April 20, 2010

THANK YOU!

Posted in Cancer at 4:40 pm by randomguyness

Well, I can’t believe that this saga is about over. Its been a crazy and strange 7 months. I’m incredibly grateful to so many people for all of your kind words and deeds throughout this adventure. Now that I am cancer-free and finished with the treatments I wanted to wrap up with a few words of thanks. Before I begin, I want to caveat that if I forget anybody, please forgive me. One of the beautiful things about an online blog is that previous entries can be revised. So, if I did accidentally miss somebody, please let me know so that I can be sure to thank him or her properly.

First of all, thanks to Renee, my wonderful wife, for all of her support and love through this process. She had it the hardest as the “caretaker” who can only sit by and hope for the best while I went through this. I know it was an extremely difficult and emotional time and I am thankful for all of your help from making phone calls, to my chemo goodie bags, to letting me sleep when I needed to, and for putting up with all of my ups and downs. Thank you honey, I love you!

Thanks to my parents who diligently came every other Thursday and watched the girls while Renee and I went to my chemo sessions. Also for all the concern and phone calls. You did a lot of research on my behalf and helped me get through this process with the love and concern that only parents can.

Thanks to my in-laws, Jerry and Carol for so many things. Renee and I love having you over as often as possible and your help throughout this process has been immeasurable. Of course, all of the work that you have done on the house as well as all of the time you spent with us has been fantastic. I am lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. Included in the wonderful in-law category are Grandma Nina and Grandpa Glenn. Thanks to both of you for the ever present love and support.

Thanks to my brother for all of the phone calls throughout this process and of course, for coming to stay for a few days and go to chemo with me. I can always count on you and I am grateful. I only wish we lived near each other so that we could see each other regularly. Along those lines, thanks to Kari for sending Dan to visit and for all of your supportive emails, phone calls, text messages and pictures etc. I look forward to seeing you both soon.

A big thank you to all of my “chemo buddies” who included:
Renee (of course), Josh, Dan, Lynda, and my father. You all got to see me during some of the roughest times and have an intimate knowledge of how fun it is (not) to be injected with poison. Thank you for taking good care of me.

To Anne W.: Thank you so much for all of your wonderful advice when things were crazy. You were a huge help with both Renee and I in getting organized and understanding what we were going through. In fact, you get full credit for the idea of starting this blog. Thank you!

Thank you To Cousin Dana and Cousin Sue: You were my biggest fan club on the blog and via email. I really appreciate all of your insights, humor, and support.

To the ladies in the western burbs (Tobey, Jaime, Sarah, Christina, Betsy, Shannon, Tara, Natalie, Stephanie, Kathie, Carrie, Jenni, Gail): You are an amazing support group. You all were so kind and helpful throughout this process from making dinners to lending an ear to taking care of Renee to watching the kids. Thank you immensely.

To my neighbors Todd & Greg: Thank you so much for helping with the yard work, snowblowing, and all of your offers to assist. You guys are wonderful neighbors and good friends.

To my Florida fan club (led by Grandma Jan & Grandpa Steve): Although many of you don’t know me, I have been told how much love, support, and prayers you have sent my way and I am grateful. Thank you! Steve – thanks also for all the witty comments on the website. Funny stuff! Don’t worry, we’ll be taking advantage of the free room and board soon.

To the huge list of people who have been active on this blog: Thank you so much! I have truly enjoyed writing it and it really made the experience easier by knowing you were all out there reading and commenting. I’d like to specifically call out all of you who have posted:

Josh & Sheri, Chris & Sue, Brad R., Larry H., Walter & Gloria, Jami T., Lois W., Tara W., Dan G., Jim & Pauline, Barb K., Bob L., Joyce C., Sherry S., Diane H., Vince C., Dick & Harriet, Ken B., Beth C., Marsha D., Grandma Jan & Grandpa Steve, Aunt Pam & Uncle David, Cousin Rachel, Gautam S., Lance C., Jason H., Michael E., Jerry & Jenny, Ryan L., Matt B., Andy H., Julie K, Erik & Vanessa, Michelle T., Gail S., Mickey & Lorraine, Deb T., Amy B., Tim C., R.J., Mike S., Gail & Ken, Heather P., Ellen & Wally, Nancy V., Falshunnee B., Clair B.

To my work colleagues: A giant thank you for being so compassionate and sympathetic throughout this process. I received a ton of support and was treated extremely well at work. I am grateful for that.

Finally, thanks to all of you who helped shave my head back in November. Good times that I plan to never repeat. I’ll be happy, however, to return the favor. Ha!

As I said before, I hope I remembered everybody, but if not, please forgive me and please let me know.

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