John
Having been neighbors and childhood friends with your sister, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself and stay strong.
Nancy

Reading through these posts reveals that having a blessed family does not always refer to physical health. John, you and your family you are an inspiration to us all.

Hey John,

Just discovered your blog. I am in awe of you and your family. Many of these readers may not be aware of the struggle your entire family has had the last several years with cancer. I am aware of the struggles you've had but cannot begin to imagine how difficult it has been to actually go thru it. What a tremendous testiment to your faith and courage. My family and I have been blessed with good health. I try not to take that for granted and thank the good Lord everyday. You are a true inspiration to me and countless others. Pleaase don't hesitate to call me if you need anything. You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. GOD BLESS!

Your cousin Brian A.

One memory that sticks out from last year:

The night in the Gazette newsroom, right after deadline, when you had a fainting spell and the paramedics came. Ken V., Greg L. and I were pretty upset. But as they wheeled you out to the elevator on a stretcher to go to the hospital, you called me over. I thought you were going to tell me something important like I should make sure we call your family or something.

But no, your only wish in that time of crisis was to make sure I clocked you out from work.

And suddenly, it wasn't as scary anymore.

Much later on, when I knew you'd be OK, I just about died laughing when I remembered what you'd said. (Sorry, I just had to share.)

Hi John, I hope you are doing well these days. I pray for you and your family often. I am Shellys friend you met at Jims' benefit. (The irish woman that would not give in until I claimed the jukebox.) I hope you find joy in everyday blessings that come your way. If you are anything like your sister giving up is not in the cards.
Keep the faith John............God Bless You
Sincerely, Deb Hocking

--------

My grandfather was misdiagnosed and treated for an ulcer for years before a new doctor found it was a very large cancerous tumor growing in his stomach. They operated and said they thought they got it all. They were wrong and it quickly spread into his lungs and he passed away In October of 1989. He died the day after my son was born, his first great grandchild whom he never got to see or hold but my mom told him and he laughed and said it didn't make him any older. He was a wonderful man and I miss him still. I wish my children had gotten a chance to know him other than through my stories and pictures. -
Good luck with your battle John! I wish you the best and I hope your 2009 is better than 2008 and your 2010,2011 and so on! God bless...

I just spelled flak wrong, but I'm sure you caught that.

Mac, it's the agate maggot. Long gone are the nights spent retrieving faxes for you, and taking flack from Velosky for smoking. But I still think about you guys often and miss the newsroom. Just wanted to let you know that it was through your special kind of tutelage that I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I no longer smoke, but if I'm on deadline I still think about you pounding the desk at 9:45 p.m. Saturday nights, sharing a very special explative with the newsroom (I think you know which one) at the same time. That was just the kick in the ass we all needed to get our mind's right. Writing this blog will no doubt give inspiration - and possibly a little direction - to others who have, are, or will go through The Big C. Stay focused, keep your chin up and stay away from slippery sidewalks, why don't you! I'd be happy to donate some salt if the newsroom budget is shrinking that much. :)
Hope to buy you a chocolate milk next time I'm in town.
Pease.

John,
You are wonderful! We have never met, but I sense your kindness and love for fellow mankind!

My cousin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late September 2008, I believe. She and Michael have two beautiful daughters about the age of 8 and 10 yrs. old. She was told that they would do surgery to remove 'everything.' There was one exception... if the cancer had spread, they could not do anything and would stitch her back up. And so, that is what happened. She went through the trials of medications and treatment, just wanting her favorite Arby's meal, but was not 'allowed.'

I do not remember how long the doctors said she had, but she, too, never gave up. Unfortunately, the pancreatic cancer overtook her will and strength to survive the Friday before Christmas 2008.

Hi John, I've worked and been friends with your mom for about 20 years. She told me about your blog so I thought I would log on. What a great job you are doing by sharing your feelings and concerns. I've kept you in my thoughts and prayers ever since your mom told me about your illness and I will continue to do so. Keep up your good spirits, you are strong like your mother. Best Wishes, John.

John - thank you for sharing your story. We will pray for your healing. Also, that you make time to examine your relationship with God. There are so many wonderful pastors/churches in Janesville if you desire to talk to someone about spiritual matters. God bless you, my friend.

HI john I TOO WAS TOLD 3MONTHS . Guess what that was september of 2003. I lost 140 pounds all my hair went blind . I never smoked or any the other. I got cml. fromm diet soda. This is 2009 I beat the doctors first story. My hair is back i can see .Weigh too much. Ha. I take GLEEVEC IT Has helped me and done good for me. Im so lucky I dont have the problems like most just take pill my blood count is almost back the aspertain is out of my blood. Please dont ever give up I allmost did when they tokd me 3 months too as you know they dont have that power. Good Luck to all.

John, I will never forget the day when I was leaving to go home and you were coming in, you said to me "I know we don't say it much, but we do appreciate what you are doing!" You are the most unselfish person I have ever met. You touched me that day. Even though you were not feeling well, you still found time to help someone feel better. I will always be thankful for that day. Thank you for this blog. My brother-in-law has tongue cancer and is a strong person like you. Keep up the smiles, I love them.

Hey John,
My husband battled the same beast -- esophageal cancer -- he also was a nonsmoker, not much of a drinker and way too young for this type of cancer ---so he was told --- he had nasty acid reflux (heartburn) all his life --- until a couple of years before he was diagnosed -- that was because the damaged cells (cancer/precancer)prevented him from feeling the burn - yes folks heartburn was the primary cause of his cancer -- Have your family members been checked for Barretts esophagus? Barretts is a precancerous condition of the esophagus. If not encourage them to do so -- even if they are young -- my husband was only 43 --- our daughter is only 26 and gets checked every couple of years - no Barretts but nasty acid reflux just like her dad had --
We got a second opinion at Mayo clinic and they advised the same protocol as University Hosptial in Madison --
God bless you on your journey John!
Be Strong and don't let anyone take your hope!

John: As I sit here and read your blog and the comments posted I find myself hoping you really realize how much you are loved, respected and needed. I am not talking just about from your family who loves you dearly but obviously from co-workers, friends and people who have never met you. You once told Bob and I that you didn't want to be a burden but this blog will hopefully convince you even on the worst of days how truly needed you are and no one will ever take your place. I most of all hope that you will use this blog and the postings to keep your spirits up and to remind yourself how important it is to keep fighting and try to be positive. Your family will always be there for you and will always do anything to help no matter what. John you are the smartest man I ever met(seriously people try to watch jeopardy with this guy or any kind of trivia show) and I am eternally grateful that you are a part of my life. I find it pretty cool how much we have in common and how fun it is to hang around you. Please continue to use this blog to express your emotions during this particularly hard time in your life and reflect on the comments of others to give you inspiration on those tough days (wow that is the social worker in me talking).:) Remember how much Bob, I and your PERFECT niece and nephew love you and need you!
Love ya John - Michelle (wife of John's youngest brother Bob).

John, I know tons of people have already said it, but this blog is sure to be phenomenal. My prayers, my thoughts and my support are yours. Way to go!

My mom was diagonsed with kidney cancer. She was claustrophobic so she refused to get a cat scan. She died at home 4 months later. She did not undergo chemo or radiation treatments. She was only in her 60s. We all are affected by this ravaging killer. The pain she was in and her weight loss was dramatic. Everyone who is healthy should be thankful in these hard economic times. Life is unpredictable and nobody should get too complacent or take things for granted. Thanks for your story.

Hey "just a sports guy" doesn't really cover it - thanks for the blog John

Jan 2009

Hi John

John you are an inspiration and that is what EC patients badly need. I don't look back I just look forward this is a new chapter in my book. There is life after EC, what a great testimony you have. Keep up the good work John, you sure have been living an exciting life, we will continue to lift you up in prayer.

A print out of some of my entries can be found using GOOGLE key in 'william66 cancer'.I was dx Dec 2002 stage T3M1N0 operated on May 17 2003, this will be my 6 year anniversary cancer free, presently I am on no medications and eat anything I want and we give the credit to the Lord for bringing us this far. This posting can be found under ‘William66’ on the ACS web site. I just returned from UPMC where I go each year for a check up and I am still cancer free, thanks be to Him. I feel as good today as I did before the operation, full of vim and vigor and still raising 2 grandchildren. I will be 72 on Feb 12. I am greatful for my help mate Loretta for her love and concern.

You can find some of my stories go to GOOGLE and key in 'william66' for the cancer related topics.

Billy

billymarshall@cox.net

I lost my mother to cancer in September which was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. John, the best advice that I can give you from my mother is to believe in healing, believe in prayer, and please know that a positive attitude makes all the difference in your fight. My mom might have lost her fight against cancer in the end, but it was her fight that gave her the additional 10 years. My prayers are with you and your family.

As I sit here I am flooded with memories of a cold December night when I said goodbye to my parents and younger brother and went Christmas shopping with my brother who was just given the poor prognosis of his Cancer. I remember sitting in my car crying while my brother ran into stores to buy gifts for those he loved, wondering if this would be his last year to put enormous smiles on the faces of his neices and nephews. I found out on 12/22/2008 that I have
cancer in my thyroid, and if you haven't guessed yet I am Johns sister. My family calls me a "rock...strong..." but they would be wrong. You see it is much easier to be the one who is giving support than to be on the receiving end. I am fearful that when they open my neck to cut out my Thyroid that they will find something else, and I do not know how I would handle an unpleasant surprise. This last Christmas was hard, I lost my grandmother last summer who I loved dearly, found another brother had cancer, and found I had cancer... I forbid my family to talk about my new diagnosis as I had yet to grasp it myself, but more selfishly if I didn't talk about it then maybe it wasn't so... Well i will have my surgery
1/21/09
at the hospital I have worked for the last 21 years, and I am scared to death. I am afraid of the loss of control, and the unknown. So my dear brother... orders from the General (a nickname I am affectionately called by my family) be strong, keep yourself as healthy as you can, don't loose your sense of humor, and keep talking!!!
I love you very much!!
Shelly

I wonder the same thing. Cancer is not the death sentence it once was. If your Doctor disagrees with this...FIND A NEW ONE! Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedert, Childrens, UW Call them..

"Why is it that people want to tell us (survivors) about all the people they know that have died. We want to hear about the ones who are surviving. Our strength comes from the testament of other survivors.
Cancer is a battle for the rest of our lives; however we choose to live that life."

Two words for those enduring Chemo and having a hard time with the side effects. Zofran and Kytril. These two drugs taken IV or in pill for prior to chemo and a day or so after will take 90% of the nausea away, although you may feel pressure and not have an appetite. Neulasta is also great to help rebuild your blood cell count.

Good luck John, and you too Larry (Swarty1).

I've been working with John for all of his years at the Gazette, and as Stacy (svogel) says, we're all behind you, John. Some readers might not like what John has written through the years, but he's never at a loss for opinions and is always willing to share them and provide different perspectives. Readers are richer for that. He also has a great sense of humor, and if that can help people battling such a terrible disease, as some experts believe, John will indeed be a survivor. He has kept his quick wit through this ordeal. My prayers are with you always, John.
Greg Peck

John , Thank you for sharing your story . I have been reminded of a very hard time in my life because of cancer . I wonder if blog writing would have helped my mother . I think having a place to vent and share your story is a very positive thing for you to do . Hard and positive . Everyday that you are able to get out of bed and function is a blessing . I always feel i'm still here for a reason and you are also . I bet you help more people with your blog then you will ever realize . Stay strong and keep up the typing. I know I will enjoy reading about your road to recovery ! God bless you .

Why is it that people want to tell us (survivors) about all the people they know that have died. We want to hear about the ones who are surviving. Our strength comes from the testament of other survivors.
Cancer is a battle for the rest of our lives; however we choose to live that life.

I read you all the time too. I might not agree with what you say all the time, but I read none the less. Good luck to you on your fight and thanks for the blog.

I never realized how much I missed you until you started writing your column again! My thoughts are with you as you fight this thing. Never give up.

Whats up bro. Yeah it's John's little brother. After finding out what you had I thought you wouldn't make it as long as you have. Done is what I thought you were gonna be, only because I, I know how you can be.(STUBBORN).....For all you readers out there our family has endured quite a bit. Myself and 3 brothers along now with my sister as well as our father have now had cancer. 2 with Hodgkins, myself being one of them. 2 with esophageal and 1 with skin and 1 with Thyroid. Now your thinking holy cow(Harry Carry) what a family, and what they have endured. PLEASE don't start feeling sorry for us, that is not what I'm writing for. Sometimes I think and see John trying to give up but then he bounces back and does something like this blog. Maybe this is the only way I can say this without crying in front of you. I've always looked up to you and sometimes wanted to be you with what you do for your job. No matter how hard we argue or the stupid things we all say I'm glad I have the relationship I have with you. How we can talk about Poker,Football,Baseball,and how Bret Favre stinks and how the CUBS are gonna kick the Brewers all around. So please for your nieces and nephews and YOUR family continue to not give up. Continue to be the Smartalic you are and never change. Keep on fighting and WE are all there for you.Love Ya

A smooth scalp is a sexy scalp, John! I'll keep you in my prayers. Keep your dukes up and fight on.

we've been praying for ya and have been wishing you the best.

Hi John, Keep up the fight!! You are in my prayers and thoughts. Yes, cancer has taken many people that I have loved. Friends and family alike. It is a very helpless feeling. My own small scare was just that, a small scare. For two days of my life though I could think of nothing else. I am grateful that I am okay, for now anyway. I know that you have lots of great friends and a loving family also. I will look forward to reading your blog. Good luck and I hope you are up to a night of "guess the song/artist" real soon! Kelly

Keep that positive attitude and you will live longer. I had Hodgkins disease at age 28(now 50) and my daughter had it last year who was 30. They say that is not possible??? We have all overcome it and anything is possible, hang in there...We are praying for you and very proud you are standing up and fighting it bravely!!

Thank you for sharing your story. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers daily. Have faith. Think positive thoughts.

John, Thank you! I'm sure your story will inspire others to keep going strong when they are ready to give up the fight!

John I wish you the best: I don't have cancer but my Mother does.I think my Mother is taking it better then i do,she has liver cancer,we all know what that means.We did cemo for awhile,made her terribly sick,lost a lot of weight,so much that if she didn't quit cemo, i don't think she would be here now.Quality of life "IS" in my opinion until the end,is the most important thing.My Mother IS my best friend,very close to her,talk two to three times a day,i think about her 24/7,and feel very much alone. I am mad a lot,why can you give a new liver to someone that pickles there with drinking (then a lot of them end up right back on the bar stool)and NOT save the most wonderful women,to me,that has walked the face of this earth? I think what makes me mad all the time is,i feel like i am alone,my children & grandkids are NOT giving me & my Mother the support that we (I) need. I know i should be thankful,and i am,they gave her 8 months,and were past that,but i wonder how i am going to go on,without her! Some might think i am selfish thinking about myself,but this cancer kills in all of us,some way or another. Thank you very much doctor GREEN,and all that tried to cure this,you all will always be in my prayers,and your wings are on order.

My daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease last April. She endured 4 months of chemo and radiation therapy. She is a survivor. disease free..You are correct.. quitting is easy, fighting is hard.. FIGHT ON. Never give up...Pain is a blessing. Pain lets you know you are ALIVE!! As long as you are ALIVE you can FIGHT!!! God Bless you

God bless you John. Count on my prayers.

JOhn....a lot of times I don't agree with your views in the columns....But I hope you kick the hell out of this cancer!!!!!

God Bless you John. Your courage is remarkable.

My wifes father died of cancer when she was twelve. In addition, she's lost two aunts and an uncle in the last three years from cancer. I lost my father three years ago to cancer also. I've always believed it's not necessarily how long you live, but how you live your life while you are here. Some people live to a ripe old age never having truly lived. Others are only here a short time and live every minute of every day. Having the right attitude is extremely important in this battle and it sounds like you have that part taken care of John. I've read amazing stories of people who've overcome horrible odds to beat cancer. Hang in their John and keep fighting the good fight. Thanks for taking on a tough, but important topic.

John, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was diagnosed with cancer this past July, was told at St. Marys hospital that it was inoperable. My son and daughter got ahold of Mayo Clinic and they said they could operate, well that was a no go also. So I'm kind of fighting the same battle as you are. Mine is bile duct cancer, strikes about 1 or 2 in a 100,000 people, being inoperable, the prognosis is 7 to 12 months. I really don't know when my clock started ticking tho. I started chemo on Dec. 1st but that's just to slow it down hopefully. With any luck I hope I'll have more quality time left than the 12 months. I have called you in the past about some of your columns [Nascar] in the Gazette, sometimes to chew you out and also to praise you on a fine column, it dealt mostly when you wrote about Dale Earnhardt when he was racing. You and Mike Dupre are the only reporters that have returned emails to me and I respect you both for that. All the best to you John as you fight this dreaded disease... Sincerely, Larry

Great blog John. I'll look forward to reading your posts. Inspiring stuff.

John: We're all so proud of you for starting this blog. Keep fighting; we're all behind you!

Hey John, I wish you well in your fight...keep it up.
*
Wishing you the best from a former S.A.M. League adversary.

I am a cancer survivor thanks to successful surgery. During my second visit with the surgeon and following a succesful cscan I thanked him for saving my life. He told me he appreciated my words but said the real thanks should be directed to The American Cancer Society for the research that they have funded. Don't forget them...they save lives. Keep fighting John.

john,
i guess you know your story is inspirational when a sports guy like yourself receives kind words from "abergstron" FROM MINNESOTA.
thanks for blogging and sharing.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm sure that once word gets out about your new blog, you will help and console so many. Very courageous of you. I, too, will look forward to your updates. Let's Roll!

John what a inspiration you are too many. I love your attitude. I wish you strength, and happiness as you go through this journey.

Go John! One correction: You've never been "just a sports guy." You're much more, so I'm sure your readers here will discover that.

My thoughts are with you. My dad died of esophageal cancer. He was older than you and his health wasn't good so they were unable to do anything. I called Hospice Care. My dad died in peace. Can't thank those people enough.

Wow what a story! My goodness. Good luck John. I am genuinely looking forward to updates on this blog.

The best to you in your battle, John.

It has been 3 years. Three years since I got the call. "There is something on your mammogram; we need to take some more pictures." Three years since I felt like I was trapped in one of those snow globes and just when things start to settle down, someone comes along and shakes everything up again. For my 50th birthday I got the biopsy results, malignant, breast cancer. I couldn't feel it, I couldn't see it, and I didn't feel sick. How could that be? That would all change over the next two years. I think what angered me most is that my life went on hold while I fought the beast. It made me fight harder, I wanted my life back. So many appointments, too many waiting rooms, so many surgeries (five), chemotherapy, side effects, so many tests I lost count. I never saw it, I never felt it, but it changed me forever. I found common bonds and formed new friendships with my pink ribbon sisters, I discovered how incredibly tolerant and my husband can be, I felt the love and support of family and friends and I found out that hair does indeed grow back. It would be poetic to end the story that way, but Cancer isn’t poetic. Surgery complications continue to haunt me. Despite reconstruction, scars and misshapen features are a daily reminder. Now I can feel it, now I can see it, sometimes it makes me stronger; sometimes it just makes me sick.
John, wishing you strength, endurance and love of others as you fight to conquer your beast.

John: I'm so glad to hear you're hanging in there. I've been meaning to ask how you are. 2008 was scary sometimes, too, for your colleagues who care about you. But here's to a better 2009 and I send you my best wishes from Minnesota.