Thank you. As many of you know, I spent the last sixteen weeks with Trish as she was diagnosed with cancer, had a subsequent surgery, and then underwent an every-day therapy of both chemo and radiation.
Today is the last day, in fact, we leave in an hour or so to go to the hospital for the last time. Chemo ended Monday. Here is a picture.
The prognosis is very good, and we should have her around for decades. This is not the place (but if you wander over to my personal FB page, Holy S… suffice to say I am not afraid of my emotions) to write about how amazing everyone was that took care of her.
But it is the place to say thank you for your patience in all of this. From sponsors sending notes saying “do the podcast whenever” to Richard Press and Bruce Boyer abiding by my has-to-be-day-by-day production schedule, to the amazing notes I got, to Dr. Miles (a reader here and in the FB group whom we will be featuring next week) calling and walking us through the plastic surgery process and, well, the whole process. To Dean who actually makes me look somewhat professional and has the patience of a saint. Everyone. We do a ton of talking about the values of Ivy, and I used to eat a bucket of fill-in-the-blank for even bringing it up, but we were right then and we are right now, and the last four months is proof.
Over the next few days we will be working on getting our lives back, and I will answer the emails and notes. I am really sorry I haven’t.
On the first day we went to the first surgeon, on the first day we went to the first oncologist, on the first day we went to chemo and on the first day we went to radiation, I wore a suit. Today, on the last day, I am wearing a suit. And you know the drill if you wear a suit to anything that isn’t court or… court. Every asks why you are so dressed up? And they did at the hospital all the time, too.
Because this is important and I respect you.
The year ends, thankfully, but also not so thankfully. So many great things happened here, and while a lot of plans got shelved (and thanks to the 2 of you who litter up the comments with “Why aren’t you… yet?” – see the picture above) the first quarter we will have our days back and can get after it.
May you have blessings beyond what your head can hold this next year, THANK YOU SO MUCH for hanging in with me.
Oh, and if you need to know ANYTHING about champagne, go here.
Happy New Year.
JB
Wonderful to hear y’all have turned the corner. I bet you’re ready to run like a rescue puppy just released from his cage.
God bless you and keep you both John. You are all in my prayers for a much Happier New Year…
Best wishes for a happy and more important healthy 2023.
May it all end well in the New Year and years ahead.
So very glad to hear on this sixth day of Christmas that the prognosis is very good. And kudos for wearing a suit.
Glad to hear the good news! God is good all the time. all the time God is good!
Happy New Year!
I am very happy to hear that things are going well. I empathize with what you are going through. Literally one year ago today, I faced the pain of having to put my wife of 35 years in a nursing home after a long string of illness left her dangerously weak. I can tell you nothing compares to the heartbreak, panic and sadness you feel at such a time. But, nothing compares to the exhilaration of when a loved one comes through their crisis healthier, as did mine. Here’s to a better 2023 for both of us. (All of us for that matter)
People often say “I know what you mean” or “I know what you’re going through” – and they don’t. Well, I do. My wife’s last chemo session is in less than two weeks. Reactions have ranged from tolerable to pretty bad. Then another surgery. Then seeing if it worked. Then hair growing back. Still, she and I both could be worse off, and I’m grateful for where we are. I certainly didn’t wear a suit to every session. But I understand your appreciation of and thankfulness for the talent, skill, dedication, compassion of every doctor, nurse, NP, PA and staff person you have encountered. These folks fit my definition of Hero. I wish your family continued progress. Just keep going-which, when you think about it, is the only thing we can do.
My best wishes to your wife for renewed good health in the new year and to you for renewed peace of mind.
May the warmth of the season wrap you in its arms, and the hope of a new year shine on your face.
John, so happy to that all is going well. My prayers are with you and your whole family and that 2023 will be a great YEAR. Not to worry about production time frame and the sorts, real Ivy Style people have patients and understandings.
“If you’re going
through hell,
keep going.”
And read Psalm 121.
Peace be with you.
* Winston Churchill
I’m so happy for you! I wore a suit for my wife’s last treatment, and I plan on wearing it again for my daughter’s last treatment. Here’s to a Happy 2023 for both of us!
Dear John, thank you for sharing what you’ve been going through during the last months. Très courageux!! I would love to send you also my best wishes for 2023. Une excellente nouvelle année, here from Paris !! Santé avant tout et bonheur !!
René
John – You remain in our prayers and very best wishes to you and your wife and daughter for the new year from my wife and me.