Dear Family and Friends,

I hope I have your attention and that you haven’t given up on me. I really go into my social zombie motif when too much is going on. I have to get this off tonight for several reasons—I have the help of some steroids from todays chemo, I have my regular keyboard, and we are off for Houston, and then the Holy Land for 12 days. So, I do want to make contact, and know I need to. I am especially happy to tell you that we are now transitioned to chemo at home in Marin. I am “almost” giddy about being able to do my chemo. The new program is going well, and my tumor markers are slowly lowering. I have the process for 2 consecutive days every two weeks, and I do feel more energy in the second week.

Last week we traveled to Chicago to work with Dr. Deng, a Chinese acupuncturist. We have experienced the winter between NY and now Chicago. We have good warm clothes from MN days. It was fun to see Jack and Kathy Berkemeyer, 40 yr. USF friends. Sue and Richard, watch out if you read this, because we will be going back.When we got home we had a busy but fun weekend as Luke came home for overnight and to pick up his dog Mary Jane, who has been visiting us, and many noble friends in our travels. To our surprise, Sean McGivern, a cousin’s son, Luke’s age was also in the city and was able to have a short visit, and of course, Ellen joined us. Sun. my very close SCL friends Sr. Noreen made a huge effort to get here for a visit. She could only stay overnight, but we had non-stop talk. Clark had some kind of a once every 10 yr. “sinking spell”, and slept about 24 hrs. and was better in 2-3 days. It is so unusual for him to be sick, neither of us know much to do.

Several of the side effects of the chemo, and the cancer have really slowed me down, and while that isn’t too much fun, the limitations are crystal clear. The first life-style effects were that I was unusually light headed and dizzy. So, my walking was limited. I was also very anemic and really short on breath and stamina. I also have lost weight and muscle tone, so those area all projects to work on. My last trip to NY I had a 2 unit transfusion of red blood cells, so that has really helped. I also felt like I shouldn’t be driving in those first weeks, so I didn’t even do short errands for a while. I now am very much better, and feel confident in necessary day driving. I have had to miss my Book Club, because I haven’t been reading, driving, and am on sheer will or adrenaline 2nd wind after about 7 o’clock. Tonight, the drugs are actually keeping me up. Tennis has been one of the hardest things, but as I say, it is very obvious, and pathetic that it will be a while before I can play. I have a few schemes in that direction. I haven’t been to my Tai Chi class for months, but also hope to have a Fri. home, so I can go.

So, I am forgetting lots of details, but we travel to Houston Fri. and will see Clark’s brother John, wife, Kathy, and later, after spring break, more family. Our trip to Israel/Jordan is with a group, through John and Kathy’s parish, so it will be fun to have special travel time with them.

Please know I do love to hear from you, and spend this time together. Please do keep us in your prayers as we do you. Special Holy Land prayers will be offered for all of you.

Love
Annie/Noel