Not the news I wanted to post
Well, I didn't get the luck of the draw. Although my cancer was detected early enough to be treated surgically, there was about a 50-50 chance that it would recur, and mine has metastasized to the liver.
Today we talked with my oncologist. No treatments would be of any use now, only adding pain and suffering for a small, if any, return of time.
So the plan is to treat whatever symptoms occur. It seems I am not likely to suffer any pain that can't be dealt with by medication, or any other dramatic symptoms. I'll just get more tired and sleep more.
The doctor has referred me to hospice care, not because of any immediate needs -- I still get around the house and care for myself ok, and expect to be able to attend some basketball games! -- but to have their assistance ready in coming months.
Please don't feel too sorry for me and Dave. We've found so much happiness in our 46 years together. We're comfortable and still finding pleasures on our last journey.
One of the big pleasures has been your loving support and good wishes. They haven't had much effect on my pancreas, but they continue to warm my heart.
Comments (16)
Sending you love Marian and Dave. My father had the same cancer and his spread to the liver as well. He didn't experience much pain at all. I honor your loving relationship - 46 years together is an amazing accomplishment! I look forward to seeing you at a game soon. Much love, André
I am very sad to hear that. I am also glad that you are not in too much discomfort or pain. I am looking forward to seeing you and Dave when I return home from school in November. With love and all the best, Robert.
Marian, My admiration for you is boundless. I so appreciate you sharing this journey with such radical honesty and bravery. You and Dave have been such an integral part on the WBB fan base and I have been lucky enough to work closely with you both over the past 14 years. I will keep you in my daily prayers and look forward to seeing you on the hardwood! Eileen
What courage you are showing through this difficult time. Your love of Stanford basketball as evidenced by your editing, writing, and parenting the Fast Break Club site has been such a gift to the team and fans. What a legacy! I’ll see you at the games and look forward to opportunities for more good times together.
Not the news we were all hoping! You are one strong gracious woman who we admire! Wow,46 years of marriage and how many wonderful vacation trips ! We always loved reading about your travels! We do appreciate all you have done for Stanford women’s basketball and in the days past ABL. Wonder if you folks attended more away games than any other folks....😊 If you want company any time along the way do let us know! Sending our love ❤️ Arlene and Clara
Know that you are in our thoughts. You are amazing!!! Deb and the CHRC team
Dear Marion, This is such sad news, not what anyone who knows you wants to learn of. I think of you constantly, as an inspiration, always with a wonderful smile and energy, enthusiasm. I will continue to do so, and very much hope that you do manage to make it to a basketball game. My heart goes out to you and Dave. Very warmly, Joan Boothe
Marian, So sorry to hear your news. We who are SWBB fans appreciate all that you have done for the team, its activities and its grads. I sincerely hope you can make it to many games this season. Warmly, Judy
Hi Marian. Lori here. My dad forwarded this message from you. We have asked how you were doing whenever we saw them. So now we know. Cancer sucks, no doubt about it. Mike is in a clinical trial for his latest recurrence and so far so good. So sorry you have to go through this but it appears you have a handle on what to expect down the road. I’m glad you’ll be able to watch some basketball - you are a true fan. Take care and hang in there. 😘
I miss you both. I wish I could have seen you over these past years. I'm always glad for any communications we've had via email or from Mom and Dad. We send our love from Michigan. Xoxo❤️🙏
Wow, Godmother mine! Sorry to hear about this, but I am so pleased to see how up-beat you are! Yes! Continue to do what you love, and one of those things is for you to give a huge hug to David, and yourself, from Bev and Steve. Prayers and more prayers, Bev
Thank you for sharing your love with Stanford women’s basketball fans. We started the FBC site together out of a shared love for the team and you took it to a whole new level sharing your passion and love for the team with all of us for so many years. In that way I look at your life as a wonderful gift and example for us all about how to live. Find something you are passionate about, apply your gift and talents and keep giving all that you can to others. Your life is an example of a person taking your passion and enriching the lives of countless others without asking for anything in return. I can only say you are an important role model for all of us to try to emulate. Being able to share your love for WBB with your husband combined with his website talents is icing the cake. So thanks for a life well led and for adding some joy to my life along the way!
Dear Dear Cortesis... Certainly this is not the news we were hoping for. We are beyond appreciation for your sharing your journey with us. Be sure that you will continue have our best support, admiration and love forever. Looking forward to seeing you at Maples. Mary and Bob Dodge
Marian, Not the news we wanted to read. We were so happy, two years ago, to visit you and renew this relationship between ours families. We will always remember your kind hospitality during this beautiful day in Palo Alto, visiting Stanford, Computer Museum, the dinner in Palo Alto Hills and the kids looking for Pokemons all around your house.... We hold you in our hearts. Nous t'embrassons très affectueusement et pensons beaucoup à toi. Michel, Sophie, Pauline et Aurélien.
Thinking of you, and Dave, Marian. If only those thoughts could have an effect on your pancreas!
All of us at Canopy are thinking of you and Dave. It was a treat to see you both in August, thank you for coming to Maika's party. We've been missing you so much, Marian, we love you dearly and are in awe of your indomitable spirit!