Back again, for the moment
I wrapped up a 34-year career as a reporter and editor on the final day of Delaware’s legislative session, where the House, which I’d covered off and on since the late 1970s, awarded me a tribute and members of the leadership said glowing things about me. It probably was the highlight of my career.
Then, just the other day, I got a call from none other than VPOTUS himself -- Joe Biden -- wishing me well in retirement and in my battle with cancer. He even gave me his private phone number. I know that sounds like a big deal to people with little knowledge of Delaware, but around here, Joe is just Joe. I’ve known him for years.
This leads me to my health problem. I wrapped up rads and chemo for my tonsil cancer in October 2008 and followed it up with a modified radical neck dissection in January 2009. All appeared to be going well -- until February, when a PET scan showed cancer in my lungs. Once again I returned to Johns Hopkins for seven weeks of rads and two cycles of cisplatin. While another PET showed that the tumor and nodes in my chest are shrinking, I now have multiple small spots in my lungs and a single one on my liver. To top it off, literally, I have lesions in the brain.
On Monday I will return to Hopkins for 10 sessions of full-brain rads, which will be followed up with chemo. They’re not sure whether my original tonsil cancer metastasized and spread, or if the lung cancer was an unrelated tumor that then metastasized. Either way, I’m facing an uphill battle.
And yet, as a faithful Christian, I know that Jesus delivers miracles on a daily basis, and that the power of prayer is powerful indeed. My fervent prayer, other than for healing, is for me to live long enough to take a trip to the Holy Land, enjoy every waking moment with my wife and savor however many hours God has granted me.
In closing, I’d like to ask for your prayers. I’ll continue to pray for you all every day.
Comments
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Congrats!
You know you are in my prayers, and I will pray fervently for your healing and I know He will answer. I am so very sorry you have to go thru this battle again. You are strong, and a faithful warrior! You have always been there for me, especially in the beginning when I had no where to turn. I will always appreciate your humorous, informative postings, where your journalism shined through. Please try to check in with us. Loving prayers are with you and your family. Patty0 -
I'll cover you Jimpattyanny said:Congrats!
You know you are in my prayers, and I will pray fervently for your healing and I know He will answer. I am so very sorry you have to go thru this battle again. You are strong, and a faithful warrior! You have always been there for me, especially in the beginning when I had no where to turn. I will always appreciate your humorous, informative postings, where your journalism shined through. Please try to check in with us. Loving prayers are with you and your family. Patty
Jim
you were here when I got here back in January of 2010. I read your postings alot and learned a great deal from you....I've got you covered in my prayers Jim....You deserve for this to be over and to move on with retirement. Here's to hoping you can do just that...
All the best,
Steve0 -
You've been in my prayers every day.
We think of you here, often. Congrats on being bestowed with such honors! That is amazing, and I am so glad that your talent, and contributions have been recognized.
I am sorry to read of your current health challenges, and I pray that you will get to the Holy Land, too. Though you are facing an up hill battle, you have a firm grasp of His hand, plus the support of all of us here, to help push/pull you up that hill.
Blessings,
Sweet0 -
I will saying many prayerssweetblood22 said:You've been in my prayers every day.
We think of you here, often. Congrats on being bestowed with such honors! That is amazing, and I am so glad that your talent, and contributions have been recognized.
I am sorry to read of your current health challenges, and I pray that you will get to the Holy Land, too. Though you are facing an up hill battle, you have a firm grasp of His hand, plus the support of all of us here, to help push/pull you up that hill.
Blessings,
Sweet
I will saying many prayers for you.. We all have your back.0 -
A delightful inspiration and source of strengtharndog64 said:I will saying many prayers
I will saying many prayers for you.. We all have your back.
As has been said, since I joined the board you have been a source of strength and information.
You have touched my life, I think of you often and I will keep you in my prayers.
stacey0 -
prayers lifted
You are in the palm of His hand, as you have always been.0 -
I believe in miracles. You
I believe in miracles. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindi0 -
JimCLRRN said:Prayers.....
Jim,
Congrats on your retirement. Nice to hear "Joe is just Joe" and called with his best wishes. I'm sure you were humbled by the tribute. Very nice!!
I think of your often and will keep you in our prayers.
God Bless,
Chris and Mike.
Good to hear from you, but sorry to hear about what's going-on w/you. Prayers are here for you.
Believe
kcass0 -
Praying for you and yourGreend said:Hang in there Jim
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denny
Praying for you and your family. May God bless you with quality family time and a trip to the Holy Land. Remember, It may be an up hill battle but Jesus is going before you and holdingt your hand all the way. God Bless.
Debbie0 -
Be Well
Jim,
I'm just one of many who have benefitted not only from your advice, but also your compassion. I still use you as my example on eating spicy foods when I talk to others (don't think I'll be able to match you on peppers, but I never could before, so that's fine - medium salsa was as hot as I could go - it's still mild for me now, and that's fine, for now).
I'm hoping that down the road, you stop in to this site and say you would love to take ANOTHER trip to the Holy Land. When you can, update us on how you're doing. I know it'll be rough, but am sure you can withstand it. Oh, and congrats on the recognition you're recently received. If you needed proof that you've been effective, here's your sign. Do well.
Oh - and about those prayers - I'm only a part-time believer, but on the days I believe, I'll put in my requests for you - and I'll try on some of the non-believing days, too.0 -
Been thinking of youPam M said:Be Well
Jim,
I'm just one of many who have benefitted not only from your advice, but also your compassion. I still use you as my example on eating spicy foods when I talk to others (don't think I'll be able to match you on peppers, but I never could before, so that's fine - medium salsa was as hot as I could go - it's still mild for me now, and that's fine, for now).
I'm hoping that down the road, you stop in to this site and say you would love to take ANOTHER trip to the Holy Land. When you can, update us on how you're doing. I know it'll be rough, but am sure you can withstand it. Oh, and congrats on the recognition you're recently received. If you needed proof that you've been effective, here's your sign. Do well.
Oh - and about those prayers - I'm only a part-time believer, but on the days I believe, I'll put in my requests for you - and I'll try on some of the non-believing days, too.
Jim,
You were one of the first to respond to me when I came on board and always gave encouragament, good advice and a funny story. Sending that encouragement back at ya, Hang tough Man! And congrats on your accomplishments and the recoginition also.
Positive energy and thoughts headed your way.
Greg0 -
In my thoughts!!Greg53 said:Been thinking of you
Jim,
You were one of the first to respond to me when I came on board and always gave encouragament, good advice and a funny story. Sending that encouragement back at ya, Hang tough Man! And congrats on your accomplishments and the recoginition also.
Positive energy and thoughts headed your way.
Greg
Sorry about the news
Sending Prayers and positive thoughts your way!!
Charles0 -
Jimpatricke said:Prayers
I am very sorry to hear about this turn of events for your health. My prayers go out to you; I believe in miracles.
Patrick
I am glad you posted as I have been thinking of you also! Sorry you have to go through so much but I know you are a fighter. My thought & prayer's are with you!
God Bless
Roz0
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