Hero had another good check up on the 18th. We went the night before so we got to enjoy the hospital and guest house lights (as you can see in the picture), and avoid the worst of the traffic.

There were virtually no Christmas lights my first winter in Japan 33 years ago which makes them extra fun to see now.

We were happy to hear that Japan's doctors have launched this nation's first large-scale study into the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors. Hero's doctor is one of the leaders of this project that includes 20,000 survivors; we were happy to give permission for Hero's data to be included. Because treatments started to have high success rates only recently (from the 1970s, I think) it's a relatively new area of study.  

We thank the Lord for Hero's good health and good quality of life.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.  With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.    From Psalm 98

PHOTOS

Hospital guest house's lights

Tree in the hospital lobby

Our neighborhood at dusk