After almost 3.5 years since my diagnosis, I’ll be returning to the work that I love. I’ll be starting a job this week with a company called “Powerback” where I’ll be doing home care visits providing physical therapy… ironic name considering the past several years of battling cancer. π I’m excited and grateful for not only this particular opportunity but just the privilege of being able to return to work as a PT, as there were many times when I questioned whether I’d be able to have the strength and endurance to do this again. So, my excitement is tempered by a sense of nervousness as I consider what I’ve been through and it’s just been such a long time! But I feel ready and take this next step of reintegration back to life in faith, knowing that God must have a plan for me. The initial thought of potentially doing home care PT crossed my mind while I was receiving home care nursing visits myself. I got to know many of my awesome nurses quite well and so appreciated ...
I still vividly remember my eyes being swollen shut from tears for days after receiving the news of my diagnosis. As my thoughts went constantly to Grace and my kids, I recall one conversation that I had with my son that wrecked me. He asked me what he needed to do at home... taking out the trash, etc. I figured he meant while I was in the hospital, but I realized he was thinking about when I’d no longer be around... ever! He said, “I got it dad.” Those words coming from my 12 year-old broke my heart. Though I’d appreciate his help with the trash (which he’s done a great job with since then to this day π ), this was way too early to be thinking like that. And that was a turning point in my heart and will that I needed to keep fighting as the Lord willed... to beat this cancer! π₯π During this cancer journey, I’ve read several books that were recommended by friends that have all provided such helpful insight and perspective on areas such as suffering and turning hope into a...
As this first week comes to a close, it’s been a blur filled with mostly fatigue and nausea, side-effects of the chemo and other meds. Most of the past few days have been filled with sleep as I’ve been glued to my bed, struggling to get up only to try to eat, use the bathroom, or do some exercise. I finished my chemo conditioning today and will be receiving my total body radiation tomorrow in preparation for transplant on Friday! My cousin Bo’s stem cell collection went smoothly in Chicago and they transported it to Philly! Can’t thank Bo enough for his sacrificial giving of himself to afford me this life-saving transplant. π Thank you for your prayers and esp. the many of you who prayed for me this past Saturday as I began my chemo conditioning this week. It was a rainy day coming to HUP... the rain was fitting and symbolic as many tears were shed as we reflected on all God has brought us through to this point as well as s...
What a beautiful creative way to express the gift of happiness!
ReplyDeleteFrom Kim Smitb
DeleteThis was beautiful Joe! Your daughter definitely has the same incredible outlook and attitude as her dad :)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! And she is so talented!
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ReplyDeleteLove this video, Chloe! You are so talented and wise. Thank you for teaching us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful message! ❤️
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