Alleluia! I am home, and it is so good. In our last crisis, I was in isolation status, to check and see if I has developed an infection, which might affect the whole floor. It was actually strange and fanciful as each person who popped into my isolation had to be gloved and robed in a gauzy, lemon chiffon full-length gown. I kept expecting the Munchikins and Good witches from OZ. And this went on for several days. Strangely, I could take my walk, as long as all gowned. I was finally cleared to go, Transition from the myriad webs of medical takeovers, techi-minnions who can do anything but let you sleep, and the claustrophobic efficiency of bed and room took me several days to accomplish, even with my sister, Sarah, Clark and Ellen all leading separate charges. I was released Tues., Nov.29, about 6 p.m., and we were home by about 7:30. Each step is all new and not what I’ve expected or planned. My new job description is to get strong, gain some weight,stay hydrated.
I still do not have a full pathology report from the docs, which would lead to the chemo scheme. I at least know I have until Dec. 16, when we will be given some options. Cancer has kept dodging in and out among friends and family over the years, but this is certainly my closest look at chemo- so I’m really learning what I can, side effects etc. as part of the options. We also have experts, and expert advice in this area.
Somewhere in the process, I lost about 20 lbs. so I am a mess and need to do some nutrition building.
For two days we’ve been able to sit, read and walk in delightful sun. Last for best, I has a good talk with John,my 23 yr. old, working in Japan. He says he is doing well, and it just means so much that all the friends from home have been in touch. Luke, our 2nd year Law student at Pepperdine was with us for Thanksgiving, as were Kathy and Jack Berkemeyer from Chicago. Next year, Stanford. Anyway, know we are greatly supported by all of your prayers and energies. Advent has always been my favorite liturgical season. I wait and rest in the thriving darkness of the womb. Come, come Emmanuel.
Love Annie/Noel
noelstanton 
We are so happy to know you have “transitioned” to your new reality with your humor intact! We hope your pathologies will point to a regimen that will have you well soon.
Keep eating, walking and laughing!
Love, Kathy & George
Hello Noel (and Clark, Ellen and Sarah),
We know how happy you must be to be home! We saw the beautiful color of the trees in Marin awaiting your return. Hopefully the balmy ‘winter’ of Marin will make your recovery efforts more speedy and comfortable.
We’ll be thinking of you and following your progress this Advent season!
Love, Robert, Laurel, Amanda, Hannah, Isabel
Hi Noel and Clark, so glad to hear you are home – I know that will help in your healing. You are in our daily prayers and thoughts and we pray that the news from the doctors when it does come, is positive.
All our love, Larry and Kathy
Yeah!!!! You are home. You are in our prayers & I offered up my mass for you today. When you are up for it, the scrappers want to bring you a little something. We will wait til you are in the pink & ready for visitors. Glad John is doing well. xoxo Gail and Jerry
Dear Noel;
It’s wonderful to read your happy post. All your Houston relatives are cheering for you, and we’re delighted that you are home again. I hope you’ll be able to rest, and that Clark won’t have you out pushing that lawn mower, at least for a week or so. We are thinking about you every day and looking forward to hearing what your new schedule of treatment will be.
John
Hello Noel and all,
It is good to hear that you are home and being well cared for. There are many here in the Great White North who are thinking about you and keeping you in our daily prayers.
Tim
I am glad you made it home with only a few pieces missing most of which you certainly didn’t need. We all missed you at Bunko. So keep up the good work, keep eating, plenty of ice cream and chocolate, they are low residue as far as I know. you will be in my prayers this holiday season.
Noel,
Your note on Sunday comes to us as a welcome message. As you continue to heal and get stronger, be assured of our thoughts and prayers. Tim and your Salesian Family
Hi Noel,
This is more great news. Make sure to follow Dr.s orders and take care of yourself.
Know that you are in our thoughts & prayers daily.
Clark, keep up the good work of taking care of Noel.
Keep smiling 😉
Love,
Dana & Dona
So glad to hear your progress Noel ! Your blog (and you) are such an inspiration. Your clarity, positivity, Faith and hope are an inspiration to us all. I also think you may have a secret weapon in Clark. His blogs have been so positive and open and that includes his gentle humor. God bless you both, Warm regards, Chris
Ann
So glad to know you are home and sounds like you are doing well. You have such a great attitude so I know that helps the healing and being surrounded by loved ones the other part. You are, as always, an inspiration to me.
Tell Clark I think he looks great and very handsome. The heck with the age thing.
Love and prayers
God Bless all of you
Sharon
Dear, dear Noel,
We are so happy to read your strong voice! Your own bed, family all around and sunshine! That’s the best.
lots of love,
Jolanne and Jim
Mom,
Thinking about you. Was so good to talk to you Sunday, finally got you home where you belong! Strength and love.
John
Annie/Noel & Clark-
Know that your Oklahoma contingent is praying and talking to folks who are fluent in cancerese. So great that you are able to take short walks and are doing the hydration and calorie intake regimen. I loved hearing that advent is your favorite liturgical time. It is mine as well. Jennie & I are getting together some questions to ask your doc at your appointment, but for now we are studying the clinical trial data and doing searches.
Love you guys and holding you in my heart at night.
P
Hoping that each day finds you stronger and feeling a little better. Salesian is a buzz with Project Santa, basketball tournaments and a football championiship game on Saturday…and of course the library packed with juniors working on another history project. I think of you often and continue to pray for your recovery from the surgery. Keep smiling and working on regaining your strength.
Dear Noel: Thank you for sharing with all of us on your journey through this thing they call Cancer. May the Lord continue to bless you! Keep up that positive attitude!! Hugs to you and Clark Love Mary and Mark
Ann,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. The Watton’s are all praying for you and as you may recall, there are many of us! I think you won the lottery when you married Clark; of course, he won as well!
Much love, hugs and prayers from Nebraska
Carmen
Ann, glad you are home and enjoying the nice California sunshine. Say hi to Sarah for me. I’m sad and sorry to predict that “Next year Stanford”, will not start out as well as you might hope. Technically next year’s first game will be Jan 2, 2012 at the Fiesta Bowl and I suspect another loss. My son J-M will be going out to Phoenix for his team, the Seahawks vs the Cardinals game the day before and he is now talking about going to the Fiesta Bowl as well.
Like me, he will be pulling for Stanford and I am afraid he, like me and you, will be disappointed. Anyway, have a joyful holiday season, get better and enjoy the game.
Yeah…it’s a great day and you look marvelous! It was so wonderful to see you in Dbq for our reunion. Congrats on everything so far Annie…you are an amazing woman. I am a firm beliver in positive attitude and faith in God. Had been meaning to write & tell you that I missed you by only a week or so in The Cities. Was there for my son’s hog roast in StP in Oct…spent a great time with Jan Johanns Kodet…she said you had visited with each other on the phone. Love & Prayers…Barb
Lots and lots and lots of love sending your way Noel, ok, give a squeeze to Clark too! Thinking about you and just sending lots and lots and lots of love. Please call if you need us girlfriends, we’ll be there to help do anything you need in a second! Hugs, Jeanine and Richard Homich, (h)883-2703, (c) 609-7780
Hi Noel,
Keep eating (as much as you can). Keep resting (as best you can). Continue on with your wit, humor, and hope. You, Clark and boys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and much love,
Jacky