My Personal Battle with Pancreatic Cancer [Part 1]
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 | Uncategorized
Join the forum discussion on this post
Monday November 21, 2011; sometime around 5:15pm ET
My wife, Lisa Marie, was sitting in a quiet room on a conference call with my surgeon who had just stepped out of surgery. My dad was next to her taking notes. “Lisa, the cancer was as big as a basketball. This was one of the most complicated surgeries I have ever done. However, I want you to know we got it all out,” Dr. Walsh explained to my wife.
“I had to take out Josh’s entire stomach, his gall bladder, his spleen, 75% of his pancreas, and 25% of his liver. Lisa, he lost a lot of blood. We had to take an artery out of his leg and put it into his liver. Josh is going to be in a lot of pain. But, I want you to know we got it all out; that’s what’s most important. Right now he’s in ICU on a breathing tube. He probably won’t wake up until tomorrow.”
The surgery was 9 hours long and my surgeon was exhausted. Dr. Walsh would later show us the bruises on his hands from removing my basketball-sized mass of cancer.
This all took place exactly 9 weeks and 2 days ago – three days before Thanksgiving.
Before I tell you the story of how I’ve battled pancreatic cancer over the past 9 months, I want you to know why I’m finally telling you what happened.
As I sit and write this, I keep thinking just how blessed I am. I’m not upset that I got cancer. I’m not mad that I was chosen for this. I’m not looking for sympathy.
I ALWAYS look for the positive lesson in everything. I have a lot of great things going on in my life for which I am very grateful. This fight has taught me a number of new lessons and reminded me of some lessons I’ve forgotten. Over the next few days I’ll tell you about the lessons I’ve learned as I put my life in the hands of strangers who save people’s lives for a living.
Today, I’m cancer free. I’m recovering and doing better every day. I’m more humble now than I’ve been in my entire life. I’ve been brought to my knees. Without the help of so many people, many of them strangers, I may not have made it.
Over the next couple of days, as I tell you about the doctors and the surgery that saved my life, I hope you realize how fortunate and blessed you are even when things don’t go your way. Sometimes it’s hard to see just how much so until we are put to the test.
I’ve been put to the test. Maybe you’ve been put to the test.
I believe it’s the lessons we learn along the way that make the experience worth going through. Getting cancer, having major surgery, battling an infection, sleeping in pools of sweat, getting the chills nearly hourly, having dozens of sleepless nights, and losing 40 lbs was all worth the experience because of the lessons I’ve learned over the past 9 months.
I’m a completely different man. I’m more patient and more humble. I move slower and I do less. But the things I do, I do very well. My relationship with my wife has never been better. I appreciate her more than ever. I realized how much I need my family and friends and how important they are to me.
With the support of my amazing wife, Lisa Marie, my parents, my family and friends, today I am cancer free. I do not have any chemo, radiation or additional treatments scheduled. I am already nearly 100% recovered. I’m back to work as of this week.
Still, I feel overwhelmed by this entire experience.
Now if you’d like to hear how this unfolded I’m going to back up a little bit so I can try to put this into perspective.
Sometime in late July/ early August, 2011
I was at home playing with my two girls – tackling them, tickling them, playing Superman and airplane. It’s one of my favorite things to do. When we’re done playing and I’m lying on the floor looking up at the ceiling fan, I have my hands crossed over my stomach. I’m in good shape – I’ve lost 20 lbs. over the past 2 years – so my stomach collapses in when I lay down. I feel the right side of my stomach and it’s flat. PROBLEM – the left side isn’t. There is a lump and it feels hard as a rock. It’s about the size of my fist.
I call out to Lisa Marie. “Hey Honey, check this out. I feel a lump or something in my stomach.” Lisa walks over, looks and says, “Oh god, what is that?” I don’t know, but it’s not supposed to be there. I did know that it couldn’t be good.
We knew that I should get this thing checked out as soon as possible. BUT, we immediately agreed that it would have to wait. You see, Lisa Marie was 8 ½ months pregnant with our third child and first son. My son, Dominic, was going to be born in a few weeks. We already knew that he was going to have serious complications on the day of his birth.
Dominic’s doctor had discovered a “black mass” in his neck during Lisa’s 18 week ultrasound back in May, 2011. They didn’t know what it was exactly – maybe a cyst, maybe a tumor. Maybe it would go away. It didn’t. Each time we went for an ultrasound throughout the summer, the mass was bigger. Lisa’s doctor had been a high-risk OB-GYN for 35 years and had never seen this before. Dominic’s due Sept. 10.
The diagnosis for Dominic was our first priority. Lisa and I talk about this “thing” in my stomach over and over – several times a day, every night. There was no way I was putting myself in front of my wife’s pregnancy and my son’s birth. We decided to wait until after he was born to address my health issue.
Dominic was born via an emergency C-section August 17th, and after several days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit we brought him home.
September 7th 2011
A couple of weeks later, he was struggling to breath in the middle of the night. The cyst had gotten bigger almost overnight. We could see the cyst bulging out of the side of his neck. We rushed him back to where he was born at the Cleveland Clinic. It was 1am. He had emergency neck surgery to remove the cyst and half of his thyroid. He had a 4-inch incision in his neck, but would be fine.
Monday, Sept. 19th, 2011
I received a call at 8:30am. The woman on the other end of the phone said I had to come to the hospital immediately. She wouldn’t tell me why, other than something showed up on the CT scan that I had on Saturday September 17th. But what? I got ready to leave the house and told Lisa I had to get to the hospital now. She started crying.
I walked in to my doctor’s office at 9:15, nervous about what I would hear. As I sat down to wait I thought, “What could be wrong?” It was obviously something serious; otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here.
My doctor walked in and immediately said. “I need to show you something. He pulled up my CT scan on his computer screen. “Mr. Cantwell, do you see this large grey area here? This isn’t supposed to be here. This is a mass and it’s really big. I’m sorry to tell you, Mr. Cantwell, but you have PANCREATIC CANCER.”
My heart sank. My head fell between my hands. My thoughts immediately turned to my son who was in the ICU at the Cleveland Clinic, and my wife who was recovering from her emergency C-section and home alone with my two baby girls. Dominic was three weeks old and on a breathing tube. He had just had the mass in his neck removed 6 days prior.
What was I going to tell Lisa?
My son is in the hospital recovering from surgery. My wife is home recovering from surgery. Now I had just been told I have pancreatic cancer.
This would be anyone’s worst nightmare. It was my real life.
Over the next few days I’ll fill in the blanks on how my battle with pancreatic cancer was won and how the doctors saved my life. I’ll also continue to reveal to you the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Maybe some of them will help you along your journey.
36 Comments to My Personal Battle with Pancreatic Cancer [Part 1]
FlaviusJosh, so sorry to hear what you had to go through! I can’t even imagine… I’ll pray for you and your family
Shelly MarchettaBlessings to you and your family! We don’t realize how precious life is at times. Wow…God is good and all the glory to Him. Keep the faith and keep doing what you are doing…you are a testimony.
That is an unbelievable story and I am glad for the happy middle part of your life. I know you are religious but I have not come to terms with that part of my life as of yet. But either way I will say a prayer for you and your family. I met you in Vegas in 2009 and I know you as well as your companies do things the correct way as far as helping people (Investors & Homeowners). Hopefully whatever force that controls the universe rewards you for that and keeps you cancer-free. Keep up the good fight.
Sharon NicholsI did not realize what was going on in your life but it seems that it has been full of trials. It is great to know that you have come out a winner as you always have been. Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to hearing the rest, because who knows the future we may all have the same trials with the dreaded cancer. God bless you and your family.
Diana roderickJosh,
Thank God for surgeons who have brought you through this. God is the healer but he uses doctors, etc. May God bless you and your family. I will pray for your continued recovery and health.
Josh,
What a touching first part of your story. I’m so glad to hear that you and the family are okay. Many of us take life for granted and don’t see the many blessings we have on so many different scales in life.
Just being able to breathe is a blessing.
I look forward to the rest of your encouraging story.
Josh, that is an incredible story. I am so sorry for all that you and your family have been through, although I can relate to what you have chosen to learn and appreciate from the situation. God does not allow us to go through things randomly, that’s for sure. I also, on another note, can see how the systemization of your marketing and business have kept going, even while you have had to take care of yourself, which is something I am working toward. Thanks so much for sharing this, as I’m sure it was not easy. It has impacted me, and I truly appreciate it. Life is short, and difficult times like yours bring sharply into focus for all of us what ‘really matters’.
JimWow Josh! My heart goes out to you and your family. May God continue to bless you all. It’s amazing what life throws at us sometimes and it sounds like you handled more than what most will go through in a lifetime amazingly well. Good luck and continued good health to you and your family!
Cory BoatrightBro – this story really spoke to me. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Remember… be a servant,
Cory
Josh my friend bless you. I can’t imagine what that was like for you and continues to be. Your story is inspiring. You’re right Guy did choose you for this. Because he knew you would tell the story and change the lives of thousands of other people.
MichellePrayers. Prayers. Prayers. My thoughts are with you and Lisa. You are strong person and your optimistic outlook on your entire situation is amazing! As I read your blog, tears ran down my face and chills down my spine. You are an amazing husband and Father to do all what you did in your situation. When my brother told me about you and your family my heart broke for you all. I am amazed at your outlook, your determination and your strength.
Wendy J ThomasJosh,
It is amazing how precious life is and it must have taken great strength to tell your story. Its inpiring and heartfelt and Im so glad you and your family are doing ok. Its a day by day battle but as you said, you have a new appreciation for life so just enjoy each day as it comes. One of my favorite quotes is from the Kung Fu Panda movie (which you may have seen since you have little ones but its this…”yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a GIFT, thats why its called the present”! Focus on today 
I wish you all the best and a lifetime of smiles and laughter with your family and friends and keep up the good fight! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Wow, what a story. I’m so glad to hear you are doing well, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your inspiring story. God bless you and your family!
Josh,
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your posts to come. An amazing story of the Adaptive Spirit. Your family is in my prayers for continued blessings and health as your year of trial is put behind and certainly in perspective.
Doug
stephanieThank you for sharing your story.
You are quiet a writer… and what a cliff hanger
I’m glad that I know how it turns out!
I’m happy for you and your family.
Stephanie
Darlene RootMy goodness Josh. Joel and I are standing with you and your family in prayer believing for continued health and wholeness for your body and for strength for your family. Keep the faith.
Hi Josh,
What a very inspiring story for anyone to heed. I know because 6 months ago I experienced a near death heart attack. While being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, I heard the EMT tell the driver “Step on it, We’re losing him!” The stories you hear about the “White Light or Tunnel” believe me they are true. I’m not a religious person, although I was raised Catholic,however after that experience, I’m not so sure anymore.
When I first started to read your story, I was expecting a totally different ending. I thought you were going to say something like now substitute “Josh” with (your name)and what would happen to your family and income. I kept on reading still waiting for the “punch line” when suddenly I realized HOLY COW this is for real!!! I wish you well and I will say a prayer for you and your family.
F A Cerra
PS: As a successful real estate investor for over half a century and following all of the newbies practicing the business, you are truly the best.
Mike OuelletteJosh
You know I love you and your family. The Lord gave this to me to share to you…
1 Peter 7:4
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Bill LaursenGod bless you Josh… You have always been an inspiration to me by the way you have conducted your life and businesses. Now you are inspiring me in a very different way. I have always admired your strength of character, your positive outlook, and your appreciation for life.
Thank you for sharing this.
Best wishes to you and your family on your road to recovery.
Tom TeeceJosh, You have been a friend, a mentor, and one of my heroes since we first met. I’ve been stuggling with some problems of my own since August. But, wow, nothing compared to what you and your family have been through. By you sharing your story, it puts my little troubles in perspective. And you continue to inspire me with your determination and positive attitude. May God continue to bless you and your wonderful fsmily in new and unexpected ways! I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Your friend, Tom
Kelsey PeaseWow Josh!! Thank you for sharing this. We forget going through day to day life how precious life is and everyday is not a gaurentee. Your one of my brothers closest friends and I have known your for a long time. I wish the best for you and your family. You are a fighter and everything is going to turn out great! This story is an eye opener and you are a great person for sharing this! Thank you. If there is anything you and your family needs you know the Pease family is always here!
Laurel HowardDear Josh,
Thanks for sharing –Alan and I are both cancer survivors, his was nasty experience w/ melanoma while I have had 2 lung surgeries for neuroendocrine cancer. Surgery is certainly no fun, but w/ a positve outcome such as your result, all the pain and worry melt away. Alan and I wish you well..your story really touched home w/ us. Life can really get in one’s way when you are making other plans. God provides us w/ the necessary strength to overcome all life’s challenges…and the blessings of a strong family life certainly add pleasure. We look forward to the rest of the story… and we can offer you support from one survivor to another. Hugs to your wife are sent to, we know how hard it is to be a caregiver to a strong-minded person. We are always just a phone call away if you need to vent about surgery,etc (and CT-scan drink flavors)
Laurel
JerardJosh,
Our Heavenly Father in your wisdom and love you made all things.
We ask that you continue to Bless Josh and his family, and give him the strength as he recover from his illness.
You have been such an inspiration to me and so many people by sharing your positive experience of your battle with cancer.
Continue to use your energy and passion to make the
world a better place.
It is truly a Blessing when caring people like you touch our lives.
Gina Simanella-MahjoubianDear Josh-
We have never met however, I DO know your wife Lisa from high school and know her to be a beautiful girl with a HUGE heart. YOu couldn’t ask for a better wife and companion to go through this journey. I am sorry to hear about all your family’s recent health issues but from the beautiful pictures Lisa posts I admire your strength for being so brave to put your story out there. I hope an extra prayer is welcomed and thank you for making us all aware to count our blessings. God speed!
Sincerely,
Gina
Dean EdelsonJosh…
Wow! Words can’t describe the experience or the emotion of what you and your family experienced. You describe it so eloquently and with humility. Your perspective on life can’t help but transform after going through what you lived through. Thrilled you’re still with us. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, Josh what an inspiring story, can’t wait to read the next part! Prayers and blessings for continued health to you and your family!!!!
MartiYou are an inspiration, and I pray for you and your family. May God continue to bless you all!
TracyI came across this story on facebook and started reading it because it had to do with pancreatic cancer. As someone who lost my mom and another family member to the disease, I understand the pain and difficulty that comes with it. As I kept reading, I realized that it was someone I knew back in the day…someone who I used to trade sandwiches with in 3rd grade! Knowing what I know about pancreatic cancer and knowing the difficulty that comes with it, I want you to know that I wish you all the best and I hope you are one of the few that beats it. I will pray for you and your family.
Mike (Stubby) kleinstubJosh, You have always been friend and mentor.. and the impact you make on others lives is amazing. Best wishes and prayers to your family. Lots of love from Serena and me…
Stubby
ericaI wish your family joy, happiness and laughter. Josh, your story will inspire me and others to Thank God for the little moments that matter. The laugh of my child, the barking of the dogs and the smell of roses or the Ocean, a small kiss from my husband and the love I share with my family. May God Bless your miracle baby boy and you and your entire family.
Sergio DeCesareJosh, brother…i dont know what to say.
if there is anything, and I mean anything within my realm to help, you call. even if I gotta get on a plane and come there, you say the word. you and Lisa are like family to me.
Be Well Quick, to you, your children and Lisa.
Chris DialsJosh I just heard about this from our fellow yellow jackets. My thoughts are going out to you and your family at this time and I am glad to hear your off to a great start. As a fellow jacket who has survived cancer I know we have the will to over come all obstacles whetHer it would be repeat 40′s for conditioning, getting an A on an accounting exam or beating cancer. Keep us posted on your path forward. You will do great as us jackets were built with the mentality to overcome all. Feel free to reach out if you ever need to talk. Positive thoughts heading your way. Your friend Dials
Danny DhannuYou know josh we all take things for granted people don’t realize how much they have to be thankful just being alive and being healthy Is worth any price. I can’t imagine what it feels like but your strength is unwavering. Don’t give up. God bless.
Josh,
Wow, Thanks so much for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to all of us and helped me to once again realize what is truly important in our lives. Best wishes to you and your family. God Bless!
Josh, my friend…you smile, you give the BIG JOSH handshake, you laugh, you teach, you lead, we plan big things and create new possibilities…and all the while you NEVER let on that you have a terrorizing illness, threatening your life every second! Your strength, spirit, focus and giving nature are a huge inspiration. Cancer free sounds very very good to me. Thank God!
Holy Cow! Thank you for sharing this inspiring story Josh. Sad to hear of your trials and happy to hear that you are OK. I am sure this story will inspire others and help them keep their troubles in perspective. I have always admired you in business and now have a separate admiration for you. I wish you many blessings in life Josh including especially a long and happy life with your children and wife. Bob Diamond
Josh, so sorry to hear what you had to go through! I can’t even imagine… I’ll pray for you and your family
Blessings to you and your family! We don’t realize how precious life is at times. Wow…God is good and all the glory to Him. Keep the faith and keep doing what you are doing…you are a testimony.
That is an unbelievable story and I am glad for the happy middle part of your life. I know you are religious but I have not come to terms with that part of my life as of yet. But either way I will say a prayer for you and your family. I met you in Vegas in 2009 and I know you as well as your companies do things the correct way as far as helping people (Investors & Homeowners). Hopefully whatever force that controls the universe rewards you for that and keeps you cancer-free. Keep up the good fight.
I did not realize what was going on in your life but it seems that it has been full of trials. It is great to know that you have come out a winner as you always have been. Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to hearing the rest, because who knows the future we may all have the same trials with the dreaded cancer. God bless you and your family.
Josh,
Thank God for surgeons who have brought you through this. God is the healer but he uses doctors, etc. May God bless you and your family. I will pray for your continued recovery and health.
Josh,
What a touching first part of your story. I’m so glad to hear that you and the family are okay. Many of us take life for granted and don’t see the many blessings we have on so many different scales in life.
Just being able to breathe is a blessing.
I look forward to the rest of your encouraging story.
Josh, that is an incredible story. I am so sorry for all that you and your family have been through, although I can relate to what you have chosen to learn and appreciate from the situation. God does not allow us to go through things randomly, that’s for sure. I also, on another note, can see how the systemization of your marketing and business have kept going, even while you have had to take care of yourself, which is something I am working toward. Thanks so much for sharing this, as I’m sure it was not easy. It has impacted me, and I truly appreciate it. Life is short, and difficult times like yours bring sharply into focus for all of us what ‘really matters’.
Wow Josh! My heart goes out to you and your family. May God continue to bless you all. It’s amazing what life throws at us sometimes and it sounds like you handled more than what most will go through in a lifetime amazingly well. Good luck and continued good health to you and your family!
Bro – this story really spoke to me. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Remember… be a servant,
Cory
Josh my friend bless you. I can’t imagine what that was like for you and continues to be. Your story is inspiring. You’re right Guy did choose you for this. Because he knew you would tell the story and change the lives of thousands of other people.
Josh, that is an incredible story. I am so sorry for all that you and your family have been through, although I can relate to what you have chosen to learn and appreciate from the situation. God does not allow us to go through things randomly, that’s for sure. I also, on another note, can see how the systemization of your marketing and business have kept going, even while you have had to take care of yourself, which is something I am working toward. Thanks so much for sharing this, as I’m sure it was not easy. It has impacted me, and I truly appreciate it. Life is short, and difficult times like yours bring sharply into focus for all of us what ‘really matters’.
Josh,
What a touching first part of your story. I’m so glad to hear that you and the family are okay. Many of us take life for granted and don’t see the many blessings we have on so many different scales in life.
Just being able to breathe is a blessing.
I look forward to the rest of your encouraging story.
Josh,
Thank God for surgeons who have brought you through this. God is the healer but he uses doctors, etc. May God bless you and your family. I will pray for your continued recovery and health.
I did not realize what was going on in your life but it seems that it has been full of trials. It is great to know that you have come out a winner as you always have been. Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to hearing the rest, because who knows the future we may all have the same trials with the dreaded cancer. God bless you and your family.
That is an unbelievable story and I am glad for the happy middle part of your life. I know you are religious but I have not come to terms with that part of my life as of yet. But either way I will say a prayer for you and your family. I met you in Vegas in 2009 and I know you as well as your companies do things the correct way as far as helping people (Investors & Homeowners). Hopefully whatever force that controls the universe rewards you for that and keeps you cancer-free. Keep up the good fight.
Blessings to you and your family! We don’t realize how precious life is at times. Wow…God is good and all the glory to Him. Keep the faith and keep doing what you are doing…you are a testimony.
Josh, so sorry to hear what you had to go through! I can’t even imagine… I’ll pray for you and your family
Holy Cow! Thank you for sharing this inspiring story Josh. Sad to hear of your trials and happy to hear that you are OK. I am sure this story will inspire others and help them keep their troubles in perspective. I have always admired you in business and now have a separate admiration for you. I wish you many blessings in life Josh including especially a long and happy life with your children and wife. Bob Diamond
Josh my friend bless you. I can’t imagine what that was like for you and continues to be. Your story is inspiring. You’re right Guy did choose you for this. Because he knew you would tell the story and change the lives of thousands of other people.
Bro – this story really spoke to me. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Remember… be a servant,
Cory
Wow Josh! My heart goes out to you and your family. May God continue to bless you all. It’s amazing what life throws at us sometimes and it sounds like you handled more than what most will go through in a lifetime amazingly well. Good luck and continued good health to you and your family!
Prayers. Prayers. Prayers. My thoughts are with you and Lisa. You are strong person and your optimistic outlook on your entire situation is amazing! As I read your blog, tears ran down my face and chills down my spine. You are an amazing husband and Father to do all what you did in your situation. When my brother told me about you and your family my heart broke for you all. I am amazed at your outlook, your determination and your strength.
Josh,
It is amazing how precious life is and it must have taken great strength to tell your story. Its inpiring and heartfelt and Im so glad you and your family are doing ok. Its a day by day battle but as you said, you have a new appreciation for life so just enjoy each day as it comes. One of my favorite quotes is from the Kung Fu Panda movie (which you may have seen since you have little ones but its this…”yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a GIFT, thats why its called the present”! Focus on today I wish you all the best and a lifetime of smiles and laughter with your family and friends and keep up the good fight! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Prayers. Prayers. Prayers. My thoughts are with you and Lisa. You are strong person and your optimistic outlook on your entire situation is amazing! As I read your blog, tears ran down my face and chills down my spine. You are an amazing husband and Father to do all what you did in your situation. When my brother told me about you and your family my heart broke for you all. I am amazed at your outlook, your determination and your strength.
Wow, what a story. I’m so glad to hear you are doing well, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your inspiring story. God bless you and your family!
Josh,
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your posts to come. An amazing story of the Adaptive Spirit. Your family is in my prayers for continued blessings and health as your year of trial is put behind and certainly in perspective.
Doug
Josh,
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your posts to come. An amazing story of the Adaptive Spirit. Your family is in my prayers for continued blessings and health as your year of trial is put behind and certainly in perspective.
Doug
Wow, what a story. I’m so glad to hear you are doing well, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your inspiring story. God bless you and your family!
Thank you for sharing your story.
You are quiet a writer… and what a cliff hanger
I’m glad that I know how it turns out!
I’m happy for you and your family.
Stephanie
My goodness Josh. Joel and I are standing with you and your family in prayer believing for continued health and wholeness for your body and for strength for your family. Keep the faith.
Hi Josh,
What a very inspiring story for anyone to heed. I know because 6 months ago I experienced a near death heart attack. While being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, I heard the EMT tell the driver “Step on it, We’re losing him!” The stories you hear about the “White Light or Tunnel” believe me they are true. I’m not a religious person, although I was raised Catholic,however after that experience, I’m not so sure anymore.
When I first started to read your story, I was expecting a totally different ending. I thought you were going to say something like now substitute “Josh” with (your name)and what would happen to your family and income. I kept on reading still waiting for the “punch line” when suddenly I realized HOLY COW this is for real!!! I wish you well and I will say a prayer for you and your family.
F A Cerra
PS: As a successful real estate investor for over half a century and following all of the newbies practicing the business, you are truly the best.
Josh
You know I love you and your family. The Lord gave this to me to share to you…
1 Peter 7:4
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Hi Josh,
What a very inspiring story for anyone to heed. I know because 6 months ago I experienced a near death heart attack. While being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, I heard the EMT tell the driver “Step on it, We’re losing him!” The stories you hear about the “White Light or Tunnel” believe me they are true. I’m not a religious person, although I was raised Catholic,however after that experience, I’m not so sure anymore.
When I first started to read your story, I was expecting a totally different ending. I thought you were going to say something like now substitute “Josh” with (your name)and what would happen to your family and income. I kept on reading still waiting for the “punch line” when suddenly I realized HOLY COW this is for real!!! I wish you well and I will say a prayer for you and your family.
F A Cerra
PS: As a successful real estate investor for over half a century and following all of the newbies practicing the business, you are truly the best.
My goodness Josh. Joel and I are standing with you and your family in prayer believing for continued health and wholeness for your body and for strength for your family. Keep the faith.
Thank you for sharing your story.
You are quiet a writer… and what a cliff hanger
I’m glad that I know how it turns out!
I’m happy for you and your family.
Stephanie
God bless you Josh… You have always been an inspiration to me by the way you have conducted your life and businesses. Now you are inspiring me in a very different way. I have always admired your strength of character, your positive outlook, and your appreciation for life.
Thank you for sharing this.
Best wishes to you and your family on your road to recovery.
Josh, You have been a friend, a mentor, and one of my heroes since we first met. I’ve been stuggling with some problems of my own since August. But, wow, nothing compared to what you and your family have been through. By you sharing your story, it puts my little troubles in perspective. And you continue to inspire me with your determination and positive attitude. May God continue to bless you and your wonderful fsmily in new and unexpected ways! I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Your friend, Tom
Wow Josh!! Thank you for sharing this. We forget going through day to day life how precious life is and everyday is not a gaurentee. Your one of my brothers closest friends and I have known your for a long time. I wish the best for you and your family. You are a fighter and everything is going to turn out great! This story is an eye opener and you are a great person for sharing this! Thank you. If there is anything you and your family needs you know the Pease family is always here!
Dear Josh,
Thanks for sharing –Alan and I are both cancer survivors, his was nasty experience w/ melanoma while I have had 2 lung surgeries for neuroendocrine cancer. Surgery is certainly no fun, but w/ a positve outcome such as your result, all the pain and worry melt away. Alan and I wish you well..your story really touched home w/ us. Life can really get in one’s way when you are making other plans. God provides us w/ the necessary strength to overcome all life’s challenges…and the blessings of a strong family life certainly add pleasure. We look forward to the rest of the story… and we can offer you support from one survivor to another. Hugs to your wife are sent to, we know how hard it is to be a caregiver to a strong-minded person. We are always just a phone call away if you need to vent about surgery,etc (and CT-scan drink flavors)
Laurel
Josh,
Our Heavenly Father in your wisdom and love you made all things.
We ask that you continue to Bless Josh and his family, and give him the strength as he recover from his illness.
You have been such an inspiration to me and so many people by sharing your positive experience of your battle with cancer.
Continue to use your energy and passion to make the
world a better place.
It is truly a Blessing when caring people like you touch our lives.
Dear Josh-
We have never met however, I DO know your wife Lisa from high school and know her to be a beautiful girl with a HUGE heart. YOu couldn’t ask for a better wife and companion to go through this journey. I am sorry to hear about all your family’s recent health issues but from the beautiful pictures Lisa posts I admire your strength for being so brave to put your story out there. I hope an extra prayer is welcomed and thank you for making us all aware to count our blessings. God speed!
Sincerely,
Gina
Josh…
Wow! Words can’t describe the experience or the emotion of what you and your family experienced. You describe it so eloquently and with humility. Your perspective on life can’t help but transform after going through what you lived through. Thrilled you’re still with us. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, Josh what an inspiring story, can’t wait to read the next part! Prayers and blessings for continued health to you and your family!!!!
You are an inspiration, and I pray for you and your family. May God continue to bless you all!
You are an inspiration, and I pray for you and your family. May God continue to bless you all!
Wow, Josh what an inspiring story, can’t wait to read the next part! Prayers and blessings for continued health to you and your family!!!!
Josh…
Wow! Words can’t describe the experience or the emotion of what you and your family experienced. You describe it so eloquently and with humility. Your perspective on life can’t help but transform after going through what you lived through. Thrilled you’re still with us. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Josh-
We have never met however, I DO know your wife Lisa from high school and know her to be a beautiful girl with a HUGE heart. YOu couldn’t ask for a better wife and companion to go through this journey. I am sorry to hear about all your family’s recent health issues but from the beautiful pictures Lisa posts I admire your strength for being so brave to put your story out there. I hope an extra prayer is welcomed and thank you for making us all aware to count our blessings. God speed!
Sincerely,
Gina
Josh,
Our Heavenly Father in your wisdom and love you made all things.
We ask that you continue to Bless Josh and his family, and give him the strength as he recover from his illness.
You have been such an inspiration to me and so many people by sharing your positive experience of your battle with cancer.
Continue to use your energy and passion to make the
world a better place.
It is truly a Blessing when caring people like you touch our lives.
Dear Josh,
Thanks for sharing –Alan and I are both cancer survivors, his was nasty experience w/ melanoma while I have had 2 lung surgeries for neuroendocrine cancer. Surgery is certainly no fun, but w/ a positve outcome such as your result, all the pain and worry melt away. Alan and I wish you well..your story really touched home w/ us. Life can really get in one’s way when you are making other plans. God provides us w/ the necessary strength to overcome all life’s challenges…and the blessings of a strong family life certainly add pleasure. We look forward to the rest of the story… and we can offer you support from one survivor to another. Hugs to your wife are sent to, we know how hard it is to be a caregiver to a strong-minded person. We are always just a phone call away if you need to vent about surgery,etc (and CT-scan drink flavors)
Laurel
Wow Josh!! Thank you for sharing this. We forget going through day to day life how precious life is and everyday is not a gaurentee. Your one of my brothers closest friends and I have known your for a long time. I wish the best for you and your family. You are a fighter and everything is going to turn out great! This story is an eye opener and you are a great person for sharing this! Thank you. If there is anything you and your family needs you know the Pease family is always here!
Josh, You have been a friend, a mentor, and one of my heroes since we first met. I’ve been stuggling with some problems of my own since August. But, wow, nothing compared to what you and your family have been through. By you sharing your story, it puts my little troubles in perspective. And you continue to inspire me with your determination and positive attitude. May God continue to bless you and your wonderful fsmily in new and unexpected ways! I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Your friend, Tom
I came across this story on facebook and started reading it because it had to do with pancreatic cancer. As someone who lost my mom and another family member to the disease, I understand the pain and difficulty that comes with it. As I kept reading, I realized that it was someone I knew back in the day…someone who I used to trade sandwiches with in 3rd grade! Knowing what I know about pancreatic cancer and knowing the difficulty that comes with it, I want you to know that I wish you all the best and I hope you are one of the few that beats it. I will pray for you and your family.
I came across this story on facebook and started reading it because it had to do with pancreatic cancer. As someone who lost my mom and another family member to the disease, I understand the pain and difficulty that comes with it. As I kept reading, I realized that it was someone I knew back in the day…someone who I used to trade sandwiches with in 3rd grade! Knowing what I know about pancreatic cancer and knowing the difficulty that comes with it, I want you to know that I wish you all the best and I hope you are one of the few that beats it. I will pray for you and your family.
Josh, You have always been friend and mentor.. and the impact you make on others lives is amazing. Best wishes and prayers to your family. Lots of love from Serena and me…
Stubby
I wish your family joy, happiness and laughter. Josh, your story will inspire me and others to Thank God for the little moments that matter. The laugh of my child, the barking of the dogs and the smell of roses or the Ocean, a small kiss from my husband and the love I share with my family. May God Bless your miracle baby boy and you and your entire family.
Josh, brother…i dont know what to say.
if there is anything, and I mean anything within my realm to help, you call. even if I gotta get on a plane and come there, you say the word. you and Lisa are like family to me.
Be Well Quick, to you, your children and Lisa.
Josh I just heard about this from our fellow yellow jackets. My thoughts are going out to you and your family at this time and I am glad to hear your off to a great start. As a fellow jacket who has survived cancer I know we have the will to over come all obstacles whetHer it would be repeat 40′s for conditioning, getting an A on an accounting exam or beating cancer. Keep us posted on your path forward. You will do great as us jackets were built with the mentality to overcome all. Feel free to reach out if you ever need to talk. Positive thoughts heading your way. Your friend Dials
You know josh we all take things for granted people don’t realize how much they have to be thankful just being alive and being healthy Is worth any price. I can’t imagine what it feels like but your strength is unwavering. Don’t give up. God bless.
Josh,
Wow, Thanks so much for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to all of us and helped me to once again realize what is truly important in our lives. Best wishes to you and your family. God Bless!
Josh, my friend…you smile, you give the BIG JOSH handshake, you laugh, you teach, you lead, we plan big things and create new possibilities…and all the while you NEVER let on that you have a terrorizing illness, threatening your life every second! Your strength, spirit, focus and giving nature are a huge inspiration. Cancer free sounds very very good to me. Thank God!
Josh, my friend…you smile, you give the BIG JOSH handshake, you laugh, you teach, you lead, we plan big things and create new possibilities…and all the while you NEVER let on that you have a terrorizing illness, threatening your life every second! Your strength, spirit, focus and giving nature are a huge inspiration. Cancer free sounds very very good to me. Thank God!
Josh,
Wow, Thanks so much for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to all of us and helped me to once again realize what is truly important in our lives. Best wishes to you and your family. God Bless!
You know josh we all take things for granted people don’t realize how much they have to be thankful just being alive and being healthy Is worth any price. I can’t imagine what it feels like but your strength is unwavering. Don’t give up. God bless.
Josh I just heard about this from our fellow yellow jackets. My thoughts are going out to you and your family at this time and I am glad to hear your off to a great start. As a fellow jacket who has survived cancer I know we have the will to over come all obstacles whetHer it would be repeat 40′s for conditioning, getting an A on an accounting exam or beating cancer. Keep us posted on your path forward. You will do great as us jackets were built with the mentality to overcome all. Feel free to reach out if you ever need to talk. Positive thoughts heading your way. Your friend Dials
Josh, brother…i dont know what to say.
if there is anything, and I mean anything within my realm to help, you call. even if I gotta get on a plane and come there, you say the word. you and Lisa are like family to me.
Be Well Quick, to you, your children and Lisa.
I wish your family joy, happiness and laughter. Josh, your story will inspire me and others to Thank God for the little moments that matter. The laugh of my child, the barking of the dogs and the smell of roses or the Ocean, a small kiss from my husband and the love I share with my family. May God Bless your miracle baby boy and you and your entire family.
Josh, You have always been friend and mentor.. and the impact you make on others lives is amazing. Best wishes and prayers to your family. Lots of love from Serena and me…
Stubby
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Holy Cow! Thank you for sharing this inspiring story Josh. Sad to hear of your trials and happy to hear that you are OK. I am sure this story will inspire others and help them keep their troubles in perspective. I have always admired you in business and now have a separate admiration for you. I wish you many blessings in life Josh including especially a long and happy life with your children and wife. Bob Diamond