I received an email from a friend. You know the kind. You probably receive them, too. This one was titled, "Good Advice" written by a 90 year old. The list was a long one, 45 pearls of wisdom to be exact. The one that stuck with me? Forgive everyone everything...
We've heard it before. It's been said many times in a myriad of ways by many famous people, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
People misspeak. Coming from our own corners, with our personal histories, we misinterpret. Feelings get hurt. People most often mean well. Sometimes mistakes are made. But remember, each day every one of us is faced with challenges with which we must cope.
Forgive everyone everything. Try it. See how it impacts your life.
The last month has been crammed full of doctor appointments, chemo treatments, a 3 day admission to St. Vincent's Medical Center for pneumonia, and surgery (spaying) for Mia, too! Life has been super busy. And as always, all the love and the many messages from all our friends and family have helped sustain us.
On Monday, October 29th Joe will be admitted at 7:45 am to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center/ MSKCC, 1275 York Ave in NYC. A neurosurgeon will percutaneously insert 4 screws and 2 rods into Joe's L2 vertebra. Recovery is much faster from this type of surgery as it is less invasive that traditional methods for back surgery. The total procedure will take approximately 3 hours as imaging is done to ensure proper placement of the hardware. Kyphoplasty, a procedure to inject a cement-like substance will be done as well.
In September, Joe's CT scans showed that his cancer has spread. Hence, the change in chemo treatment to different drugs. One of the areas showed a tumor in the vertebral column. This has caused severe pain for Joe. Monday's surgery is necessary to provide pain relief from the fracture caused by the tumor and to stabilize this area to prevent any spinal cord compression. The following week, Joe will receive a one time dose of radiation to destroy the tumor.
By the time you read this post, we will be en-route to the Upper West side of Manhattan to Aunt Lynn's apartment. We will spend Sunday afternoon watching football and relaxing. Monday morning we will be up bright and early to head to the East side to MSKCC. Check back for updates, we will keep you posted.
Thank you for all your love,
Doreen
PS This afternoon I spoke with the neurosurgery fellow on call. Joe's surgery is confirmed for tomorrow. Some of the doctors are overnighting at Sloan due to the storm. The stores are jammed with shoppers and long lines as New York prepares for Sandy.
In September, Joe's CT scans showed that his cancer has spread. Hence, the change in chemo treatment to different drugs. One of the areas showed a tumor in the vertebral column. This has caused severe pain for Joe. Monday's surgery is necessary to provide pain relief from the fracture caused by the tumor and to stabilize this area to prevent any spinal cord compression. The following week, Joe will receive a one time dose of radiation to destroy the tumor.
By the time you read this post, we will be en-route to the Upper West side of Manhattan to Aunt Lynn's apartment. We will spend Sunday afternoon watching football and relaxing. Monday morning we will be up bright and early to head to the East side to MSKCC. Check back for updates, we will keep you posted.
Thank you for all your love,
Doreen
PS This afternoon I spoke with the neurosurgery fellow on call. Joe's surgery is confirmed for tomorrow. Some of the doctors are overnighting at Sloan due to the storm. The stores are jammed with shoppers and long lines as New York prepares for Sandy.
Sarah, Joe, Mia, Brittany, Gabby, Lis, Jeremy, Hannah, NYC, 9/23/12
2 comments:
Hiya ( as they say here in England..),
Thank you for the detailed update and letting us know all the events that have past and to come.
Jackie has just registered yet again for a marathon. As training for me, equals to massive weight gain (since i eat what she eats and don't run 10miles a day) and early early mornings, I am happy for her to feel inspiration from Joe.
We are excited to be back in the States this December and look forward to seeing everyone before New Years. We will bring some traditional English treats with us too! ;)
Lastly Doreen- I just came across my 25th birthday celebration in the sky photos! Wow, what a exceptional weekend. Those memories will last a lifetime. Thank you for the experience. And I still boast about you to my friends here. "My friends mom well she is kind of awesome..." And much more.
Well, see everyone soon.
Lots of hugs, kisses and football high fives,
Lauren
Joe- we love you. <3
You don't know me but I am a friend of Ray's and Tom's and kids.
I have been praying right along for Joe and will continue to do so. Sending love and strength for tomorrow and also praying that the storm doesn't interfere and that everyone stays safe.
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