April 14, 2010
4 Scars and 7 Months Ago
I can’t believe its been about 7 months since all of this began and now the journey is about over. I’m thankful that it has all turned out well, but its still hard to believe.
I am now done with radiation and am just waiting for the side effects to clear up. I apologize for not having posted much during the last few weeks. Fortunately, things went pretty smoothly. The only major side effect is trouble swallowing which after the whole tonsil episode is rather frustrating. I’m told it should clear up within the next 2 weeks. After that, I should feel pretty much back to normal. I will have a lot of follow up checkups and tests over the next several years, but that shouldn’t be too big of a deal.
Now that its about over, the question is: what now? I’ve definitely been taking stock of my life and trying to look at the future differently. Truthfully, I haven’t been able to picture much differently. I’d like to think this changed everything, but I’m not really sure it did. I welcome any thoughts from all of you.
Dana Neiger said,
April 20, 2010 at 8:42 am
Cuz,
Just because you THINK you have to feel a certain way, learn something or things should change doesn’t mean that is the case for you personally. Just because other people have shared moving stories about their experiences doesn’t mean you have to. You are not required to do anything as a cancer survivor but live your life the way you planned or choose. Everyone clearly supports you and you have a wonderful family and groups of friends as we have all learned. We believe in you Joe, Cuz, awesome guy…that’s good enough.
Love,
D
Steve said,
April 17, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Congrats my favorite (and only) son in law. You’ve been through a lot these last 7 months and endured more than most could imagine. But you’ve made it and you’ve made it big. So I could’nt agree more – Go on a tropical vacation!!! Go somewhere far far away, somewhere in the deep South where you’re close to the ocean. Try to pick a place with heated pool, a jacuzzi and tropical fruit trees everywhere and somewhere where all your accommodations are free including 3 squares. No reservations required. Love ya, Steve
Jim & Pauline Price said,
April 17, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Hey Bley Family, With a big smile on our faces, and much gratitude to the MAN above, we are happy to celebrate with you, this trying journey’s wonderful outcome! Let’s hear it for Joe, Renee, Ella, & Molly – as well as all of your support team! God Bless!
Much love,
Jim & Pauline
Anne W. said,
April 16, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Check out this writer’s blog. He has a great way of saying things.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/19/health/19case.html?ref=health
Josh Flanders said,
April 15, 2010 at 9:02 am
I think it’s time that you enroll in an improv class. I second Tobey’s opinion, you are a funny guy Joe Bley, private eye. Sheri and I have both loved taking improv, and learning how to play again.
Of course, Renee has a point, tropical paradise is a good way to say, I’m done! Relaxation is the key. Maybe a spa weekend or week, or month. Or 5 months.
Either way, congrats dude!
Tobey Bartel said,
April 15, 2010 at 7:50 am
I can’t imagine the roller coaster of emotions you and your family are feeling right now. Some people change their whole lives with an event like this, but I think getting back to normalcy is good. Just enjoy your family and your health and maybe some day you will write a book or do stand up “Cancer Comedy”, because your sense of humor cracks me up! Take your wifey’s advice and go on a vaca.
Thanks for sharing this intimate, incredible journey with all of us. You and your family are so strong and amazing!
Take care,
Tobey
Wifey said,
April 15, 2010 at 7:32 am
Wisk your wife away to a tropical paradise for an 8 week stay, bestow upon her oodles and oodles of jewelry, home decor and red wine and then try to figure how to grow money on trees. Does that help?
Hip Hip Horray, BDDM! There have been so many people following you, wishing you well, saying prayers for you in church (Jan’s congregation…thank you so much!!!!!). I have been amazed at how many people have shown their support and love. You, husband, are blessed! Now, get started on that first paragraph above and take stock in your fantastically healthy, cancer-free life! We love you! -Renee, Ella and Molly