Hello everyone out there,
A few weeks ago we held an appreciation gathering for all of those who have shown so much care and support for my family and I during this very emotional time. Unfortunately I was locked out of my account and only now recovered the original posting, so the content of this was originally written a few weeks ago and is now being expanded upon.
At the gathering we had a great time seeing our friends and meeting all of those faces who had been writing their support but still remained faceless. We cooked our world famous Urzua's chili and home-made BBQ sauce from scratch, had lil' smokies and a ton of hot dogs for everyone. We had a great turn out with people beginning to show up around 2 p.m. and filtering in and out until late into the evening. Even though I was a little drained in the afternoon from my Chemo, I was very uplifted by the company and was able to keep up all night, it was fantastic. I miss having gathering like that and sharing with so many new and existing friends alike. I feel incredibly blessed that with all that has been going on and all I have been through, I can still enjoy a carefree day of just sharing company, experiences and good food with really great people and not feel like I have an illness. I mean, there is no denying I have cancer, but no one really looks at me or treats me like an invalid, which is great. I love that people just accept that no matter what, I'm just Joey. Even those who couldn't make it or live too far away dropped in on our Facebook page and left little messages showing that they were here in spirit.
So many people showed up it was amazing, lets see if I can still remember who all came, From K-9 there was Chris, Kevin, Cody, Dan, Mark and a couple more, also Sara, Shayna and a few more of the wives. CPT Hegge showed up, as did COL Edwards and his wife Vanessa with their son Dylan. Ashley Myers, Tamara Richards, Katy Bowden, Thomas Odeen, Jessica Lynn Estebane-Venturino, Mike Kimball, lots of kiddos, Tony and Summer Lozano, Vanessa Asis-Perrigo, Issac and Christina Bliek, Chris and Amanda and Kayla Sansing, Chaplain Tisher, his wife Shannon and their children, my good friend Wayne Grimsrud, plus a whole bunch of children, our yard was packed. If I forgot anyone else, I apologize, please drop me a line and I'll add you in. It was great. Once we get to Texas and get situated, I want to have more gatherings like that. Already have a few visits lined up for some of my friends and family members to come out and see us.
The day really made me appreciate how much people care and how blessed my family and I really are. Since the diagnosis, Susanna has stopped working in order to care for me and make sure I get to my appts. and what not, and while I have done very well with my treatments, I still have days where i am in a lot of pain or am very emotional, especially now that I am being slowly weened off of my steroids in preparation for my MRI in a couple weeks. In addition we are trying to rent out the house before we leave for Texas and have a lot to do in anticipation of that. Unfortunately I am an emotional mess at times and can be a little unbearable. I am glad that Susanna and the kids are so patient with me as I adjust to this. One of the other big adjustments is getting used to supporting the family on my income alone. With everything packed up and gone, we are very limited on clothes and food and going through our resources like crazy, luckily we have some very good friends here who have offered to help out with use of their washer/dryer to clean our stuff. While I strive to remain upbeat and positive throughout my diagnosis and treatment, I must admit I have experienced the occasional bouts of anger and sadness. However, as I have been slowly reduced on my doses of steroids I have noticed the instances are fewer and a little more far between. I am still bloated like you wouldn't believe but am beginning to feel my strength return and am looking forward to be starting to exercise soon. Overall, I am feeling more good than bad and, as always, am grateful for my family, friends and the prayers and support of everyone out there. Thank you all.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Livin', Laughin'. Lovin', gotta lot to be thankful for.
I finally have a chance to write my blog. Thanks to my 3 year old daughters hacking skills, I was locked out of my account for the past 2 weeks. I finally retrieved my password and am finally able to re-write this. I finished my Radiation and Chemo Therapy on the 22nd of OCT. and have so far been doing really well. I also got a copy of my Orders to Ft. Sam Houston finally and my report date is going to bein Dec, and my household goods were packed and shipped out for us on OCT 29th so a lot has happened in a very short period of time. For those of you wondering what this means, I am still going to remain a SGT and Animal Care Specialist in the U.S. Army. However, I will no longer be a part of the Army Veterinary Command/Public Health Command and am being re-assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit (the Wounded Warrior Program) in San Antonio, TX. That is all the information I can divulge, but I am very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this unit and to receive care and treatment here.
So far my recovery from the diagnosis of my class 4 Glioblastoma has been amazing and I have so many people to be thankful for. First off I truly believe God has played the biggest role of all in saving my life and bringing about all of the people who have showed so much love and support for me and my family. There are those who I have encountered who have asked me how I can remain so positive in the face of all I have endured and have such faith and devotion, especially when I reveal that I have not always had the strongest of faith or been the most godly or religious of individuals throughout my life. Growing up I did not have the strongest or most nourishing church environment and was often in a dark place spiritually as I tried to make sense of my world and the series of unfortunate events my family experienced. By the time I got to Middle School I had been introduced to a very spiritual family in my neighborhood, the Manuekians, who had helped open my eyes and heart to the possibility of something more spiritual in my life. While I did not immediately find my way socially or spiritually, I did receive a sense of direction that has been working in my life and helping to guide me throughout the years.
One of the things I still am saddened by is when I receive messages or inquiries from people where they display anger, blame, or disbelief in God, especially at my situation. I don't understand how anyone could blame God, or whatever higher power that may influence their life. I mean, the way I interpret things, we were all given free will to live our lives, and while God does have a plan for everyone, what happens in the world is a result of what we as humans do with our time here, our choices and decisions shape our path, and some events occur that are in fact beyond our control. This does not mean that God is making bad things happen to good people and rewarding bad people in their place. It simply means that in the course of human events when bad things do happen to good people, God is there to care for them and provide strength for they and their families when they need it most. I see God in the same light I saw my parents growing up, but in the ultimate capacity. They watched out for me and tried to provide guidance as best they could to protect me, but were unable to protect me from every single contingency. When hurt they nurtured me and bandaged me up until I was old enough to take care of myself, and even then they never stopped worrying and caring for me. While my beliefs may fall somewhere between the Bible and Science, my faith has no doubt that there is a God and that he is watching out for us for better or for worse. If my cancer remains in remission and never returns or if it comes back within a year, he will be there to help me and my family through it and gives us the strength and wisdom accept his plan for us. While my goal with this observation is not to change the minds or hearts of others, it is just to express my opinions and possibly give others an alternate point of view.
There are too many people who have been involved in my recovery and who have touched my life in some way, shape or form for me to thank individually or to do everyone the justice they deserve, but I have been so blessed and whole heartedly wish to thank each and everyone who has wished us well and and been so caring and supportive during this trying time for both myself and my family.
Second to God, I would like to thank my beautiful Wife Susanna for caring for me, standing by me and supporting me during my diagnosis, surgery and initial treatment as well as taking care of our children during times when I was unable to help out due to my condition. The medical staff at the Rapid Regional Hospital who took care of me from diagnosis until my discharge was also wonderful and deserve the highest recognition for their compassion and dedication.
And those who have been responsible for my care from Dr. Salgeskog, the surgeon who removed and identified my tumor, to Dr. Schwartz, the Oncologist who has been providing weekly care and updates for me, and the rest of the Cancer Care Institute staff who cared and supported my treatment.
While was in the hospital still recovering I was also visited by several my co-workers and support elements from Ellsworth AFB, including my Commander, CPT Hegge, the K-9 Handlers from the 28th SFS, The 1st Shirt and Commander from 28th FSS, MSG Platt and LTC Rucker. I also received some spiritual encouragement from LTC Bell and Ms. Hedin. I was unable to use my phone or type very much during this time, but Susanna did check my calls and pass on several messages for me from my family, friends and lots of people from my unit.
We kept my illness quiet at first until we knew what was going on with me, and once I was discharged from the hospital Susanna sent out a mass e-mail letting everyone know what was going on with me and how I was doing after the fact. Once I had found out what my prognosis was, my first conscious request was that "I want to take my girls to Disneyland." So with the help of Susanna, SSG Buyck, my Mother and my sister Roshell, my cousin Stephanie and countless others, a mass message was circulated letting everyone know what my wish was and the response we got was nothing short of inspirational. People I had barely known responded, people I had not heard from in years responded, and people I did not even know responded in addition to those who were already close to me, donating to my families trip to Disneyland before I would begin my Chemo and Radiation treatment. We received letters of encouragement and support from all over. While I was not able to respond to many of them, I did sit with my children and read each and every one with them.
Another group of people who have been of extreme inspiration and assistance were the Key Spouse network here at Ellsworth headed up by Ms. Shayna Sidle who organized and scheduled for people to aid us with child-care, meals and other assistance, despite her times of illness and heavy school and family obligations, she is truly a blessing. For all of those who assisted us in our time of need, thank you.
I have also received a lot of encouragement from Chaplain Parrish, Chaplain Tisher, Chaplain Bell and Rev. Oliver as well as support from my friends and fellow worshippers at the Protestant and IGS services on base.
Through all of my experiences I have been feeling a bit of a calling and may actually be looking into working more with the religious services or possibly re-classing as a Chaplains Assistant once I get to Ft. Sam and get situated.
For now I am just focused on how fortunate and blessed that I have been able to touch the lives of so many people and likewise to have been affected by so many people in turn. I apologize that this blog is soo long and has an unusual flow to it, but I have been attempting to write it for some time and have been experiencing several setbacks in the process, namely Destiny, lol. I tried to be as fair as possible and acknowledge as many people as possible. If I missed anyone left anyone feeling overlooked, please forgive me. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to hearing your feedback on this.
So far my recovery from the diagnosis of my class 4 Glioblastoma has been amazing and I have so many people to be thankful for. First off I truly believe God has played the biggest role of all in saving my life and bringing about all of the people who have showed so much love and support for me and my family. There are those who I have encountered who have asked me how I can remain so positive in the face of all I have endured and have such faith and devotion, especially when I reveal that I have not always had the strongest of faith or been the most godly or religious of individuals throughout my life. Growing up I did not have the strongest or most nourishing church environment and was often in a dark place spiritually as I tried to make sense of my world and the series of unfortunate events my family experienced. By the time I got to Middle School I had been introduced to a very spiritual family in my neighborhood, the Manuekians, who had helped open my eyes and heart to the possibility of something more spiritual in my life. While I did not immediately find my way socially or spiritually, I did receive a sense of direction that has been working in my life and helping to guide me throughout the years.
One of the things I still am saddened by is when I receive messages or inquiries from people where they display anger, blame, or disbelief in God, especially at my situation. I don't understand how anyone could blame God, or whatever higher power that may influence their life. I mean, the way I interpret things, we were all given free will to live our lives, and while God does have a plan for everyone, what happens in the world is a result of what we as humans do with our time here, our choices and decisions shape our path, and some events occur that are in fact beyond our control. This does not mean that God is making bad things happen to good people and rewarding bad people in their place. It simply means that in the course of human events when bad things do happen to good people, God is there to care for them and provide strength for they and their families when they need it most. I see God in the same light I saw my parents growing up, but in the ultimate capacity. They watched out for me and tried to provide guidance as best they could to protect me, but were unable to protect me from every single contingency. When hurt they nurtured me and bandaged me up until I was old enough to take care of myself, and even then they never stopped worrying and caring for me. While my beliefs may fall somewhere between the Bible and Science, my faith has no doubt that there is a God and that he is watching out for us for better or for worse. If my cancer remains in remission and never returns or if it comes back within a year, he will be there to help me and my family through it and gives us the strength and wisdom accept his plan for us. While my goal with this observation is not to change the minds or hearts of others, it is just to express my opinions and possibly give others an alternate point of view.
There are too many people who have been involved in my recovery and who have touched my life in some way, shape or form for me to thank individually or to do everyone the justice they deserve, but I have been so blessed and whole heartedly wish to thank each and everyone who has wished us well and and been so caring and supportive during this trying time for both myself and my family.
Second to God, I would like to thank my beautiful Wife Susanna for caring for me, standing by me and supporting me during my diagnosis, surgery and initial treatment as well as taking care of our children during times when I was unable to help out due to my condition. The medical staff at the Rapid Regional Hospital who took care of me from diagnosis until my discharge was also wonderful and deserve the highest recognition for their compassion and dedication.
And those who have been responsible for my care from Dr. Salgeskog, the surgeon who removed and identified my tumor, to Dr. Schwartz, the Oncologist who has been providing weekly care and updates for me, and the rest of the Cancer Care Institute staff who cared and supported my treatment.
While was in the hospital still recovering I was also visited by several my co-workers and support elements from Ellsworth AFB, including my Commander, CPT Hegge, the K-9 Handlers from the 28th SFS, The 1st Shirt and Commander from 28th FSS, MSG Platt and LTC Rucker. I also received some spiritual encouragement from LTC Bell and Ms. Hedin. I was unable to use my phone or type very much during this time, but Susanna did check my calls and pass on several messages for me from my family, friends and lots of people from my unit.
We kept my illness quiet at first until we knew what was going on with me, and once I was discharged from the hospital Susanna sent out a mass e-mail letting everyone know what was going on with me and how I was doing after the fact. Once I had found out what my prognosis was, my first conscious request was that "I want to take my girls to Disneyland." So with the help of Susanna, SSG Buyck, my Mother and my sister Roshell, my cousin Stephanie and countless others, a mass message was circulated letting everyone know what my wish was and the response we got was nothing short of inspirational. People I had barely known responded, people I had not heard from in years responded, and people I did not even know responded in addition to those who were already close to me, donating to my families trip to Disneyland before I would begin my Chemo and Radiation treatment. We received letters of encouragement and support from all over. While I was not able to respond to many of them, I did sit with my children and read each and every one with them.
Another group of people who have been of extreme inspiration and assistance were the Key Spouse network here at Ellsworth headed up by Ms. Shayna Sidle who organized and scheduled for people to aid us with child-care, meals and other assistance, despite her times of illness and heavy school and family obligations, she is truly a blessing. For all of those who assisted us in our time of need, thank you.
I have also received a lot of encouragement from Chaplain Parrish, Chaplain Tisher, Chaplain Bell and Rev. Oliver as well as support from my friends and fellow worshippers at the Protestant and IGS services on base.
Through all of my experiences I have been feeling a bit of a calling and may actually be looking into working more with the religious services or possibly re-classing as a Chaplains Assistant once I get to Ft. Sam and get situated.
For now I am just focused on how fortunate and blessed that I have been able to touch the lives of so many people and likewise to have been affected by so many people in turn. I apologize that this blog is soo long and has an unusual flow to it, but I have been attempting to write it for some time and have been experiencing several setbacks in the process, namely Destiny, lol. I tried to be as fair as possible and acknowledge as many people as possible. If I missed anyone left anyone feeling overlooked, please forgive me. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to hearing your feedback on this.
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