Dear Family and friends,

I have looked back over my blog notes- those in preparation for a new one, and what still fits is how can I feel this good? Then, of course, when will the magic end? Well today I should have begun my third cycle, but again, like the last delay, my red and white cells are too low to do the chemo. You probably know, but the whites esp. help fight off infection, among other things, and the red help process the oxygen in the body–so anemia, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue are common. I actually haven’t been experiencing any of the negative side effects (as we just returned from Luke’s Law School Graduation ceremonies at Pepperdine, in Malibu.) Anyway, now that I’m home, I still haven’t had any problems. I did do a work at the desk day to try to catch up, but still no probs beyond being a little discouraged. I am only disoriented because I have re-planned my day. Me blog was top priority either way, but I hoped to have a different report.

The good news is that my tumor marker continues to drop, I have very little bloating, and have had better that usual energy since my last full chemo treatment. Now I am not faking it, and my good two hour tennis(doubles) good gardening time, business energy, and good hikes convince me that things are good. My doctor, by the way, is still very pleased with the results of the chemo—except for the red and white cells. I told him this round of chemo seems to agree with me so well, it worries me it isn’t working. I am doing so well in many ways that he quoted me in my weekly report.

Back to the garden for a moment. OUr soil is basically clay, so we have raised beds for our vegetables, and a few “cutting” flowers. I usually have a few tomatoes, and quite good cherry tomatoes until Dec. After seeing Ron and Nancy Kelley’s garden in Falls City, I have to say my tomatoes look paltry, but they do taste good. I also do some basil, and have a convenient herb garden outside the kitchen. Falls City note of the year.

After reading my blog, a longtime lawyer friend of ours from LA, Mark Kadzielski realized that his significant other had visited Falls City many summers and that her Mom, Ilene Thiltges was from FC. We did get to meet Barbara, and she had e-mailed her mother who knew Mom, Dad and Sarah, and remembered where we sat in the old church, went to Sacred Heart, and still has a group of families she knows
and visits. Pure FC. What a surprise and what fun to meet Barbara.

Luke’s graduation was an amazing, high energy weekend. He had ceremonies for his MA in Dispute Resolution and Mediation, and then his Law Degree. His guests were Clark, Ellen and I, John and Kathy Stanton from Houston and Clancy and JUlie Wilson from San Diego. Luke and friends had arranged it so that we had lunches and dinners in fun places with room for families and friends. We enjoyed meeting the guests of roommate, Jeff, and friend, Ashley, and we all had a great time and mixed well. We did take many pictures, and Clark has put some on his Facebook.

Well, next occasion this summer will be Notre Dame reunions for Clark and Luke. We’re also starting to think about those plans. I had hoped to have other reunions or trips this summer, but my chemo sched. and side effects really temper that. Last summer I had successful travels, but was all finished with chemo.

So please do continue to keep us all in your prayers as we do you. Love you all, and do enjoy all communiques.

Love
Annie/Noel