Metadata
2025-07-20 Family Call - Mom's Birthday
Participants
- Gary Sheng (in Austin, TX apartment)
- Yan Zhang (Mom, birthday celebrant in Las Vegas)
- Eugene Sheng (Dad, in Las Vegas)
- Tony Sheng (Brother, calling from his location)
Key Topics Discussed
Tony's Health Progress - Hyperthyroid Treatment
Tony provided significant updates on his hyperthyroid condition and recent treatment breakthrough:
Steroid Treatment Success: "Actually, I went to see my daughter last Thursday. And the daughter gave me a steroid... Yeah, it actually helps my eyes." Tony explained that the steroid treatment was working for his eye inflammation issues.
Treatment Philosophy: Tony described the steroid approach as "more like a computer restart" for his immune system, explaining "your immune system is kind of overactive... I think my immune system is attacking my eyelids."
Mental Health Impact: "Last four and a half months, I was just like, every time I wake up, I feel so depressed. I look in the mirror, right? You know, like swollen. The last couple of days, I feel so happy."
Medical Care Quality: Tony praised his new eye doctor: "the doctor is really good. You know, like very friendly. And he listens to you, tells a story, right? You know, the history. And it's much better than my family doctor. I'm going to change my family doctor when this whole thing is over."
Family Health Awareness - Diabetes Risk
The family had an extensive discussion about their genetic predisposition to diabetes:
Family History: Tony revealed serious family diabetes history: "our relatives, you know, like, even like in the other side, actually, I think like my father also has diabetes. But on the other side, it's very serious, right? Almost everybody has diabetes... my aunt actually died from diabetes complications."
Current Health Status: Parents are managing borderline diabetes - "My A1C is like 62, right? 6.2. And it's like, I think 6.5 would be like... above will be diabetes."
Gary's Sugar Sensitivity Research: "I was doing some research, and apparently it's not uncommon for Asian families to be really sensitive to sugar... I literally cannot think when I'm inflamed... Because it inflames your brain too."
Dietary Changes: Mom described their new eating pattern: "we are eating very, very healthy. We just like boil a bigger pot of chicken, right? You know, we have whole organic chicken, boil whole pan, whole pot. And then boil the vegetables and then put a soup there."
Grandmother's Health Success
Tony shared a positive health outcome for his grandmother: "I get her off the insulin... I was able to get her off the insulin shot and just watch out diet, right? And so now she kind of live very healthy, you know, no medications."
Birthday Celebration Plans
The family discussed Mom's birthday celebration: "We plan to go to dinner in Red Rocks again. It's closer, and it seems like the sushi place is pretty nice. Last time we had an anniversary there, and probably we'll go there again today."
Crypto and Economic Discussion
Gary and Tony discussed recent crypto developments:
Trump Administration Impact: Tony mentioned "Trump put a real sugar there... The Coca-Cola to put a real sugar in the Coke" and "what is Trump just recently signed for the stable coin?"
Gary's Crypto Explanation: Gary explained the stable coin legislation impact: "basically any legislation that gets passed that's related to crypto is going to be good... it makes it easier for people to move their money onto crypto and store their money."
Investment Philosophy: Gary noted "I think we're probably in an era where assets just keep appreciating because the dollar is worth less."
Family Dynamics and Values
Maternal Pride: Mom expressed deep satisfaction with her sons: "You know, I am so... You two look good, and I'm so glad you're all doing good... I'm happy to see both of you, and proud of you."
Health Priority: Mom emphasized "Health, health... definitely health is number one for you guys."
Family Genetics: Gary observed "I feel like we have some good young-looking genes... I think Tony's looked the same for like 20 years."
Visit Plans
Tony planned to visit parents: "I'm going to come visit you guys next weekend, I think" with Mom noting "The only thing is it's probably hot here."
Gary remained tentative about joining: "I'll let you know if I can stop by. I'll need to look at my schedule."
Technical Issues
The call ended with logistics around flower delivery for Mom's birthday, with Tony realizing he needed to provide gate access codes for the delivery service.
Key Insights
- Health as Central Theme: The conversation heavily centered on health management, showing a family deeply invested in preventive care
- Tony's Recovery: Significant progress in Tony's hyperthyroid treatment with positive mental health impacts
- Intergenerational Health Patterns: Strong awareness of genetic predispositions driving proactive lifestyle changes
- Family Support System: Clear emotional support and practical health advocacy within the family
- Modern Family Coordination: Technical coordination challenges (gate codes, flower delivery) reflecting modern family logistics