“A Path to a Cure”

7/14/2011

Amanda, my parents and I headed to an early morning appointment at 7:00 am and were able to meet my new and phenomenal medical staff. But not before I was able to make a quick blog post. To be honest, I am completely overwhelmed with the support that has poured in from family, friends, friends of friends and some amazing people that I have never officially yet met in my life. To explain the breadth of the support messages that I received so far, from the moment it was posted this morning I received a new e-mail every 2 minutes, a new Facebook message every 5 minutes, countless likes, comments, posts, reposts, phone calls, and over 1500 visitors to the blog. I do not have words to describe how amazing you all are and know that I have read every single one of your messages and I will be sure to give everyone of you a huge hug when this thing has been won.

As for my health, I feel great and I have a very positive outlook on the situation. After a few long meetings and a information overload, my doctor and surgeon have established what is now deemed by the Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology as a “Path to a Cure.” Because of my age and the strength of my body they are going to target the cancer very aggressively, next thursday I will be starting a rather large cocktail of 4 chemo-therapy drugs with the goal of shrinking the known tumors into remission. If that goes successfully in around 3 months the surgeon will be able to then perform two complex surgeries. The first to remove a portion of my liver containing the bulk of the cancerous cells. A second surgery in the near future (after my liver has regenerated) to remove the remaining cancerous cells in the liver and the original mass in my colon. A lot of this information is pending pathology and further scans of my body, but at this moment it is extremely positive news and we (my family and medical team) are all focused on that specific goal. If there are any speed bumps, then we will tackle them as they occur. If this goes as planned I can be cured of what early this morning was a un-curable disease. Just know that I firmly believe I will reach this goal, and that all of your support, prayers, emails and votes of confidence will only push me harder until I have driven every …last…. drop… of this disease from my body.

I love you all – Teej

23 Comments

Tom Murphy

10/5/2015 01:16:54 pm

Eighty-plus years ago, Charles Lindbergh squeezed into the cockpit of a tiny airplane. His challenge: the first solo, transatlantic flight in an airplane. He had been awake for some 22 hours even before takeoff, so he had to fight exhaustion for the entire 33 hour flight. And cold – because he had to leave the window open to help staty awake. No radio. But he was not alone. By his own account, he took strength from the passionate spirits of other pioneers in the early years of aviation. You have already tapped into the spirit of people who are ready to share in your challenge. Know that we are with you!

Judy Baudanza Thornton July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:40:20 pm

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

TJ, you are indeed inspirational!
Sending much love and many prayers.
Jude.

dottie thelen July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:40:39 pm

I just read your blog and I can’t stop cryiing.

You are amazing and I.m so proud of you…but you know that, I have always had a special place for you.

Teej, I know that this is just the beginning of a journey that none of us wants to take but I know you will make it easier on the ones you love and keep a positive attitude to keep everyones spirits up while you’re going through the fight of your life.

Please give that beautiful Amanda a big hug for me and I;m giving you one right now!!!!

You are my hero

Love,
Dottie

R.t. Shoben July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:40:58 pm

my family and i’m sure O4B will be praying for you and wish you the very best of luck buddy just eat well and rest when needed i had a few family members thati have witnessed go thru similiar types of illnesses …have faith and stay strong ….your half wall man deuce

Serena July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:41:21 pm

Thanks for sharing, TJ. You are amazing. Hope you can feel all of the love, support and prayers coming your way. I, and all of the Ciampas, are behind you 100% in this fight!!
Lots of love – Serena

Tmcsarasota July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:41:44 pm

On the Path to a Cure!!!!! Your’e on your way Teej.

Blair July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:42:20 pm

You are incredible! Your perspective and bravery amaze all of us. You will beat this and we will all be here cheering you on and beating it with you!

xoxo,
Blair

Amy Ambrosio July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:42:36 pm

Teej! I have no doubt you are going to beat this! This journey will be an incredible story to tell your grand kids one day! As I said in my email – I admire your strength so much! Keep up that positive outlook! You are in my prayers.

XoX
Aim

Mrs.Armstrong July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:42:55 pm

TJ
The guardian angels of life fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us. Jean Paul Richter
Everyone will be with you… every step of the way!
Xo
Love, Mrs.A

Diana Ambrosio July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:43:16 pm

“What you believe, you can achieve.”
TJ, I love that you are using the power of positive energy! There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to beat this thing! Life threw you a challenge and your bravery & optimism are so inspirational. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! You have my love & support always!

Love,
Di xoxo

Terry Zois July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:43:37 pm

Hello TJ
You are one amazing young man!!! Please know that the entire Zois clan is praying for you.
In one day you have become an inspiration. We tend to take life for granted and complain about the “small stuff” until something so overwhelming happens. It puts everything back into perspective. You have a wonderful family and I know God is watching over you.
Stay positive and get strong and well…
God Bless
xoxo
Mrs Z

God Bless

Slicky July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:43:58 pm

Hey Baskee

Just read up on everything and praying for you broham along with CrZ, Your strong minded and hard headed stubbornness to not let anything get you down will get you threw this,just like you said, We’re all here for ya and just a phone call away(some a long way) So stay true, stay strong, and we know from experience you’ll never quit. From everyone from the clan “purple chicken salad” is the best recipe for anything!

Love and prayers
Your Clan
The Crazy KillazZ CrZ

p.s.- You should have them try and fix yur busted nose while yur at it lol, just saying figured I’d give ya something to smile about.

John Noonan July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:44:17 pm

Keep going TJ
Don’t let anything cross your “path”

Jackie July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:44:39 pm

You are such an INSPIRATION to all. We are so very proud of you.
Love you so very much.
Mom

Robin Kaplan Price July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:45:01 pm

dear TJ,
Words can’t adequately express how completely blown away I am by your courage, wisdom and strength… You are a born fighter as you displayed upon entering the world and I am so very confident that you will fight this new challenge with the same innate strength that you so clearly possess. I grew up in Sudbury and was very close with Tracey when you were a baby. As you are well aware, you have COUNTLESS people rooting for you and are blessed with the best medical care available. You are an inspiration to ALL!

Abundant love, prayers and positive vibes… Robin (Kaplan) Price

Don Jones July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:45:21 pm

TJ
You have the right attitude….Stay strong….Stay positive….And we’ll doing the praying.

God Bless You
Don Jones

Joe Roller July 15, 2011

10/10/2015 01:45:45 pm

TJ,
Thank you for setting up this blog and sharing information about Team TJ’s early morning visit with your medical team. As you indicated, “Life throws some challenges…” and you have clearly accepted this one with the support of your family and many friends. I am so impressed with not just your positive attitude but with your knowledge of lots of complicated information. Yes, the liver does regenerate.
I can see that you are also prepared for some “speed bumps” along the way. You are very perseptive. I am so confident that you will Beat the Challenge.
I am sure that you know that Team TJ has deep bench strength to support you.

The Roller Family sends our love and support.

Joe

Kristy Gett July 16, 2011

10/10/2015 01:46:07 pm

TJ

I am so proud of you for being so brave – it is truly inspiring. I am proud to know you and lucky to have you in my life. I will never stop praying for you – I know you can beat this. I believe in you.

Kristy Gett

Ali Goebeler July 16, 2011

10/10/2015 01:46:28 pm

TJ,

You truly are an inspiration and a warrior… You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stay strong!

-Ali and Nick DiSarro

Erica Mawn July 17, 2011

10/10/2015 01:46:46 pm

TJ,
The Verville & Mawn families send our love and support to you and your family. Your positive attitude, courage and strength inspires us all.
Erica Maw

Nancy Cordeiro July 20, 2011

10/10/2015 01:47:09 pm

“The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect Faith-
for to have Faith is to have wings.”
JM Barrie (Peter Pan)
We’re flying with you Teej-
xoxo

Patrick Cocherl July 27, 2011

10/10/2015 01:47:32 pm

TJ, I know your parents from West Bay in Florida. I know your brother-in-law Mike. You, young man have the “right stuff”. My thought for you today comes from a Boston baseball player. He said, “Just keep going. Everybody gets better if they just keep at it.” -Ted Williams-.
Stay positive and keep going. I’ll buy you a different cocktail when this job is done> Paddy

Terry Zois July 27, 2011

10/10/2015 01:47:53 pm

Hi TJ
I have been thinking of you and saying a prayer for you every day. We were in St. Louis last week visiting Brad and his wife and my grandson. We went to a beautiful outdoor shrine and lit candles for you. Be brave and strong and God will take care of you.
XOXO
Mrs Z

TJ's Challenge Blog

“A Path to a Cure”

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