Lori V
Every single person in Sonoma, California peers at the western horizon daily hoping for the promised El Niño deluge that will replenish our wells and our reservoirs and the Sierra Nevada snowpack. No dice as yet, but in the meantime we furtively relished what October proffered us — blue sky day after blue sky day. Perfect weather for Lori to doze under the arbor in son-in-law Owen’s Zero Gravity chaise lounge.
For the past four days she has taken her (light, organic, sugar-free) meals out there while chatting with friends and family, has walked laps in the orchard, has napped, and has kept Mr. Barfman at bay. On Thursday we were that close to re-admitting her to the hospital after four consecutive days when Mr. Barfman had the better of her and reduced her body weight by eight pounds. Her tank was very nearly dry when her medical team suggested one more remedy . . . And sonovagun it worked!
Now Lori munches healthy foods throughout the day and putters around in her closet and handles emails and feels grateful for the friends who have created a balloon forest outside our bedroom window or show up and afford Nurse Bill some getaway time or have devoted their culinary expertise to Mason Jar meals that appear in the fridge.
Lori’s Vermont friend Mica, with whom she served on the opening waitress team at the Mill Valley Howard Johnson’s in 1972, showed up last week with her husband Saint Barry and glued me back together.
Then daughter Kate, with her with her burping smiling entertaining infant son Jack and her mother-in-law Mary Leary, also showed up to provide comic relief and practical help. Other props have materialized in the persons of Lori’s Mom Ruth and son Tucker and son-in-law Owen and neighbors and church friends.
In seven days Lori commences Chemo Round II; three weeks after that Chemo Round III. Then a CT scan to see if the strong drugs have drubbed the rumors into remission.
We have received an additional bit of bad news since the last blog.
Not only is this strain of cancer recurring . . . It is fast. Each remission is predicted to be briefer than its predecessor, and Lori’s first remission — between her hysterectomy of November 2014 and this completely unexpected re-occurrence in August — lasted nine months.
It turns out that a very uncharacteristic and nasty cell in Lori’s uterus went cancerous. Assuming that this course of chemo puts the cancer in remission, Lori can expect its return in something under nine months, and each successive remission will be briefer yet. If there is an alternative remedy, we will find it.
Grief and hope and gratitude for this day compete in our hearts just now.
A confession. I have done a miserable job of labeling. Mason jars and casserole pans and vases have accumulated here, and I have no idea who they belong to. I stash them on a table on the back porch, and hope that you will feel free to stop by and retrieve them.
A joy. Your wonderful cards now fill a grocery sack in the dining room. They mean so much.
Another joy. Thank you thank you for posting responses to these blogs. She reads them all.
Nothing could be worse than the prognosis we have received. Nothing could be better than to have such friends as you.
hutch adventure 2 
Lori and Bill, there is not much to say but that you are in our hearts and prayers. You have so eloquently included us in your journeys, travels and now this new adventure. We think of you often and just know that we are with you in spirit and love. xoxoxo, Steve and Julie
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Sending love & peace to you Lori.
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Hi Bill,
Thank you for your Lori updates. There are more love and prayers coming your way than you could ever imagine. Lori’s name comes up everywhere I go! Can you please add Philippe Therene to your update list? You are both so loved! Lynn Cury
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Sending love to you both, I think of you often!
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Melanie and I are at so moved by Lori’s battles. I have come to hate Mr. Barfman and his wiley insidious minions.. You and Lori are precious and are loved. We’re entrenched and on our knees. In the battle for you…. Love Melanie and Putter
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Enjoy the sunshine, and days without Mr. Barfman. And have a couple of surprise dinners and open those Mason Jars and pretend you are a youngster again – you never know what you will find! My thoughts are with you both.
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Bill and Lori, I caught up with my dad over the weekend and he told me some of what’s been going on. I send hugs and love from Brooklyn and I hope I can come visit when I’m in Sonoma later this month. I’ll also hopefully see Tucker in the Bay. Thinking of you often and hoping healing comes readily.
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You are loved….by so many…..all of us are grateful to know that you can feel the love that surrounds you. As much as rain is needed, it is so nice to have this beautiful image of Lori having blue sky, happy tummy days…walks in the orchard and naps under the arbor.
Our prayers & blessing will continue towards recovery, remission and an alternative remedy.
Sending you big hugs…we are by your side in spirit and holding you both very close in our hearts.
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Bill and Lori, Dan forwards me your updates and you are in our thoughts (and conversations) constantly. We are sending lots of love and hugs from the East Coast!
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For what it’s worth, i know a young lady who also has a rare form of the ‘c’ word and was given a dismal prognosis nearly 9 years ago. She has been NED for years now. She’s beating the odds… so you never know. Might as well be you too. Hugs and prayers to you both… xoxo
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Thanks for the update Bill. we continue to wish, hope, and pray for Lori. If there is anything we can do to help, please reach out. We are wishing for you so hard Lori, it has to count for something.
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Dearest Lori and Bill. Thank you so much for these updates. You both will ever know how much it helps those of us who are not near stay up to date . Thinking and sending the biggest of hugs and healing thoughts.
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Look forward to these posts… and good news. Beautiful to think of Lori enjoying the Indian summer at home. Thinking of often thoroughout everyday and sending love. DelRae
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Sending big hugs from the Cole’s. Would love to come visit and give hugs in person but I never know the right time. Know that we think about you everyday and as we have been through this twice we know how difficult this can be. The blessing is to know how loved you are by your amazing husband,children, family, friends. All our love and prayers. Alex & family!
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Oh Lori, I don’t even know what to say except my heart is broken. I have been looking everyday for an update and hoping it would be better news than this. Bill, Tom and I also know what you are going through as Tom was in your shoes although I had a much happier prognosis. It is not easy on either person. I remember a low point when I think Tom had had it and we argued. I walked down to the Napa river and although he said he was afraid I had thrown myself in, he didn’t come after me! So it’s not an easy time for either person.
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Lori and Bill….. I have been thinking about you and praying for good days. I was happy to hear that the new medication is helping the vomiting. Precious time….. Your journey reminds me again how important this moment is. Know that you are loved, and that you have been an intregal part of our family… The Anaya’s certainly changed our lives. A big cyber hug coming your way…. and we’re one phone call away.. 415 509-8539.
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Friends and family are good medicine for the soul – delighted to hear about walks in the orchard, small meals providing nourishment, and visitations of laughter. Hoping that the wind is at your back, the sunshine on your skin and Irish blessings in the dew drops. Your fan club is working 24/7 lighting candles, sending you love and lifting you up in prayer.
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Thank you for this update. I have been wondering the last few days how you have been progressing. I feel helpless but know that I am willing to do anything if desired. Rain is not the only thing the people of Sonoma are hoping for. A cure, miraculous or not, would do.
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Lori – you are in my prayers every day. I think of how strong and brave you are. I know you are giving this all you’ve got. I am cheering you on. You are my Hero. I love you and look forward to seeing you soon! Hero On!
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My thoughts and prayers are with you Lori and your family. Stay Strong. 🙂
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Dear Lori and Bill,
You both will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Your strength gives me strength and your love for each other blesses my heart.
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Never will the picture I took of you last week, sitting up in your bed, holding your beautiful grandson Jack Tucker Leary ever be erased from my photos. His little dancing eyes could not say it any other way ” I love you grandma!”
Your eyes were dancing too !
Keep on ‘doing the ‘healing dance’ and give those cancers a good ‘run out of town !’
Cheers and Green smoothies, mary
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Just read the newest prognosis in the blog and am so sorry to hear it. My heart goes out to you both and I continue to send you both positive thoughts.
Love, Bette
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Bill & Lori –
Each time I read one of your emails I am compelled to respond. But first I often share them with Alix, and we contemplate the gravity of this situation. I think sometimes we just don’t know where to begin, or what to say. But I want you both to know that we are praying every day for each of you. We have asked Kavvy to share those prayers with us.
While we may not have been as close to you both in recent years, the closeness we feel now as you share this journey with us makes us remember how grateful we are to have known you over the last many years of our life in Sonoma.
Please know that we love you all very much. And Lori, we send you healing thoughts and prayers for restored health and renewed spirit. Bill, we pray that your spirituality and faith keep you strong during this difficult time.
Much love,
Ursula & Alix
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Bill and Lori,
Thank you for adding me to the updates list. Thinking about you and your family everyday. Sending positive, healing thoughts and lots of love your way.
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Thanks for the update Bill. I wonder almost every day how Lori is doing. Today was the good and not so good news. I would love to come and visit but I spend much of the day on a heating pad trying to ease a terrible back spasm that just won’t quit. My love to both of you. Jan
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Cancer sucks, but if I had it too would want Bill writing about Mr. Barfman for me. You are surrounded with love, hope and hugs. love, Diane
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Lori and Bill – all we can do is send you as much love and prayers for God’s white healing light. WE ALL LOVE YOU!
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I am so so sorry to learn what you are going through. Think of you both daily. Bill, check your email–sent something you might want to look in to. Lori, my thoughts and prayers to you. k
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Lori, we are so happy to get your updates, as you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. It was great to see Bill Sunday and talk with him briefly. We too are grateful for all the help and support you are receiving, and Bill knows we are ready to help in any way we can. Please feel our love, thoughts, and prayers. Adele and Ray
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Bill, Lori, Katie, Tucker, Owen and Jack,
I can’t think of a day gone by that you all have not been in our thoughts and prayers. Knowing that we are such a close family but having you all so far away is very difficult. I want to reach out and give you all hugs. Please know we are there with you.
Love Dave
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This former Redwood leaguer wishes you all the best and some clever and creative doctors to find good treatments!
💓 and prayers
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Dear Lori, dear Bill
We would like to tell you in French or in German a much more, our vocabulary in English is not big enough to tell you how we feel. Sorry.
There is not a day without a word about you. Lori you are in our heart and Bill we would like help you in the housekeeping !
Be strong for the next Chemo.
We are now in Palm Springs and try to phone to you, hear your voice will be nice.
Bises
Colette & Andi
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Lori- so glad that they found a way to keep Mr.Barfman at bay and that you have been able to stay home. We miss you and will come by after we get back from a two week trip- have stayed away due to colds.
Our prayers, thoughts and love are coming your way. Euie and Cordy
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Bill and Lori, your family is in our hearts and prayers daily. I confess to awaiting this latest blog post, and when it arrived, hoping it would be to report that Lori was out of the woods. But it sounds like the journey has a few more twists and turns. May each day bring some light into your lives, along with the wonder and joy of a grandbaby. I wish I was not so far away, and could contribute to the mason jar pile.
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Bill and Lori, thinking of you two and what you are going through and how difficult it must be. I have always thought the world of you both and think often of the few times we have spent together, be it dinner with your friends or participating in your olive harvest. Wishing you the best and hoping things improve with time.
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Bill and Lori the girls and I send you and your family thoughts of love every day.
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bill and lori,
you are both in our thoughts and hearts everyday. throughout your years together you have touched so many peoples’ lives with such love and care, it is coming back to you now, this great healing energy. we love you so…
marianne, bruce and kirin
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Hi Bill,
Looks like I forgot what password I used to respond to your blog directly. Just wanted to let you and Lori know how much you are both in my thoughts and heart these days. I am glad to hear the last med has quelled the nausea and that Lori has been enjoying some good days of late. I don’t have to tell you that this doesn’t seem fair at all. I know this modern-day plague has touched multitudes of families and lives, but when I think of Lori’s positive and bubbly personality somehow this seems even less fair to me that she should be brought so low.
You are of course both equipped with many resources to ease this burden and for that we can be grateful. Please give Lori a big hug for me. I do hope when May visits (as does she) in a couple of weeks that it might be possible to have a visit, if Loris feels up to it. I know May plans to connect with Tucker in any event.
Much love and blessing to you both, in deep friendship,
Tim
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You all are so articulate and wise.We, too, are on Team Hutchinson and send gentle hugs and prayers. We’re glad you’re asking questions, getting respite, and having blue skies (esp. now that it has blessedly rained a bit). All Love, LInda and Jamie
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Love you dearly Lori! Sending healing thoughts, prayers and wishes EVERY DAY. When you are feeling up to it Tiffy and I would love to personally pamper you for a bit … We’ve learned a thing or two over the years and think a little spa love and tenderness can go a long way… Just say the word and we will drop everything to be there. Xoxo Leslie
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My dear Lori, I hope the treatments are helping and that you are not suffering too much. I am planning to be in Sonoma this Friday or early next week and would like to visit you. Please let me know which number to call. Love, Philippe
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You two have created such and amazing family and life together that most of us only dream of. I don’t think I have ever know two kinder people who are always so welcoming, hospitable and so interested in others. Our neighborhood is never the same when you are not around and the only upside to this situation is we get to keep you closer to home these days. We love you, we pray for you daily and look for the smoke signals for when it is okay to stop by.
All our love, The Andersons
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Holding you in the Light as hard as I can. Glen
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Aloha, Lori, Bill, and Ohana,
I am at a loss for words…….I have followed your travels, loves, family celebrations, joys, and sorrows for so many years, and now think and pray for you daily as you pass through this unwelcome journey. I can only put all of this in the SFGTD box. (something for God to do) Since God does not slumber, may we all take comfort in knowing that we can contact Him anytime, and about anything. He is only a prayer away for all of us. Know that you are loved.
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Dear Lori, Bill, Kate, Tucker, Owen, Jack and all of the family!
I was very sad to hear your news and I can only say that I have you in my prayers and that I’m sending you strength and positive thoughts from this side of the globe.
You are all amazing, beautiful and strong people!
Much love,
Zoi, Milton & Raphael
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To Lori – Am sending you every possible healing though and good wishes. You are such a positive, upbeat person and I’m hoping for a miracle as you deserve it. You will be missed next week in Mexico City but many many many of us will have you in our thoughts.
To Bill – Although we do not know each other, Lori is beyond blessed to have such a devoted, caring husband. Clearly you two are a perfect match. I send you my best and wish I could do more than that, but NY is too far away for me to drop by with my baked goods!
Sending much love, hugs, positive energy to both of you and your family. xo Sallie Fraenkel
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Dear Lori and Bill, I love the image of Lori sleeping in your magical and lovingly created Sonoma arbor. Such wonderful memories of all the Babette’s Feast–or I should say ” Lori’s Feast-” meals and good times we’ve shared there. I love the image of you, Lori, with your grandson and beautiful family friends circling around you with food and caring and deep love–the same type of nurturing you and Bill have always shared with all of us. I hate the image of the battle you and Bill are going through now. But I also know you’re both amazingly strong. We are sending constant prayers and healing energy your way. We. love you both so much and hope to get there for a visit soon. xoxo
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Dear Lori and Bill, Rich and I join the chorus of supporters and the great cloud of witnesses holding you in our hearts and prayers every day.This blog is such an amazing testament to your community, your strength and your ability to keep us all connected. We surround you with healing prayers and love. We are so thankful for your light shining so brightly in this world. How grateful we are to be connected to you in this great family. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of how life is like for you now. As our hearts break, we reach out in love and hope for good progress and healing. Big hugs to you.
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Great news that Mr. Barfman is on the run. Ongoing blessings to you both. The community you have amassed is amazing and so helpful during this ordeal…and they all bring or send healing love. Hugs all ’round! ~ Cozette
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