We have been very happy together in recent days. Ellen has recovered much of her energy. We are taking long walks in the sage, enjoying the subtle colors of the grasses and brush. We feel very close to each other.
But things are changing, and challenges do lie ahead. Ellen’s next chemotherapy session is this coming Wednesday, October 30. We intend to leave our house at 9:15 am to walk to the hospital for treatment.
But this is not going to be one of those sunny walks in shorts and t shirts. The high for the day is supposed to be 24° F, and there will be snow showers all day. And this is just a taste of what we expect in November, December and January. A suggestion to anyone who is inclined to talk Ellen out of this: don’t.
If you really truly want to be with us, and your health and your other obligations permit, your company would be very welcome indeed. If this is too much for you right now, we completely understand.
We really have no news on the medical front; under the current program there will be no additional testing of real rigor until some time in December. In the meantime we both try to stay fit, eat right, avoid stress and keep up morale. And focus on love. There are some things that are happy notes: under the new chemotherapy regime, Ellen’s hair seems to be growing back.
Lovely gathering last night of some of Ellen’s Latina compañeras; laughter and good cheer through the evening.
When this chapter started, the land was covered with snow. And here it comes again. By the time this chapter ends, winter will again be upon us, and the countryside will be under a deep white blanket. There is already ice on the pond.
Each year we buy a box of local peaches in September and try to make them last as long as we can. We ate the last one yesterday.
Ellen’s medical advisory team (below) continue to do their job with distinction.
So we think do often of our friends and family and how they have supported us, and how comforting that support has been. And how much we need you all. The next few months are likely to be cold, rugged and hard. We will persevere.
“The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”        — Thomas Paine
Ellen's Journey 
Thank you so much for keeping us posted, it’s good to hear how much love and good spirit you found in this time of your life. Send my prayers and hope to bring you some hot soup during the cold whether to come to keep you worm🙏🌷💞
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Peace to you both. I’ll check in with you when I’m back from Virginia. Much love to you.
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Dear Ellen and Luke,
It is such a loving and optimistic note. Both of you are doing the right thing in how you approach this great challenge. Somehow, I feel that this change in the chemo infusions will do the trick. That it is kinder and gentler to Ellen. Yes, winter is soon with you and us. My father once sent me a card (when I was studying at the Univ. of York, England) with a picture of snowdrops. The text he wrote was: “When winter comes, can spring be far behind?” A poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. … Time flies and soon spring will be with you. Then chemotherapy will be over, marking a new beginning for us all. More than anything else, you have the love and comfort of each other. Also, you seem so thankful, which is a wonderful gift to have. Love to you both, Anna
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hoia linda gente .gracias por tenerme informada a la distancia.
me alegro mucho que todo vaya para adelante.
siempre estoy en contacto con Libeth ,ella esta bien y siempre contenta.
hermosas los paisajes que tienen alrededor.
Les deceo todo mejor. un abazo grande ,Elsa
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