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TJ's Challenge Blog

As the Bell Rings

6/7/2012

14 Comments

 
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After 1,248 hours of chemotherapy, 28 radiation treatments, a liver resection, a gall bladder resection, a sigmoid colon resection, 2 colonoscopies, 1 upper endoscopy, 2 blood transfusions, countless CT scans, MRIs, Blood draws, X-rays, EKG’s, Soft Diets, Post Surgical Diets, High Fiber Diets, Low Residue diets, Emergency Room visits, Medications and 3 missed diagnosis’s totaling 11 months in treatment and over a year of symptoms all caused by Stage IV Colon Cancer which entailed a CEA of 296.7, a primary ...
 tumor in my colon and 9 Metastases in my liver … The Bell Rings Today… not only signaling I have reached the finish line of my treatment, but that my medical team was successful in removing all evidence of cancer in my body with clean margins. The Bell also rings in a new phase,   surviving cancer, waging a new battle to prevent its return, and of course the best one… Living.

I was going to write a few other paragraphs discussing how much more beautiful life is after death’s shadow crosses your path. But the person I strove so hard to protect from pain and despair, to continue making memories with, to continue being able to give my love to… the person I lived for… is curled up asleep in bed with our puppies. I think I may just go enjoy that peace and comfort for a while and enjoy a little bit of this “Living” for once.

I Love You All So Very Much, I could not have done it without a single one of you.

– Teej

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p.s. First post treatment scan is in September. I’ll have another blog soon updating what my  new healthy lifestyle entails, how wonderful my medical team is, and of course the Get Your Rear in Gear 2012 team and sign up form.
14 Comments
Jennifer Wren June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:28:18 pm

Teej,

You are such an inspiration and a hero to so many ! We are so happy for you, Amanda and your family. Whether you know it or not, you have been the strength many of us have turned to in order to make it through what we may have seen as a bad day in our lives the past year. So for that, we thank you.
We love you,
Jen, Mike & Daniel

Reply
Michael Wren June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:28:40 pm

We love you buddy, so proud to be your friend. No words can describe our admiration for your strength and character. Hope to see you soon.

The Wrens

Reply
Dad June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:29:17 pm

A Quote from Teej in a message to me on July 15th, 2011, 2 days after his diagnosis.

“Now, let me tell you something. I may not have always believed that everything happens for a reason, or may not have always been the most religious person, but I do most definitely believe there is a certain order to things. I believe that there is some spiritual higher power out there and that he leaves the difficult tasks and choices to us. He does not provide the crutch for you stand on, rather he lets you to learn to walk on your own because it will make you stronger in the end.”

“I have never been more focused on a goal or confident of the outcome and no matter what is thrown at me, or what speed bump comes in my path, I will be resilient, I will over come it and smash this disease over and over until it retreats back to extinction. This illness should be scared of me, because I am nothing it has ever seen before and it has no clue who its fucking with.”

I love Ya Teej and thanks for keeping us all buckled in, focused on the Goal and laughing versus crying during this wild ride.

Dad

Reply
Dave June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:29:39 pm

Wow! Amazing!! I know I have said it before but am saying it again – YOU are AMAZING!!!
Live, Love and Enjoy Life TJ with you army of supporters behind you!
May God always be with you, looking out for you!!
Dave

Reply
Paul Gaumnitz June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:30:01 pm

TJ,

Congratulations! You are so right that this is a day to enjoy the simple pleasures, and one you will remember for the rest of your life! Tomorrow marks the beginning of the next phase of your life with Amanda, your terrific family and a whole bunch of friends. None of us can comprehend the range of emotions you have experienced over the past year. But, you have demonstrated an ability to communicate your feelings in ways that have touched us all! I am looking forward to seeing you soon and returning the blue band I just took off my wrist to celebrate the ringing of the bell!

Paul

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Melissa Fabick June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:30:23 pm

You did it! (not that we had any doubts you would give up!) You inspired so many with you attitude to never give up. We know it was not an easy battle but you always picked up your head and put the next foot forward. We are so proud of you ! We love you and you have given us the strength to pick up of spirits when we have a “bad” day. Congratulations! Go snuggle up to that amazing woman, you will call your wife in a few months and those puppies :)

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LeeMa June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:30:55 pm

TJ! This is just remarkable. We’ve all been rooting for you and it gives me comfort to know you’re going to be a REBEL FORCE in the fight against Colon Cancer. There are so many who might not have the stamina and willpower that you have, and now your inspiration and grit can show them that it’s tenacity and dedication that kick this disease’s ass! To think it’s been a decade since we were all goofing around Mountain View not knowing what a champion we had in front of us (all though OBVI we always loved your goofy ass anyway)!

Reply
George Silva June 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:31:18 pm

TJ
We are so happy for you and your family, my wife and i have followed your battle with cancer thru scott you are an insperation to everyone. I’m sure you don’t know how many people you have touched with your story and how many people with cancer you have help by example, you truly are an amazing young man and i hope the best for you and your family.

George Silva

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janice milley June 8, 2012
10/9/2015 03:31:40 pm

Wow! Praising God for his goodness. Reading your posts and how far you have come along makes me realize our lives are not our own. Life is truly a gift and you deserve each new day ahead of you. Go and live ~ we all stand beside you as you walk into a new stage of life.
Be well,
Mrs. Milley

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Pete Jenkins June 8, 2012
10/9/2015 03:32:03 pm

TJ-
Though we’ve never met, we surely know each other. Unbeknownst to you, I draw strength from your strength, yet send it back to you. Your dogged efforts ( along with your family and legion of friends) to “fight the good fight” is something to be admired. Congratulations!
Pete Jenkins

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Barbara June 8, 2012
10/9/2015 03:32:33 pm

Congratulations on your great news !! Enjoy yourself, savor each day and contiued GOOD HEALTH !!

Barbara & Chuck Severance

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Brian Shelly June 10, 2012
10/9/2015 03:33:02 pm

TJ,

I can not explain the goosebumps ny wife and I just experienced reading your success!!!! We are so happy for you and your family. Can’t wait to see you at the race Oct 13t!! Let’s us know if you need anything as it relates to the race.

Brian Shelly
GYRIG-Boston

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Bob Parise June 11, 2012
10/9/2015 03:33:26 pm

TJ – You are an amazing man and a true warrior! Congratulations to you and your loved ones. I am so happy for all of you. This news brought tears to my eyes and joy to heart. God bless

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Jordan Bain June 13, 2012
10/9/2015 03:33:58 pm

Congratulations and so much love to you, TJ! I am so happy to hear about it and so honored to know you!
Blessings always,
Jordan

Reply



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    TJ Baudanza
    ​A 28 year old, fighting to kick Stage 4 Colon Cancer's Ass.

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