Can you imagine, it is now the fifth week after my surgery. I was fantasizing that I would be up and out and doing most everything I wanted to do by now. In our world anything that takes 5 weeks is out of the question. I definitely have been caught up in the NOW if not yesterday,quick fix confidence. And here I am plugging along and waited for some more energy.
A couple of big accomplishments of the whole family for the week, were getting the house semi-decorated for Xmas, and getting the tree up and decorated. We have been experimenting for several years with a pre-lit, artificial tree. This year we first couldn’t find the top to the tree, and then some of the lights were out. So, regardless, we now have a cozy tree. I have missed all of our favorite Christmas parties, by now, but last week was in no shape to even dream. Special thanks to my Book Club who sent pictures from our annual couples Glug Party. I am hoping to be there in Jan.
Luke and his companion-dog Mary Jane arrived early Mon. a.m. from Malibu. Luke is exhausted and excited to have finished his finals in second year at Pepperdine Law School. One night when we were all here for dinner we “skyped” John and were all able to chat a bit. He and a friend have planned to travel over the Christmas break. They will travel mostly in Thailand. Thru Jim Nelson, John has gotten in touch with Albert Griffin, another MC guy, and has really enjoyed getting to know Albert.
We had our post-op conference with Dr. John Chan this week. We had seen the pathology report, but of course needed the interpretaion. So, formally I have third stage ovarian cancer. We discussed options for chemo, and whether to participate in a study that Dr. Chan directs at UCSF. The advantages of participating in the study would be fairly intense monitoring, and several teams working on it. Plus they could use a new drug they are trying to get approved for ovarian cancer. The major disadvantage is that we would be randomized into a group, and would have to come once a week, or once every three weeks – but I would undoubtedly get the once a week. I can’t drive for another week, and you’re not allowed to drive to chemo, so it would be four to five months Of travelling 40 min. in unpredictable conditions to be at the hospital 4-5 hrs., and then figure out how to get home. Most advice has been to get the same chemo in Marin (except for the experimental drugs) and live thru it. We’re still working on it, but the process should start mid-Jan., and yes, I will lose my hair, so I’m also looking at wigs, hats and scarves. Thank you again for all of your comments, prayers, and keeping in touch. Will get to bloggin’ more frequently, but thank you for bearing with the slow process.
Love Annie/Noel
noelstanton 
Noel,
Thanks for the great update. Like you we use a modified Christmas tree approach. We buy a small “Charlie Brown” sized tree (aka a midget tree) and put it on a table top. Takes a lof fewer ornaments and most people just think it’s a slightly shorter than normal tree off in the corner of the room. Glad you got yours up.
Glad to hear that you are and around more too. I had a nice email correspondence with John; what nice young man.. We all envy his trip. Say hello to Luke, Clark for us and give our best to everyone else.
We think of you constantly and admire your energy, faith, and attitude.
Jim and Jolanne
Hi, Noel. Sr. Hiliaria wrote me about your current challenge. Although I know you are up to it, just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. (I’ve never blogged before so don’t quite know how this all works.)
Anyway, since Viki survived leukemia seven years ago and then had a brain bleed two years ago, life can seem very precarious and not at all what one would expect. Of course, Viki was not one to wear a wig, so she went to her nephew’s wedding with big earrings so people would know she was a girl.
Hang in there.
Anna Totta and Viki Sparks– now in southern California.
Ann –Glad to hear you are up and about. I am 100% sure Sarah is taking good care of you.
Decorating the house for the holidays is always a lot of work but it always cheers a person up to see the tree etc. Although I have to admit taking it all down is no fun at all.
We think of you daily.
Love
Carmelita and John
Holiday greetings, sent with our love and prayers plus gratitude for your notes. Helps us to feel that we’re there with you…and we are! Blessings to all with this simple Christmas prayer:
Encircle us with Your love
Calm our fears
Cheer our hearts
Renew our hope
Come, live among us.
AMEN
Merry Christmas from Colleen and John in Minneapolis
Hi Noel,
It sounds like each day you are slowly getting stronger. I’m praying for you as you make these difficult choices on your treatment.
Mike and his family are coming to CA tomorrow and Bryan is due the next day. John is already at home. I’m getting very excited!
I attended a friend’s Presbyterian choir’s concert and when they sang, “Sing Noel, sing Noel, Noel, Noel, Sing Noel, sing Noel, Noel, Noel. Sing we all Noel, Noel, Noel.” I had to smile. She told me it was a new song for her choir. I remember singing it years ago – I bet our group recalls it too.
So, dear friend, I go throughout the days humming your name.
Love to you, and your family!
Jacky
Hi Noel. Just so you know you are amazing me. Your spirit, positive stance and fight are contributng to your success thru this my friend.
I think of you always Noel and this blog is such a great way to stay connected.
I love you and give Clark and the boys my love too. Cliff and Matthew give their hellos too.
Love, Patty
Merry Christmas to all the Stantons from the heartland! And my wish for the best in medical and spiritual care to guide you on the path to good health!
Peace!
Harry (Fins)
P.S. tree tops are overrated
Merry Christmas Noel!
I will play ambassador role here for us Minnesotans. All of us boys are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. It still blows my mind how much you did for us when we came and visited you a couple years ago (has it been that long?!). It is hard to think of a more caring and genuine person than you. I hope you have a speedy recovery, so that you can come to Minnesota again and come party with us again (after Mom Prom remember?).
Keep posting and tell Clark, Luke and Mary Jane that I say Hello there doncha know!
Merry Christmas to all the Stantons in Marin and Thailand.
Jim and Jolanne
Not quite sure how these replys work on the blog but want you to know I am reading of your progress and struggles and thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers daily. So nice you could skype John and sounds like he has an interesting life at the moment and Luke sounds like he is really focused also.
. Our kids from Minn came and left before Christmas so had a wonderful time but was ready for the rest with 2 three year olds and a 4 and 7 and then Jaeca (19) who is now accepted in Nursing School and starting in Jan and very excited. She is so dear to my heart and her Mom (Michelle) continues to struggle more and more so we also struggle along with her with boundaries. Blessings to all of you and your family.at this Christmas season. Sharon
Thank you for the update. Don’t worry about driving to the city. We can set up a carpool list if you need it. Kathy T had more volunteers than she needed or even wanted. The wigs nowadays are fabulous but as I always said you had the best hair of all of us. Another perk- no hair dye. John & I are now FB buddies. Love you, Gail
Hope you had a lovely holiday with the family. I think of you often and I will cntinue to keep you in my prayers as the New Year approaches. January sounds like it will be a tough month, but I know you will get through it. I’m amazed by your strength and optimism. Keep on smiling!
Noel! I just heard about your blog. I talked to John a little about what’s going on and I am glad to hear everything is (slowly but surly) getting back to normal. All of us boys in the Northland miss the whole Stanton family, especially you and Clark (we’ll see John soon enough). I hope all is well and we are all praying for a swift and full recovery. Stay positive and keep it real as always. Love, Andy Kintop and all the Powerhouse Family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dear Noel,
We hope you are enjoying some of the bowl games with Luke and Clark despite ND’s loss today! Have you been playing any board games? Isabel has discovered Settlers of Catan this holiday; Ticket to Ride is quite good also. We have a stash of games.. please let us know if we can drop some off to you!
We think of you each day,
Robert and Laurel
Ann,
So happy for the updates. I have just talked with Rosemary and she relayed your recent conversation. This will all take time and before you know it, it will be a distant memory. I am praying for your recovery and your steps to help make it happen. These are blessed minutes – this life in the slower lane. You are so surrounded by prayers and healing thoughts and the care of your wonderful family and abundant well wishes from friends. As always, your strength and humor and faith always shine through and all of us out in blogging land hold onto everything you write, with hope.
Jim and I wish you, Clark, Luke, and John a New Year filled with even more blessings.
Love,
Rozann
Hi Ann,
Good to hear once again the updates and the “normal” things that you, Clark and Sarah are doing like Christmas trees and visiting with family. It’s so hard to stay in the here and now isn’t it?
It’s nice that you have some options with chemo, and either way you decide, I’ll be happy to help with the carpooling. You’ll probably have more volunteers than you can use!
Steve and I were happy to have both Stephanie and Nick here for Christmas. We went for a great hike, opened more presents than we needed and ate like pigs!
Losing that beautiful hair of yours, eh? Wonder if it will come back curly? As Gail said, no hassling with dye!
Thinking of you so much as we wait in joyful hope of the new year,
Debbie