Dec. 13 has several good reasons to post. It is the day before John’s 24th birthday, and the day before Luke completes his finals in 2nd yr. of Law School. I thought I’d respond to a few of the concerns expressed by a number of friends. Well, what do you do all day? Are you just going crazy? Should we get some good movies? books? books on tape? So, the strangest thing is that my caretaker, sister, and I have just been so constantly in motion, and at it that we haven’t even considered the luxury of a little boredom. For me, the biggest issue is that what might have once been done on an 8, out of ten, is now happening at a 2. Someone should do a stand up on getting from place to place in recovery mode. My other timing is that I have about a 2 hr. window of clarity and energy, and then need to re-fuel, rest or nap. Eating, cleaning up, doing the cancer reading and research is the other big deal this week because we do have our appt. on Fri. for the big pathology/options with Dr. Chan. As of today we also just got Thanksgiving and fall decorations put away and are doing a very little Christmas.
My biggest breakthru news is that over the weekend I had a return of my appetite, and most of the time my taste buds are neutral. Gaining weight and keeping hydrated is the most impt of all that I need to do. That truly is my very best news. Thank you all for continuing to be so responsive. I’m sorry I’m so slow to get news out, but I’ll just plan to get something out. Please do keep us in your prayers as we do you.
Love Noel/Annie
noelstanton 
Noel, continued prayers for your strength and return of good health. All good thoughts for you this Friday. Thanks for the updates,
Love, Molly
HI, Sent you a really cool, artsy-fartsy Christmas/get well/thinking of you care today. It was sooo
artsy-fartsy that there was no glue on the envelope flap! So it is sealed with stickers. I hope it arrives intact.
Thanks for the update and good news about your appetite. Thinking of you lots.
Judy
Good appetite just in time for Christmas! Well done.
Good luck on Friday. Thinking & praying…………… Kathy & George
great to hear a bit of energy in the comments today. Good news about the boys as well..how ever did we get to Law School and the baby being 24?!
Margie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN and NOEL — Robert does always say it’s the mother that should be wished ‘happy birth day’, so we’re hoping you both had a good day. Any chance John is coming home for the holidays?
We hope to see you soon — Robert, Laurel and the girls
Lots of love….xox Sue and Richard Mellado
Noel, You remain in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss you and Clark at the Christmas Party this Saturday. Your Salesian colleagues enjoy your blog updates. Merry Christmas, Tim and all at Salesian.
Thinking about you mom. Stay strong and keep making progress like you can! We will talk soon.
Happy Belated Birthday to John. Thank you for the update. We missed you at Susie’s girlfriend party. Looking forward to our slumber parties soon. Eat lots of fattening nonfiberous( not a word?) things.
xoxo
We continue to pray for your progress in this chapter of the book called “Noel”
Say “hi” to all,
Love
Dana & Dona
Annie/Noel – thinking of you every day and praying as well. Had hoped to see when we are out in CA for the holidays but am guessing that will not be possible. God bless you and your entire family! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love,
Pat and Woody
Glad to hear your appetite is back and you are up and around more. Let us know if you have a hankering for a favorite food.
Jim and Jolanne
Hi Noel, I just wanted to let you know you continue to be in our prayers. I love that picture of you, so full of energy and life! I check your blog often, don’t forget to add updates when you can. We wish you and Clark and your boys (I know you’ll be missing John this year) a very Merry Christmas.
Fondly,
Carolyn
Noel,
Am so happy to be in touch with you, through the sharing of Sr. Mary G! Called her yesterday and she let me in on your newest journey. Isn’t life and our fragile bodies unpredictable?
Know that you are newly in my thoughts and prayers as are your family members.
May this Christmas Season bring you continued joy and gaining health.
Sr. Ann