I completed the inpatient part of the treatment on Friday and finally came home to a small welcoming party ready to celebrate the Halloween weekend. I did (for a very short moment) feel liberated knowing I would not have to return to the hospital to pump any more toxins into my body and not have to undergo any more radiation treatments. Everyone was congratulating me, patting me on the back as if I accomplished a great feat. I suppose what I have been through is significant and I understand why I am being congratulated. The fact is, I am having one of the toughest weeks yet of the treatment and I do not feel like it is over. Everything that was done to me in the hospital is now setting in. Eating and drinking are still the two biggest challenges I have. As painful as it is, I have accomplished the goal of not getting a feeding tube and I am maintaining my weight and for that I am very proud.
It is now Friday morning and up until now I have slept most of the week away. I'm waiting to see small signs of recovery whatever they may be. It seems like long ago since I've had to shave. I had an appetite on Monday night and ate some pizza and blueberry muffins. They actually tasted pretty good! THAT is a small sign of recovery. On Tuesday, I did a little (very little) yard work. Perhaps another sign that I am getting stronger. On Wednesday and Thursday I slept most of the day away. In between naps I manage to play a little guitar. Of course, no singing yet. My voice is still very raspy and it hurts to talk a lot. But, gradually, I can tell that it's improving.
So, what's next? Well, every week I will return to the University of Chicago for blood work so we can monitor my progress. The day after Thanksgiving, I have an appointment scheduled for a CT scan of my head and neck to see if any signs of the lymph node remain. As of now, I can still feel a small mass in my neck which is not uncommon. Usually, it is dead scar tissue. However, in some cases, cancer may still be present. So, after the CT scan in November, I'll will have a PET scan in December. This scan along with the CT scan will help my team of doctors determine if I should have neck surgery to remove what is left. The team consists of the ENT, the Oncologist and the Radiologist. I have heard that it is likely that I will be having the surgery. I still have not given up hope that I can somehow avoid having this additional surgery (set back), but I can see why people faced with the decision about whether or not to have it, go ahead and have it done.
Peace of mind.
Hey Jon,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on doing all you've already done.
I look forward to speaking w/you soon. God speed for a continued recovery.
Lloyd
Mr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteI never had the opportunity to have you as a teacher, but all the nice things I have heard about you, made me wish I had you that much more. Your passion to live on and have hopes for your future are outstanding. I can't even start to imagine what you are going through. My grandfather had some similar treatments and challenges like you have, and I am, like everyone else, so glad to hear you are pushing through. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I have high hopes for your recovery:)
-I really like how you said "Peace of mind". I think that speaks out to many and helps others understand how you are feeling. I wear my bracelet with pride and every time I see it, I think of you and your great work at GBN. We can not wait to see you again:)
a big fan of yours,
senior at glenbrook north
Hi Mr Sorkin!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finishing your last phase of treatment. I couldn't even imagine how rough it must have been but I'm happy to see that you're improving. It's great to know you have such a positive outlook on this experience the whole way through and I'm glad that you chose to share it with everyone on your blog. Way to go Mr Sorkin, we miss you at GBN!
-Megan Smith
You're optimism throughout this whole treatment is truly a gift. If I were in the same position as you, I would be a wreck. I recently showed this blog to my little sister who just underwent a back surgery and is now partially paralyzed and was starting to loose faith in being able to walk normally again. I'm pretty sure that reading this blog really helped her gain a lot of faith in herself again since she started walking a lot better the other day after physical therapy. Optimism has been scientifically proven to help people recover faster and I am thankful that you're sharing it with everyone. Just know that your optimism is not only helping you recover faster, but it's also affecting the people around you in a positive way. Keep up the good work! I'm glad you're able to play guitar again since that seems to be the one thing you're very passionate about other than teaching. Your love for music really encouraged me my freshman year to pursue music more seriously since you would always incorporate it into the classroom. I recently wrote a song that I dedicated to you. I'll post a link to a youtube video of it later once I get the disk.
ReplyDeleteQue Dios le bendiga.
-Wendy Soler
Congratulations Jon! I hope you continue to get better each day. I am so happy that we have been able to keep up with you via your blog.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you a bunch!
Lots of Love and Good Wishes,
Jen W.
Mr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that even in the midst of pain, God does not share the doubts about you. There isn't hope where there isn't pain. Congratulations, I really hope to meet you in the future!
A GBN freshman
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to us all! Not only as a teacher, but as a person who is able to overcome such a strenuous and long treatment. GBN is blessed to have someone like you work in such a great community. Unfortunately, I did not have you for Spanish or really know you at all, yet times like these bring people together, verdad? God bless, and you will DEFINITELY be welcomed with (many) open arms!
Let's hope for a speedy recovery!
Lynette Sugatan, senior @ GBN
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteYou have such an immense amount of courage. Your positive outlook on this whole situation is really inspiring. I know you can fight this! Everyone at GBN is cheering for you and we cant wait for you to come back. Although i have never had you as a teacher, many people i know have had you and have told me how amazing of a teacher you are! I wish you a quick recovery and know you can fight this!
~Dior
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteYour strength and courage throughout your fight are inspiring to us all. The entire GBN community, including past students such as myself, are behind you in your recovery. As a student in your class freshman year, you always made sure to show me that you were always there for me, whether with spanish help, or just advice for everyday life. Now, as you continue this fight, we are all there for you. I know you will overcome this, and I can't wait until you are back at GBN, making the same impact on new students as you did on me when i was a freshman. I wish you all the best in your recovery, and I know you will be back teaching at GBN in no time!
Jim Schmidt
Sr. Sorkin
ReplyDeleteI never got the pleasure of having you as a teacher but i know that you are a great guy. You always had a smile on your face while walking through the hallways and it would just brighten up my day. You are in my prayers every day and i know you will get better. My mom had cancer 9 years ago and i know the one thing that helped her get through it was faith. Just think positive thoughts whenever possible (which i know is quite tough). I can't wait for you to come back to school and show everyone how courageous and strong you are. We all love you and hope you get better soon.
Always remember
YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH ANYTHING!!!
SENOR SORKIN!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to have you as a teacher my freshman year at GBN, and your class was always one I looked forward to going to. Even after that year, I was even more lucky to always get to see you, whether in your classroom the hallway, or the resource dpt. You are definitely one of my favorite teachers at GBN, and that is saying a lot considering the amazing faculty we are so fortunate to have.
I heard about what you are going through right now, and I know you will get through it and my thoughts will be with you all along the way. You are such a kind, caring, and genuinely happy person and I am certain that every student you have ever taught, mentored, or even just passed in the hallway can see that. I hope that our love for you will reflect back and give you even more strength to fight this. I have read your posts and admire your courage and positive outlook on life.
Get well soon! I miss you!
Sydnee Greenberg
Hola, Sr Sorkin. We were sad to hear about your struggle with this difficult disease, but at the same time was so impressed by your blog. Not to mention all of the amazing comments from your students, and kids you did not even teach.
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful teacher, and a compassionate man, and we know that once you get through your courses of treatment, all will be well with you and your family.
All best, Nadine and David Prosperi (Alex and Zach and Claire's parents)
congrats señor on your milestone. keep up the fight, everyone at gbn is routing for you and cant wait for you to be back happy and healthy. good luck to you on your recovery and get well soon. looking forward to seeing you.
ReplyDeletekevin krauss 89b
senorkin!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had the opportunity to have you as a teacher again, we all miss you so much. Keep up the good fight,we all miss you at school!
-Abby Adler
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteI know from talking to you a couple weeks back that you were strong then, and it seems as though you have become and even stronger person now. Perhaps you may not be able to physically see it, but you as a teacher definitely have made a positive impact on many of your past students including myself. Unfortunate events sometimes happen to good people, but it how one reacts from those events that shows character inside of them. I have seen from reading your blog that through some of the more difficult times to being able to eat pizza and work on your yard, you always show a sign of hope that better it yet to come. Even though I no longer have you as a teacher in school, I have however continued learn valuable lessons about the important things in life through reading about your experiences. Perhaps things that a student cannot learn in school.
All best,
Danny Malter
keep up the fight i know you'll be able to recover from this we all miss you @ gbn
ReplyDeleteSenior Sorkin-
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that I had the pleasure to be your student. You are the most positive person I know and I know your going to pull through this. Just know that every student at GBN wishes you the best and we're all here for you.
Your one of the most understanding and caring teachers I have ever had and I know your strength will carry you into a full recovery. Hope to see you roaming the halls soon!
-Alyssa Markowitz
Senor Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteI have never been a student of yours but I continue to be inspired by every blog you write. All of your former students and other teachers speak so highly of you and now I understand why. I hope that if I ever have to endure a similar ordeal, I will have half as much optimism and strength as you do.
You have the entire community of GBN supporting you and we know you will recover! Hope to see you back in the halls soon!
Michelle Butts, sophomore
Senior Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you were my teacher freshman year. You really made learning a different language fun. Everyone at GBN hopes for a speedy recovery. Hope to see you at GBN soon.
Jessica Kandelman, senior
Senior Sorkin
ReplyDeleteI wish you best of luck with your treatment and recovery. GBN really misses you.
GBN Senior
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteI haven't had you as a teacher, but I still hope and pray you will get through this time as smoothly as possible! I'm so happy for you that you are returning to some of your favorite activities. It's a start! Stay strong!
-Mia
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteI hope you get better! Stay strong! (:
<3
GBN freshman
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that you are slowly but surely getting better! I hope that you will not have to have the surgery and that there are no signs of cancer left over when you have the PET scan. I know you will make it through to the end strong and will return through the doors of GBN sooner than we expect. You are a fighter, and I hope to see you soon!
Stay stong!!!
GBN Senior
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteEven though I do not know you, you have been serving as an inspiration to us all. Your determination has inspired us all to live life to the fullest. Thank you and keep fighting. God bless you and your family.
GBN Senior
Sr. Sorkin,
ReplyDeleteYou had my brother in class, Zach Prosperi, and I just want to say that your story is very inspiring. You are a true fighter and everyone in the Northbrook community is praying for you to get well! Stay strong Sr!
-Claire Prosperi
Just stumbled across this and it looks like you made it! Many congratulations - Mary Rickard
ReplyDelete