Lori VIII
When daughter Kate went down the aisle on my arm in 2012, she married into an abundant clan from Cortland, New York. Owen has six siblings, now scattered to all time zones, but his folks still live in Cortland and exert parental gravity at Christmastime to draw them all home with their spouses and offspring. Given that KayO and infant Jack live down the road from us in Mill Valley, and that we get to raid their fridge almost as often as they raid ours, we concede this one week a year to the Learys and summon Santa on New Years Day instead.
So, at Christmas Lori and Tucker and I head off into the Wild West and tramp around together in Death Valley or the Channel Islands or the Navarro River Valley. This year we booked a beachfront cabin in Samoa (yup, Samoa) California — on the peninsula that defines Eureka’s harbor — but in the event made a last-minute cancellation and stayed home.
Eleven days ago Lori noticed an unwelcome swelling on her neck. Dr.
Chan suMmoned us to San Francisco, palpated the lump, diagnosed it as a tumor, and decided with regret that the chemo wasn’t working.
Fortunately, he is Dr. Chan, so dialed up the radiation team on his cell phone, expressed appreciation for their busy schedule, and told them Lori would be in their clinic within the hour. He also wrote a prescription for a new form of (oral) chemo before we were out the door. Lori started radiation therapy on December 21 so is now getting zapped and poisoned.
We held out hope for our Samoa getaway until the last minute but this new regime has summoned the return of Mr. Barfman. And we still pour in meds to keep the pain at bay. Bless his heart, Tucker assumed Nurse Bill duties, prepared us yummy meals, tidied up unattended piles, and generally gave me a spell of RandR.
Lori somehow remains resilient through this bleeping mess, swallows all the pills which aim to tame the side effects, and wishes with all her heart to have the energy to return calls and accept offers of visits.
The traveling squad returns soon for our days-long Christmas gathering, a week late but who cares.
In church on Sunday I lifted Lori’s name during prayer time and then others in our beloved community lifted their prayer names, too.
Lori. Lori. Lori. Lori.
hutch adventure 2 
Every meal gathering on the east coast Christmas Lori’s name and pain was lifted up as well . Our hearts are filled w/ healing prayers as the days ahead bring some ‘respite to pain and tumors !’
Bill and Tucker are saints 🌞
LikeLike
Stelli and I continue to send our love and prayers!!! You both are powerful witnesses to life and love!!!
LikeLike
Dear Lori and Bill,
We recently read your latest post, Bill, and I unsuccessfully tried to leave a comment/reply there — but hope this email reaches you.
Hugo and I were so deeply saddened to read in your latest post of your renewed trials and suffering, Lori, and we are sending you both healing wishes across the miles from Santa Fe. It is the apex of cruel injustice that one as kind and generous and loving as you are, Lori, should be made to endure this nightmare illness. Please know that every Sunday, your name is also offered up in our sanctuary here, Lori, when congregational prayers and remembrances are invited — along with yours, too, Bill.
We are hoping that your various new treatment regimens will quickly begin to alleviate your pain, nausea, and other discomforts, Lori, and that the harsher measures will start to suppress, and eliminate, all the offending cells causing this dreadful trouble. It is heartening that your Dr. Chan sounds like a man with both empathy and awesome skills, and may his medical magic very soon take away your suffering, allowing you to fully enjoy the presence of your loving family and many friends, and set you straightaway on the high road to recovery!
With loving thoughts,
Hugo and Monica
LikeLike
Dear Lori and Bill,
This is heart wrenching to read so I can only imagine what it must be like to experience first-hand. I hope you managed to experience some pockets of joy (and even normalcy) during the holiday season. I loved loved loved the beautiful family photo (looking at it now on my desk) and seeing the updates from the whole clan.
My thoughts are with you both during this very challenging time. I hope 2016 brings brighter days to you and your amazing family.
Much love,
Jeremy
LikeLike
Dear Bill and Lori. So sorry to hear of all the fresh challenges. Praying that 2016 comes with healing and a respite from the pain and drugs. Sending much love from Johannesburg xxxx
LikeLike
Praying for you and Lori daily. I would love to come by when she feels up to a visit.
I hope your family gathering gave you the love and strength for the upcoming radiation.
Love, Dotty Abbot
LikeLike
Just know you are in my heart and mind…. I am so so so sorry Lori, you have to be going through this… so painful…. And to you Bill, to be the caretaker… Not one ounce of this is easy… It sounds like your family and community are surrounding you with love and for that I am grateful. Holding the vision of health and a return of energy for 2016.
LikeLike
Sending love and prayers for the woman who has enlightened and enriched so many of us. the flow of healing energy from friends and family and all those who love and admire you is infinite.
LikeLike
Dearest Hutchinson Family, Your love, perseverance and humor are as brilliant in battle, as it always has been. Thank you for sharing your story. It allows us to have you in our hearts and prayers – with every thought of you accompanied by a prayer. We have both had rare cancers that were diagnosed at a time when optimism was not able to be a part of the discussion, we can only suggest that you do just as you are and always have been, to trust in the Lord with all your heart. In the meantime, if there is anything we can do to make it better, please just say the word. In the meantime, be assured of our prayers and admiration.
Kindest Regards,
John & Ann
LikeLike
Dear Bill and Lori
As the Anaya family gather this new years eve to celebrate life, for whatever that may be, the great stuff and the things that makes us grow stronger. We all thought of you. As two human beings that impacted our lives and our country’s history, great examples of what long term solidarity means. Our hearts and all the love we have for you was sent via good vibes and happy memories we all have of magic people like yourselves. We learned in life that pain can not be taken away, but it becomes berable when acompanied with love from people that care about your own pain. I hope that you receive a shower of good wishes, you are not alone in this hard times.
Love
Anaya’s
LikeLike
We think of you often and hold you in our hearts with warm wishes for healing and peace.
Rilla
LikeLike