My Fight with Pancreatic Cancer [[Part 2] Lesson 1]
Friday, January 27th, 2012 | Uncategorized
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Lesson 1: BE DARING!
You just may accomplish something significant or save someone’s life.
Let me explain……
January 3rd 2012 around 3pm
I walked into Dr. Ali’s office. He is my oncologist (the cancer doctor) and the doctor who originally explained pancreatic cancer to me back on September 19th. He also gave me my official diagnosis 10 days later.
NEUROENDOCRINE PANCREATIC CANCER.
As I’m sitting and waiting for Dr. Ali to come in the exam room on January 3rd 2012, I’m remembering the first time I was in his office back on September 19th and all we’ve been through since then.
I remembered a few months back on September 19th, I was sitting in the waiting room at Dr Ali’s office. My general practice physician, Dr. Smolak, had just showed me my CT scan and told me I had pancreatic cancer. He graciously walked me up to Dr. Ali’s office on the 4th floor that day.
I was sitting in Dr. Ali’s waiting room and I heard these 3 elderly ladies talking about “their cancer” and their treatments. 10 minutes prior I had been given the worst news of my life. These women were twice my age. I thought to myself. “This is bulls**t.” I was pissed off. “I don’t belong here, this doesn’t make any sense. I’m 35 years old, not 75.” I had to get up and walk away to collect myself. I couldn’t listen to them talk about “their cancer”.
I respect Dr. Ali a lot. You know how some doctors act like they are to too good or too busy to spend time with you? Dr. Ali was NEVER that way. He is a true professional; to the point, caring and patient all at the same time.
So on January 3rd Dr Ali walks into the exam room. He asks a few questions about my surgery and recovery but immediately goes to the computer. He asks me to bear with him for a few minutes as he reads my post-surgery summary report that Dr. Walsh had put together.
I watched his mouth drop open as he read the report. This was the first time he was getting up to speed on what happened.
After finishing the report, in near disbelief, he made a comment I WILL NEVER FORGET.
After taking a second to collect his thoughts he said, “Josh, Dr. Walsh is a “DARING SURGEON.”
I sat back in my chair. I was completely caught off guard.
“What do you mean he’s a daring surgeon” I responded.
“Well, let me explain,” said Dr. Ali. “Most other surgeons would have opened you up, saw the cancer, how big it was, how it was wrapped up in all your other organs, how complicated the surgery would be and they would have sewn you back up and told you there’s nothing I could do.”
“So you are telling me I could be sitting here with terminal inoperable cancer if Dr. Walsh wasn’t willing to operate on me, take a chance (be daring)?” I asked in disbelief.
“Exactly! That’s why I referred you to him. I wanted to make sure you didn’t get lost in the shuffle or go to some other hospital. Walsh does stuff no other surgeon will do. He’s one of the very best in the country. Now you see why! I knew Dr. Walsh would be aggressive and do things others wouldn’t.” Dr Ali replied.
I sat back and thought to myself; “Wow. I could be planning a funeral right now.”
As I think about these three doctors (Dr Smolak, Dr Ali and Dr Walsh) and the experience of having successful surgery and recovery I can’t help but think about what I’ve learned and how I can apply it to the 2nd half of my life.
What can I change? What can I personally do better? What have I learned?
So here’s just the first lesson of all the different ones I’ve learned in the past 9 months.
First, I am alive and cancer free for several reasons. None are more important than the fact that Dr. Walsh was DARING.
Sometime over the past 30 years, I’m not sure when, I’ll bet Dr. Walsh made a personal decision that he would be THE BEST at his craft. Not good at his craft BUT THE BEST. He would study harder. Work harder. Work longer. Mentally prepare harder than anyone else. Then because he knew he was prepared, he would DARE to try things no one else would try. He would DARE to perform surgeries that would save lives that no one else would DARE to try.
And in the process, he would save hundreds of lives because he was more physically and mentally prepared and he is willing to be daring!
I am one of those lives.
So in 2012, I will be even more daring than before. I will prepare harder both physically and mentally. I will out work and out hustle all my competition. I will venture out into the unknown, try new things and I will be daring.
IT’S THE ONLY WAY I CAN THINK OF TO HONOR THE MAN WHO SAVED MY LIFE.
There’s most likely some venture, some trip, some business, some relationship, SOMETHING that you’d like to do this year that maybe you’ve been putting off. I ask you to DARE yourself to do it this year. No more waiting. No more obstacles. Get prepared. DARE to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Be GREAT!
Out hustle, out work and out produce all your competition. Honor the man who saved my life in your own way by DARING to change the lives of the people around you. Dare to be different. Dare to make a significant impact on something or someone you love.
January 10th 2012
I had a check up at Dr. Walsh’s office about 2 weeks ago. He told me that my follow up with him was complete. I’d need CT scans every 6 months for the next 5 years to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back but Dr Ali would do that.
This was the last time he’d need to see me. “It is over!” Walsh said. I was shocked.
But just before Dr Walsh walked out, I told him what Dr. Ali said about him.
“Hey, I wanted to tell you that Dr. Ali told me you are a daring surgeon.” I told Dr. Walsh. “He said that after seeing the complexity of the surgery most other surgeons would have sewn me back up and said there’s nothing we could do.”
Dr. Walsh shrugged it off saying, “Hey, someone’s got to do it, right?” and walked out with a smile. That’s the kind of person I want to be around and the kind of surgeon I wanted but didn’t know I was getting until that moment.
He was as confident as confident could be. He was over prepared. He had outworked everyone else. His confidence allowed him to be DARING and that saved my life.
I LOVE THIS NEXT SAYING. Have you ever heard this before?
“The guy knows what he’s doing AND he knows that he knows what he’s doing?”
Have you ever heard that saying? When you are that prepared and that confident you can be DARING. That was Dr. Walsh. That’s why I’m alive.
I challenge you this year to get prepared, get confident, be the best, out hustle and out work your competition……. AND BE DARING.
You may accomplish something significant, something you never dreamed of or even save someone’s life.
God Bless.
Josh
P.S. I have a few more significant lessons I’ve learned over the past 9 months that I want to share with you. I’ll send them to you as I gather my thoughts and get them down on paper.
33 Comments to My Fight with Pancreatic Cancer [[Part 2] Lesson 1]
jay thorntonI just wanted to say god bless u and ur family. When I read ur story it really touched me mentally because I’m having my trials and tribulations also not life threatening but still gut wrenching. Im so glad u are making a full recovery josh because I don’t know what I would do without ur leadership. I really wanna meet u one day and thanks again for sharing. I do wanna take that inspiration and be aggressive. When u get a chance I would love to speak to one of ur coaches or the man himself? Much respect!!!
randy lawrenceJosh
God has given you the victory so that your life will go on to bless many more people and inspire them to release the gretaness from within. Be blessed in knowing that God has many more victories in store for you, as you release His gretaness in your life. Fight the fight of faith. Be blessed 
Kevin FeldmanGod’s not done with you yet. Very inspirational and up lifting. Having gone through the cancer scenario with my 24 year old daugther, I understand the emotions and stress you and your family have endured. Keep fighting the good fight and looking forward.
Good bless you and your family.
Wishing you all good things…
Gail KeeYour battle against all odds brought tears to my eyes and joy of your victory to my heart !! With God on our side who can go against us ?? Let us all accept the “dare” and have this year be the greatest one evr !! God Bless You and Yours…
Mark BaileyMay God bless you and your family Josh.
I know what you are going through. The Dr.’s I have are among the best in the country. Thank God for them.
I wish you good health. I know you will do it.
Josh – What an amazing story. I love the way you applied it to “life”.
I know another amazing story. My friend Jackie was on her 3 round of “cancer. She had suffered with 2 different types of cancer, and the third time one of them had returned in her lung in the form of a good sized tumor. The oncologist told her that he could treat her, but this was not a curable situation.
She is a person of great faith and she declared on that day, “I am not going to die from cancer”. She then went on with her life. Several months later she returned to the oncologists office and he told her that he did not have a medical explanagion for it, but she had no cancer in her lungs. It was gone. Now about 10 years later she is still cancer free! Oh the power of just “deciding” and having absolute faith in the outcome.
Very touching! This is the least likely person I would expect to hear such a story from: Josh, a young and successful Internet marketer. It goes to show that we re all humans and are therefore subject to the same kinds of life experiences, good or bad. Thanks for sharing and God bless!
Jon DavisHi Josh, When I first read the title of your email that came through a couple of days ago I thought it was just another ploy to get people to open their mail, we are all pounded daily with incoming Aweber artillery with all kinds of claims.
When I read what you have gone through I thought the same thing you did, hey he’s to young and healthy how could that happen. I can’t imagine being faced with what you and your family had to endure, thank you for sharing, you are a blessing “Glory be to God in the highest” I pray for a mindset to take nothing I have for granted. You are a courageous honorable man with wisdom…God Bless and may God Bless America!
Congratulations Josh! We are all so glad that you have won this very tough round with cancer! As you have been told, there is a chance that cancer might return. If you want to eliminate that chance, one important thing you could do is simply DRINK ALKALINE IONIZED WATER. CANCER CANNOT EXIST IN AN ALKALINE STATE! So, if you drink lots of alkaline ionized water, you will choke out any cancer, hydrate your body, increase performance, stamina, and energy. If you want to learn more, contact me for info, or google “alkaline ionized water”. You are awesome-have an awesome year! John E.
well written, very inspirational, you have helped so many with sharing your story! thank you for sharing your story! God bless you and ur beautiful family!!!
Congratulations and best wishes. And congratulations to your doctors, too. There are a lot of mediocre (or worse) ones out there. You obviously got some great ones. You haven’t mentioned how your wife and kids have handled it; I hope all is well there, too.
Diane KnepperBeing daring saved your life. And you dared to share your life with us. We all need hope and encouragement, which truly originates only from God – and He is speaking through your trials to give us just that. What a legacy for your family. Thank you for being aware and willing and daring to continue. May your daring serve Him
Judi MorrisThanks for sharing your ordeal.I have been concerned about my pancreas.I did go for a checkup and have an ultrasound tomorrow..I don’t want to ignor sypmtoms I may not get a daring docor..but I do have an incredible God..
Congratulations, Josh!
Your blessing is a blessing to all of us as we are inspired and empowered by your experience. I’ve been following you for several years now and I’m so glad you’re alright.
While, I’m healthy (thank God), I’ve experienced major life transitions over the last 7 years (divorce, real estate downturn, unemployment, skirting homelessness, etc). Since then, I’ve been rebuilding my life and things are much better.
I’m an experienced but ‘traumatized’ real estate investor. ;-D With what I know I should have recovered financially by now. I’ve overcome several obstacles, but I still struggle with residual fear of rejection and failure. I seem to have lost my ability to be ‘daring’.
Now that my unemployment has expired, I’m at the point of having to step thru my fear and be ‘daring’ or fall back into the pit again. I choose to be daring!
Thank you for your story of bravery and confidence as exhibited by you and your surgeon.
I have to make those phone calls today and in the days that follow. This is a great way to get started. I’ll think of you as I work to inspire myself each morning.
God bless you and your family, and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Sending you love and healing light energy always…
MyraJosh,
How wonderful that you have beat one of the most undetected forms of cancer. Unfortunately my father-in-law was not so lucky. My husband lost his father to pancreatic cancer in August of 2003.
You have been chosen by God to do great things in life. Just the telling of your story is an inspiration to us all. It’s time we all stepped up to the plate, faced our fears, took God’s hand in ours and reached out with the other hand to help someone in need.
Thank you for sharing so much of your private life with us, it truly gives us a reason to believe.
God Bless You and be with you always.
thanks for sharing your story
It makes you appreciate each day you have here
To not squander it and live it like it’s your last day
Renee ChambersCongrats Josh… What a blessing you have been given! I too was diagnosed with cancer in July and will find out in March if my treatment has worked!! Thanks for sharing your amazing story! I agree ~ in 2012 I will dare to be more daring than I have ever been!
God Bless, Renee
Josh,
You are chosen for a purpose you may not now. Not describable in our earthly terms.But your spirit will guide you as I read in your story that is very touching, at first, seems unfair to you at your young age.
I am very happy reading your words of encouragement, understanding and thanks.
Just to let you know that you have made a difference in my life as well. May all the blessings be upon you
Oak
greg fryVery fascinating story Josh- sorry you had to live through this ordeal though. “Daring” makes a good summary. I’m reading your story glued to the edge of my seat to learn what happens next, almost reading like a dramatic novel. I know Lisa from when we lived next 2 each other in Middleburg Heights as kids. Looking foreward 2 meeting you sometime(:
Jim LemalJosh,
You have truly inspired me with your story of how you overcame seemingly impossible odds. You truly have been blessed. Reading what you have been through the last 5 months has resonated with me to my soul. Life is really too short, to not be the best you can be. Here’s wishing you and yours the best of luck in 2012.
God Loves You!!!!
Doug NodlandThanks Josh for sharing your compelling story! I went with my Dad to the hospital some years ago when he was undergoing “exploratory surgery”. Unfortunately he did not have a “daring” doctor. I was told that Dad had pancreatic cancer and there was nothing that the doctor could do, so he sewed him back up and Dad died in 4 months.
We all need to be thankful for each day. I can see that already your story has touched many people. Thank you again.
Josh, what a beautiful story – and so inspiring! We never know when someone we love will be a victim of pancreatic cancer; and from your story, we know there is hope. I am so glad you are sharing your story.
Rafaeli am happy for you. now you need to know why you got sick and change that now. Go to herbdoc.com/blog and read and meet Dr Richard Shulze. This guy is the real doctor. See how he has helped many people recover from so call incurable diseases naturally with no surgury, chemo or the knife. Also see on neflix the documentary ‘Fat,Sick and almost dead’ Do not ignore this. Good health to you.
Josh:
Wow man! Had no idea what you’ve been going through!
Here’s to the good news… and here’s to continued recovery.
Speaking of being the best: Check out the book “Talent is Overrated” by Geoff Colvin. Shatters a lot of myths & really breaks down what separates world-class from everyone else.
Also – Rafael. Thank you for the info on Dr Shulze! He is amazing and I was trying to re-connect with him. The other points you make are spot-on as well.
We dig our graves with our teeth.
Laurel HowardDear Josh,
So glad to hear this news — Neuroendocrine cancer is a tough type for average docs to diagnose correctly. I am glad to hear that you need no further treatment beyond surgery at this time! I have this cancer too – but its mostly in my lungs! All I have learned in the last 8 years (since April,2003) is echoed in your first lesson. I have other resources to share if you are interested –specific knowledge bases for this cancer..It is a complex part of the cancer worrld. The knowledge base grows daily–without chemo for many. I’ll send you some resource links. Take time to
smile and laugh (if it doesn’t hurt the incisions)
Laurel
Josh,
Great heartfelt story, my friend, so happy for you and your family. Thank you for sharing with us.
I was checking my email last night and saw a note from a college friend (I’m 53) with the Subject line reading “Good prognosis for Marc”, and I started getting goose bumps, thinking “what’s that all about”. I soon found out.
In the body was the following URL:
http://stonybrooksurgery.org/Blog
The story speaks for itself. On the one hand, it’s almost unbelievable, could be right out of a movie. On the other hand, with advancements in medical science and technology and daring, confident doctors, it gives us all hope that miracles and dreams do come true.
I encourage everyone here to read the stories that were posted on that blog dated 1/25 and 1/26. They are absolutely amazing. And watch the short video clip.
I’d also love to see you send out the URL to your list because it’s the kind of timely, real world information that will save someone’s life. Your list is big enough that I bet someone receiving the message can immediately use what they learn, either for a friend or a loved one.
Marc is one of my classmates from MIT. We lived together for four years when we were in school. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 29, 2011. That’s the same day you were officially diagnosed. This same miserable disease claimed one of our best friends almost four years ago.
Marc is alive today to continue enjoying life with his wife and two children, and his future looks brighter. Your future looks brighter, too. Great news all around!
Thanks for all you do for us, Josh. Sleep well tonight.
Best Wishes
Mike
V SmithGreat news for you! I lost my oldest sister to this disease, I wish I had gotten your story when they gave up on her. I would have recommended your doctor. Thanks for your encouraging story.
Daniel AmblerJosh, Thank God, now that is what we need to hear. Not to take your life altering experience lightly, all to often the negative is brought to lite, Magical words ‘you are heald’ Dr. Walsh is truly a good Deed doer. I am very happy for you & will say a prayer for you Josh.
Dan
LouieBe greedy for Life my friend. You are already healed.
D. AllenGod Bless you and yours. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Patricia LoweJosh,
Like Steve Jobs, my husband, who is now deceased, had a neuro-endrocrine tumor of the pancreas in 1995, which was totally removed from the area of the pancreas. The surgery at the University of Pennsylvania involved the removal of the tail of his pancreas, as well as his spleen and left kidney.
Unfortunately, the cancer apparently had spread to the renal vein and was carried to other parts of his body by the blood. It wound up in his spine less than a year later.
I think Steve Jobs would still be alive today if he had not delayed his surgery to the point where he had to have a liver transplant. Either kidney or liver involvement almost ensures that cancer cells have spread through the blood as so much blood circulates through those organs.
My husband’s cancer diagnosis was delayed because his doctor could not palpate the cantaloupe-sized tumor as the pancreas is so soft and movable, and is tucked behind the liver,etc. I told the doctor that a “cat-scan in time would have saved nine.” My husband’s diagnosis was not made until abnormal blood chemistry created symptoms. Before then, all my husband felt, as he told the doctor, was a vague pressure sensation in his abdomen when he was lying down.
My hope is that today they have other effective treatments, like immune therapy and other chemotherapeutic agents, to suppress the potential spread of the cancer. All they could offer my husband was radiation to his spine as a palliative measure, and traditional chemotherapy, when it was not safe for him to undergo further radiation.
I wish you the best.
Vlad D.Thank you for sharing this, Josh. A very inspiring story indeed. And I hope your recovery goes well.
Thanks again. All the best to you and your family.
Very, very inspiring. Your story will touch many lives. God Bless you and your family.
I just wanted to say god bless u and ur family. When I read ur story it really touched me mentally because I’m having my trials and tribulations also not life threatening but still gut wrenching. Im so glad u are making a full recovery josh because I don’t know what I would do without ur leadership. I really wanna meet u one day and thanks again for sharing. I do wanna take that inspiration and be aggressive. When u get a chance I would love to speak to one of ur coaches or the man himself? Much respect!!!
Josh
God has given you the victory so that your life will go on to bless many more people and inspire them to release the gretaness from within. Be blessed in knowing that God has many more victories in store for you, as you release His gretaness in your life. Fight the fight of faith. Be blessed
God’s not done with you yet. Very inspirational and up lifting. Having gone through the cancer scenario with my 24 year old daugther, I understand the emotions and stress you and your family have endured. Keep fighting the good fight and looking forward.
Good bless you and your family.
Wishing you all good things…
Your battle against all odds brought tears to my eyes and joy of your victory to my heart !! With God on our side who can go against us ?? Let us all accept the “dare” and have this year be the greatest one evr !! God Bless You and Yours…
Your battle against all odds brought tears to my eyes and joy of your victory to my heart !! With God on our side who can go against us ?? Let us all accept the “dare” and have this year be the greatest one evr !! God Bless You and Yours…
God’s not done with you yet. Very inspirational and up lifting. Having gone through the cancer scenario with my 24 year old daugther, I understand the emotions and stress you and your family have endured. Keep fighting the good fight and looking forward.
Good bless you and your family.
Wishing you all good things…
Josh
God has given you the victory so that your life will go on to bless many more people and inspire them to release the gretaness from within. Be blessed in knowing that God has many more victories in store for you, as you release His gretaness in your life. Fight the fight of faith. Be blessed
I just wanted to say god bless u and ur family. When I read ur story it really touched me mentally because I’m having my trials and tribulations also not life threatening but still gut wrenching. Im so glad u are making a full recovery josh because I don’t know what I would do without ur leadership. I really wanna meet u one day and thanks again for sharing. I do wanna take that inspiration and be aggressive. When u get a chance I would love to speak to one of ur coaches or the man himself? Much respect!!!
Very, very inspiring. Your story will touch many lives. God Bless you and your family.
May God bless you and your family Josh.
I know what you are going through. The Dr.’s I have are among the best in the country. Thank God for them.
I wish you good health. I know you will do it.
Josh – What an amazing story. I love the way you applied it to “life”.
I know another amazing story. My friend Jackie was on her 3 round of “cancer. She had suffered with 2 different types of cancer, and the third time one of them had returned in her lung in the form of a good sized tumor. The oncologist told her that he could treat her, but this was not a curable situation.
She is a person of great faith and she declared on that day, “I am not going to die from cancer”. She then went on with her life. Several months later she returned to the oncologists office and he told her that he did not have a medical explanagion for it, but she had no cancer in her lungs. It was gone. Now about 10 years later she is still cancer free! Oh the power of just “deciding” and having absolute faith in the outcome.
Very touching! This is the least likely person I would expect to hear such a story from: Josh, a young and successful Internet marketer. It goes to show that we re all humans and are therefore subject to the same kinds of life experiences, good or bad. Thanks for sharing and God bless!
Hi Josh, When I first read the title of your email that came through a couple of days ago I thought it was just another ploy to get people to open their mail, we are all pounded daily with incoming Aweber artillery with all kinds of claims.
When I read what you have gone through I thought the same thing you did, hey he’s to young and healthy how could that happen. I can’t imagine being faced with what you and your family had to endure, thank you for sharing, you are a blessing “Glory be to God in the highest” I pray for a mindset to take nothing I have for granted. You are a courageous honorable man with wisdom…God Bless and may God Bless America!
Congratulations Josh! We are all so glad that you have won this very tough round with cancer! As you have been told, there is a chance that cancer might return. If you want to eliminate that chance, one important thing you could do is simply DRINK ALKALINE IONIZED WATER. CANCER CANNOT EXIST IN AN ALKALINE STATE! So, if you drink lots of alkaline ionized water, you will choke out any cancer, hydrate your body, increase performance, stamina, and energy. If you want to learn more, contact me for info, or google “alkaline ionized water”. You are awesome-have an awesome year! John E.
Congratulations Josh! We are all so glad that you have won this very tough round with cancer! As you have been told, there is a chance that cancer might return. If you want to eliminate that chance, one important thing you could do is simply DRINK ALKALINE IONIZED WATER. CANCER CANNOT EXIST IN AN ALKALINE STATE! So, if you drink lots of alkaline ionized water, you will choke out any cancer, hydrate your body, increase performance, stamina, and energy. If you want to learn more, contact me for info, or google “alkaline ionized water”. You are awesome-have an awesome year! John E.
Hi Josh, When I first read the title of your email that came through a couple of days ago I thought it was just another ploy to get people to open their mail, we are all pounded daily with incoming Aweber artillery with all kinds of claims.
When I read what you have gone through I thought the same thing you did, hey he’s to young and healthy how could that happen. I can’t imagine being faced with what you and your family had to endure, thank you for sharing, you are a blessing “Glory be to God in the highest” I pray for a mindset to take nothing I have for granted. You are a courageous honorable man with wisdom…God Bless and may God Bless America!
Very touching! This is the least likely person I would expect to hear such a story from: Josh, a young and successful Internet marketer. It goes to show that we re all humans and are therefore subject to the same kinds of life experiences, good or bad. Thanks for sharing and God bless!
Josh – What an amazing story. I love the way you applied it to “life”.
I know another amazing story. My friend Jackie was on her 3 round of “cancer. She had suffered with 2 different types of cancer, and the third time one of them had returned in her lung in the form of a good sized tumor. The oncologist told her that he could treat her, but this was not a curable situation.
She is a person of great faith and she declared on that day, “I am not going to die from cancer”. She then went on with her life. Several months later she returned to the oncologists office and he told her that he did not have a medical explanagion for it, but she had no cancer in her lungs. It was gone. Now about 10 years later she is still cancer free! Oh the power of just “deciding” and having absolute faith in the outcome.
May God bless you and your family Josh.
I know what you are going through. The Dr.’s I have are among the best in the country. Thank God for them.
I wish you good health. I know you will do it.
well written, very inspirational, you have helped so many with sharing your story! thank you for sharing your story! God bless you and ur beautiful family!!!
Congratulations and best wishes. And congratulations to your doctors, too. There are a lot of mediocre (or worse) ones out there. You obviously got some great ones. You haven’t mentioned how your wife and kids have handled it; I hope all is well there, too.
Being daring saved your life. And you dared to share your life with us. We all need hope and encouragement, which truly originates only from God – and He is speaking through your trials to give us just that. What a legacy for your family. Thank you for being aware and willing and daring to continue. May your daring serve Him
Thanks for sharing your ordeal.I have been concerned about my pancreas.I did go for a checkup and have an ultrasound tomorrow..I don’t want to ignor sypmtoms I may not get a daring docor..but I do have an incredible God..
Congratulations, Josh!
Your blessing is a blessing to all of us as we are inspired and empowered by your experience. I’ve been following you for several years now and I’m so glad you’re alright.
While, I’m healthy (thank God), I’ve experienced major life transitions over the last 7 years (divorce, real estate downturn, unemployment, skirting homelessness, etc). Since then, I’ve been rebuilding my life and things are much better.
I’m an experienced but ‘traumatized’ real estate investor. ;-D With what I know I should have recovered financially by now. I’ve overcome several obstacles, but I still struggle with residual fear of rejection and failure. I seem to have lost my ability to be ‘daring’.
Now that my unemployment has expired, I’m at the point of having to step thru my fear and be ‘daring’ or fall back into the pit again. I choose to be daring!
Thank you for your story of bravery and confidence as exhibited by you and your surgeon.
I have to make those phone calls today and in the days that follow. This is a great way to get started. I’ll think of you as I work to inspire myself each morning.
God bless you and your family, and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Sending you love and healing light energy always…
Josh,
How wonderful that you have beat one of the most undetected forms of cancer. Unfortunately my father-in-law was not so lucky. My husband lost his father to pancreatic cancer in August of 2003.
You have been chosen by God to do great things in life. Just the telling of your story is an inspiration to us all. It’s time we all stepped up to the plate, faced our fears, took God’s hand in ours and reached out with the other hand to help someone in need.
Thank you for sharing so much of your private life with us, it truly gives us a reason to believe.
God Bless You and be with you always.
thanks for sharing your story
It makes you appreciate each day you have here
To not squander it and live it like it’s your last day
Congrats Josh… What a blessing you have been given! I too was diagnosed with cancer in July and will find out in March if my treatment has worked!! Thanks for sharing your amazing story! I agree ~ in 2012 I will dare to be more daring than I have ever been!
God Bless, Renee
Josh,
You are chosen for a purpose you may not now. Not describable in our earthly terms.But your spirit will guide you as I read in your story that is very touching, at first, seems unfair to you at your young age.
I am very happy reading your words of encouragement, understanding and thanks.
Just to let you know that you have made a difference in my life as well. May all the blessings be upon you
Oak
Josh,
You are chosen for a purpose you may not now. Not describable in our earthly terms.But your spirit will guide you as I read in your story that is very touching, at first, seems unfair to you at your young age.
I am very happy reading your words of encouragement, understanding and thanks.
Just to let you know that you have made a difference in my life as well. May all the blessings be upon you
Oak
Congrats Josh… What a blessing you have been given! I too was diagnosed with cancer in July and will find out in March if my treatment has worked!! Thanks for sharing your amazing story! I agree ~ in 2012 I will dare to be more daring than I have ever been!
God Bless, Renee
thanks for sharing your story
It makes you appreciate each day you have here
To not squander it and live it like it’s your last day
Josh,
How wonderful that you have beat one of the most undetected forms of cancer. Unfortunately my father-in-law was not so lucky. My husband lost his father to pancreatic cancer in August of 2003.
You have been chosen by God to do great things in life. Just the telling of your story is an inspiration to us all. It’s time we all stepped up to the plate, faced our fears, took God’s hand in ours and reached out with the other hand to help someone in need.
Thank you for sharing so much of your private life with us, it truly gives us a reason to believe.
God Bless You and be with you always.
Congratulations, Josh!
Your blessing is a blessing to all of us as we are inspired and empowered by your experience. I’ve been following you for several years now and I’m so glad you’re alright.
While, I’m healthy (thank God), I’ve experienced major life transitions over the last 7 years (divorce, real estate downturn, unemployment, skirting homelessness, etc). Since then, I’ve been rebuilding my life and things are much better.
I’m an experienced but ‘traumatized’ real estate investor. ;-D With what I know I should have recovered financially by now. I’ve overcome several obstacles, but I still struggle with residual fear of rejection and failure. I seem to have lost my ability to be ‘daring’.
Now that my unemployment has expired, I’m at the point of having to step thru my fear and be ‘daring’ or fall back into the pit again. I choose to be daring!
Thank you for your story of bravery and confidence as exhibited by you and your surgeon.
I have to make those phone calls today and in the days that follow. This is a great way to get started. I’ll think of you as I work to inspire myself each morning.
God bless you and your family, and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Sending you love and healing light energy always…
Thanks for sharing your ordeal.I have been concerned about my pancreas.I did go for a checkup and have an ultrasound tomorrow..I don’t want to ignor sypmtoms I may not get a daring docor..but I do have an incredible God..
Being daring saved your life. And you dared to share your life with us. We all need hope and encouragement, which truly originates only from God – and He is speaking through your trials to give us just that. What a legacy for your family. Thank you for being aware and willing and daring to continue. May your daring serve Him
Congratulations and best wishes. And congratulations to your doctors, too. There are a lot of mediocre (or worse) ones out there. You obviously got some great ones. You haven’t mentioned how your wife and kids have handled it; I hope all is well there, too.
Very fascinating story Josh- sorry you had to live through this ordeal though. “Daring” makes a good summary. I’m reading your story glued to the edge of my seat to learn what happens next, almost reading like a dramatic novel. I know Lisa from when we lived next 2 each other in Middleburg Heights as kids. Looking foreward 2 meeting you sometime(:
Josh,
You have truly inspired me with your story of how you overcame seemingly impossible odds. You truly have been blessed. Reading what you have been through the last 5 months has resonated with me to my soul. Life is really too short, to not be the best you can be. Here’s wishing you and yours the best of luck in 2012.
God Loves You!!!!
Thanks Josh for sharing your compelling story! I went with my Dad to the hospital some years ago when he was undergoing “exploratory surgery”. Unfortunately he did not have a “daring” doctor. I was told that Dad had pancreatic cancer and there was nothing that the doctor could do, so he sewed him back up and Dad died in 4 months.
We all need to be thankful for each day. I can see that already your story has touched many people. Thank you again.
Josh, what a beautiful story – and so inspiring! We never know when someone we love will be a victim of pancreatic cancer; and from your story, we know there is hope. I am so glad you are sharing your story.
i am happy for you. now you need to know why you got sick and change that now. Go to herbdoc.com/blog and read and meet Dr Richard Shulze. This guy is the real doctor. See how he has helped many people recover from so call incurable diseases naturally with no surgury, chemo or the knife. Also see on neflix the documentary ‘Fat,Sick and almost dead’ Do not ignore this. Good health to you.
Josh:
Wow man! Had no idea what you’ve been going through!
Here’s to the good news… and here’s to continued recovery.
Speaking of being the best: Check out the book “Talent is Overrated” by Geoff Colvin. Shatters a lot of myths & really breaks down what separates world-class from everyone else.
Also – Rafael. Thank you for the info on Dr Shulze! He is amazing and I was trying to re-connect with him. The other points you make are spot-on as well.
We dig our graves with our teeth.
Dear Josh,
So glad to hear this news — Neuroendocrine cancer is a tough type for average docs to diagnose correctly. I am glad to hear that you need no further treatment beyond surgery at this time! I have this cancer too – but its mostly in my lungs! All I have learned in the last 8 years (since April,2003) is echoed in your first lesson. I have other resources to share if you are interested –specific knowledge bases for this cancer..It is a complex part of the cancer worrld. The knowledge base grows daily–without chemo for many. I’ll send you some resource links. Take time to
smile and laugh (if it doesn’t hurt the incisions)
Laurel
Josh,
Great heartfelt story, my friend, so happy for you and your family. Thank you for sharing with us.
I was checking my email last night and saw a note from a college friend (I’m 53) with the Subject line reading “Good prognosis for Marc”, and I started getting goose bumps, thinking “what’s that all about”. I soon found out.
In the body was the following URL:
http://stonybrooksurgery.org/Blog
The story speaks for itself. On the one hand, it’s almost unbelievable, could be right out of a movie. On the other hand, with advancements in medical science and technology and daring, confident doctors, it gives us all hope that miracles and dreams do come true.
I encourage everyone here to read the stories that were posted on that blog dated 1/25 and 1/26. They are absolutely amazing. And watch the short video clip.
I’d also love to see you send out the URL to your list because it’s the kind of timely, real world information that will save someone’s life. Your list is big enough that I bet someone receiving the message can immediately use what they learn, either for a friend or a loved one.
Marc is one of my classmates from MIT. We lived together for four years when we were in school. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 29, 2011. That’s the same day you were officially diagnosed. This same miserable disease claimed one of our best friends almost four years ago.
Marc is alive today to continue enjoying life with his wife and two children, and his future looks brighter. Your future looks brighter, too. Great news all around!
Thanks for all you do for us, Josh. Sleep well tonight.
Best Wishes
Mike
Great news for you! I lost my oldest sister to this disease, I wish I had gotten your story when they gave up on her. I would have recommended your doctor. Thanks for your encouraging story.
Josh, Thank God, now that is what we need to hear. Not to take your life altering experience lightly, all to often the negative is brought to lite, Magical words ‘you are heald’ Dr. Walsh is truly a good Deed doer. I am very happy for you & will say a prayer for you Josh.
Dan
Be greedy for Life my friend. You are already healed.
Be greedy for Life my friend. You are already healed.
Josh, Thank God, now that is what we need to hear. Not to take your life altering experience lightly, all to often the negative is brought to lite, Magical words ‘you are heald’ Dr. Walsh is truly a good Deed doer. I am very happy for you & will say a prayer for you Josh.
Dan
Great news for you! I lost my oldest sister to this disease, I wish I had gotten your story when they gave up on her. I would have recommended your doctor. Thanks for your encouraging story.
Josh,
Great heartfelt story, my friend, so happy for you and your family. Thank you for sharing with us.
I was checking my email last night and saw a note from a college friend (I’m 53) with the Subject line reading “Good prognosis for Marc”, and I started getting goose bumps, thinking “what’s that all about”. I soon found out.
In the body was the following URL:
http://stonybrooksurgery.org/Blog
The story speaks for itself. On the one hand, it’s almost unbelievable, could be right out of a movie. On the other hand, with advancements in medical science and technology and daring, confident doctors, it gives us all hope that miracles and dreams do come true.
I encourage everyone here to read the stories that were posted on that blog dated 1/25 and 1/26. They are absolutely amazing. And watch the short video clip.
I’d also love to see you send out the URL to your list because it’s the kind of timely, real world information that will save someone’s life. Your list is big enough that I bet someone receiving the message can immediately use what they learn, either for a friend or a loved one.
Marc is one of my classmates from MIT. We lived together for four years when we were in school. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 29, 2011. That’s the same day you were officially diagnosed. This same miserable disease claimed one of our best friends almost four years ago.
Marc is alive today to continue enjoying life with his wife and two children, and his future looks brighter. Your future looks brighter, too. Great news all around!
Thanks for all you do for us, Josh. Sleep well tonight.
Best Wishes
Mike
Josh:
Wow man! Had no idea what you’ve been going through!
Here’s to the good news… and here’s to continued recovery.
Speaking of being the best: Check out the book “Talent is Overrated” by Geoff Colvin. Shatters a lot of myths & really breaks down what separates world-class from everyone else.
Also – Rafael. Thank you for the info on Dr Shulze! He is amazing and I was trying to re-connect with him. The other points you make are spot-on as well.
We dig our graves with our teeth.
Josh, what a beautiful story – and so inspiring! We never know when someone we love will be a victim of pancreatic cancer; and from your story, we know there is hope. I am so glad you are sharing your story.
Thanks Josh for sharing your compelling story! I went with my Dad to the hospital some years ago when he was undergoing “exploratory surgery”. Unfortunately he did not have a “daring” doctor. I was told that Dad had pancreatic cancer and there was nothing that the doctor could do, so he sewed him back up and Dad died in 4 months.
We all need to be thankful for each day. I can see that already your story has touched many people. Thank you again.
Josh,
You have truly inspired me with your story of how you overcame seemingly impossible odds. You truly have been blessed. Reading what you have been through the last 5 months has resonated with me to my soul. Life is really too short, to not be the best you can be. Here’s wishing you and yours the best of luck in 2012.
God Loves You!!!!
Very fascinating story Josh- sorry you had to live through this ordeal though. “Daring” makes a good summary. I’m reading your story glued to the edge of my seat to learn what happens next, almost reading like a dramatic novel. I know Lisa from when we lived next 2 each other in Middleburg Heights as kids. Looking foreward 2 meeting you sometime(:
God Bless you and yours. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
God Bless you and yours. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Josh,
Like Steve Jobs, my husband, who is now deceased, had a neuro-endrocrine tumor of the pancreas in 1995, which was totally removed from the area of the pancreas. The surgery at the University of Pennsylvania involved the removal of the tail of his pancreas, as well as his spleen and left kidney.
Unfortunately, the cancer apparently had spread to the renal vein and was carried to other parts of his body by the blood. It wound up in his spine less than a year later.
I think Steve Jobs would still be alive today if he had not delayed his surgery to the point where he had to have a liver transplant. Either kidney or liver involvement almost ensures that cancer cells have spread through the blood as so much blood circulates through those organs.
My husband’s cancer diagnosis was delayed because his doctor could not palpate the cantaloupe-sized tumor as the pancreas is so soft and movable, and is tucked behind the liver,etc. I told the doctor that a “cat-scan in time would have saved nine.” My husband’s diagnosis was not made until abnormal blood chemistry created symptoms. Before then, all my husband felt, as he told the doctor, was a vague pressure sensation in his abdomen when he was lying down.
My hope is that today they have other effective treatments, like immune therapy and other chemotherapeutic agents, to suppress the potential spread of the cancer. All they could offer my husband was radiation to his spine as a palliative measure, and traditional chemotherapy, when it was not safe for him to undergo further radiation.
I wish you the best.
Josh,
Like Steve Jobs, my husband, who is now deceased, had a neuro-endrocrine tumor of the pancreas in 1995, which was totally removed from the area of the pancreas. The surgery at the University of Pennsylvania involved the removal of the tail of his pancreas, as well as his spleen and left kidney.
Unfortunately, the cancer apparently had spread to the renal vein and was carried to other parts of his body by the blood. It wound up in his spine less than a year later.
I think Steve Jobs would still be alive today if he had not delayed his surgery to the point where he had to have a liver transplant. Either kidney or liver involvement almost ensures that cancer cells have spread through the blood as so much blood circulates through those organs.
My husband’s cancer diagnosis was delayed because his doctor could not palpate the cantaloupe-sized tumor as the pancreas is so soft and movable, and is tucked behind the liver,etc. I told the doctor that a “cat-scan in time would have saved nine.” My husband’s diagnosis was not made until abnormal blood chemistry created symptoms. Before then, all my husband felt, as he told the doctor, was a vague pressure sensation in his abdomen when he was lying down.
My hope is that today they have other effective treatments, like immune therapy and other chemotherapeutic agents, to suppress the potential spread of the cancer. All they could offer my husband was radiation to his spine as a palliative measure, and traditional chemotherapy, when it was not safe for him to undergo further radiation.
I wish you the best.
Thank you for sharing this, Josh. A very inspiring story indeed. And I hope your recovery goes well.
Thanks again. All the best to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this, Josh. A very inspiring story indeed. And I hope your recovery goes well.
Thanks again. All the best to you and your family.
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Very, very inspiring. Your story will touch many lives. God Bless you and your family.