Joe's Journey

51 Years Old Today

joeshealingfriends — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:00:12 +0000

Written September 2nd but not posted till September 6th. My internet has been out at home for the past few days so I have been unable to post this. Fortunately my blackberry is not affected, so at least I’ve been able to access my email.
As you can all see, this is my first post on this blog since 2009. It’s almost as if there was such a focused effort to heal me from my cancer before, during and immediately after my treatments that it became time for all of us, including myself, to turn our efforts towards others who are in need of our attention and our prayers. So as I turn 51 today I thought the best way to celebrate this day would be to reflect on and articulate what has happened since the last time I posted something.
In retrospect I can’t really say that my life has changed in any extraordinary way. Until I am reminded of the fact that I could have been one of those who lost the battle. It happens more often than I ever thought was possible. Since ending my treatments in February 2009 I have lost several friends to this deadly disease. What is particularly scary is that like me, they were fierce fighters too, with positive attitudes, had lots of people praying for them and a burning desire to live. That being said, I can only conclude that there is no rhyme or reason why one person survives when others do not. I can only surmise that everyone has their own path and their own destiny. But that is hardly an adequate explanation to the families of those now lost. There is much we don’t know about the art of living, other than it’s full of unexplained mysteries. Speaking from my own personal experience, one thing I do know in my heart is that the blog Karen set up for me, and all those people who came on and contributed, had a profound healing affect on me. I wanted people to know I was sick and I needed their prayers. The blog certainly got the word out. I believe that hearing from so many people, all of whom were wishing me a full recovery, sharing stories and reminding me of their love and friendship, made the difference for me. Though at the end of the day I just tell people that I’m just one of the lucky ones.
Speaking of friends lost please keep Alan Miller, Solomon Glushak, Kurt Stokes, Jack McGetrick and Patricia McArdle in your prayers. (I hope I’m not missing anyone) It was my intention to write just a few short paragraphs on each of these dear friends but soon realized this was impossible. I began with Alan and wrote 4 pages before I looked up. I realized that this could go on for days. So as a gift to their families I have decided to write my own personal memorial to each of them, expressing exactly how I felt about them, with no limit on the amount of words. Once I do this, I will send it to them, and maybe even post it on my blog.
As an update as to where we all are as a family I will begin with Karen. After having to leave graduate school at Cal Arts, in December of 2008, to return home for my treatments, she is now re-enrolled in her graduate studies. This time closer to home, at Sarah Lawrence in Bronxville. Karen was a major force in my healing process, focusing all of her love and energy on me getting well, when I needed her most. Now with both kids away at school, it is finally time for her to finish developing her project and share all the good she has to offer. The Good Mother Project focuses on the healing of adolescent victims of violence and addiction, through live performance and multi-media. Her first day of classes was yesterday. She is grateful to be in such a nurturing environment at Sarah Lawrence, and is thrilled to be studying with such talented and accomplished professors. Given this amazing pool of collaborators it’s clear she is well on her way.
Now 21, Lydia is developing into a very special young lady. I can tell by meeting her friends that she is loved by everyone she comes in contact with. Besides being very bright, she is off the charts in what experts call emotional intelligence. Empathetic with a heart of gold, I could not be more proud of her. In addition to what I have already said…… she is funny, beautiful like her mom, hard working, determined, and destined to make a difference. Lydia is now a junior at Sarah Lawrence but taking classes at Pitzer College in Southern California this fall, before she leaves for a study abroad program in Nepal second semester. If all goes well both Lydia and Karen will graduate from Sarah Lawrence together in 2013.
Jack, 15, is currently in his sophomore year at the Putney School in Vermont, and loving it. Much like his sister, Jack is social justice advocate who loves music and has a strong sense of himself. Jack attended Berkeley Music school in Boston to sharpen his guitar skills this summer, in addition to washing dishes and mopping floors at a local café in Lenox. Our family has moved several times the past few years for various reasons. From New York to the Berkshires, back to New York, back to the Berkshires, then back and forth from California…switching schools and leaving friends. Through all of this I must say that they’re both doing very well and that everything we have experienced together has made them who they are.
Professionally speaking, Tony n’ Tina is still out there….. and two or three new shows are now coming into play. Doctor Zhivago recently finished its tour throughout Australia and is scheduled to open soon in Korea in 2012, Scandinavia in 2013, and London sometime in between. The second show is the one I’m most excited about. It was written and will be performed by Maripat Donovan, the creator of Late Nite Catechism, as well as 2 Tony n’ Tina alumnus, Scott Bielecky and Denise Fennel, called Mrs. B’s Guide to Love and Marriage. Performances begin next spring at the Laguna Playhouse. Lastly, Mark Nassar and Larry Pelligrini wrote a sequel to Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding called “25 To Life”, which will celebrate the Silver Anniversary of when Tony n’ Tina began. Hopefully that show will open sometime in 2012 as well.
As far as my health is concerned, I remain in a good place. I must admit that seeing the cancer come back in several of my friends has made us all a little worried. It was only a few weeks ago that we lost our dear friend Alan. Alan was originally diagnosed around the same time as me, responded well to the treatments and appeared to be in the clear. Until he got sick recently. Though he fought like hell, the cancer ended up getting the best of him.
Having said that, fearful thoughts do come my way. What I do when that happens is to immediately replace those thoughts……reminding myself of how grateful I am, how lucky I am, and that my desire to live is a stronger force than any illness. So far all has been as good, and I expect that same news when I see Dr Pietanza after my next scan this coming October. I told her after my treatments ended, but before the results of my first scan……. I’m already in the clear and thank you for curing me. So far, I’ve been right on.
On a daily basis It is my hope to give back to all those who helped me by being a good friend, husband, Dad, uncle, brother and overall citizen. As is the sentiment amongst all survivors, I feel like I’m one of the luckiest people alive today and try to remember to treat each day as a blessing. I will still be traveling to New York and Bronxville at least 2-3 days a week. But now that everyone is away the time has come for me to do more of the things I forced myself to make time for. I’m still busy trying to get shows to happen. But I am passionate about what I do that doesn’t feel like work to me. But in my spare time I do intend on writing more, reading more and getting my body back into shape. It’s almost like I’m reverting back to my days when the full focus was on healing. Except this time I’m not sick and I still have time to do my business as well. Day 1 for me, since I left Karen yesterday, has been a quiet and rainy one. Labor day being a quiet day for business, I’ve been writing most of day and have started reading a new book…… and spent 45 minutes on the treadmill. Tomorrow will be Day 2. Will post again sooner than later.

All Still Good

joeshealingfriends — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:02:23 +0000

Should have posted this sooner, but for those of you who do not know yet, my latest scan in January produced more good news. I continue to feel well and my doctor says whatever it is that was in there continues to get smaller. Thank you all again for all of your support. Next scan is April 6th, so I will keep you appraised.
Love
Joe

I’m Being Honored

joeshealingfriends — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:37:24 +0000

For those of you who don’t already know I am being honored by Hofstra University on February 6th, at a benefit to support their “Save our Scholarship” fund. Monies raised from this evening will help Hofstra attract the best students, regardless of their economic ability to meet the high cost of a Hofstra education.
One of the evenings biggest sponsors is Jim Metzger. A friend, classmate and teammate since our footbll and lacrosse days at Half Hollow Hills High school, and then again at Hofstra. Jim is a very generous contributer to Hofstra having supported the efforts to upgrade the sports facilities, the website and the establisment of a database that will make all information regarding the sports program, both past and present, accessible online. Jim is also the founder and CEO of The Whitmore Group. More information can be found regarding Jim at www.jamesmetzger.net
For information on the benefit you can email me at joecorcoran@att.net or call Lisa Compegna at Hofstra at 516-463-5338. Be in touch
Love
Joe

Another Good Scan Result

joeshealingfriends — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:23:08 +0000

I am happy to say that things continue to move n the right direction in regard to my health. Have gone from getting scans every 2 months from the time I finished my treatment, to 3 months, so that’s good. Not sure of my next appointment but I will post it ahead of time. Should be sometime in early March. Thanks for your continued prayers and good thoughts. It’s working….

Next Scan January 6th

joeshealingfriends — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:02:21 +0000

Unfortunately I haven’t been making regular postings, but I am trusting that everyone understands that we all get pre-occupied….. and the time just gets away. My next scan is Wednesday January 6th although I won’t know the results till I see the doctor on January 8th. I have every reason to believe more good news is coming. Although I feel strong and healthy, in the back of your mind there is always the possibility of getting another curve ball. Please keep Michael Morgan, Jack McGetrick and Pete Habdza in your prayers. They too are fighting cancer and need your positive thoughts. I have begun drafting another story for the joesjourney site which recaps all I’ve been through in 2009, including several close friends who have not been as lucky as I, and have since passed. Hopefully it will be up soon. In the meantime, my blessings of health and happiness to everyone in this coming year.
Love
Joe

PS I am being honored by my alma mater, Hofstra University, on February 6th. Will be sending invites with details to everyone with the hope that maybe you can join us for a mini-reunion

O Holy Night by the Celtic Women

joeshealingfriends — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:47:48 +0000

Merry Christmas Joe, and to everyone else out there

Donna Murphy

hi there

joeshealingfriends — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:29:11 +0000

just wanted to say hi and let you know I am glad to hear your great news. I also wanted to let you know we have all learned a lot from your experience. I myself have and this blog connection. Thank you for sharing your experience. Keep up the good work. Love always, Jeannie xoxoxo

Letter From Joe #14

joeshealingfriends — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:45:03 +0000

I’m happy to report that the results of my latest scan October 2^nd have come in and all is still well. My uninvited guest continues to shrink and I continue to feel well. It’s been a while since I posted anything the blog, but happy to see people are still visiting and posting messages of good wishes. Life since “the news” and my apparent recovery” continues to stabilize. Though it does seems as if I am establishing a new, more fluid definition of what my new “normal” has become…… or will end up being. I must say, I’ve been operating out of my comfort zone. I’ve been worrying less, trusting more and generally making better good choices. Including leaving things behind, that I previously allowed to drain my energy and my spirit.

I’m about 5 weeks into a writing group which I am really enjoying, and expecting it will result in my first book. Appears that my latest experience has prompted a need to express myself in ways I had never really done before. But it’s all coming out and the process of documenting my thoughts has been really rewarding. If I had any idea how great this could be, I would have started doing this long ago. But I guess that’s one of the gifts. At least for me, facing my own mortality has pushed me to accept the fact that all the rules are changed. The only constant now is everlasting change.

Since my diagnosis I have heard of several people who have been stricken with cancer, many of whom have been friends, some of whom who have since passed. As I write this almost ten people come immediately to mind. I won’t mention their names in respect for their own process……. but if you hear or know of anyone who is ill please don’t hesitate to make a call, write an email or post a message. This phenomenon of establishing connection through the internet is a tremendous tool in keeping people apprised of others’ well being, their families and friends. It wasn’t that long ago that what happened as a result of joesjourney was not even possible. Yet I can truly say it has been a tremendous influence on my process, knowing so many people were out there who cared and wished me well. These days I make a point to reach out and connect with others when I hear they have become ill, like some did for me. Feels like I’ve become part of an exclusive club whose members carry on a responsibility, and a gift that must be offered to others. To let them know I once stood in their shoes……….

I believe gratefulness and appreciation has been very powerful in my healing process. I wake up every morning now, truly appreciating everything and everyone around me. This new found perspective is helping me to not sweat the small stuff anymore, or at least most of it. When I left Dr. Pietanza today I told her I was writing a book, and will be crediting her personally for curing me of cancer. She knew I was half kidding, but in the same breath she appreciated the recognition. She said it made her day.

At least from my experience doctors work hard and do their best with all their patients, but sometimes it just doesn’t go the way we all hope. For me it was a mixed bag containing good luck, timing, prayer, and lots of other undeterminable events that cannot be measured. I have seen others with similar attitudes and support lose the battle, so I am not so naïve to think that despite everything I had going for me….. things could have turned out differently . Thus, it is the mysteries of life that has really opened a door to a new limitless world for me. Having said that, I am going to sign off now, but stay tuned. There is much more to come.

Much love,

Joe

Continue to defy gravity Joe

joeshealingfriends — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:45:15 +0000

Reunited, and it feels so good …

joeshealingfriends — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:57:15 +0000

Well hey, 24 hours was better than nothin’ right? I’m so glad I was able to see you guys while I was on the east coast. Joe and Karen, what a delight: Joe to see you again for the first time since Men at Work and Depeche Mode were climbing the charts, and Karen to MEET you (and the kids), for the first time ever! Wow! I’m kind of in shock that it’s already been a whole month since I was there. THANK you for driving all that way to cart my butt back and forth from the train station! Next time I’ll stay a week and make it really worth your while!! Sorry I never got to walk the poochies (saving that for my next visit). Stay in touch you two, and keep those musical suggestions rolling in .. whatever inspires you, or whatever you think needs to be heard more widely, for whatever reason. Music, comedy, spoken-word, it’s all good. Next show is Sat. Oct 3, from 5 to 7 pm Eastern Time, only on KMUD.org. I’m off to Earthdance @ Laytonville (Mendocino County) tomorrow for 3 days of music and dance in hundred-degree temps, oh boy. All the best! and much love and respect .. Dougie T / Dj Jack Frybulous