A New Journey
Here is the good news for those of you who don’t already know: daughter Kate gave birth to Jack Tucker Leary eight weeks ago which makes Lori and me grandparents for the first time and very happy to be making young Jack’s acquaintance.
Here is the bad news for those of you who don’t already know: Lori has recently been diagnosed with cancer in the lymph nodes of her abdomen. Bad scary stuff.
In November of last year Lori had a hysterectomy to remove cancer in the wall of her uterus, and the excellent surgical team picked it clean. The cancer had not penetrated the wall of the uterus, and the ten proximate lymph nodes they biopsied came up clean. Within the space of eight days we went from Oh, No! to Phew! But as it turns out, sometimes a cancerous body can send out undetectable microscopic cells which take root and proliferate. Very rare, but it happens and chances are this is what happened to Lori. It is also remotely possible that she has a brand new unrelated cancer. The tests will soon tell.
Ahead lie biopsies and PET CT scans and lab work . . . and then a course of treatment, possibly radiation, possibly chemo, for now too soon to know. We have the exceeding good fortune to live in the San Francisco Bay Area which puts us right up the road from one of the great concentration of genius doctors in the world, at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. We spent several hours there today with Dr. Jocelyn Chapman who came into the treatment room, took Lori’s hand, and made her feel better just by being a caring human being. She also happens to be a medical whiz and will share Lori’s test results in eight days with a whole team of wizard oncologists who will decide what to do.
So . . . these days we count our manifold blessings and gird for what promises to be a trial. Chief among those manifold blessings are our children Kate and Tucker and husband Owen and girlfriend Lise and grandson Jack who have spent a bunch of time here in recent days providing the best tonic of them all – attentive, generous love. Wider circles of family and friends and neighbors have given us support in countless meaningful ways. You know who you are; we thank you and love you.
It feels a LITTLE odd to be using this travel blog format to share this news with all of you, but this is a new journey, perhaps not one we picked but certainly one that will disclose new territories to us. Plus, if we responded individually to everyone on Lori Hutchinson’s network there would not be enough hours in the day. So kindly forgive the mass communication, but you get it.
Feel free to respond to the blog as we post periodic bulletins and know that Lori will see and read every one of your replies. Feel free to send a card or something I can paste on the bedroom walls (Lori Hutchinson / 20735 5th Street East / Sonoma, CA 95476). Also feel free to say a prayer or send some good juju or to visualize healing or to do whatever your spiritual practice suggests. We can’t get enough of that.
Our niece Tracy will soon be competing in her first triathlon as a member of Fred’s Team – a bunch of athletic do-gooders who swim/bike/run to raise $ for cancer research and treatment. Somewhere on her person she will glue the theme of these reports to Team Lori – all of you: Kick Cancer’s Ass.
hutch adventure 2 
HI Lori and Bill, just wanted you to know that you both are in our thoughts and prayers, that you nip this thing and resume your blessed lives. Congrats to Kate and Owen and to all of you. Sending so much love, Steve and Julie >
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Dear Lori, I am sending you healing vibes from the East Coast. I am at a loss for words to hear your grave news. It sounds like you have an incredible support network surrounding you. Please know that your support extends beyond… much love to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Dear Lori,
I am so sorry that Life doesn’t go according to Plan, but I think of the awesome person you are, your strength, your tender heart and your resilience. You are so loved and that’s a great foundation. Love you, Bobbie
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I’m praying for you, Lori.
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Oh Bill and Lori – I’m so sorry to hear this news. I hate this damned disease. So glad you are near one of the best medical centers knowing you will get the best possible care. For what it’s worth, my mom is a two time cancer survivor – over 17 years now. Good care and early detection have saved her. I pray the same for you. Sending all the love, prayers, juju, visualization, and healing energy i can to you. xoxoxo
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Lori & Bill,
You are in my thoughts and prayers, and your positive approach yields the best results!
A great book on dealing with cancer is “the biology of hope” by Norman cousins. There is so much your attitude & soul can augment your physician’s care!
Love, Dan
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I’m very sorry to hear this. What a challenge you are facing. I know you will handle it with grace, courage, and prayer. We will be sending you good thoughts and I will keep you in prayer. Congratulations on baby Jack. No doubt he’s adorable and just the tonic you need.
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My, my! Life does allow journeys none of us expect. With your faith, strength, understanding, excellent care, your community and all the love you are and receive holds you in good stead. No matter the path, the Essence of who you are is stronger than any challenge. I hold you and your family in the highest waves of love, truth, healing that allows you the perfection of who you are. May it be so and so it is. Blessings.
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Dearest Lorena and Bill,…..Brother Steve here,writing from from 311 Morning sun Ave. Mill Valley Ca. Yes life’s journey and adventures it can all be so tough sometimes yet there is always something wonderful in our lives that makes us continue no matter what is up. For me it’s the constantly busy music jobs. I myself had the kidney stone episodes that made me realize I was getting over the hill. Then after two separate days in the hospital and much pain it went away and literally a week later I met Wendy..
Now my health is ok but there is this condition of enlarged prostate and who knows what else will become of that. Luckily the affordable healthcare act has gotten me insurance and yearly Dr visits. You are so right about the UCSF Med Center I have three good musician friends who were Dr’s there and are now retired. They are very well respected Dr’s indeed.
Lori what challenges face you are great but I know your positive attitude will be an asset.
My life has had extreme ups and downs and at this time I am doing better than ever enjoying my best days. Still experience has taught me how quickly it can all change so yes I have learned to enjoy each and everyday in a sober yet thankful and joyous way. What keeps me leval are the steady and constant music jobs with co workers and close friends and my loving partner,musician,and best friend Wendy.
Please be aware that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love………. SRW
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It is impossible to put into words my feelings as I read your post. Heart constrictions, pit in stomach and a real desire to weep. But then, I remembered who you are…both of you.
In January, I received a call from a client to inform me that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The amazing thing was that he was not calling me as a way of getting last minute tax advice or anything professional at all. He called to thank me for giving him “such excellent service and care” over the last several years. After picking my jaw up off the floor I said “You just got this news and you’re calling me to THANK me? I hope when my time comes I have half the acceptance, gratitude and equanimity you are showing.”
You see, I believe it is your attitude that makes all the difference. All the people you read about who are magically cured of dread diseases were well adjusted and accepting of their situations. And because you are who you are, I know that you will be ok and that there will be many more Hutchadventures to come.
Oh and that client, when I got their tax information in March he informed me that his cancer had simply disappeared and none of his doctors could figure out why. He got the magic because of his attitude. I KNOW you’re gonna’ get it too.
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thanks so much hutch for sharing all your news with us!! Congrats on Jack and prayers for you and Lori!!
Those damn lymph nodes, zap those suckers!! Praying cells are contained. In our prayers daily
Much love- richard and nina
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Lori and Bill…….thanks for sharing an update since your recent return from Europe!
Disappointed to learn of Lori’s medical challenge but appreciative of the early diagnosis
realizing that you are taking positive steps to combat this challenge!
You are in my daily prayers which I am sharing with family and friends to ensure that you
will receive greater prayer coverage from all of us!
Keep the faith……..you will once again overcome this challenge……..Steele Edwards
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Lori & Bill..we are with you and your beautiful family …heart, soul & spirit. I know that everyone is surrounding you with abundant love as well as healing thoughts & prayers. Hopefully all of us can be your lighthouses, standing along the shore…strong & steady. Thank goodness for the UCSF medical team who will lead the way to recovery.
Sending you our love..positive healing thoughts & energy….visualizing the path to recovery…offering up meditations & prayers & blessings.
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Tradition among Jews is that between Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, and Yom Kippur, the day of atonement which happens to be tomorrow, we ask that our names be inscribed in God’s book for a good year. In fact, the best blessing you can give to someone during this time is “May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.” Linda and I are working to send every last once of good Kharma in your direction to insure that happens. So good to know that you are getting the world class care you deserve. How can we support Team Lori through Fred’s Team? Who can we contact or have someone contact us? Love and good wishes.
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Hello Lori,
BUMMER!! My thoughts are with you and I am sending and thinking some good juju. You are strong willed and I am sure you will fight this thing with all your powers. The family will help and you have one hell of a husband. Yes, kick the cancer’s ass and kick ass in general.
Congratulations Grandma and Grandpa. I am one myself. BTW, I survived stage 3 melanoma a few years ago. So, if I can do it you can too.
Hugs, Jean
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You know you are in our thoughts! Big hugs!
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Dear Lori,
While this news brought sudden stinging tears to my eyes, Bill’s letter and the attitude of gratitude you both have is inspiring. I know you will receive great care. Please know dear friend that I will be sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. I am so grateful for our time together recently. It was so very special. You have a circle of friends that circles the globe. Now is the time to let us all give you the support and love you have always so generously given others. Hugs to you both. Marcia
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Lori, I’m praying your tests reveal only the best case scenario and wishing you the best through treatment and recovery. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Hugs!
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Dear Lori and Bill: As you know we have been on a similar journey, it started about 20 years ago with our daughter, Natalie who is now healthy at 35! We are well acquainted with UCSF an have great respect for all the Drs and teams that heal people there. You are in the best possible place. We would love to help in any way possible, so just say the word. Healing prayers, Kit and Vic
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Hi Lori & Bill,
I was so excited to learn about baby Jack and your amazing European adventures. When I opened this email up today and read your news my eyes instantly welled up with tears. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I know you have the strength, faith, courage, love, and support to fight this and heal. Sending healing white light and lots of faith and love your way. You know you have amazing energy with all of the spa community supporting you as well. Hugs, Patty
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Lori and Bill you are living a beautiful life, and are in good hands with the medical team you’ve selected. God bless!
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Your are so surrounded by love! Keep up your positive attitude – it can only help you heal and gain strength,
love and lots of hugs…Cozette
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Looks like CANCER pick the wrong lady to MESS with b/c Lori knows how to be a Winner in anything she takes on !!!
Lori, love, support and lots of positive ‘CAN-DO’ prayers for you everyday .
You’re a positive person and that is for sure 1/2 the battle to kick the ‘stuffings’ out of this cancer ‘intruder!’ With Jack in Mill Valley rooting for you , you have your bases covered: excellent medical care plus family and friends who absolutely LOCE YPU !
Little Jack is another member of your ‘CAN-Do’ fan club too !
MaryL.
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Bill and Lori,
I am so sorry to hear this news. I am sure that you will overcome this obstacle and continue your adventures and your postings.
Best wishes to you and yours
Brock
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Bill: As always, a well-written and compelling narrative. I’ll bring you and Lori prayerful bottles of Imperial Sedative from Lagunitas. Cheers! Norman P. S. How about Ted Virts joining us for the Pilgrimage!
Norman
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Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I am very happy for you. What a cheerful place to be, with your grandchild. You will be in my prayers. You are so brave to share such personal information. Love
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Dear Lori and Bill,
First of all, Congratulations on Jack!! Such wonderful news,and I know it brings such joy to your family.
And the antithesis is that David and I are so sad that You have gotten this news about Lori’s cancer.
However, it sounds like you are in the most wonderful hands, caring and professional.
I wish we lived closer to you and could give you both a BIG hug, we love you both.
You have some challenging days ahead but you are a strong team and you will beat this cancer.
We are sending prayers your way.
Much love, David and Lyn
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Dear Lori,
So saddened by the news of your diagnosis and of course, you are in our prayers and we will ask for more prayers from the faithful at CCC. We will also give your name to the Healing Circle at CCC which gathers to pray for others every Monday.
We are glad the birth of a new grandson will bring happy distractions to you and Bill. We also know how long and arduous the road of cancer diagnosis and treatment can be. You are surrounded by loving family and friends worldwide which will give you both comfort and energy. We add our love to the mix.
Love you,
Ann and Bill
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Bill,
Thank you for the update on Lori. We will pray for good news on her health. Barbara had a bit of bad news also. While nothing like Lori’s bad news, we found out that her new kidney is being rejected. Not sure how long it will last.
May God bless Lori with good news.
Rick
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First of all Tucker and I send our joyous congratulations
upon the arrival of Jack! What a fun time…we too have a Jack
He will fill your days with ridiculous pride and unbelieveable
happiness.
However,we were so sorry to hear of the health challenges facing you.
You will be in our prayers. I am sure a new baby will help to keep
spirits up as you move forward.
Fondly, Leslie
Please send pics of the latest member of the family soon.
Leslie & Tucker
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Dear Bill and Lori, thank you so much for this update. I am so sorry you two are going through this. I can’t even imagine how challenging it must be right now. We are thinking of you both and sending strength and healing prayers your way every day. Love, love and more love coming your way. xoxo, Stacy & Hendrik
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Lori and Bill, my first response was, of course, of absolute joy of you becoming grandparents! And then my second response was one of sadness, tears, and great concern. From recent experience, I can attest to the incredible power of prayer. With faith, support and love, medical expertise, and an incredible desire to beat cancer, miracles do happen. I believe in you Lori and your strength to make the best of anything life hands you. And life handed you Jack!:)
I ‘ll look forward to updates. With love, Julie
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Dear Bill and Lori, Thank you for keeping me on your list, but I only wish you didn’t have to send such news. I do feel that from our experience with Ted for over a period of 7 years that he couldn’t have been in more capable and caring hands than those at UCSF and that everything possible was done for him.
Let yourselves enjoy little Jack – there could be no better medicine. Your friends have written wonderful words – I echo them all and send ever so much love to you both. Kit
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Sending all our love lots of good juju and many prayers. We like to cover all our bases when it comes to our dear friends. We will be thinking of you all the time. Love Emma and Wes
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Dear Lori and Bill, You have so many great friends in your corner as you start this new journey. I’m glad to be among them. Thinking of you often and cheering you on, every step of the way.
Much love,
Jeremy
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My dears Lori and Bill (and Kate/Tucker/Owen/Jack/Lise), may you rest in the amazing graces of each new day and may the groundswell of love of family and friends carry you through to a safe passage on this journey into the unknown (heck, it’s unknown for all of us every day, it’s just that we usually get to pretend it’s not). I cherish your realness and the sharing of your lives so richly with us all. Warm hugs, Kris
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Dear Lori & Bill,
Knowing you both, when a challenge comes, it will be dealt with intelligently and rationally. With all the positive inputs you have given the world, we are sure you will stand up to this one and conquer it! Warm hugs and greetings from Sabrina & Jesper.
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Dear Lori and Bill – The good news is that you have a wonderful addition to your family, little Jack. I know he will bring joy and happiness to your family. The other good news is that you are in good hands with UCSF and with all the love surrounding you. You will beat this cancer! My thoughts and best wishes are with you both.
Love,
Ja
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Hi Lori and Bill, Thanks so much for sharing information about this latest development with all of us. Look what a tremendous outpouring of love Bill’s note has already triggered for Lori, who has the biggest heart of anyone I know. Please count on our love and prayers along with everyone else’s. We love you, kid. Ron and Renee
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Thank you for the update. You two will be fantastic grandparents! So sorry to hear this other not-so-great news Lori, but I am sure that your family, your friends and your faith will get you through this. Hugs & prayers!
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We love you guys and we are on our knees every night praying and knowing that it’s all going to be just fine. Laurie is one strong gal and can beat it with the love and support all around her! And a new beautiful grand baby to boot. Big squeeze and kisses from across the street. We need a sign… Flag if receiving visitors and no flag if not. Or maybe two different flags. Hmmm. Anyhow, will be over when she if up for it.
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Lori and Bill, I thought I would be reading about your next traveling adventure, but instead, I am just sick to learn this devastating news. UCSF is excellent. I am sure you will get the best of care there. My prayers are with you. If there is anything I can help you with, please call on me.
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Dear Lori and Bill,
Sorry for this news.
Lori, You are strong and a very positiv woman and you will win . We wish you with our all heart .
We will go to the Chartres cathedral and pray for you .
We are returning to switzerland on tuesday and will take news from you there.
A big hug to you , Bill and kids
Colette & Andi
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Dear Bill and Lori,
Thank you for allowing us to continue on with you on this new journey. I really enjoyed your summer adventures and am sure that I speak for many that we want to continue to be with you every step of the way during this new season. It is heartening to see the outpouring of support from our spa and wellness world as we all become more educated about wellness and cancer. I know you are aware of Julie Bach’s efforts with her Wellness for Cancer Initiative and I am happy to report that we will be able to give her some stage time at the Summit this year. Sharing your personal experiences along the way will no doubt be a gift to us all. Sending you love and prayers.
Susie
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Lori and Bill,
You are both amazing in your commitment to one another, family and friends. While cancer has marked your life, I know you will not let it define it. I can only imagine how challenging this next journey will be. Please take comfort knowing you have a magnitude of supporters sending you good wishes, positive mojo and most of all love. They say laughter makes you brave so remember to laugh! At yourself, the absurdity of the situation, and stupid YouTube videos. Laugh as often as you can!
Sending lots of love,
Karen
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Richard and I are especially grateful to be on your travel blog list so we can keep up on the progress of original and forever best friend. I love you Lori! And wish I could give you and Bill a very big hug right now. All who know you are struck by your mental and emotional strength; your love of life! I trust with this as your basic makeup, your growing and adoring family, boundless friendships and religious foundation, this newest challenge will be surmountable.
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Dear Lori and Bill,
Your “support team” surrounds you with love, prayers, and the most heartfelt good wishes daily. Thank you, you two, for being such wonderful and inspiring friends. Wish we were still a block away and could walk over with a pot of minestrone but know all those lovely folks in Sonoma and your fabulous family will ply you with good food and big embraces. Jack is precious and so smart to have signed up for such great parents and grandparents. What a gift, as are you.
lots and lots of love,
Kathryn (and Pete)
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Mon Dieu! So sorry you are going through this. We are visiting so many beautiful church’s and I now have a very special reason to light a candle and say a prayer for you Lori. Hugs
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I love you both and am there for you if need me. Phoenix is just a short plane ride away. xxxxooo
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If the love and support of family and friends were cancer treatment, you’d beat this like a bad cold. I know you have some heavy lifting ahead of you, but you will be riding on the love and support of many many people. Renee are always thinking of you.
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