Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

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The following blog post (number 2 of 3 in this series) was written during the latter half of September 2018 and I am just now publishing it today January 7, 2019.

In my August 7, 2018 Blog Post entitled: Papa Makes Decision “Where Do I Go Now?”  After Hospitalization. While In Skilled Nursing Rehab … I had  declared that I (Teresa Jade LeYung) was writing to you not as a novelist, theme consultant or found-object artist but as a memoirist, older daughter of Mr. Leung. Well, I was wrong.  All my note-taking, reporting and advocacy skills are fueled by all my roles, including being a story/theme consultant, writing coach, and lover of cohesive scripts.

Story Question:   Will my father lose his Medi-Cal Bed in the nursing home?

Setting of this scene:

First floor of this establishment is mainly reserved for “patients” who have been referred by physicians to receive post-acute care after hospitalization. The first floor is where you’ll find the Skilled Nursing Facility staff (short-term care covered by Medicare); first floor is also where you’ll find the Rehab staff, the friendly faces at the reception area/front desk, and the offices of Director of Nursing and the Administrator.

The second and third floors are strictly for “residents” (receiving long-term care – some are private pay, others through Medi-Cal) and other administrative offices including Social Services.

Basement floor you’ll find Business Office, Maintenance, Food Service, Laundry Service, and staff lounge.

So, what happened after August 7, 2018?

Papa had difficulty living as a “resident” in one room with 2 roommates. His space included the hospital bed, a  20-inch by 24-inch bulletin board on the wall, an aisle wide enough for wheelchair, a nightstand  (for grooming and bathing paraphernalia), and a closet the size of a school locker.

On September  7, 2018, Nurse D. had called me that morning, telling me that my father had a fever of 105 degrees, that staff brought it down to 101.5, that they were sending him back to UCSF Hospital.

UCSF ER team reported to me that my father had another urinary tract infection – that explained the fever.  And, they saw a pressure ulcer in my father’s inner thigh, near the groin.  But why couldn’t he raise his right arm?  The team had a difficult time communicating with him because …  1) Parkinson’s Disease had impaired his speech  2) English is not his primary language  3) Later, they would find out that he had a stroke in the Pons part of his brain.

One long week in the 5-star Adult Acute Care Unit at UCSF.  Already burdened with Parkinson’s (swallowing difficulty) and now with a new stroke, my father was getting his medicine and nutrients through a tube that was inserted into his right nostril and lowered into his stomach.

A nurse checked on him every hour (including the hours between midnight and seven in the morning); every two hours the nurse and a PCA (patient care assistant) would “reposition” him so that he would not develop more pressure ulcers and bed sores.

I slept on the bed (big chair pulls out into a single-sized mattress) on two occasions.

* the first night after he was admitted, and

* the night he looked at me with moist eyes and whispered in Cantonese: “Don’t leave me.”

The attending physician (who was young, wise and gentle) called a family meeting.  In Papa’s room were my father, the doctor, a Cantonese-speaking interpreter, my husband and me.  The doctor reiterated what Papa was being treated for. Then the doctor said: “Mr. Leung. There is another matter. Do you want me to tell you?” Mr. father nodded yes.

“In the CT-Scan for the urinary tract infection, we saw masses in your kidney. In order to know if it is cancer, we would need to operate.  Based on your age, your current health . . . ” Papa had already closed his eyes (he does that whenever he doesn’t want to hear what is being said).  The doctor asked: “What do you want, Mr. Leung?” Papa did respond in slurred speech, repeatedly: “I do not want to return to the hospital ever again.”

Then the doctor explained to him that the tube could not be a permanent solution, that it would be used for an additional 4 weeks only (to deliver medicine), and, that he would be given food (pureed) by someone hand-feeding him.  The day before discharge, nurse-on-duty taught me how to safely feed someone who has Dysphagia.

Two major concerns -  Aspiration Pneumonia Risk and Fall Risk

1.  Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder.  Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, aspiration, and pneumonia. For swallowing-safety . . .

- Papa sits upright and is fully awake (do not put food or drink into his mouth if he is slouching or sleepy).

- Eat slowly.  Use teaspoon to put food or thickened liquid into mouth.  Chew.  Swallow. Swallow again.  Say “AAH” twice.  If you don’t hear a clear AAH, that means food/drink has not cleared past the throat.

2. Because he is a fall-risk patient and prone to get pressure ulcers, transferring from bed to chair and vice versa requires the presence of two PCAs (Patient Care Assistants); so does repositioning him in bed.

September 13, 2018 when UCSF doctor informed me that they would discharge Papa the following day (Sept 14) , I requested that they discharge him on September 15.  I pointed out: “My father had not eaten any food by mouth.  You tell me that tonight is when a nurse will hand-feed him. Please let him have at least one full day experiencing being fed by another person.”

Here we go again!  Facts: Skilled Nursing IS post-acute care (short-term care) and IS covered by Medicare.  After Skilled Nursing discharges Papa, he would be returned to long-term care; long-term care is NOT covered  by Medicare.

Medi-Cal can hold a bed for a resident up to 7 days only. What should I do?

I talked to the case manager at the hospital; I talked to the director of social services at the facilities where Papa came from right before they sent him to the hospital; I talked to friends who had resources for me.

Then I asked myself this question:

What does Papa need right now?  Not next week, not next month . . . what does he need today and the next few weeks?

Answer:  Papa needs transition – a bed where he would receive get post-acute care – where he would receive rehabilitation.  Give up his long-term bed for now?  YES! 

If Papa is sent back to the third floor (where he was as a “resident”), even though, according to hospital discharge papers, he is supposed to receive post-acute care, how would that be possible at the facility where post-acute care is on the first floor? How would they be able to send 3 shifts of nurse and .CNA to the third floor for just one patient (my father)?

September 16, 2018 Where is Papa now? 

On the first floor of the nursing home – the Skilled Nursing Facility floor, receiving excellent care from saintly nurses and angelic CNAs and wondrous rehabilitation from the super team of physical therapists, occupational atherapists, and speech/swallowing therapist as well as Activities team. The folks who are in all the other departments also make this facility remarkable. After Papa completes rehab, he will be bounced back to resident-status.

And, I give thanks to the building, standing 3-story tall (4 stories when counting the basement level). Oh, if this building could talk! How many patients, residents, and employees has she housed over the decades?

I will publish blog post #3 of 3 of this series soon.

I wish everyone safety, excellent health and abundant joy.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

Teresa Jade LeYung – founder of Love Made of Heart (aka Teresa LeYung-Ryan) speaks openly through her writing and advocacy, her immigrant experience, and her knowing beauty.  As an author, a story consultant, and a found-object artist, she empowers women to transform their own stories and is often quoted as saying: “You think beauty,  You are beauty.”

Thank you, Mary Jung of Pacific & Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition (PAAWBAC) and Cynthia Tom of A PLACE OF HER OWN, for inviting us to this event:

Saturday, September 15th, 2018, 5:30pm – 9:30 pm

Asian Women’s Shelter – 30th Anniversary Gala

I wish everyone safety, excellent health and abundant joy.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teresa Jade LeYung – founder of Love Made of Heart (aka Teresa LeYung-Ryan) speaks openly through her writing and advocacy, her immigrant experience, and her knowing beauty.  As an author, a story consultant, and a found-object artist, she empowers women to transform their own stories and is often quoted as saying: “I think beauty. I am beauty.” Please visit  http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

August 7, 2018

Dear Readers,

I (Teresa Jade LeYung) write to you not as a novelist, theme consultant or found-object artist but as a memoirist, daughter of Mr. Leung, and a witness to joy and despair and a whole lot of kindness.

Papa was doing fine, as fine as a 84-year-old fellow with Parkinson’s Disease (and Diabetes and hypertension) could do. Just four months ago, he was using his walker several times a day … to go from his apartment to the balcony on his floor and to the courtyard in the senior building he lived in.  To show off in the hallway, whenever a caregiver was nearby (and I have photos to prove this), he would abandon the walker and use the handrail to traverse the seventeen feet to the door of his apartment.

On July 19, around 5:00pm while I was away on a writing retreat with two dear friends/colleagues, my sister (who was here for the summer) called me to say that paramedics were taking our father to an E.R.

A few days prior to this one, his caregivers had been reporting (in Cantonese) that our papa  was “looking sad”.  That morning of July 19, caregiver Mrs. G. had reported to my sister that Papa was feeling dizzy.  When my sister called me, my advice to her was to ask questions: “Had Papa eaten breakfast?  Had he been drinking water everyday? What was he doing before feeling dizzy?” He would be seeing his primary care physician that afternoon at 4:00pm … Well, our papa was in no condition to go to the appointment.  His primary care physician instructed my sister to call 9-1-1.

In E.R. and the hospital, our papa was being treated for pneumonia and urinary tract infection.

Pneumonia. When two friends heard the word “pneumonia” they gently prepared me for the worst case scenario. Well, Papa has beat the odds before.

He had aspiration pneumonia (probably caused by food or water going down the windpipe which led to bacteria infection).

And, he was fighting a urinary tract infection.

July 22 (the day that my sister flies home), Papa is transferred to a skilled nursing facility.  He had bounced back before, twice last year – dehydration and falls.  This time is different.

My papa is not Mr. John Pepper (the hero in Chapter 2 “The Man Who Walks Off His Parkinsonian Symptoms” in the book The Brain’s Way of Healing by Norman Doidge, M.D.).  Papa is his own hero, winning smile, flaws and all.

Papa Makes Decision “Where Do I Go Now?”  After Hospitalization.  While In Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation.

August 7, I asked the Director of Social Services at the skilled nursing facility where Papa was at…

“Could we please have a meeting, with a Cantonese-speaking interpreter, so that my father can hear in his native language…what his choices are when he is discharged? I want him to make his own decision. He’s been asking me to help him go home. He needs to understand what is happening.”

Miracles involving my father also involves the ticking of a clock.

The meeting would take place that afternoon. I asked dear friend Sasa to go with me (I needed someone to witness my role).  The meeting would take place after Papa has his lunch and before my friend would need to leave at 2pm.

Staff members at this institution are pulled in various directions during a work day. The Director of Social Services was most accommodating.  Sasa and I arrived at 12:30, patients were waiting for lunch which was served later than usual today.  1:00pm  Papa’s puree and “controlled carbs” meal arrived (looks delicious, really).

At 1:40pm all the characters for the scene were in place – Papa; director of social services; interpreter who is also activities director; my friend Sasa; Papa’s caregiver Mrs. G who was visiting; and me.

What are the 3 options when skilled nursing facility discharges Papa?

• Go home? He was receiving 5 hours/day of care through IHSS. He now needs 24-hour care.  Who will pay for the 19 hours each day? His monthly income from Social Security is approximately $1,000; $300 of that goes to paying rent of a studio apartment in a senior housing; the balance pays for food, hygiene products, telephone, TV, SF Paratransit. My sister and I can contribute up to $700/month. Care-giving costs $35-$40/hour; most agencies want a 4-hour minimum each day; our $700/month would buy approximately 18 hours.
• **

• Go to an assisted living home or a board-and-care home (fewer residents in these types of homes) – in San Francisco Bay Area, minimum cost is over $3,000/month. According to https://www.senioradvisor.com/san-francisco-ca/how-much-does-san-francisco-assisted-living-cost  on average, a senior can expect to pay approximately $54,000 per year on these services.
• **

• Accept a Medi-Cal bed in a nursing home for long-term care. (If Papa were to private pay, the cost of nursing home care would be more than $300/day.)  Because he has Medi-Cal (thank God), he would authorize Social Security to transfer his monthly income to the nursing home. http://www.canhr.org/factsheets/medi-cal_fs/html/fs_medcal_overview.htm Medi-Cal is a combined federal and California State program designed to help pay for medical care for public assistance recipients and other low-income persons. There are 3 of these beds (vacancies) in the facility right now, on the nursing home floors.
• **

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The Michael J. Fox Foundation  www.michaeljfox.org

https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?swallowing-and-parkinson-disease  In addition to the classic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s (tremor, slowness, stiffness, walking and/or balance problems), a person may develop changes in speech and/or swallowing.  Speech and swallowing therapy exercises, combined with Parkinson’s medication adjustment and, if necessary, dietary and/or behavioral modifications are the mainstays of management.

… to improve swallowing and lessen the risk of aspirating. These could include dietary modifications — such as thickening liquids — and/or behavioral strategies, such as avoiding drinking through straws, tucking the chin to the chest when swallowing or taking smaller bites at slower intervals.

To hear a webinar presented by Michael J. Fox Foundation on urinary problems and Parkinson’s… click here or look up any webinar by visiting at www.michaeljfox.org/webinars.

http://canhr.org

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http://canhr.org/factsheets/rcfe_fs/html/rcfe_evalchecklist_fs.htm

Since 1983, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR), a statewide nonprofit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization, has been dedicated to improving the choices, care and quality of life for California’s long term care consumers. Through direct advocacy, community education, legislation and litigation it has been CANHR’s goal to educate and support long term care consumers and advocates regarding the rights and remedies under the law, and to create a united voice for long term care reform and humane alternatives to institutionalization.

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Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/papa-wins-parkinsons-disease-loses-papa-wins/

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Beautiful brain produces DOPAMINE

Dopamine helps us move with ease.

Parkinson’s Disease depletes Dopamine levels.

WALKING promotes production of DOPAMINE

Chapter 2 “The Man Who Walked Off His Parkinsonian Symptoms” in Dr. Norman Doidge’s book The Brain’s Way of Healing

Walking With Intention/For Safety:  [Cantonese]  Man Dee Ho Dee (Slower is Better), [Cantonese] Gurk Go Dee Ho Dee  (Pick Up Foot, Higher is Better)

and

Youtube “Sit and Be Fit” series by Mary Ann Wilson RN (recommended by our papa’s primary care physician)

Papa wins. Parkinson’s loses. Papa wins.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

aka Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Story Theme Consultant

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

Dear Readers of http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

I wish you all wellness and joy.

This post is to acknowledge the dear folks who have encouraged and inspired me as I made my debut as a Found-Object Artist.  Whether or not they were there in person, I humbly thank everyone as I go forward with a new perspective!

Year 2018 began with receiving acceptance of my application to be in A PLACE OF HER OWN residency program (created by Cynthia Tom) – an art-based healing and transformation series of workshops culminating in an art exhibition for women. http://www.aplaceofherown.org

A PLACE OF HER OWN is dedicated to fostering the long-term mental health and well-being of women.

Featuring 24 San Francisco Bay Area Women Artists answering the question:

“If you had a place of your own, what would it be?”

Curated by Cynthia Tom and Maggie Yee

Artists:  Nancy Arvold, *Julie Andersen, Angela Bau, *Frances Cachapero, *Norma Carrera, *Kristi Chan, Catherine Ceniza Choy, *Angie Dumagsa, *Elizabeth Esqueda, Reiko Fujii, *Ashleigh, *Tomo Hirai, *Ahran Lee, *Grace Hwang Lynch, Lisa Rodondi, *Teresa Jade LeYung-Ryan, Natalie Sacramento, Cynthia Tom, Sue Tom, Dechen Tsering, Manon Bogerd Wada, Irene Wibawa, Maggie Yee, *Patricia Zamora

* 2018 residency program

May 12, 2018 A PLACE OF HER OWN opening reception at J-SEI, Emeryville, CA - photo by Cris Matos

What was my art?  “Four Desks For the Four Femmes In Me”

Teresa Jade LeYung speaks openly through her writing and advocacy, her immigrant experience, and her knowing beauty.  As an author, a story consultant, and a found-object artist, she empowers women to transform their own stories and is often quoted as saying: “I think beauty. I am beauty.” Please visit  http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/

Margie Yee Webb, Teresa Jade LeYung, Sasa Southard at J-SEI on May 12, 2018 opening reception of A PLACE OF HER OWN art exhibition - photo by

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Artist Diana Lew, found-object artist Teresa Jade LeYung, artist/curator Cynthia Tom, and Jennifer Heminger, founder and owner of Zen Lot - photo by

Professor Sheryl Fairchild, found-object artist Teresa Jade LeYung, music teacher/composer Chris Elise Keller - photo by

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More photos to be added . . .

Please also take a look at my May 7, 2018 blog post:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/story-theme-consultant-teresa-leyung-ryan-aka-found-object-artist-teresa-jade-leyung/

If you have facebook, please:

“Like” this PAGE:  https://www.facebook.com/aplaceofherown/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/APLACE/  when you have time, please look at photos and like as many as you care to click on 

Thank you, everyone! You are helping Cynthia Tom help more and more women heal and transform.

I wish you all wellness and joy.

Story Theme Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Living Beauty-full Life

as Found-Object Artist Teresa Jade LeYung

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blogIf you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog  look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”.  Please click on that category to get those posts.

Featuring 20 San Francisco Bay Area Women Artists answering the question:

at J-SEI in Emeryville
1285 66th Street, Emeryville   (510) 654-4000

Exhibition runs May 12 through June 24, 2018

 The public is invited to participate in self-guided art-making workstations during gallery hours.

Admission Free. Donations $10-$20 are appreciated. No one turned away for lack of funds.

 * Denotes artists in the 2018 residency program

 Artists:  Nancy Arvold, *Julie Andersen, Angela Bau, *Frances Cachapero, *Norma Carrera, *Kristi Chan, Catherine Ceniza Choy, *Angie Dumagsa, *Elizabeth Esqueda, Reiko Fujii, *Ashleigh, *Tomo Hirai, *Ahran Lee, *Grace Hwang Lynch, Lisa Rodondi, *Teresa Jade LeYung-Ryan, Natalie Sacramento, Cynthia Tom, Sue Tom, Dechen Tsering, Manon Bogerd Wada, Irene Wibawa, Maggie Yee, *Patricia Zamora

Story / Theme Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan AKA Found-Object Artist Teresa Jade LeYung

here is a sneak peek at one of the four sections of Teresa Jade LeYung's piece entitled "Four Desks For the Four Femmes In Me"

Photo above is a sneak peek at one of the four sections of my piece entitled “Four Desks For the Four Femmes In Me”.
  You will have to go see the whole piece and the magnificent creations by classmates and artist-teachers at the exhibit
I will post photos of Opening Reception of May 12, 2018 for folks who cannot be there in person.

Over six months of Exploring and Naming Hungry Ghosts (examine and challenge beliefs that hold me back and the exploration of my family patterns not just those of my parents’ but also of my ancestors’ traumas linked to world history of slavery, colonization, forced migration, oppression), Releasing Hungry Ghosts, Claiming MY PLACE, and Proclaiming MY PLACE … I, Teresa Jade LeYung, give a thousand thanks to creator and lead teacher of A PLACE OF HER OWN Cynthia Tom, assistant teachers Maggie Yee and Natalie Sacramento, my dear classmates (Julie Andersen, Frances Cachapero, Norma Carrera, Kristi Chan, Angie Dumagsa, Elizabeth Esqueda, Ashleigh, Tomo Hirai, Ahran Lee, Grace Hwang Lynch, Teresa Jade LeYung-Ryan, Patricia Zamora), guest artist-speakers Cris Matos, Angela Bau, Reiko Fujii,  Irene Wibawa, and Brian Garvey (the gent who helps us and our work get to classroom on time every Thursday),  Asian American Women Artists Association,  Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition, and all the dear hearts who encouraged me to enroll in this residency program six months ago.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

For Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, please visit

http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog

Dear Writers,

Please share this news with friends who might be interested in my “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” or any of the writing contests offered through The Literary Stage at the San Mateo County Fair.

Good luck to everyone!

Sincerely,

Theme Consultant and Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

photo by Lynn Scott

2018    SCHEDULE OF LITERARY STAGE “EVENTS WITHIN THE EVENT”

Monday, April 2, 2018, 11:59pm  ALL LITERARY ARTS ENTRIES DUE  including the Notre Dame de Namur Scholarship and Anthology Book Cover contest for artists  https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2018/exhibits/literary_18.pdf

https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/literary-arts

HOW TO ENTER ONLINE  https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2018/exhibits/how_to_enter_18.pdf

REGISTRATION FORM AND FEES: http://sanmat.fairwire.com/

The contest description is on page 60 of the 2018 San Mateo County Fair Literary Arts Contest Book

https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/pdf/2018/exhibits/literary_18.pdf

2018 Immigrant Experience Writing Contest, created by Author Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan loves reading, writing, and looking for themes in clients’ manuscripts.

What have I been reading?

“Traveling in Bardo” by Ann Tashi Slater (also the author of Travels Within and Without, a chapbook of  the author’s Tibet-related fiction and non-fiction, produced for “Dreams, Memories, Journeys: Stories of a Tibetan Family,” her multi-media presentation at The Rubin Museum in NYC on July 6, 2016). What is “bardo”? In Tibetan Buddhism – the journey between death and rebirth.

Slow Medicine: The Way to Healing by Dr. Victoria Sweet (also the author of God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine)

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat: And Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks (also the author of Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain)

And, the book which I have multiple copies of (to lend to friends) is  The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. (also the author of The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science)

Then there are delicious novels (including sociologist Margaret R. Davis’s The Miranda Affair ) – I shall blog about these novels in another post.

As Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, I am helping author / sociologist Margaret R. Davis promote her new novel The Miranda Affair -  How does one find happiness as women and men struggle to climb the corporate ladder?

As Theme Consultant Teresa LeYung-Ryan, I am helping my client (who is a chaplain at a hospice) structure his memoir (theme: letting grief ease). Bravo!

My own work in progress is a memoir related to my “Talking to My Dead Mom” monologue series.

Cheering for all story-tellers, writers and readers!

Theme Consultant/Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan who teaches my clients (writers and artists) how to reach out, not stress out, before and after publication –

* identify themes in your manuscripts so that you can rewrite with ease;

* identify themes in your intellectual properties and create scripts for your websites/blogs, pitches, query letters, press releases, talking-points, one-minute videos, photo slideshows, and the all-mighty blog posts.

Coach Teresa’s motto:  “Reach out, not stress out. Help your fans find you BEFORE & AFTER publication”

Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s Blog Post 3 of 3

How Dr. Norman Doidge’s Books Help Me and My Chinese Papa Who Has Parkinson’s

I am not fluent in Cantonese.

When I was a new immigrant from Hong Kong in the 1960s, San Francisco public schools did not have ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.  Classmate’s snickering compelled me to learn my new language with urgency. By fourth grade, you couldn’t shut me up.  Then our parents (actually, probably just our father) insisted that my siblings and I go to Chinese School (classes in Chinatown everyday after regular school was let out).  One year of misery. Thank goodness our mother spoke up to our father (in Cantonese) – “Let our children succeed in English school first.”

Fast forward to 2017. Parkinson’s Disease has caused what Papa would say with his Cantonese accent “a lot of problem.”

[ According to http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/ Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people … a person’s brain slowly stops producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. With less and less dopamine, a person has less and less ability to regulate their movements, body and emotions.]

Papa and Teresa chuckle at the last part of speech exercises taught by Terri Snyder from Self Help for the Elderly - photo by Wen Hsu, translator extraordinaire

While I lack the vocabulary to tell my father that I sympathize, I do know how to encourage and praise with sincerity.  When he frowns at my prompting to do the exercises (taught by the dear professionals from Self Help for the Elderly) or Sit and Be Fit™  (recommended by NP Heloise Lim), or to pick up his feet when those darn rubber mats at grocery stores and restaurants seem to ambush him and his walker… I say to him: “You win! Do NOT let Parkinson’s win. You win!”

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Through the engaging stories in this book – The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. – I have learned that our wonderful brains are forever changing, growing and healing. That knowledge gives me the vocabulary to ask the right questions as an advocate for my father. Dear friend Wen Hsu ordered the traditional Chinese edition of Dr. Doidge’s book through a bookseller in Taiwan. Papa has the book near his dining table; next to the Chinese edition is the English edition; both books are there for Papa’s helpers and friends to read.

As for my being an advocate/daughter who is not fluent in her parent’s native tongue, I know how to find people who excel in their work. In the past three weeks, Wen Hsu (translator extraordinaire) has translated my multiple letters (written in English) into Chinese for Papa’s Caregivers/Helpers.

I salute Papa’s caregivers/helpers, his caring friends, my caring friends, wise mentors, supportive spouse, dear sister, MaMah, Papa’s spunk, the doctors, nurses, administration staffs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, interpreters, dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly, South Market Senior Health Clinic, UCSF Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center, E.R. staffs, staffs at U.C. Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital, SFGH Orthotics and Prosthetic Center, the dear staff members at the building where my papa lives, and Dr. Norman Doidge for writing his book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity.

Mr. Leung with traditional Chinese edition, Teresa LeYung-Ryan with English edition of the book THE BRAIN'S WAY OF HEALING: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. - photo by Wen Hsu, translator extraordinaire

Special thanks to the dear folks at Self Help for the Elderly – Nurse Valerie Chan, Nurse Chiu Li, Physical Therapist Jenny Chiu, Occupational Therapist Tom Wong, Speech Therapist Terri Snyder, Translator Albie Wong, and of course the administrative staff, and all the nurses and therapists who have helped my father in the past and shall in the future.

Knowledge that leads to health and wellness – this is my wish for everyone.

Sincerely,

Teresa, advocate/daughter to my Chinese papa

P.S.  I am rereading Dr. Norman Doidge’s books

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, photo by Britt

Teresa LeYung-Ryan is

author of:

• Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (workbook);
• Love Made of Heart: a Daughter Finds Herself through Witnessing Her Mother’s Mental Illness (novel used in college classes, recommended by the California School Library Association and the California Reading Association, and archived at the San Francisco History Center);
• “Talking to My Dead Mom” Monologues (the first monologue received an award from Redwood 10-Minute Play Contest and was staged at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, CA);
• Coach Teresa’s Blog  http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog (which attracts thousands of writers) helps writers build their platforms before and after publication
• “For Themes’ Sake” and “Heroes, Tricksters and Villains” and “Where Are You On Your Writer’s Journey?” and other workshop material

creator of “Immigrant Experience Writing Contest” and

owner of trademark

 and proponent of public libraries, public schools, and excellent public healthcare for ALL!

The link to this blog post #3 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-3-of-3-how-dr-norman-doidges-books-help-me-and-my-chinese-papa-who-has-parkinsons/

Blog post #2 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-2-of-3-how-dr-norman-doidges-books-help-me-help-my-papa/

Blog post #1 of 3 in this series:

http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/theme-consultant-teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-1-of-3-what-i-learned-about-the-brain-from-dr-norman-doidges-2-books/

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

If you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog  look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”.  Please click on that category to get those posts.

Dear Folks who have been, are, or will be advocates and/or caregivers to a family member who has Parkinson’s,

I salute YOU!  If I didn’t have caring friends, wise mentors, supportive spouse, dear sister, MaMah, and the information from Dr. Norman Doidge‘s book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity, I would be in need of advocates and caregivers myself.

Last month, Papa fell again.  No broken bones. No kidney damage. He sure is a lucky fellow.  After his first fall earlier this year, the doctors and nurses explained to him (in Cantonese) and to me that when someone falls and cannot get up and is on the floor for hours, the muscles release a material into the bloodstream that could cause kidney damage. So, what did the doctor and interpreter at the hospital say this time?  “Your father was dehydrated and weak. He needs to eat well, eat more. Encourage him. To eat more. To drink plenty of water.”

Aah, the word “encourage” contains the word “courage”.

Parkinson’s Disease has discouraged Papa – the disease has made Papa’s movement “smaller” – small steps, small voice, small hand-writing.

Encourage my father to do this, to do that? Sounds simple enough.  Then why do I feel discouraged myself?  Whatever happens, I must take good care of my own brain.

I am not fluent in Cantonese, Papa is not fluent in English -

At least twice in the past month, he got upset when I said something about myself (he thought I was talking about him). “Teresa, keep your cool,” I tell myself. (Thank you, mentor Lynn!)

 I do not understand why Papa seems to be evasive when answering questions -

“Papa, when did you last eat?” I’d ask.

“I ate a lot,” he replies.

“What time?” I ask.

“A little while ago,” he says.

“What time?  Six o’clock? Ten o’clock? Two?  It’s two-thirty now. What time did you eat?”

“Eight.”

“Eight o’clock! That’s not a little while ago.” I can hear the irritation in my voice.

“Teresa, encourage him, not grill him.”  (Thank you, NP Lim!)

I cringe just thinking about entering his apartment and getting blasted by the television volume set at 84 or the thermostat set at 80 degrees -

What can I do?  I supposed . . . instead of asking (accusing) him “Is your hearing going?” and “Are you cold because you’re ill?” I could just turn down the two dials and engage him in conversation. (Thank you, dear Sasa!)

I, Teresa LeYung-Ryan, daughter of a father who has Parkinson’s, thank everyone who has helped my papa and Dr. Norman Doidge for writing his wonder-full book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity.

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, administration staffs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, interpreters, everyone at Self Help for the Elderly, folks in UCSF Movement Disorder and Neuromodulation Center,  E.R. staffs, folks at St. Mary’s Hospital, SFGH Orthotics and Prosthetic Center, and the dear staff at the building where my papa lives.

Knowledge that leads to health and wellness – this is my wish for everyone.

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Teresa LeYung-Ryan, advocate for my Chinese papa

Please visit http://LoveMadeOfHeart.com/blog and http://WritingCoachTeresa.com  for resources.

If you’d like to read Blog Post 1 of 3 in this series: http://lovemadeofheart.com/blog/theme-consultant-teresa-leyung-ryans-blog-post-1-of-3-what-i-learned-about-the-brain-from-dr-norman-doidges-2-books/

Teresa’s trademark:

For other posts in my blog, please go to: https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog

If you’re looking for my blog posts pertaining to our Beautiful Brains and Neuroplasticity… https://lovemadeofheart.com/blog  look at right side of screen, you’ll see the category “Beautiful Brains Neuroplasticity”.  Please click on that category to get those posts.