Joe's Journey

Hey joe finally read the mega thing about
pass word Daaah… It all sounds good to me kid
it’s up to you and us…remember my anuyerismsot
story… not to beat a dead horse.. but still
rubbing pink stone… EVERY DAY.. love n
all that stuff..

I can’t imagine a better way to put it.  Robi’s quote  - “We’re in for the A. ”  And that’s what it will be. Full on positivity. Joe and I have talked about staying on a positive plain – in general – which is easier said then done because it is more than an idea. It’s a discipline.  To stay positive, to think of what we have and what we’ve been blessed with instead of how we’ve been wronged and hurt,  is difficult. The best week I’ve had all year  is the week I spent with Joe when he was going through treatment.  I was able to spend more time with him than I had in a while and that was great.  I was able to spend time with Lydia who I adore. I saw college friends which is always a  blast.  But it was the positive vibe that we needed to have under the circumstances that lifted the whole week.  I couldn’t come to Joe with all my complaints and bullshit.  So I stayed on this higher level and it had power and it lasted for a while, but stupid petty life did creep back and I had to regroup.  I told Joe something like,  ”Ya know, I don’t know what happened. But I haven’t been able to stay on that top level of  positive outlook .”  Not about Joe.  Just in general. We both concurred that it takes work and discipline to look at things on the bright side.   But you have to get on it and stay on it. The cliche – “you can’t afford a negative thought”, is a little over the top, but has a truth to it. We can’t stick are heads in a hole, but – let’s reach for that higher ground. There is power in it. On this blog, it’s about Joe’s healing. But it’s about all our healing. Think positive, look at what’s good in the world and the people in it… look away from the petty and stay in the light and when you think about Joe, send that power his way and he’ll send it back and we’ll all be okay.  Joe, you got great news period! It’s all good. And I can’t wait to see you next week.

Mark N.

Dear Friends- As most of you already know, I received the results of my scan last Friday, and I’m happy to report all is as good as it can be. Dr. Pietanza did do, what seemed to us, a little beating around the bush at first…….. But eventually we got the information we were looking for. She went on to explain that the tumor was reduced, bad cells were being replaced by good ones, and that the targeted cells actually compress due to the treatments, leaving a honeycomb like residue which may be evident on all future scan results. Her tone was positive yet still cautious. As we tried our best to follow her we hung on every word and pressed for more specific answers. My sister Eileen finally just came out and said “So can we see this as a happy day or is it a sad day”? When she confirmed “happy” we were all relieved. As usual the doctors are very cautious…… so as not to give any information that could potentially lead to misinterpretation/litigation So like what a lawyer does we had to ask the right questions with the hope of getting the most specific answers. And even then, they try to be as vague as possible. Not that I don’t understand this. I’m certain both the doctors and the staff are trained by corporate lawyers in regard to how to protect themselves as well as the hospital. This tug of war for information is one we practice at every doctor’s appointment. Especially when I’m fully staffed with my own personal medical and legal associates.
Given there was no real anticipation in my mind for the “report”, I had little to no reaction to the news when it finally came. I actually would have been shocked if it was anything less than “excellent”. This was based primarily on how I had been feeling the past few weeks. I felt in my body and I knew in my own mind that the tumor was dissolving. I guess my own self proclamation early on in this process, that I was prepared to do whatever it took to get well, didn’t hurt either. As Robi Nedboy used to tell her teachers on the first day of school “I’m here for the A”. I never did that when I was in school but thought it wasn’t too late to adopt this strategy now, some thirty years later.
Still a long road ahead from what I’m told, and reluctantly believe…… at least for now. The medical community says that not until you have been cancer free for 10 years do they finally declare you cured. Now I can’t afford to be worried for the next ten years. So my plan is to continue to be more conscious of my diet, exercise more and continue to remind myself of all of my fellow cancer survivors. At the same time I will absolutely be more grateful and appreciative for all I have been blessed with. Great family, friends and overall a pretty good life, which I only expect to get better. I am scheduled for another scan in 2 months, with other doctor appointments in between. By all means I will keep everyone informed.
Love,
Joe

Hey Joe,

I’ve been out of touch for a while for a few reasons. One is I finally made the move from southern up to northern Humboldt County, California; I’ve found a really great house-share with the friend of a friend in the county-seat, Eureka. I’m really gonna miss the weather I left behind: here on the coast it’s a lot grayer and damper. Down in the Garberville/Redway area an hour south of here (where the radio station I DJ at is located), it’s frequently blue-sky sunny and 10 to 15 degrees warmer. But there’s a lot more going on up here, socially as well as economically, so that’s cool. I’m trying to reduce my carbon footprint further by parking the pickup, so bought a bike and some running shoes, and am thinking about training for my second Humboldt Redwoods Marathon, in October. (Notice I did say “thinking about”!)

Also, in the first half of March, I did another (my second) ten-day silent meditation, about 400 miles southeast of here, at a Vipassana Meditation Center in a little town called North Fork, couple hours drive south of Yosemite. I joined 54 men and 55 women for the ten days, during which time we were completely segregated: separate dorms, separate eating halls. When we meditated together, we entered this large hall from different doors, and sat on opposite halves in the space.

Our day began at 4:30 with meditation either in our rooms or in the great hall — there was a total of about ten hours of meditation each day, interspersed with breaks and rest periods –  and ended about 9 pm. Our meals (basic though delicious vegetarian fare, lovingly prepared) were provided at no cost, as was the accommodation, which was simple, although comfortable. Those who feel they get any benefit from their time there are welcome to donate in consideration of students yet to come, but there was no coercion to contribute.

I had some of the same issues I did last time (six years ago, at a center in Belgium): quieting the mind, and keeping it focused (for the first three days) on the breath. There’s an old metaphor that compares the normal state of the mind’s natural (untrained) tendency to be in continual search for something new to a monkey in a tree, swinging from branch to branch. But I feel fortunate to have had a couple of .. I guess “remarkable” is the best word .. experiences while there, one of which happened during the last session on the last day, a particular kind of sensation that had been discussed and explained that had, until then, always eluded me. I would be willing to share more about it if you and I were face-to-face, but it doesn’t seem appropriate to go on about it now.

Although the teaching comes from the Buddha, religion does not enter in to Vipassana. Learning the technique is seen as good for humans, and what one believes about God, Allah, Yahweh, gods/goddesses, dogmas, beliefs, etc. is totally beside the point. So people of all faiths (or no faith) are welcome, and there is no question of any attempt to convert. There is nothing to convert people to, except the value in learning to still the mind, in order to go within.

Anyway Joe, the reason that I mention all of this is: some people, I’m not sure of any percentage, find out about and approach Vipassana because of a medical crisis in their lives. In fact, S.N. Goenka, the Burmese guy (now in his 80s) who has popularized Vipassana, first came to it as a young man due to his suffering from severe migraines, that doctors in several countries were apparently helpless to deal with. I hasten to add however, that the purpose of V. is not to cure disease; I would say that it’s to learn how to be happy (first, through waking up from suffering) through practicing balance (equanimity) and awareness.

Now if I were to say one more word on the subject, I would certainly sound like a proselytizer, or worse yet, a salesman. (Just kidding, salesmen!) So I’ll close by saying if you’re interested to find out more, check out the website.

Oh, there’s lots more going on Joe, but it’s late. And I may be back in touch shortly with news of something big. But before announcements are made, I’m sitting still (hmmm, wonder where THAT comes from!), listening to my intuition, and thinking too about who might make a good mentor to help me with this enormous project I’m thinking of tackling. Hell, I guess I wouldn’t have said this much if I weren’t keen on advancing it! Anyway Joe, keep me in your prayers, as I do you and your loved ones.

Couldn’t resist this one too

Joe – Thought this would bring you a belly-laugh!  (Seems like yesterday.)  The boys may protest though   Love, Mike

To those of you who have not yet heard……. the results of my first scan was good. More details to follow, when I have more time.
Love,
Joe

We know you are going to have the best Easter this year with the family ! You deserve it ! All the best and God Bless ! Stay Strong !

Congratulations! on the great news. I knew you would show us all how a posative attitude can make anything happen. enjoy! love always, Jeannie xoxoxo

I hope you have a great Easter surrounded by your loving family. Always in our prayers. The Bicknells

Glad to hear that you’re in a strong mental space and I am glad to see a new and inspiring post from you. I think about you often and I know all will be alright for you. Love Justine

Hey Joe, I took this photo some time ago and rediscovered it today; it felt inspring   It reminded me that both YOU and KAREN are an inspiration to all of us.

Notice the radiant light around the bird’s wings and body.  I see that same light around you these days…

Keep on healing!  Your friend always, Michael Mah

Dear Joe, Karen Lydia and Jack,

Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, with good vibes 

and healing apple pies baking, all will be well.

love Carolyn and the brood

Hi Joe,
Wishing and praying for you!
X0! Eileen and Mike

Joe,  I read your update and of course as always,  I am impressed with your approach. Glad to hear and read you are feeling great. Dianne and the girls send their love and positive vibes as usual. I am looking forward to hearing about Margate and the Corcoran clan in full swing. I am  looking forward to the Hofstra vs UNC game, which as you know is Saturday April 18th at 7:00pm.  Pre game prep will be at my house on the 17th which I fully expect to see the usual crew.  Joe, spread the word, I am looking forward to spending some time with you breaking chops and having a few laughs. We can promiss that with Lonergan in town!!!! Nasar, come on brother, its not that long of a flight….Cheers from Bay Shore—-Gary and the gang!

Saw Kim and Bill this past weekend…they told me all about that fabulous lobster bash!  Also talked about how great you look and feel…that’s awesome!   The power of prayer and positive thinking always comes through.   We will continue to pray and I have faith that the upcoming spring season which brings us beauty and new growth will also bring a new beginning for you…filled with all good things…Keep up the good work….Love, Elle  (Kim’s Mom)

Hi Joe,
Thinking about you and visited the site to get your update. You are a strong man and incredibly admirable. Jessica and I have nothing but positive and well wishing thoughts and hope for your speedy recovery.

Warmest regards,

Jeff & Jessica Gitlin

Hi there! just wanted to say your still thought of and prayed for daily. Wishing you well wishes. Good luck for friday. Only good news will come your way. stay posative. Love jeannie XOXOXO

Hey Joe.  Just checking the site to see what’s new.  Keep up the great work.   MB

I’ll be sending positive, healing thoughts your way while you wait for your test results. I hope you are feeling well and look forward to seeing you sometime soon.
Mary Nash

Dear friends- First I must apologize for not being in closer touch. I have heard from many that they were looking for an update, only to find nothing posted. Been hard for me to write the past few weeks which I will tell you more about next time.
Yesterday was my first scan since finishing my treatments on February 13th. I must say it was a strange to be back there. Just like when I first heard of my illness, and even went through the treatments, the feeling can be best described as surreal. Fortunately the person in charge of starting the IV was skilled and was able to access my port with very little discomfort. The scanning machine is a little scary though, which I deal with by closing my eyes and visualize being someplace else. The technicians (my guy this time was a Russian named Boris) operate these massive machines, scanning dozens of people a week, all with varying degrees of cancer, with a casualness that shouldn’t surprise us……….. but it does. The stakes are huge for the patients, yet for those who are around it every day it’s just another day at the office.
But to get to the point, I will not know my results until I see Dr Pietanza next Friday. I’m sure I could call ahead and find out sooner. But given I have no control over any of this, other than to continue to do what I’m doing, I can wait. Sorry to keep everyone in suspense but my feeling has been all along that my body is healing. I feel good now, my appetite is back and so is my hair.
I have a lot more to share, namely my trip to Margate with my family, but it will come sometime this week, in the next posting.
Thank you all for your continued love and support.
Love,
Joe

hey guys—just wanted to check in and say hello, so here i am.  think about you all the time and keep checking out the site to see what’s new–i feel like i’m eavesdropping half the time (but in a good way….)  love to everyone from everyone here—marcy, steve, beau and eden.

30 minutes after arrival in Daytona, we saw this, thought of you.

It was AWESOME!!!

Carolyn and the Brood