Dear Family and Friends,
I began my second round of chemo this morning at 8 a.m. It is disappointing that it is only 9 months since the last treatment. One of the things that isn’t clear is whether I was resistant or sensitive to one of the major drugs used in my chemo. Under 6 months is clear, 9-12 months it isn’t known what the effectiveness is. Many folks don’t have clear signs that the cancer is back, so in my case my symptoms are back, the numbers are indicators, And the CAT scan is conclusive. So now to just hit it hard again. I will have 3 week cycles, and have Gemzar, Carbo-platin, and Avastin every 3 wks, and then the second week Gemzar only. I definitely don’t feel good,but the worst of it is watermelon size bloating, and new fatigue. So that is the cancer on its own, so we’ll have to see if the chemo can reduce the bloating. My metaphors of watermelon, and beached whale are descriptive, and give you a little idea of struggles to get around, etc.
We are still keeping a fairly busy schedule because Clark has CA. Health Care Attorneys. a 3-day conference in Newport Beach,next week Fri.-Sun., and we will be able to see John on Mon. He is here on a 4 day business trip to visit Jr. colleges to see about Japanese athletes getting in to these schools. He and his boss will visit various admissions offices and foreign student departments. We will probably get to see him for dinner or breakfast.
This week Ellen in hosting Mrs. John Stone, Carmelita. We grew up with John- sort of the brother we didn’t have. We usually get to see John when in the Midwest, and Carmelita is going to get in some good hiking and a little touring.
May marks the biggest event of the year in that Luke graduates from Pepperdine Law School. He will have his law degree, plus a Master’s in Negotiation and Arbitration, in which Pepperdine’s program is #1 in the country. He has also held down a job in a Law firm during these years, and will continue with them after school.
Well, this afternoon I was very anxious to see if I would get a boost from my chemo- or rather prep. steroids, as I did with my first chemo. So far, no boost. I don’t feel any better, but I also don’t feel any worse. Such is life; it is what it is.
Do know one of my joys is knowing I can connect with you, and thank you for so many of you who have been in recent touch. I’ll get back to the blog every two weeks or sooner, if there is any good gnus.
Please do keep me and us in your thoughts and prayers as I do you.
Love
Annie/Noel
noelstanton 
You are in our thoughts and Prayers! We hope to see you and Clark in the not-too-distant future, certainly before we head back to Santa Fe.
Jo and Tony Paap
Noel,
“I will hit it hard again…” You are indeed the mother of my good friend John “Stantasaurus” Stanton. You most definitely imparted this get it done attitude to him, and the world is better for it. You and your family are in peoples thoughts as far reaching as the Arctic circle.
– Nick Blanco
Your positive attitude ia a grace that will get you through this, and we will send prayers for more grace!
So sorry you have to keep fighting it. I will send your note on to the club..
Kathy
Noel, I am always around the corner and it is important we get you some fresh air on your good days.
One block or ten blocks, I am there. As you know, I am very sad the cancer has returned but know you will fight it the best you can.
Hi Noel – you are always in our thoughts and prayers for a lasting recovery from this disease that like voldemort in the Harry Potter books “shall not be named”……..keep up your spirits…..you are loved by all who know you.
Love Kathy and Larry
Hi Noel – Thinking about you during this difficult time. John shared with myself and the rest of the Powerhouse/SJU crew of the most recent news and we are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers for a complete and healthy recovery. Stay strong in your fight!
Love,
Matt
Every day you are in our prayers. Every person you know is battling, in their thoughts, prayers, and love, with you and for you. Much love to you and Clark.
Greetings Noel,
Thank you for keeping us all informed. My thoughts and prayers go out to both you and your family as you battle another bout with cancer. My mother and grandmother (both were educators like yourself) endured some of the same struggles against the disease in their lifetime and both are alive and well. I truly believe someone as humble, faithful, and generous as you will once again beat this! May God bless you, and much love always.
Mike Petersen
Noel,
You are in my prayers and thoughts every day. Your continued strength and optimism is unbelievable, you are a great role model for your sons and for anyone that knows you. I will continue to pray for you and your family. The “powerhouse” boys all love you and hope for a speedy recovery.
Best regards from down under,
Bobby
Noel, I too am sad to hear you must go through another round of this chemo business. It was such fun to see you and Clark a few months ago and I was amazed at your energy and vitality! We are looking forward to seeing you again soon in Newport Beach. What a nice surprise! I’m hoping we can take a short walk if you are up to it. Otherwise we can enjoy the area with a glass of wine. I know your inner strength and faith will get you through this next round but also know that Steve and I are thinking of you and sending prayers on your behalf.
Carolyn
XXOO
Life really is what it is, and sometimes it can be so incredibly hard. You are, as always, in my prayers Noel.
Janet
Noel,
Greg and I were in New York, so I was behind in reading your blog. I’m so sorry to hear your news. You have been, and will continue to be, in my prayers. You are a very special person, dear friend.
Love,
Jacky
My dear, little friend –
You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I don’t think I need to say, “Keep your Spirits Up” as you always have and are an inspiration to us all. Perhaps we will postpone our “hearty hikes’ to “mellow and meaningful walks” for awhile and when you’re ready to hit the high roads again, you can kick my booty!
Love You –
Susie
Dear Noel
You are in our prayers…Leon was just here visiting and shared your latest report with us.
We are of course sorry to hear that you have to go through all of it again.
For some reason I have fallen off your blog mailing…I hope you will some how re-connect me.
Richard sends his love as well.
xoxo
Sue and Richard
Dear Ann,
Ellen passed along news of your return to chemo. I was sorry to hear, even though I know you are in good hands. I’m glad to have this blog to keep in touch with you. In the meantime, I’m sending all healing thoughts your way. xo from Nebraska! Mary K.
O I wish I had checked you blog earlier. I am sorry for the disappointing news. Viki and I will storm heaven and ask our friends to do so also. Best wishes on round two.
Please keep fighting. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Kathy & Jack
Aunt Noel –
Keep up the good fight! We love you and are praying for you down here in Houston.
I know your unbelievable faith will keep you strong.
Much Love,
Bobby, Katie, Locke, Sam, & +1