether involved in Chemotherapy or not) for the past 28 years. Through this program I’m receiving guidance with nutrition and supplementation. My Oncology and Pulmonary doctors at SF General are all very supportive of this and more than willing to work with me in any way I need to manage symptoms, get necessary blood work etc. and to monitor my progress. I’m also receiving acupuncture twice a week from a world master, Dr. Angela Wu; massage from Dan Gronwald and Kat Horn- two very talented and devoted healers; hypnotherapy from a very skilled and intuitive Noam Salpeter; my own spiritual practices of yoga/prayer/meditation, and, of course, daily prayers from all my dear family, friends and community. My seemingly dead and brittle branches are showing signs of brand new life on many levels.

The Yoga of Healing
There’s so much I’m learning that I thought I already knew but really didn’t even have a clue about. What does it take to allow healing—true healing on any level—to take place? Here are some of my “discoveries”:

1. First of all the cultivation of a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). It is so easy for the mind to spin out in directions that not only do no good but can indeed cause real harm. It’s so important to develop awareness of our thought habits. We have total power to direct our thoughts and thereby our energy. I had one of the most profound conversations with a gentleman while we were waiting for a very slow elevator to finally pick us up from the 6th floor of what is called “Ward 86” at SF General. Ward 86 is where all the cancer and AIDS and pretty much “close to death” patients go to receive much of their help. At first there was the normal silence between the two of us as we waited. Then, eye contact and a smile, then “how’s it going” then he began to speak about his condition with Leukemia and in such simple and pure words stated the power of our thinking and the effect that can take on whether we live or die. Time seemed to stand still as his discussion continued on into the elevator and as we walked out of the building to the parking lot to go our own way. It wasn’t anything I hadn’t heard before or said myself, but the connection of the moment and the words coming from this life so seemingly different from mine, made it all so absorbable.

2. The cultivation of equanimity especially when it comes to our reactions regarding our attachments and aversions: “I love this…I hate that”. There is truly a difference between using discretion in the many choices and decisions that come up in life daily, and being flung around by our reactions. I’ve really learned a lot about this while in the hospital and having to undergo various procedures that “I hate”. If I react everything becomes more stressful, the life force gets blocked, panic starts to arise, muscles harden, breathing is more difficult and on and on. However, if I can accept in the moment the particular experience with equanimity…keep the breath soft and watch my mental attitude and self-talk…I immediately experience more calmness and courage. Eventually, whatever is happening passes. All things pass—pleasant or unpleasant—they do pass.

3. The cultivation of using prayer and affirmation is truly the undercurrent of support for all healing practices. There are so many individual and creative ways each of us can develop this practice in our daily lives. Over the years through yoga and related activities, including my younger years as a devoted Catholic, I’ve learned many beautiful prayers, chants and affirmations. I also create my own, as they are needed. Often, one will spontaneously arise in a moment of great fear, distress or negativity—which, of course, can lead to depression and a state of ill health. Many of my prayers, mantras & affirmations are modified versions as it is my particular style to “customize” them to suit my reality. Many are perfect and powerful as they are and I don’t change a word. My newest mantra taught to me by my acupuncturist, Angela Wu is:

I am Happy; I am Healthy; I am Wealthy; I am Loved…

So…to expand on this a bit: I am Happy—no reason, simply because I’m choosing to be happy; I am Healthy—because I take good care of myself on all levels of nourishment; I am Wealthy—because I have nothing less than the abundance of the entire Universe to draw from; I am Loved—simply because I am here!

Imagine if we all could really know this about ourselves on a very authentic level how our lives would improve…all of our lives! Practice it for yourself and see what happens.

4. The cultivation of silence and mindfulness allows healing to happen. For me it’s as simple as sitting quietly and observing the subtle changes in “Four Seasons”, or noticing the shift in light from one part of the day to the next; Listening to all the sounds that surround us without getting caught up in any of it; Really tasting the food I put in my mouth and having a sense of connection with all the elements that brought that food to me. It’s really about being wherever we are when we are there.

5. The cultivation of kindness and friendliness. It’s so easy to be friendly and yet it can be so scary and even intimidating. It doesn’t have to be about overwhelming anyone—just a simple smile can work wonders for all involved…it feels good to smile and it feels good to be smiled at. As I wrote in my 1st point on this list, it can often open the heart and mind to a beautiful sharing of thoughts and visions. Lots of times, however, it’s nothing more than a sharing of the human spirit in a very generous way.

So, that’s as far as I’ve gotten on my “Yoga of Healing” list. I’m sure you may be able to think of many more things to add to the list. We all need healing on some or many levels so stay creative and open to what comes.

I send my love and friendship to all who read this and am ever receptive to your healing energy in whatever way you may wish to share it with me, with yourself and with others.

Om…Peace…Yolanda

Hello everyone…Matt here. Yo asked me to make a quick pit-stop for her at her blog. She’s been in the hospital for a few days after a procedure that has drawn excess fluid out of the membrane surrounding her left lung. The fluid caused breathing difficulty but she’s now feeling more at ease. She is looking forward to writing about her latest experiences and will make her own blog posting as soon as she is able. She’ll be coming home on Friday.

We would like to thank Baseball Mary and the Clement Street Bar and Grill for the extraordinary party/benefit that they held on Yo’s behalf. It was a packed house with live music by the Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert and Bill Lanphier Duo followed by members of my band The Venusians, and catered by Angelina’s Deli and Catering. Many thanks to the raffle donors, attendees, and staff from the restaurant who came to work on a night when the restaurant is normally closed. The generosity and community spirit from that event will stay with us forever. Yo and I were sorry to miss it due to an unexpected visit to the hospital.

She asked me to let you know that your continued healing thoughts and prayers are being received and absorbed daily. Many shifts and changes have come about in since her last blog, and she looks forward to sharing them as soon as she is able.
Much love to all of you!

Hi There Dear Friends & Family

It’s been quite a while since I last wrote and today I have several things to share with you:

News about upcoming benefits:

The Yoga Studio Benefit
I just learned of the events on March 8th & 9th to be held for myself and friends in yoga with whom I share similar healing journeys. The classes are taught by Peggy Orr and Nikki Estrada, two of my beloved teachers.

What: Love is the Answer: Fundraiser for Natalia Rae, Yolanda Bain and Ondera Kazuko
When: Saturday, March 8th with Peggy Orr
Sunday, March 9th with Nikki Estrada
Each class from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: YogaStudio in Larkspur Landing 415-380-8800 for more info.
Suggested donation: $35 per workshop

Clement Street Bar and Grill Benefit
The following event is being organized by longtime friend “Baseball Mary” at the Clement Street Bar & Grill where Matt & I have been enjoying wonderful dinners and building true friendships with the staff for 20 years now.

What: Benefit Party and Raffle for Yolanda Bain
When: Monday, March 10th from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Clement St. Bar and Grill, 708 Clement Street @ 8th Ave.
Entrance Fee: $10 buys you one raffle ticket (or you can purchase as many as you like), includes great food, live music and a chance to win one or more of the many wonderful prizes being offered. A cash bar will also be available with proceeds to be donated to Yolanda.

Can’t attend but would like to partake in the raffle: Raffle tickets are available at Clement Street Bar and Grill or you may email baseballmary@baseballmary.com.

Other news:

Yoga Journal online article link:
Please take a moment to check out this lovely article written by Karen Macklin about the last class I taught at the Mindful Body in January. It’s very sweet. Thank you Karen!
http://blogs.yogajournal.com/cityblog/2008/02/yoga_benefit_for_yo_1.html


I’m going into the practice of silence.
I’ve decided to spend the remainder of this week practicing silence in order to allow my inner world and outer world to find a greater sense of harmony. This includes taking a break from writing emails, blogs, checking my voicemails, watching TV, listening to the radio, reading the newspapers etc. Perhaps you may want to try this even for a short amount of time. I find it a very powerful practice and haven’t done it in a long time and have never attempted doing it from my own home.

A personal story to share about healing, the womb, our ancestors, water and dolphins:


While I’ve been in a steady pattern of feeling a bit stronger and more energetic with each new day, the last couple of days have been a bit of a challenge because I’ve taken myself off my pain medicine, Vicodin, which has been keeping me on a kind of blissful wave. It is, however, a very addictive drug and I’ve been noticing more of a mental desire for it outside of needing it for any kind of pain. So, the downside is that I’m experiencing some discomfort, lethargy and irritability as this finds its way out of my body/mind system. As much as I can, I want to really know what’s going on in my being, and if I’m being numbed out that simply doesn’t work for me. Time to reconnect with my internal pharmacy.

I had the energy to walk a few blocks to Golden Gate Park and breathe in the beauty of the huge array of life that abounds there…the birds, the trees, the flowers, all the different kinds of people. Everything just feels so alive and refreshing. It feels so good to find the strength of my feet and legs and heart to carry me from one place to the next. I stopped in a particularly beautiful sunny spot and sat on the ground and meditated. That offered a bliss that no drug could compete with. I had a strong sense of all the kind and loving prayers and thoughts pouring in and filtering throughout my being…going where they were most needed and helping me heal. I can still feel it as I am writing these words.

Since I last wrote, I’ve been experiencing some very insightful memories and associations relative to my health condition. They are of a very personal nature but I’m going to share them nevertheless.

As many of you know, a large symptom of my illness showed up on the form of excess serous fluids called ascites—mostly in the abdomen. I eventually gained an extra 6 liters of fluid which added an extra 15 to 20 lbs to my weight. My lungs also showed extra fluid, which changed the category of the cancer from a stage 3 to a stage 4.

After my surgery the excess fluid left my belly but my legs and feet tripled in size. I was also told by one of my doctors that the excess fluids would return to my belly in a fairly short amount of time. That was based on the stage of my cancer. After a few days home, a lot of leg elevation and foot massage and two acupuncture sessions with Dr. Angela Wu (which were preceded by healing massage with Kat Horn at Dr. Wu’s center) the fluid in my legs left my body via my urinary system during almost two days straight of constant peeing. That was a bit disconcerting as I thought I’d become permanently incontinent. However, at a certain point I made the connection that the fluid needed some way out and that was it. I’m very happy to say that as of this writing, the fluid has not returned and my bladder is in top shape. I’m not sure what’s going on in my lungs as the only way they detected fluid there was via a CT scan and I haven’t had another since the first.

All of this feels very encouraging to me and I see so many signs pointing to the cancer being in a state of remission and healing. Once in a while I run into someone I know who hasn’t been informed of my condition (it happened on my walk in the park the other day) and the words I now us are “I’m healing from cancer”.

So, where all this is leading is to my thoughts and concerns about my lungs and also the strong association of all of this with the element of water. On my last visit to Dr. Wu’s office while in the waiting room I reached for one of my favorite books they had available for clients to read, the classic, “The Web That Has No Weaver”, and I started reading about the lungs from the Chinese medical viewpoint. They are said to adjust and move the water channels (all the bodily fluids) along with the major movement of bodily “Chi” or “life force”. In this way they help maintain harmony in the whole body/mind/spirit. Think of being in the womb, surrounded by fluids and receiving oxygen via the fluids until that moment of birth where we take our first breath. That same breath carries us on and on through our life journey, unifying the outer world with the inner world until the moment of our final breath takes us out of this world experience.

The main emotion associated with the lungs is grief. Recognizing that when in balance, grief is a very important emotion to express but when out of balance it can either be excessive to the point of injury to the lungs or it can also be deficient to the point of callousness.

Here’s my womb story:

I hadn’t thought of this much recently but it all came back like a rushing stream as I was lying on the acupuncture table with the needles in my arms and legs opening the channels to bring in more healing. When my dear Mom was pregnant with me it was an especially exciting time for her own Mom, with whom she was very close. There hadn’t been an infant in the family for 8 ½ years (the gap between myself and my older sister Madelyn) and my Mom told me she’d made a special promise to my Grandma that “this little baby belongs just as much to you as to me!” Well, in January 1953 my dear Grandma died. I was born in April, four months later. In my later years when I’d ask my Mom how Grandma died the answer was that “she had a condition that caused her to retain fluids and she basically ended up “drowning in her own fluids”. I know that traumatic events in the life of a pregnant woman go directly to the womb. As a child and throughout my life I’ve experienced what I could call excessive grief. My Mom would often have to stay up with me late at night to console my endless stream of tears seemingly coming from nowhere at times and at other times coming from very tangible issues around the possibility of my parents dying, awareness of suffering in the world (often brought on by a movie such as “The Diary of Anne Frank” or any number of tragic stories.) Of course as I became an adult I began to deal with this via help with psychotherapy, spiritual practices and whatever seemed to make sense to bring me into balance.

I once had a hypnotherapy session that took me back to the womb and I actually sensed both my Mother’s and Grandmother’s deep grief that the union of my birth with my Grandmother would not be made in this lifetime. For the last four months of my womb journey I floated in a sea of grief and sorrow. I’m also aware though, that once I completed my journey through the birth canal and “stepped foot onto land” a kind of amnesia of my inner womb journey took place as my birth brought such joy to my parents.

That deep grief wound was reopened when my dear Mom died in 2002 after dealing with Alzheimer’s for around six years. Fortunately, at that time in my life I had so many more techniques available to help me stay in balance; and now, most of the time anyway, when I think of my Mom a warm smile flows through me rather than tears of sadness and longing.

As I was preparing for surgery I often said it felt like I’d be giving some kind of birth to something but that it also felt like some kind of death of something. Now, it’s so clear to me that this has all been so necessary. The surgery I had was about removing all that grief that had been growing in my own reproductive organs since I was in the womb. It is part of my purpose for being here…to heal not only myself but also, the deep psycho/spiritual grief of my Mother and Grandmother, and perhaps her mother and grandmother (and on, and on).

Thich Nhat Hanh, one of my spiritual guides often speaks about the importance of our connection to our ancestors and our responsibility to them throughout our lives. This never quite made the kind of sense it now makes to me.

One day, a long time ago, a student came up to me after yoga class and said something like, “You know, I not only practice yoga to help me be a better parent and husband, but also to help my ancestors.” The way he said it made me really stop in my tracks and try to comprehend it. Now, here it is, resurfacing.

So, with all this said, the healing any of us needs to go through on any level is never just about us. Who else in our lives—whether on this plane or the next—may need our help in healing?

The water element…the flow that connects us all…is so prevalent everywhere. The day prior to my acupuncture session described above, I went to Baker Beach just to feel the sand beneath my feet, the sun on my face and the salty breeze on my skin. I’m still fairly weak so walking on the beach felt very empowering. I stopped for a moment and stood in “mountain pose” with my hands in prayer position in front of my heart and my eyes closed. I began to pray, to ask for help and guidance, to give thanks to the many blessings in my life and especially to feel the pulse of life moving through me in that very moment. Something caused me to interrupt my prayer and open my eyes. When I did, there…in very close range were three dolphins dancing and bobbing and celebrating the beauty of their lives. It was such a gift. I just stood there in awe and bliss and absorbed their love, strength and courage. The image will stay with me forever. In all my 28 years living in SF, I’ve never had that kind of dolphin viewing on a SF beach. Now, I think of them as the healed spirits of my Mom, Grandma and myself. What pure joy!

So, where does this leave me now? Just more alive, more grateful and more connected with all the dear ones in my life and with life itself. This is really all I need…all any of us needs to be truly rich, truly connected from our deepest innermost self to the Universal Self that creates, protects, sustains and guides us from one journey to the next…from womb to womb to womb.

I’ll end with these beautiful words I heard recently:

“Time is the master of healing…Love is the master of everything else” (John Denver)

Stay well dear ones and I’ll connect up again after March 10th.
Om~Shanti~Shanti,
Yolanda

I'm back!

February 19, 2008

Hi There Dear Friends and Family,
I’m slowly emerging from what feels like hibernation that has offered much time and space for healing and strengthening. I have so many thoughts I’d like to share, but for today I’m going to keep this first message since surgery (now 2 weeks and 1 day) a bit on the shorter side.

I’ve desired to write sooner than this but just haven’t had the energy to put my thoughts together. Thank you Matt for filling in for me to keep my dear ones informed. Matt continues to offer his endless support on every level that’s needed…what a true blessing!

Mostly I want you to know that I am so inspired by and grateful for all the lovely messages I’ve received on the guest book of this blog and by the cards, gifts and flowers received via the mail and deliveries. It is all helping me so much. Everyday I am feeling stronger and more vibrant. I am so incredibly excited simply by being alive. I’m enjoying the slowing down of the time/space continuum that makes up my day. It really makes me realize how much of a “hamster wheel” my schedule was prior to this life-changing health issue.

The love, prayers, intentions and visualizations being sent to me are helping so much. There aren’t really words that can convey the depth and effect of this healing energy. I now take time at least 4 times a day: early morning, noon, late afternoon and at bedtime to get into my “receptive mode” and absorb the healing energy being sent my way. One image I’ve had while doing this is that the prayers are like lightly falling snowflakes. Each one is very unique and beautiful and there are hundreds of them. And though that sounds like it could feel cold, they are not cold at all. As they land on my body they just melt into the heat of my being and go to work within me wherever they are most needed to bring about healing and wellness. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful feeling. There is something so calming and quieting about lightly falling snowflakes.

When I was in the hospital I was attached to a machine that was delivering pain medication via an epidural. The machine was very loud and had a kind of rhythmic drone that after a while started to sound like some kind of mantra. I got very quiet and tried to figure out what it was saying and here’s what revealed itself to me: “I love my community…I love my community…I love my community…”. I would lie there and listen to this over and over and in my mind’s eye watch images of all of you passing through me like a river flowing into the sea of infinite love and friendship. My heart and mind have opened in ways I never thought possible. Yes indeed, I love my community!

Upon my discharge from the hospital I was given an instruction sheet that said “no yoga for 28 days”. Right! That lasted as long as it took for me to stand strongly on two feet in “mountain pose”. I have been getting up early everyday and practicing a gentle, yet strengthening, two-hour yoga and meditation session. I’ve been using a folding chair as an aid to help modify many poses and each day I use the chair less. This is my medicine. I am more convinced than ever that yoga and its many related practices are here to heal us…to help us find our true Dharma…our reason for being…Self Realization. So many of the deep teachings of yoga are surfacing through this experience and I look forward to sharing more thoughts on various subjects in the coming months.

I have an appointment with my Doctor this coming Friday and will learn more about what was discovered about my condition as a result of the surgery. I’ve really learned to let go of worrying about needing to know all the facts right now. The facts keep changing with each new day. Apparently, they (the doctors) were very surprised by how much less disease was present once they opened me up. Based on my CT scans of almost 2 months prior there was much more cancer present then. Well…I guess I’m healing…no, I know I’m healing. How can I not be? There are so many loving beings making sure this is happening.

I will write again next week with a health update. In the meantime, keep sending those healing prayers my way…I thrive on them! And, please please take special care to stay strong and healthy and loving and kind in all aspects of your lives. Remember, if we want the world to be a better place we must begin with ourselves first and foremost.

With love, gratitude and deep friendship,
Yolanda

P.S. I want to thank my dear friends at the Mindful Body for the gathering on February 16th. I hear it was lovely and that some nice photos were taken. Once I receive them, I’ll post them on this blog.

Mark you calendars…March 10th (Monday) from 6-9 p.m. there will be a “Friends of Yolanda” benefit held at Clement St. Bar and Grill (Clement near 8th Ave.) spearheaded by “Baseball Mary” and the rest of our long-time friends there at the restaurant. Usually closed on Mondays, the space for this special event is being offered by owners Harold and Hao. More details to follow soon on this blog.

Matt again speaking for Yo

Hi dear Friends of Yolanda...
Yo's spirit has been moving upward and her attitude as inspiring as ever. She's recovering well and gaining strength every day. She asked me to make this posting because she's still not quite ready to sit in front of her computer, but by the end of the week she'll be ready write and share her thoughts. We had her stitches removed a couple of days ago and the doctor was very impressed with the way the wound had healed. We have a post operative meeting soon to determine follow-up treatment. She's also beginning a series of sessions with Angela Wu starting tomorrow. Angela is a highly respected acupuncturist, healer, and author who runs a clinic on Clement St. in SF (Yo used to work for her years ago as an assistant). Angela will help support Yo's immune system which will be especially valuable for any upcoming chemo treatments.

My sister Rita is visiting us for a few days from NY State. She's a nurse and is on hand to help with any issues that might arise, but so far Yo has been needing little more than some massage, wholesome food, and of course love, prayers, and positive vibes from all of us and all of you! Her feet and legs are prone to swelling and massage definitely helps. Angela Wu will probably help to treat this so we'll see what comes up. If anyone does lymphatic massage or has insights to share about this, please e-mail me at: matt@venusians.com

There's going to be a benefit party for Yo this Saturday, Feb 16th at The Mindful Body Yoga Studio on California St. in San Francisco. It includes an "all levels" yoga class with Maile Sivert from 6:30-7:30 and from 7:30-9:00 there will be live music, massage, and silent auction. More info at: www.themindfulbody.com Yolanda and I will be there in spirit as it's probably too soon for her to be out socializing.

Much love to all of you and many thanks for the continued support!

Matt

Yo is home!

Yo came home yesterday, a day earlier than our planned arrival. She's intent on getting a lot of rest and TLC. This is going to be a brief post as it's been daunting to keep up with all the new details of life. Very soon I hope Yo will be sharing her amazing experiences in her own words, and I'm looking forward to showing her all your beautiful notes in the guestbook very soon.

thank you all for the continued love and support!

Matt

p.s. You can now subscribe to Yo's blog by entering your e-mail in the appropriate space to the right. When a new entry is posted, you'll get a notification...simple as that!

Yo update

Hi again dear friends and family...Matt here filling in with more good news. Yo will probably be home by Friday, Feb. 9th! Today she ate solid food (home cooked of course) for the first time in 3 days and walked on her own for a nice jaunt. The doctors are all very encouraged with her progress and are calling it an impressive recovery form surgery. There is much to report but I can't go into detail now. Please check back...Yo will soon be able to share her experience, undiluted!

As always, your prayers, affirmations, and positive vibes are gratefully received!

love to you,

Matt