New Journey III
Mr. Barfman stalked in here yesterday morning and spent the day with us and we don’t have a single charitable thing to say about him. By midafternoon he had drained Lori of fluids and everything else, exhausted her, and totally pissed me off for picking on someone so little deserving of his miseries. Our doctor suggested a visit to Sonoma Valley Hospital was in order so we checked into the emergency room at 5 where they stuck Lori with an IV, infused her with two liters of fluid and pain meds and anti-nausea meds and sedatives, and sent us home for a good night’s sleep at 11.
Today was a little better. Lori has managed to keep a few bland things down, has started on some stronger meds, and has enjoyed a mug of marijuana tea which a good friend steeped up for her.
Next Friday chemo begins assuming we can kick Mr. Barfman’s sorry butt out the door. We have switched docs at the suggestion of another good friend who has also dealt with endometrial cancer (Thank you, dear friend!). Her guy, John Chan, accomplished for Lori in one day what University of California Medical Center had not accomplished in two weeks. In fact he left UCSF because the red tape there drove him nuts. But he will not initiate the well-known travails of chemo on someone who is already compromised by nausea.
I adhered a patch of powerful anti-nausea medicine to Lori’s arm this afternoon. Between that and the grass-infused tea and all your good vibes we hope to stabilize Lori by then. Not one day has gone by without your cards and food coming here. For which we are endlessly thankful.
Two guilty confessions on my part:
- Given the current status of Lori’s digestive tract I am the primary beneficiary of the soups tarts ratatouilles upside-down cakes meatloaves eggplants parmesans and other nourishments. Everyone tells me to take care of myself and you are doing it for me. Grateful doesn’t begin to describe the feeling for the food – caloric, emotional, generous – that friends are providing.
- Lori has suddenly turned into a gin rummy patsy so I am narrowing her lead in the 2015 Tourney. Shame on me!
No few of you have dealt with cancer, in your family or in your person, so you know what this is. Difficult scary and exhausting. Thanks for being with us, all of you.
hutch adventure 2 
We are totally with you, dear ones, and so sorry to hear of the travails. We continue to send our good thoughts your way, every day. Keeping you close in our hearts. Jody and Rich
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I hope the tea gave you a little tummy relief…less toxic than the drugs and anti-nausea drugs. I think of you both daily and send my love. You are both part of my daily prayer chain. Boy, when Mr. Barfman appears count on exhaustion simply from that process. Blessings to you both…Cozette
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It’s a journey alright. One you could do without. Glad you are looking to forego chemo. It, to be frank, sucks. And the results are often not worth the suffering. There are better protocols. Hope you have found them.
Take care.
Hugs,
Jean
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Blessings to you both. Medical MJ, older than all us is not as bad as it has ben made to be: there are vitriolic conversations, thoughts, language and actions in today’s world much more harmful. So yes there are better protocols, trusting you will explore. Fondly,
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Thinking of you both and sending love and healing energy every single day!
Hugs and Kisses,
Leslie
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We are with you…absolutely…..heart, soul and spirit.
Thank goodness for the new doctor….so grateful that he was able to offer swift assistance.
That is truly a blessing.
Offering up our prayers for you both…
Sending lots of love –
Susan & Peter
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Hang in there, Billlori. Cant wait to hear you refer this time in the past tense. A distant memory. A forgotten past. And healthier, vibrant future. Enjoy the tea!!!
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Hope Mr. Barfman has left. So glad to hear about the new doctor and actions being taken. The waiting must have been awful!! We love both of you and are thinking of you. Euie and Cordy
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Lori, there is nothing worse than Mr. Barfman…my heart goes out to you. Chemo is not fun, but the peace of mind it brings after it is all finished is worth it to my mind. If you opt out which I don’t think you are planning to do, you will always be wondering when you’ll be struck again. You and Bill are so full of love and life, I know you will beat this and be better than ever. Tom and I send our love.
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Dearest Lori, I am so sorry to hear you aren’t feeling too well.
I hope going on the tea, and patches keep your food down.
I am thinking of you, and you are in my prayers every night!
❤️ To you!!
Debbie
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You and Lori are so right to take charge of your medical care. Mr. Barfman clearly has a name fitting his medical style and disposition. We’ll expect good things from Mr. Chan. Sending all the best vibes I can muster.
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I can not think of a better place to be when you are not feeling so good. I know that for a fact. It does not matter how dark it seems, the love and care that you guys give it really heals everything. it takes time I know, but that´s exactly what I mean… you just know this care and love will be here for as long as it takes…
love love love love
All the Anaya´s
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Just feeling the ache for you…..and so sorry it is hard on your sweet body …..Lori….
Glad you have the tea and good suggestions from friends….
Just know I am thinking of you~~~~
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Bill, thank you for sharing your and Lori’s adventures. Your sense of humor is intact and this makes reading about Mr. Barfman’s visit & the other big letdown less painful. God bless the two of you. You will get through this. – Deborah
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Sending Lori and you big hugs and healing love! That Barfman is a bastard and needs to go away! Thank you for having the extra energy to provide us with these posts. You both are amazing and will get through this.
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Ugh! I am grateful Bill to be getting your updates. Sharing your and Lori’s pain is good for me. I pray for you, Lori, and your whole family. I’ll continue to pray for relief, healing, peace, and blessings. Please call if there is anything I can do.
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*Really glad* you found a doctor who can/does respond quickly/thoughtfully and conservatively to you *personally* . I truly believe this to be half the battle, because medicine is an art as welI as science, and the talented practioner focused on his/her individual patient, is the absolutely best situation. Hang in, ma dears — I send grateful thanks to the friend who referred you to Dr Chan.
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I volunteer to come over and personally help you kick Mr. Barfman’s butt out the door. Hoping the anti-nausea patch and the MJ tea do the trick so Lori feels better and keeps food down. I’m thankful Sonoma Valley Hospital ER came to the rescue last night and I hope that is the last time you have to use their services. Hoping Lori is stabilized by Friday and ready to start chemo treatments. The sooner the better!! Yay for the new doctor – go glad you got him on your side, a real blessing. .
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Bill, thank God for you and your sense of humor. If it doesn’t scare Mr. Barfman away, at least it will make his temporary visit more bearable. Hang in there and know our hearts are all with you!
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You are doing a fabulous job.
We know it is frustrating exhausting,and disheartening
but try to breathe and remember that your greatest
gift to Lori is your gentle care, and even if you
feel in chaos inside present to Lori as much calm and
peace as possible.
Let the joyous face of you grandson
bring a moment of pleasure, this is the beautiful
gift you have received, don’t let this happiness be
clouded by the demon of cancer. It’s hard… but
just live in the moment doing the best you can.
You both remain in our prayers. xo Tucker and Leslie
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Anyone who takes you away from “Mr. Barfman” is a angel for life. I hope this new angel leads you on a path of healing, comfort and peace. Sending prayers morning and evening and some times in between.😇
Love, Jan
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Dear Lori , dear Bill,
I remember you so happy in France and now your journey is soo hard.
We are with you also in these specials days. Good, if you can find tea and patch to feel better.
we send you all of hope and keep optimist.
Bises
Colandi
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When the going gets though, the though get going. You are in our minds everyday, we surely hope all the best to take place in recovery. I must admit it’s shocking news, when we saw you last summer, who would have thought what the situation is today. Thankyou Bill for actively posting your news. On the positive side, nice to hear about Mr. Barfman, who looked so cure in his Marimekko pyjamas.
Tons on Love and Hugs,
Sari and Ossi
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Hi Lori and Bill,
Sending positive thoughts and warm wishes your way. Hope you find a way to make Lori more comfortable. Tough route indeed. Yeah you to keep looking for the best possible professional guidance and treatment.
Ems
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Lori, praying that your nausea is subsiding. I know your spirit is strong and the love that surrounds you is strong, deep and transforming. Love, Mica
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Dear Lori and Bill.
The only solace I can find in your note is that Lori has begun the path to good health. We all look forward to that day. I send all the love I can put on the internet and I am holding you in the light.
Glen
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Dear Bill and Lori,
You are in my prayers.
So sorry to hear that UCSF
was a major disappointment!
You don’t need any more frustrations.
Thank God for knowledgeable and caring
friends. Hopefully the upcoming treatment will go smoothly and successfully.
When I return from the east coast (10/24) I’ll make some fresh juice smoothies for sustenance.
I am In Boston for my sister’s 85th birthday. Tomorrow we head to Charleston to visit my
son and his wife. There is a baby shower planned! From there on to Florida to visit
some girlfriends.
Love and a big hug.
Dotty
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Dear Lori and Bill,
Wow, this is an epically tough journey you’re on… Lori, we hope the nausea subsides with Bill’s good care, medicines and the new doc. We’re thinking of you and send so much love and support as you fight this. Love you both!
Tricia and Tom
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Bill y Lory yo se y tengo fe que lory va a superar la enfermedad. Yo la conosco por muchos años y se que es una mujer muy fuerte y con el amor de todos ella saldrá de este sufrimiento. Cada día esta en mis oraciones pero mañana Lunes la pondré en una oración muy especial .donde estaremos muchas personas pidiéndole a dios por la salud de Lory. I Love Lory
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Love and hugs to you both as you conquer this beast. You have inspired and loved so many. Hope you are feeling the love and inspiration back at you ten fold.
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Hey you two, I was finally able to finish reading your blog entries that started in May and finally Saturday’s entry. It had been my intent while reading your entries in the past to comment, but life got in the way. Lori, I want to wish you the best of luck with Life’s new journey. I am hopeful that your zest for life, combined with the love from friends and family that you will prevail on this next Hutchventure that life has dropped in your lap. Bill, my condenses to you and the family for the loss of your Father. At the same time though, congratulations on becoming Grandparents and to Katy for making this happen, along with her husband off course. It was nice to see Kate’s acknowledgement of Tucker, using his name as Jack’s middle name. Mu heartfelt love go out to the both of you and wishes for a positive outcome with this new Hutchventure, Lori you will prevail!
Warm Regards,
Steve
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Lori and Bill,
Thank you for sharing your journey. Please know that I continue to put you in my prayers. I love you both!!!!
Barbara Wallace
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Bill and Lori;
There is a sport in England called Fell running, which means hill running on muddy cow paths. And the English runners have a term for what Lori is going through. It’s called “a bad patch” and it’s that time in the race where you are wet, cold exhausted, muddy etc and having a rough time physically and mentally. But once you “say I’m having a bad patch”, then you accept it, realize you are at a bottom, but also know and accept that things will get better, so you keep plugging on and know you will finish in style.
So we hope you are now through your “bad patch” and that the chemo is kicking some butt and you will be better and feel better soon!
Thinking about you and let us know if we can do anything to help. Maybe a day at the beach sometime??? Xo john and maureen
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Dear Lori and Bill,
We will be thinking about you and sending you all positive energy as we are away traveling for the next month. Your continued posts are much appreciated Bill, it helps us to know what is going on so we can focus our prayers and thinking.You two are going to kick Mr Barfman’s and cancer’s asses because if anyone can do it, you two can — two of the most warm, loving and actualized people I know.
Sending big hugs,
Elizabeth and Bob Griego
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Oh Lori and Bill, I am just now catching up on your journey log. We are so very sorry to hear about this cancer of Lori’s! We are praying for healing and that the Lord’s strength and peace will fill you both.
Thank you for all of your beautifully written blogs.
Sending love 😘❤️❤️❤️
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Dearest Lori and Bill, we had no idea of Lori’s condition. We are so sorry and hoping your find strength as we send as much love and positive energy as we can your way. We are thinking of you and sending heartfelt prayers as you take on this journey. Love and Hugs, Deborah, Don and Seth
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Thinking of you all everyday and praying for some relief for Lori and some answers soon.. xoxo Meghan
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Blessings on you Lori….and you too Bill the caretaker….a vital link in this adventure (horrible as it is) you both are on. Praying that this will pass very soon. Love, Florence Porter
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Dear Lori and Bill – I sent positive waves for wholeness and healing . what a bad patch as one of your friends wrote earlier. Blessings on you Lori for trudging through the chemo and nausea and Blessings for Bill and his caretaking. Like Florence I hope this mess passes soon. I am grateful you can celebrate the new life in your family….and celebrate Bill’s dad – his memory is a blessing for all of us. And I’m thrilled you found a new doc. All the best –
Marilyn Musser, Des Moines
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