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TJ's Challenge Blog

Telling Cancer Off

4/2/2012

11 Comments

 
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Profanity: also known as swearing, cursing, foul speech, and cussing, is a show of disrespect, a desecration or debasement of someone or something, or the act of expressing intense emotions. Profanity can take the form of words, expressions, gestures, or other social behaviors that are socially constructed or interpreted as insulting, rude, vulgar, obscene, obnoxious, foul, desecrating or other forms.

A casual stroll through the grocery store or shopping mall while dressed in clothes that so elegantly sport one of many four letter words we have become acquainted with over our lifetimes will surely be ...

 be met by passerby’s with looks of disgust, noses turned towards the sky, and the possible snide comment or two… or three. But, as I walk through the doors of the infusion clinic, a resting place for the battle weary, a gathering place before the coming storm and tortures of modern medicine an amazing scene unfolds. A simple four letter word adressed at our common enemy becomes a battle placard, a symbol of strength and defiance… a flag of pride. The spirit of those around me are visually enlightened, warm color seeps into their pale features that have been hidden from the sun for too long, placid faces slowly become adorned with crooked smiles creeping at the corner of their lips, and blank stares have the hint of new sparkling eyes. It is amazing how powerful words can be when used properly, no… I mean, when used passionately. What is more amazing is the energy received when someone steps up to help fight a common enemy, whether it be through action or words of encouragement. I know My Army and their prayers, thoughts, energies have been a major reason for the success of my treatment so far. Let us take it a step further and stand up as one to support all of those individuals, families, grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and tell cancer so righteously off…….
fuck cancer
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As for a personal update on my current health. My last CEA test shows that my levels decreased even further into the “normal range” at 1.2 (when I was diagnosed it was around 296.) I am currently undergoing my 12th and final cycle of FOLFOX chemotherapy. After this is I will have a two week break (Including an awesome trip to punta cana for my best friend’s wedding) and then have 28 week days straight of radiation combined with a small but week long dosage of 5-Fu chemo. The five to six week long process is supposed to be extremely fatiguing, and filled with some irritating side effects. Regardless, I am ready for this final stretch of my treatment and have never once wavered from my goal of beating this thing…. After almost a year of treatment, the light at the end of the tunnel grows ever closer my friends.

Much Love – Teej

p.s. check out my new ink, tatted up like no other… Hope the color doesn’t fade and ruin it.

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And yes for those who don’t get it, it’s the tiny little blue dot on the side of one “cheek” lol. I have three of them and they are used for lining up the radiation.

p.p.s. If you want the shirt: http://www.cafepress.com/+fuck_cancer_white_tshirt,4362338

11 Comments
Mom April 2, 2012
10/9/2015 03:35:19 pm

This really sums up today. The amount of people who commented on your shirt was astounding to me. All POSITIVE and wanting to know where they could purchase one. You certainly left your mark in the Yawkey building today along with many many smiles. When normally it is so somber in there, you brought laughter. It was fantastic to see the heads turn and smiles appear.
We also met this wonderful couple who are in the chemo stages of “her” fighting for her life. Well Christine, Tj’s army will add you to their prayers and fight along with you. GO GET EM……… as I said it works.

“Thank you” to all of you who have been supporting our family as Tj continues his fight through this battle. We are almost there. TJ you are AMAZING……

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Julie Ann Cox April 5, 2012
10/9/2015 03:35:47 pm

Dear Teej,
Thank you for always shining your rays of love, comfort, hope and encouragement on us, as we your army, stand beside you, watching, waiting and praying daily on bended knee, for your miraculous recovery! Well you have done it! You have fought the fight of your life with such grace and dignity, that we are all an even stronger army now because of you! I am so very proud of you and Amanda! You are true Warriors and my Heroes!
I know God has great and wonderous plans for the two of you, so keep climbing, keep dreaming big and may God bless you both with the wonderful life you are so deserving of! I love you both so very, very much!

Love & Prayers,
Mom Cox

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Steve P April 2, 2012
10/9/2015 03:36:12 pm

You continue to amaze us all with your persistent strength. Once you get through this any challenge in life will seem like a piece-of-cake. You have a lot of support from your loving family and friends and I’m personally honored to be one of your friends. And thank you and Amanda for keeping us current with your status.

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emily April 3, 2012
10/9/2015 03:36:35 pm

you are an incredible unstoppable badass Teej! keep kicking butt and know that your army is more motivated by your strength and by your words every day

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Paul Gaumnitz April 3, 2012
10/9/2015 03:37:05 pm

Of course this will not come as any surprise, but I thoroughly embrace the form of expression! On more than one occasion, I have exhibited your hand gesture, and in fact, years ago even taught you the proper technique that you proudly display today.

More importantly, however, is your underlying message. You can either give in to a set of challenging circumstances that seem insurmountable , or you can stare them in the face and say “you’re not going to beat me today, tomorrow, or ever.” Well done!! Oh, and by the way: “FUCK CANCER.”

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John Urban, Sr April 3, 2012
10/9/2015 03:37:31 pm

Soooooooooo elegantly stated! Crush the little bastards!!!

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Dave April 3, 2012
10/9/2015 03:37:53 pm

You are the toughest guy I know! Teej YOU ROCK!!

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joe roller April 6, 2012
10/9/2015 03:38:19 pm

Teej,

Are you talking to me? When I opened your message that is the first thing that came to mind. No, not that you were REALLY talking to me but your expression reminded me of a famous seen from an old movie. Up to you to figure out which one. I could give you a hint but that would make it too easy.

We have all witnessed and been impressed with your spirit, positive attitude, and aggressive response to this terrible disease. How generous and kind of you to share it with others at the Yawkey who face similar challenges but may not have the same view and Army of support. I am sure it lifted spirits. Nurses are probably wondering, “What next, battle fatigues”?

I understand better the importantce and significance of the 1.2 CEA. Just awesome. Glad you will have a break for the wedding. The next 28 day regimen will be rigorous but you are clearly prepared. Nice dots. Just goes to show how precise the MGH radiation macine is.

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter to you and your family.

All the best.

Joe

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Gregg Savage April 14, 2012
10/9/2015 03:38:55 pm

I played golf with your father today and as you must know he is such a gentlemen. But you must also know that he is so proud of his son. When he told us your story and your battle, his affection for the way his son handled it all shined through. Even though I do not know you, I am praying that the good news continues to come and I look forward to the day that we play at Nashawtuc

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David Wilson May 7, 2012
10/9/2015 03:39:20 pm

TJ,
I am glad to see that you are showing up every day for the work you are now doing, and that you show up with strong positive emotion. You are actively getting better every day, not just floating and hoping.
David

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Shawn Broderick May 21, 2012
10/9/2015 03:39:53 pm

FUCKING CANCER CAN GO FUCKING FUCK ITSELF IN ITS FUCKING FUCK HOLE!

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

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