This is Clark. I never wanted to have to post again on Noel’s blog but while I know she would like to do it herself she’s just not able to.
Yesterday we enrolled Noel in hospice. It has all happened so suddenly and so fast it’s hard to believe. It was just one week ago today that the issue of hospice was first raised in a visit to her oncologist’s office. We were still planning on doing an assessment at MD Anderson in Houston, which was scheduled for next week. Unfortunately, it has become evident that hospice is the right call.
About three weeks ago Noel’s health took a significant downward turn. She was not feeling particularly well in June and early July but she made a real effort to make things seem as usual while John was home from Japan. Then, just after John left, the bottom fell out; it was so sudden it was almost like falling off a cliff. She suddenly found it increasingly difficult to eat and keep her nourishment up, and as a result she has lost an incredible amount of weight and is weaker each day. She knows how important this is and is trying very hard to eat and take in nutrition but her cancer is making intake of food, even liquids like Ensure, very hard for her. If she continues to be unable to eat, this could go pretty fast. They make Nebraskans tough, and she’s as tough as they come, but not invincible it seems.
John and Luke arrive today, so she will have them here. Her sister Ellen is here constantly and her cousin Rosemary Murphy just flew in from Kansas. Her sister Sarah will be coming from Denver next week or sooner.
Please keep Annie in your prayers.
Clark
noelstanton 
Thank you, Clark, For taking your precious time with Noel to update us. Prayers are with all of you.
Clark nothing but love and prayers are coming to Ann, loving Noel, from Jim and myself. We are so saddened. She has always been inspirational but has shown us all more strength, inspiration, and love of life, family, and friends throughout the past years than imaginable. We love her and forever will. She has certainly touched me, always her gift. Our prayers for Ann, Luke, John, and yourself. God is with you all.
Noel,
My prayers and love are right beside you, my dear friend, and with Clark, your boys, and family.
God bless you.
Love,
Jacky
Noel, you have been and are held in my prayers during this ordeal. Clark, you and your boys are
likewise in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Clark, So, so sorry to hear this. All our love and prayers to Noel and you, and all the family.
Kathy & George
Our thoughts are with you during this ordeal. May you find strength, Clark.
Clark, I am so glad that Annie met you. You are the love of her life as I am sure she is yours-what a blessing to have shared with not only one another, but Luke and John, your families and friends. Please give Ann a hug for me and ask her to make a home in heaven for all of us coming after. She has fought the good fight with courage, humor, and grace. God bless you all. Love Patty
The Stantons are all in my thoughts and prayers. Praying especially hard that Noel is comfortable.
Clark,
The I am keeping Noel and you and the entire family in my prayers with a special remembrance at Mass. Thank you for keeping me informed on how she is doing. May God grant her the help and courage she needs to recover. Thank you again for your love and devotion to her and your friendship with all her friends!
Clark,
We are keeping Noel and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Thank you for updating the blog. Praying for you all. So sorry you (all) are going through this.
Our prayers are with all of you. Prayers for comfort and peace for all of you. Wrap your arms around Noel (Annie) for us. Bob and Mary Helen
Clark, I’m so sorry. You are at the top for ongoing prayer. My love to her, Sr. Deedee Casey
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Clark, please tell Noel she has my heart & my prayers….. Hugs to you & the boys.
Annie, We started Kindergarten together, and I wish I could be holding your hand again now.
You’ve been amazing through this whole process…done so much when you probably weren’t
Feeling so good. Love that your Sisters and family have been close to give you comfort…and,
Sounds like lots of good food.
All my love and prayers…Linda
Clark,
My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family during this difficult time. Noel always filled the room with warmth and laughter and I pray she is still smiling. Glad her family is with her, I know how important they are to her. Let me know if you need anything.
Pam Mullins
Dearest Noel and Clark, We are so lucky to have you as neighbors. Ben and Elysia adore you and are always so happy to knock on your door for sugar, an egg, or endlessly asking you to sponsor them. Noel- you are such an amazing woman of positive energy and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are out of town until Sunday, but will bring by some food when we get back. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do.
xoxo,
Michelle
Clark,
Sending prayers to your family for you, Noel and the boys.
Siobhan (a bunko friend of Noel’s)
Noel, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Elena
Clark and Family, My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to here about this.
Janice DeMartini
Clark,
My thoughts and prayers are also with you and your family. Even though I have not known Noel for very long, every since the first time I saw her beautiful, smiling face I knew I was meeting a very special person. She was always the one I look forward to see at our monthly gathering and I know all of us will miss her. Please, give her my love and let her know I am praying for her.
Diana Ropalidis
Clark and Noel… We’re so sorry to read this message. We’re praying for you both during this difficult time… Phil & Sue
Please tell Noel that Judy Huntzinger is thinking of her and praying for you all. Thank you.
Please give Noel a hug and our love and prayers.
Martha, Bernie and Jenny
Clark,Noel has always been a personal inspiration & has had the greatest support with you by her side, My prayers are for Noel, Luke, John, and you at this difficult time. GIve Noel my love. Rosie Brekke
We are with you all the way. Thanks for the update. I was concerned when I didn’t see a recent post. We’ll be in touch soon. Love to you both. Kathy & Jack
Annie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Clark. You have been such a very special person in my life…I wish there was more I could do…
Annie, I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Clark…you have been and always will be a very special person in my life…
Our hearts are heavy with sadness for our strong and beautiful friend. Please give her a gentle hug from us and know we have wrapped you all in our arms as we send our prayers and thoughts to you all.
With Love, Susie, Jeff and Joey
Noel has been in my prayers and thoughts recently. I have such great memories of her strong faith, her fabulous smile, and her great ability to share the faith. This time is so tough. You are all in my prayers this week. We certainly have a saint in Noel,
Frank Ponnet
Please let Noel know that Anna and Viki (from Pius days) are holding her in our hearts and her wonderful family in our prayers.