From Brother Joe

The news came to MJ at the Pittsburgh airport on the way to Boston for a well deserved vacation. My family and I were so looking forward to seeing Tim and MJ. I had painted MJ's name on the back of the comfy chair. We were ready!

Any normal person would have just turned around and gone home. But MJ was coming. And as usual we would have to listen to her bitch and moan the next 6 days. Like she isn't enough high maintenance already!

MJ arrived in Boston and ignored everyone. My Son Joey was so looking forward to seeing her, and she walked by him at the house without even a hello. He was devastated. She then proceeded to kick Callie the Lab in the head. This was only topped by Timmy taking a photo of her and she grabbed the phone and thru it in the lake. This was going to be a great week. Anyone have a spare I-Phone for Uncle Tim to borrow?

Ah - but maybe I am confusing this with how I would have reacted to the news. In fact the hug at the airport was so sincere and outward, with the incredible positive attitude emanating, I knew we were in for a wonderful week. And as it turned out, between Timmy's 10 pound grape leaves, and a small glass of Scotch here and there, it was as usual inspiring to see the amazing fight and attitude MJ consistently demonstrates. I am sad to say we see her off this morning, but all our love and prayers are with her and her family, and in our hearts we know she will again conquer this next challenge with the heart of a lion, continuing to earn the admiration of all she comes in contact with.

Here we go again

Quiz;  ONE OF THESE THINGS JUST DOESN'T BELONG HERE:

(a) France  (b) Chicago (c) navy webcasts (d) teach at CMU (e) chemo (f) launch Negotiation Academy (g) coach Sam and Zoe's mock trial team

If you guessed (e) you are correct in theory but as it turns out next Friday I will start chemo again.  That makes this a trick question. So, I've had a recurrence after 21 months of remission. The time in remission is predictive of how well I will respond to chemo and 21 months is a good number.  I am ready to take this on and my family has my back.  Yes, you could start your prayers any time now.  As a reminder here are my favorite ground rules:

1. Everyone wants to know what they can do.  The best thing you can do is to keep it normal- You don't have to avoid any discussions but know that I will talk about cancer when I need to.  Also know that I am interested more than ever about what is going on with you that doesn't involve cancer. That's how I keep my balance.
2. Cancer is not the minimum standard for complaining. If you had a lousy day I care and want to hear about it.  Please don't start the sentence with " I know it's not as bad as what your are dealing with" per item #1. 
3. As you can guess, I am very direct and honest about what's going on. 
   When I appear cheerful and strong you can trust that it's real  because I will also let you know if it's a bad day.  I will also let you know if I need something - I learned in round #1 that it helps everyone if I just ask for what I need.
   
4. Most days will be good.  I've beat this before and plan to beat it again.
5. My friends and family are critical to this journey.  Don't worry about being intrusive.  I won't answer the phone if I don't feel like talking.  Write anything on the blog that you want.  I love reading what you say.
6. My cancer is a chronic disease- there isn't a cure.  This recurrence was predictable (but not welcomed)  and will likely happen again if we play the odds.  We are all in this for the long game-  
7. I am grateful that you are all in my life.  Please know that having an army of the strongest and fiercest women and men in the world is very comforting.  It's more than comforting.  It's awesome. 

My brothers and I spent the weekend together in New Hampshire polishing off 1.75 liter bottle of single malt scotch. It was purely medicinal.