Wednesday, June 3, 2009
He's Back--and He's Healthy!
Kind readers, when I started this blog (with the indispensable help of Ashima Saigal), I was so sick that I sometimes felt as if I would have to get better in order to die. Now, with the indispensable help of Mayo Clinic physicians and nurses, my incredible wife Florence, and the dear friends and relatives who supported us by cooking, cleaning, visiting, praying, and sending cards that were hilarious, if often of dubious taste, I am feeling remarkably better. I'll always have lifting restrictions due to my bones having been compromised, but this mainly means that I won't be able to help my kids move furniture into dorm rooms (too bad for them, quite a good deal for me), and I don't have the endurance I once had. but otherwise I am my old self again, or at least a reasonable facsimile therof. I have improved to such an extent that, as of today, I returned to work, on a half-time basis, at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership of Grand Valley State University. If you are reading this post, I can't thank you enough for all that your support and encouragement has meant to us. You have helped us return to a normal life, at least until September, when next I will be checked at Mayo for any signs of the myeloma becoming resurgent. But we are taking the optimistic view that my remission will last for many years. I am taking on the personal goal of living to see the Detroit Lions win the Super Bowl--which means that I intend to live for centuries!
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4 comments:
You certainly fought like a champ, Joel. I'm so happy you are getting back to a normal life. Who thought routine could be so joyful? :)
Yeay! You are an amazing person - one that I've always admired for many reasons, but your tenacity through all of this just amazes me. We are all blessed to have you in our lives. :) Lisa
So glad you are back to work and feeling better. I say that for you and completely selfishly for the field too. ;) Welcome back!!
Thanks also for sharing your journey. It is so powerful and inspirational and helps put so many things in perspective. You are truly amazing personally and professionally.
Hi, Joel, hope you remember me. When I heard about your problem I wanted to reach out, pray, and tell you to go to Mayo. Of course, I discovered that you were already there. My sister has multiplemyeloma and was diagnosed way back in 1995.
My prayers are with you, keep your sense of humor and know that you are in many folks thoughts and prayers.
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