I have been torn as to how I would share this news with my facebook friends for a month now and it's just not getting easier to discuss, so .... here it is. I was diagnosed with a form of 'diffuse large B cell Lymphoma' about a month ago. Cancer. I had a tumor removed 11-16 and had my first chemo treatments this week. Radiation will follow the chemo in five or six months then the Cermaks are going to have a celebration this summer to start a next chapter, 'cancer free'. I really hope you all can make it, that would be great.
I'm still working at Landmark Ford, at least part time for now and hopefully more as my treatments progress. I am just off Interstate 5 in Tigard, it's easy to find so stop by & say hello. Or better yet, stop by & buy a new Ford, I need the business.
I don't feel too bad really, more tired than anything. The whole medical ordeal is unbelievable but the Kaiser Health staff have been great. They have been blindingly fast when necessary and caring in every respect.
I'm okay and doing great, I just wish I didn't have to burden my family & friends with this but sometimes bad things happen to good people.
it's truely not a burden to share this ....
ReplyDeletei wonder if there is anyone that hasn't been touched in some way by cancer and knows at least a small part of what you or your family is going through.
I have one cousin that documented his whole treatment on line and it made us all that much closer and it helped him to vocalize just what he was going through and feeling. Another cousin that wrote group emails as she went through her illness.
Do what helps you, know you have people out here that even if they aren't close, are sending healing thoughts your way ~
May I RSVP the Cermak "cancer free" celebration now?
ReplyDeleteLook forward to future blogs from you Mr. Cermak...
Best wishes John. It takes a strong person to face their fears... I know you'll do well. I'll have to stop by and say hello next time I'm in your neighborhood. Bud
ReplyDeleteHey John, anything any of us Tinker Tot Mom's can do, you know we're here for you. I had stage 3 and I'm 5 yrs cancer free this year. Yes, I also am RSVPing to the cancer free celebration early ! As someone said, be strong like bull !!!!! xo pod
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good reason to kill some clams and cook some cabbage! Hang in there, it seems that when it rains it pours and like I said the other day, some things in life you just don't get to rehearse. You know more than anyone that you have a rough road ahead, but we'll all be there along the way however we can. Keep your head up and eyes on the finish line! Sam
ReplyDeleteJohn this is not a burden just an excuse for all of us to be better friends
ReplyDeleteNow speaking of philosophical issues--well we'll do that at your celebration-blabber mouth here always has a lot to say-but I remember you teaching me about family--you will teach us again and then we will have the greatest gabfest at your celebration keep sharing you will inspire all of us my thoughts are with you
Hang in there my dear friend...it's said that the best things in life are worth fighting for and also give you the most satisfying results. Two years ago, I almost lost my husband to a very bad accident and yet we both made it though. Talk about really appreciating what we have today because of it. You'll be there too!
ReplyDeletexoxox Becky