Dear Family and Friends,
My apologies for the blog delay. My goal is still to write about once a week. I had my first check-in since chemo ended. I decided not to do a new clinical trial with any new drug maintenance. My current trial requires a CAT scan, blood work, and a Dr. check every 3 mos. My first one was very good, and the Dr. was really pleased. I could tell by my good energy level that my red cells were much better, and most of the anemia gone.
My white cells also are much better, and my CA 125—the tumor marker was the lowest it has ever been. I am still working with a physical therapist, and that has been directed at first toward lung function and aerobic exercise, and still posture, and core strength. A lot of what I am doing is sort of re-learning what I thought I already knew, but in many cases I just have to be more precise, and isolate some muscle groups, so I can maximize what I am doing.
Summer has been a great time for seeing friends and being in touch. Having too much fun to do my blog. Not really, but I am shocked that it has been so long. For those of you who know some of these folks, it was great fun to have dinner at Charley and Helene Martels, and a wonderful birthday celebration at my sister Ellen’s. We had a memorable evening with Laurel and Robert Jones, and Adoria Williams and husband Julian. Special out-of-town friends and evenings were seeing Jane and Peter Hayman from Austin, vacationing in CA., Brian and Judy Henderson from Pasadena, on their way to Lake Tahoe, and Pat Virnich Hipsher and husband Woody, here from Boulder, Co. to see daughter Amanda and family in Santa Cruz. Another great weekend was a friend’s wedding celebration at a resort in Sonoma. Wendy and Steve Phillips were great hosts and despite the 90’s, the evening cooled off perfectly. We did some shopping and roaming in Sonoma, and hit the Farmer’s MKT. on our way home.
Clark and I swim for several hrs. on Sat. and Sun. and really enjoy it. It is the perfect unwinding for us.
We are so anxious to travel to MN over Labor Day weekend. We will see the Johnies’ season opener, and especially so many good friends that we have known over the last 6 years. It is always so good to be back at
St. John’s.
I’m having a ball playing tennis- so good to be back. We play doubles, and usually can play for 2 hrs. or about 2 sets. My energy is good, and my feet are getting better. Seems as if the nerves have to reconnect and say run, run and get that ball. I’m slow, but manage. Will close and get this out. Do know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Annie/Noel
noelstanton 
That was great news, “Annie Noel”!!!! You’re more active than I am. I admire your earnestness in your recovery, and how focused you were on eating right, doing everything you could at different times to keep active, and reading all the literature. Your are such a jewel, and Clark is so lucky to have you–and and you to have him… I have good news—our Jennifer found out a few hours ago that she got the job!!! There were, as it turns out, 2 positions and 3 applicants. She was actually in shock as she was telling us..thank you so much for your prayers…..she even told them that I had been a nun and that my nun-buddies had all been praying! She told them they better not disappoint all of that powerful group and they had a good laugh! xxoo
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Whoop whoop!! What good news. Isn’t it time for another reunion?
Yea, Noel !!!! You’re doing great ! What a pleasure to read this email with so much good news!
Hugs and many good thoughts.
Molly
Great news, Noel and Clarke. You are a source of strength and faith.
Leon Hutton
You sound great Noel. The fact that you have all that energy is amazing. But wait.. you have always had an abundance of energy. You are using your reserve now I guess! Take good care and KEEPUS POSTED!
Judy
Wer’re glad to hear you’re doing so well. It must feel great to be back on the tennis court.
So glad to hear your news and it was wonderful to see you this summer. Sounds like you are surrounded by friends and family and doing well. The summer has just flown by as usual…my favorite time of the year. Sounds like you had good weather on Labor Day for you MN trip. We are going the end of the month to Dave’s and see Tom as he has endured some bitter health problems. We have Isaiah on Friday nights and Jaeca comes to dinner on Sunday so in good touch with those two which feels good I will send an email shortly and in the meantime hang in there. Yea for the tennis.
Sharon
Noel,
You continue to amaze me in your determination and courage as you work toward your recovery.
I read your blog to Greg and we both agree you are an inspiration. He is working on becoming more active but has a long way to go to catch up to you!
Prayers and love,
Jacky and Greg
Noel. Hello there. It has been some time since we have communicated. I last saw Clark in Monterey at a CSHA conference. Keep the Faith. You have been in my prayers for a long time since cancer has been a battle for so many close to me these past years. Josh is a grad student and TA at USC film School and Christine is in grad school at USC in Communications and is staff at USC school of Engineering. She is also married to a fine young man. I am well. Stewart Hsieh
Looking forward to hearing about your trip to Midwest. So sorry we weren’t here. Back from England and finishing up family room renovation. Glad to hear that things are good.
Kathy & Jack
Hi Kathy and Jack, We had a great time at ND, and at least it was a win. Night game, very long and tedious with double commercial time-outs. Took forever. Not very inspiring football, but YEAH, we’ll take the win. I am doing a blog today, so I won’t go on and on, but I am feeling good- much more consistent energy, and my feet and hands are clearly waking up and changing for the better. Am I losing my mind—? Well don’t go there, but I thought you guys were in China visiting Jack’s nephew. Clark thought you were in England– to I guess I need to find out. We missed you- Love Noel