Dear Family and Friends,

I hope you haven’t given up on me; I am shocked to see how long it has been since I have written. Good intentions don’t quite get it done. I am writing today Nov. 21st which is the one year anniversary of my surgery. What a year it has been. Through the lows of cancer and chemo, there has always been the support of people and prayer that is such a strength and energizer for me. Thank you again for all of the notes, and calls , and actions of care and friendship. Clark and Ellen, of course have been the real storm troopers through the year, and Sarah, my life-saver, after the surgery. I haven’t been thinking back too much, because I think it is healthier to look forward. I will soon have my 6 month check up which is blood work, CAT scan and oncologist appt., so I will write next week for sure.

I currently am doing 10days on double anti-biotics to get rid of H-pylorie bacteria in my stomach. I am happy to report I didn’t have all of the possible problems which I was warned about. I do have some light-headedness and get a little drowsy, but that’s very mild. The bacteria is something that about 75% of the population have, and it isn’t a problem. They found it in an upper GI, and biopsied it in connection with the cancer. They are treating due to cancer in the abdominal area.

So, today I get to play tennis from 11-1 with the Big Kids. I am invited occasionally as a sub- and jit is really fun for me—but they are all so much better than I am. We play with 3 women and 5 men. One woman told me she just wasn’t expecting those shots. I’m not sure if she knows I couldn’t do it twice, or if I had to. But it still is a lot of fun. We are looking forward to the ND-USC game. GO IRISH!

The biggest news of Nov. is our trip to Japan. My late Oct. was a crash course in trying to learn about Japan, and all of the ins and outs of travel. Clark, then spotted several great hotels, and we had a little security. Our Japanese Rail pass was a great deal, and we traveled around Japan while John was a work at his English Language School. He currently works with all adults on conversational English. This school just started this year, so he has to create a lot of material for the students. We also got to meet John’s friends, teammates and coaches, and see two playoff games. John has done very well in his his change to offense. He is tight-end has caught a touchdown pass in every game- 2 in one game. The quarterback, Kevin Craft was the QB at UCLA, and has played in Europe. We also traveled with John’s good friend Rita, who was a delightful companion to the Kyoto and Hiroshima areas. So Japan is a beautiful country, and the people were wonderful. We can’t wait to return.

So, at the end of this year I am so grateful for all of the medical expertise, family and friend prayer and support that helped me so much. I have good energy, and so far haven’t had any colds or other problems. Do know that I am so aware of so many of you and the energy you give me, and still am tryings to respond to everyone personally. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Annie/Noel