Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Post Treatment

I am now officially in the post treatment recovery stage and I had to add a few more fish.  They can now be symbolic of this recovery stage. The time when my body rejuvenates and good cells reproduce.  I'm still quite busy with my regimen. Even though I no longer have chemo and radiation treatments, I am still giving myself two units of IV fluids a day, two shots, quite a few pills, skin care on my neck and shoulders, frequent mouth washes and trying to also eat a couple of meals a day. Other than that, it seems all I do is sleep.  My body must really need the rest. I'm not discouraged. I've been told to expect the ups and downs. The recovery can be like a roller coaster and I've always known that things must get worse before they get better. 

81 comments:

  1. I really do love how you ended this post! Reading it put a smile on my face because it inspires me that you're so strong and committed to fighting. Keep fighting Senor Sorkin and keep HOPE! I miss being able to say "hola senor sorkin" in the hallways, but I'm positive you'll be back soon, stronger than ever!
    With much love and support,
    Bansry Shah

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  2. I KNOW YOU'LL GET THROUGH THIS

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  3. You never had me or any of my good friends as a student but I still love how much thought, time, and energy you've put into this blog. Your attitude is so inspiring and we're all praying for a speedy recovery.

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  4. Mr. Sorkin!
    I can't belive its been three years since i was in your class. I miss seeing you around in the halls and I am so happy to hear that you are such good spirits. All of GBN can't wait to have you back, its just not the same.

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  5. I have never had you as a teacher and have actually never met you in my life. But it is evident from this amazing blog and from the inspiring things about you that I have heard from friends that you are a truly incredible man. Your attitude towards treatment and life is inspiring. You are in all of our thoughts at GBN.

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  6. Senor Sorkin-

    I am so happy to hear that you are doing better! Congratulations on ending the treatment! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have you as a teacher. You are one of the most patient and caring teachers I have ever had. Know that all the students at GBN miss you very much and are wishing you a quick and easy recovery! I can't wait to see you around school soon!

    Get well soon!!!

    Sarah Epstein

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  7. Mr. Sorkin-
    Although I have never had you as a teacher or have met you, I am confident that you will get through this, and I know for a fact all of GBN misses you! We are excited for you to come back to GBN, and we all hope you get better soon. We miss you, and we can't wait to see you at GBN soon! Get well soon!

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  8. Sorkin!! I love this post and I'm inspired by your positive energy throughout this unfortunate experience. Keep it up :] I miss saying hi to you in the hallways all the time and you speaking spanish and me not understanding what your saying! Hope to see you around school sometime soon :]

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  9. Mr. Sorkin!
    You're in our thought and prayers!
    Get well soon!

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  10. be strong! you are in our prayers!

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  11. Senor Sorkin,
    Congrats on finishing your chemo treatments!
    Your courage and positive attitude throughout this year has inspired us all. I am so happy to have had you as a teacher last year and I appreciate all of the help and encouragement you gave me in learning spanish. You are an awesome teacher, and we all knew that you could beat this. Get well, GBN is looking forward to your return!
    -Ariana F.

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  12. Senor Sorkin!

    Im wishing you the best! You are incredibly strong and I hope your recovery goes smoothly! I hope to see you in the halls again, its not the same without you! You are a great teacher, friend and person and that is why all of GBN cannot wait for your return! Hope to see you soon!

    Jake Gordon

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  13. SEÑORKIN!!!!!

    You're so amazing and I wish you the best of luck through everything! You're such a strong person and I know you are going to be at GBN again in no time. I'm so exciting to see you at your desk soon and coming to you 24/7 with spanish help (but not really spanish help just boredom) and talking about everything. YOU'RE AMAZING AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO COME BACK!

    Alíviese pronto ( i hope that's correct)

    Tyler Ayres
    your favorite spanish student ever.

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  14. your strength is remarkable
    and your courage is outstanding

    we all love you señor!
    get well soon

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  15. Senor Sorkin!
    Congrats on ending your treatment! Hope you recover fast! Nice to know that you have such a positive attitude throughout all of this! Our prayers will always be with you! Gbn and your spanish classes can't wait for you to return!
    ~Tina J.

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  16. Sorkin!

    I wish you the very best with everything. I'm amazed at the attitude you've maintained throughout these tough times. It gives others hope who may be in the same boat as you. You are a great person and GBN needs you back! Freshman year you really made a huge impact on me. You were more of a friend to me, making it easy for me to approach you or just talk. Anyone who has had you and those who will have you in the future are truly blessed. I think I can speak for the whole school when I say we all miss you and can't wait until you're finally back! :D

    Melissa Sawyer

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  17. Hey Senor Sorkin,

    It's great to hear how brave and strong you are through out this whole process... i often find myself reading this blog for inspiration. You are a fighter and i cant wait to see you next summer in bonefish grill! Ill make sure to hook you guys up with some free bang bang!!

    - Tori Paredes

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  18. Senorkin -

    You are the absolute best, there is no denying it. You have been so strong through this process and will continue to be as you finish it out. All of us at Glenbrok North are constantly thinking of you. A day doesn't go by when a fond memory that I've shared with you comes up in conversation. Whether it be our joke about my infamous "cry me a river!" line, or your goofy songs. We can't wait to see your smiling face back at GBN!

    - Julia Ring

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  19. It's great that you're staying positive. With that mindset, I am sure you'll be able to get through this. Stay strong!

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  20. Mr. Sorkin,
    Glad to hear that you have ended your treatment and are now on the path towards recovery! I miss being able to say hi to you in the hallways and hope to be able to see you back at GBN soon! From all the Beckers stay strong, stay positive, and keep fighting!

    -Adam Becker

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  21. You haven't had me for a student or anything but you are a hot topic on GBN discussion. Everyone misses you and you are so very strong for fighting through this! Keep fighting and stay strong! We're praying for you!

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  22. Get well soon! We are all praying for you. Stay strong.

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  23. Keep fighting! I know can do it! I've known some people that have gone through this sort of treatment scenario before, and I just wanted to let you know that they believed that their stars will always shine, and so will yours.

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  24. your strength and optimism is incredibly inspiring.
    everyone at GBN is rooting for you.
    keep fighting!

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  25. I didn't ever have you as a teacher, but I had you as a sub and I always remembered your enthusiasm and how excited you always were to be teaching. I know you will get through this because you are so strong and full of optimism. Stay strong! You're in our thoughts and prayers.

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  26. Everyone else has pretty much said it! You are an inspiration to all students at GBN. We all eagerly await the day of your return!

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  27. senor sorkin
    kepp fighting! you are an amazing man and you've inspired me with your strength. I read this blog all the time to see how you have been doing and everyday it puts a smile on my face about how strong you have been! You are one spirited man and you are so optimistic! stay strong! you are the best!

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  28. Mr. Sorkin,
    It's so good to hear that your treatments are done and you are in the process of recovery. I wish you and your family the best during this home stretch. I can't wait to see you back at school even sooner than you know! Everyone at school is always thinking about you and your family. Get well soon!
    -Jennifer Rosenwasser

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  29. Hola Senor Sorkin,

    It is great to hear that you have reached the recovery stage. It is incredible how through everything you are able to keep such a positive attitude. In the last two years, you have taught me and everyone at GBN so much not only in Spanish, but also about looking at life optimistically. I can't wait to see you soon. My family and I are praying for you.
    -Michael Sterne & Family

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  30. Mr. Sorkin,

    Your strength and optimism is truly inspiring. Stay strong! Everyone at GBN misses you, but we also believe in the power of positivity. Keep fighting, and hopefully we'll see you back at GBN someday soon! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  31. Senor,

    I hope you're feeling better and back on your feet. Your positive attitude is incredible and admirable. We can't wait to see you back, recovered soon! We're all thinking about and wishing you a quick recovery!

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  32. Hope you well soon! You are in our prayers. Stay strong!

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  33. sorkin i hope you get well soon! having u freshman and sophomore year was awesome! this year isnt the same without u. the only reason i got through spanish was because of you. get well soon
    -alec udell

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  34. senorkin, you were the only reason I made it through spanish last year, this year im not doin so good without you. i was so excited to see only one fish left but i know the rest of them will disappear soon enough. i hope to see you back in the gbn halls soon. Get well soon.

    Peter Resnick

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  35. Mr. Sorkin,
    Unfortunately, I did not have you as a teacher. Every peer or teacher I speak with expresses how you are such an amazing teacher and person. Your blog truely inspires me and provides me strength with supporting my mom who is battling cancer. It is so crazy how life changes. I have learned love equips everyone in the world to survive and battle the hardest of challenges. Everyday I read your blog which fills me with optimism that you, my mom, and all people battling cancer will beat this horrible disease. As my mom said, "It's not a sprint. It's a marathon". My prayers cling to the wish of a cure for all cancer. You must know that you are an inspiration. Everyone at GBN hopes for you to have a speedy recovery and return soon!

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  36. Mr.Sorkin,
    Ive never had you as a teacher but everyone who has had you has nothing but good things to say.Ive been read your blog often, and its super inspiring. I admire your strength so much.I know you will get through this hard time and im glad to hear your finished with your treatments. You can beat this. All of GBN is supporting you and is really looking forward to your return. Get well soon.

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  37. Mr. Sorkin!!!!!
    I hope you get well soon! Spanish sophmore year was a lot of fun because even though I didn't have you as a teacher, you would let me sit in your class. This allowed me to be late to my actual spanish class and you never yelled at me. Plus you had such a good class with a lot of my friends, so it was nice. Thanks for usually not kicking me out and I hope you feel better. :)

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  38. Mr.Sorkin,
    You are an inspiration to everyone at school and you are in our thoughts. Spanish freshman year was so fun and you are an amazing teacher. I hope that both my little brothers get a chance to have you when you are better. Our family keeps you in our thoughts and wish you a speedy recovery.

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  39. Mr. Sorkin,
    I never had you as a teacher, but I have always heard amazing things about you. You are in my thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the entire GBN community. I hope you get well soon.

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  40. Mr. Sorkin,
    You're an amazing Spanish teacher and I can't wait for you to get back to teaching. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family! See you soon!

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  41. Senor Sorkin,
    I know I wasn't exactly the best student in your class last year...but there was never a dull moment. Between your yoda and the globe/ball that flew across the room when I needed to pay attention. Yoda is greatly missed, and senora vakil doesn't exactly have a globe flying all around the room. GBN isn't the same without you senor. I miss seeing your smiling face, and I definetly miss joking around with you. I wish you the best in your recovery, and I hope to see you soon.
    -Jodi Snyder

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  42. Senor Sorkin,
    Congratulations on finishing the treatment! You have a wonderful attitude which is so uplifting! You're an awesome Spanish teacher who always made class interesting and exciting and you really helped me improve my spanish! My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope to see you back at GBN soon!
    -Jenny Hunken

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  43. Sorks,
    Keep it up.
    I'm glad we've been communicating through emails. Every time i get one, it puts a big smile on my face :) I've been keeping up with the blog of course. no doubt in my mind that ill see you around school soon.
    laaaaaaaa republica dominicanaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,
    Yessica.

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  44. Senor Sorkin!!
    I am happy to hear you are getting better! You are an awesome spanish teacher!! Congrats on completing your treatment!! Yayy! Get well soon!
    -Alexis Cohn

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  45. Senor Sorkin,
    I have never had you as a teacher, but I have heard NOTHING except amazing things about you as a person and a teacher. Your blog is incredibly inspirational and I know you will make it through all of this. Thank you for everything you have done for Glenbrook North and our community. We are all praying for your recovery and return to good health!
    -Emily Walsh

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  46. Mr.Sorkin.
    Do you remember me?
    I was in your class my freshman year.
    I am an example of your powerful influence over your students.
    You were not only an excellent teacher but also an indispensable member of our community.
    I miss you and wish you my very best.
    -YeChan

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  47. Senor Sorkin,
    Get well soon! your in our prayers! stay strong!

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  48. Senor Sorkin,
    I hope you keep fighting and stay strong.
    You are way too good of a teacher to not keep fighting. I hope I can still keep on saying hi to you in halls.
    Get well soon!
    Matt Hyland

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  49. Good luck Senor Sorkin! I hope all goes well and is going well! Stay strong! :)

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  50. Senor Sorkin, you are an inspiration to me! i don't know how you handle everything so calmly, but my prayers are with you and your family. From GBN student everywhere, we love you

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  51. Senor Sorkin,
    Reading your blog has brought such inspiration and hope to me. You are so strong and have such a positive attitude. Get well soon--we are all anticipating your arrival back to GBN!

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  52. Dear Seonor Sorkin,
    I'm so proud of you for being so brave and strong, you are an amazing role model. Keep it up and I'm sure you'll get better soon so you can come back to GBN, we miss you!

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  53. Senor Sorkin,
    Your positive attiude has inspired me, and many others, I am sure. No matter what, you always seem to be happy and uplifting. When you think positively, I am sure positive outcomes are in your future. I wish you a happy and healthy recovery! I hope to see you back at school as soon as possible. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and overall positiveness inside and outside the classroom. You are a great teacher and a great person.

    Sincerely,
    Zachary Berkowitz

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  54. You are such a great man! I had you twice and I'm so glad I did. I hope you feel better. The people in your life our blessed! Feel better! We'll be praying for you :)

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  55. I wish you and your family the best because you deserve it. You are the best teacher I have had and I know that you will beat this! You are an inspiration to everyone at GBN. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm so glad to hear you are doing better! I can't wait to see you at school again!
    Sincerely,
    Chanel Chasanov

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  56. Senor Sorkin,
    Last year you really made me enjoy Spanish for the first time and I continue to due well because of you're excellence in teaching and the fun that accompanies it, especially that in your awesome Yoda voice! You're a wonderful inspiration and certainly are the best teacher I've had at GBN. Keep on fighting strong; you're in my thoughts and prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Matt Greenfield

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  57. Senor Sorkin,
    I've never had you as a teacher, but you are such a great person to look up to. After all these hardships that you've faced, you always manage to smile and hope for the best. You are so strong, and I'm so happy you're doing better. Thanks for being awesome! Keep persevering!

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  58. Dear señor sorkin,
    I am very happy to hear that you are currently recovering well. I miss hanging out with you at your desk during every free period that I had, and i know that many others miss seeing your smiling face in the hallways as well. We can't wait for you to come back to gbn, and wish you the best.
    -Danielle Sonshine

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  59. Senor Sorkin,
    Continue to stay strong! I want you to know you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I am feel so privileged that I had you as my Spanish teacher at GBN! You are truly a fantastic teacher! I miss your classes SO much! You always brought so much enthusiasm and joy to class! You always put a smile on my face every class and every time I saw you! I cannot wait to come visit you at GBN! Have a happy holiday season! Stay positive Senor Sorkin!Keep Fighting!
    Erin Ross

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  60. Mr. Sorkin
    I am so happy to hear that you finished your treatment! Thats such great news! Thanks for being such a great teacher while I had you! Keep fighting and stay strong! GBN misses you a ton!
    Kaedi Young

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  61. Senor Sorkin-
    Although you have not been my teacher at GBN my thoughts are with you and I know you can fight this cancer and I hope you stay strong and feel better! We miss you!

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  62. Mr.Sorkin,
    You are an inspiration to everyone at Glenbrook North. It takes guts, a strong will, and a big heart for you go through all those treatments and still end up with a smile. You have my utmost respect.

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  63. Señor Sorkin,
    It's great to hear that you are recovering! Spanish last year was so much fun-mostly because you're a great teacher, but also because you're always positive and upbeat. You're positive attitude made me KNOW you would get through this. I can't wait to see you around school again and I hope you get well REAL soon!
    -Laura Heisinger

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  64. I miss you tanto, gbn realmente es lo mismo sin usted seguir luchando y espero llegar mejor rápidamente, eran todos esperando.

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  65. YOU CAN DO IT! I HAVE FAITH IN YOU!

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  66. Mr. Sorkin,

    Its great to hear that you have finished treatment, i wish you the best on your road to recovery and hope to see you back in the hallways of GBN sometime soon. I will always remember the time during my freshman year when your car broke down on the highway and you rolled up the ramp at old orchard, down the hill, through a green light, and into a gas station without stopping. It made for one heck of a story that i will never forget. Once again, good luck with your recovery and I hope to see you i nthe halls soon.

    Wishing you the best,
    - Mike Kessler

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  67. I've never had you as a teacher, but I wish you the best of luck in your recovery. Keep fighting and stay strong.

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  68. Senor Sorkin-
    Im so glad to hear your doing better! I was looking forward to having you as a teacher this year from all the great things i heard, but i cant wait to have you come back soon! i know you can pull through this and stay strong. everyone misses you and we know you will get through this. Keep fighting!

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  69. Senor Sorkin,
    Stay strong! Your attitude through all of this is unbelievable. I'm so glad to hear that you're doing better ahd everyone misses you at school! I know you can fight through this.

    Monica Jaimovich

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  70. Senor Sorkin...
    I've never had you as a student but I know you're a great teacher, and you always fill the classroom with pride and excitement! Hang in there, i'll be over soon!! You can do this.

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  71. Sorkin,
    Stay strong. Everyone at GBN is rooting for you!! You are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

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  72. Sr. Sorkin!

    Your posts have truly been inspiring to everyone who reads them; your attitude is fantastic and we are all rooting for you and your speedy recovery so you can come back to all of us at GBN. Everybody misses you very much and can't wait for your return. We believe in you and love to read about your progress in your treatments.

    Much love and support,
    Kimmy Lane & Family

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  73. Sorkin!

    You hold the reputation of being the most caring and kind hearted person. People don't forget those who have such qualities. Your strength and perseverance has inspired all of GBN. We cannot wait to have you back at GBN, keep fighting the good fight, we all miss you so much.
    You're in all our prayers. God Bless.

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  74. Senor Sorkin I wish you the best of luck with your recovery. I know that if anyone is strong enough to beat this it's you.
    -Kyle Clark

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  75. Hey Jon, You are one tough cookie and I'm proud to know you. Your positive attitude is really something to witness. Your body is healing itself and that takes a lot of WORK!! Sleep is the best rehabilitator and allows you to keep fighting. Take advantage of being tired and SLEEP!!! Obviously, you need it...you've been "working" at healing for a very long time. Hang in there my friend. You are awesome! love, Andrea

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  76. Hi John -
    Keep on Keepin' On....you are one amazing individual and we all miss you at GBN. Looking forward to your return - it will be a big party. Listen to your body and keep that wonderful positive spirit moving you forward in the healing process. All the best to your family - Kris Frandson

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  77. Senor sorkin we all miss you so much! (don't know if you've realized that yet :-) YAYY so excited that your treatment has ended! Whenever I visited your page I kept feeding the fish but then they kept going away so I thought I killed them...but then I just realized that each one was a week of treatment hahaa...

    But really, stay strong and keep on trucking. You've got a whole school of people fighting for you and sending your family good wishes.

    so feel better quick and come see us!
    salud!

    <333 Jess

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  78. Hi Jon:
    I was just reading through your comments. Your honesty, perseverance and strength are very impressive.

    Hope to see you in the yard/on the street soon.

    Kevin, Mary, Max and Emmett

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  79. It's SO good to see you sharing yourself and your journey this way! You are an inspirational writer and a great man. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy and healthy 2011.

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  80. Please take special care of yourself....Maybe make your own youtube video when you get your voice back. You could sing about fish:)

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  81. Hola Senor Sorkin!

    It's Sam Brottman, I was in your Spanish class my freshman year(2003). I heard about your cancer last night at dinner with my family, and we reminisced about you and your Spanish class.

    Things we appreciate/remember:
    1)You have a great attitude and are a great teacher! Thanks for being my favorite Spanish teacher from GBN!(p.s.- I'm going into elementary education!)
    2) You always gave the best smiling 'hellos' in the halls.
    3) We remembered you playing some crazy good guitar for Soundstage.
    4) And my mom laughed about how you freaked her and my dad out at their freshman year parent night with your French introduction.

    My thoughts are with you, and I know you'll get through this.
    "If you're going through hell, keep going" -Winston Churchill

    Que te vaya bien,
    Sam

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