Dear Family and Friends,

It has taken me about 5 times longer to think how to start this post, than it will to write it. I do have a couple of decent excuses for periods of time, but there really is no excuse for not staying in touch. Thank you for all of the notes and catching up that so many of you have shared with me.

Health report first. I am in my 5th cycle of treatment. Normally the chemo would end with the 6th cycle, but that decision would also be based on my Sept. CAT scan. This period of chemo has gone on longer, because I have had to wait an extra week or so to let my blood recover. At times my white cell count plummets, platelets are “puny”, and then other cycles my red cells and hemoglobin are low. I do receive injections- pro-crit for Red, and neupogin for white cells. They are injections which help my marrow rebuild, and unfortunately all I can do about it is let time heal and get the shots. So, my treatment plan depends on the scan. All of my health numbers are quite good, except, of course, the blood which is attacked by the chemo. My tumor markers are also very low, and have been since about the 2nd cycle. My ups and downs correspond to when the chemo is administered, and how the blood is affected. I generally am sleeping about 10 hrs. a night, and have a one-two hr. afternoon nap. I know my physical activities really help my overall condition. I don’t know if I mentioned they have a stationary bike in the chemo infusion area and people are encouraged to use it.

I am sure it is hard to imagine why I play so much tennis, or at least try to. It covers my physical therapy, psycho-counseling, and some social stuff all in one. Summer is also sort of in and out between company, trips, etc., but I can always know that I can have some tennis with somebody. I also had a good hiking schedule with several fun friends and Ellen, and will be getting back into that.

July was so special because we had such good visits with John, on vacation from Japan, my sister Sarah, from Denver, and Luke and his special friend Ashley. On the first visit we had limited time with Luke and Ashley, because they were doing intense study for the Bar Exam, which was July 29-31. All of the courses and review material were on-line, and so it was very portable. Luke left his wonderful dog, Mary Jane with us for his final period of study, exam, and recovery. We haven’t had a dog all of these years because the guys both had animal allergies, as well as a few others. MJ, however, whom Luke has had since she was a pup, is the ideal dog. The only exception is her long white and black hair, which she was shedding. For dog-people, she is a mix of queensland heeler, a cattle dog, corgie, and maybe some border collie. She is very intelligent, and well-trained, which made it easy for us. She also really prefers people to dogs, and doesn’t bark. While she was here, I always had an extra walk a day, which was good for both of us. Luke and Ashley came back to pick up MJ, and have more of a visit. The last hurdle now is the Ethics exam which all law grads have to prepare for and pass.

John had a lot more free time, but it was very interesting that he timed his Japanese study with some of the BAR study, so it worked well for all. We had good dinners every night, and the students went back to work, and John was able to catch up with local friends. John still really enjoys life in Japan, despite recent bureaucratic hassles with his visa. The reason Luke came up was to be sure he got to see John. It is such a blessing that they are still so close.

In Aug. we had a good visit with Jane and Peter Hayman, and hope to see Jacky and Greg Young. Usual projects around the house keep me as busy as I can afford to be. Because the chemo is cumulative, I am struggling a little more now than I have this summer. Today, I’m feeling good and energetic, and haven’t even taken my nap. No dinner prep tonight, so I’m cruisin’. Ellen is on the last week of her cross-country motorcycle trip. They had great weather, ad quite an adventure, motoring from Minneapolis thru Sturges and Yellowstone, Tetons and Mt., an should be home on Thurs.

I am so sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Will do better, as this time has been ridiculously long. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we do you.

Love
Annie/Noel