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Mickey Rottinghaus's avatar

If there is something my life has taught me it is this: We are not protected, sheltered, or prevented from experiencing the horrific understanding of the consequence of terror, abuse, or denigration.

Life has also taught me I have been adequately equipped with the temerity, the tenacity and the resilience to survive every turmoil to which I am exposed, if only someone in the general vicinity will offer some semblance of support.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Sage advice. I am fortunate to have many sources of such support.

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Jerry M.'s avatar

Wishing you a speedy recovery! Thanks for reminding me of Robert Frost; such a fantastic poet.

Looking forward to reading a lot more from you in future, Rabbi.

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Anita J. Goss's avatar

I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but so happy to hear that there has not been spread into other organs. Praying for a full recovery. I enjoy your column, and learn so much about your religion especially when you are referring to the Hebrew language. I love your humor and truth telling. Take your time and rest as you get better. Best wishes to your family also.

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Robert Rauschenberg's avatar

Wishing you a speedy and successful recovery.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thanks so much, Robert

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Ronnie Fein's avatar

Ed and I were sorry to hear this distressing news and pray for your complete and quick recovery. Perhaps you remember, years ago, I came to you when I was diagnosed with cancer. Prognosis was 5-7 years “but you could live 20 years with this and die of something else.” So, been there, done that. I came to speak with you. You gave me your time and best advice. Basically, “live your life. Best you can.” And that’s what I did. TWENTY SEVEN years go. So, I send the same advice to you. Live your life, best you can. Try for 27+! Twenty seven years goes by in a blink. Refuah shlema.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thanks Ronnie. You’ve lived your life better than most people can. You check all the boxes: Cook, Pray, Love! I appreciate your and Ed’s support for all these years.

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Libby Cone's avatar

I hope you recover fully and speedily.

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Lorraine Kweskin's avatar

Praying for you to have a speedy and complete recovery.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thank you so much! We miss you!

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James F. Battaglia, Ph.D.'s avatar

Hang in there, Rabbi. I was diagnosed with PC three years ago. I had surgery and radiation. Recovery from the surgery sucks and there are a lot of moving parts to attend to. Don’t be in a rush, have family help you especially in the early days, get support from support groups or professionals. (Take seriously the prohibition against picking up anything weighing more than a few pounds—I did not follow that rule and it extended my recovery!) Figure a month to six weeks before you get back to normal. Join this site https://healthunlocked.com for more info and to get questions answered. (Follow whatever Tall Allen says.). Also, pcf.org is helpful—especially their booklet on prostate cancer (probably more than you want to know.). Good luck!

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

This advice will help other readers as well - so thanks for that.

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James F. Battaglia, Ph.D.'s avatar

Hi Rabbi, How is your PCa journey going?

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Much appreciated James. I will take it seriously - though my dogs will not take the no lifting thing well. 😏

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Susan's avatar

Hello Rabbi. I read your article about your cancer, and am pleased your prognosis is so good.

Best wishes,

Susan Andrews

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Meryl Gordon's avatar

Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thanks so much Meryl.

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Debby Detering's avatar

I lost my husband to that--BUT: it was quite a few years after diagnosis, AND by the time he died, we had moved closer to family, leaving me with our youngest daughter and grandchildren,, and we had the distinct feeling that he had accomplished what he had to do. He had overcome some personality problems, made changes that gave us more years together than we had ever expected, and tied up some bothersome loose ends. May you, no matter how many years you have left, leave with the knowledge that you have done what you were put on earth to do. I miss him--but he had finished his work, and I have work to do before it's my time. We had 60 blessed years from the time he put an engagement ring on my finger and he was 87; I'm now 85. God grant you many years.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

I'm so moved by your comments, Debby. I've been reflecting on just those things recently. I feel I have so much left to do, which is clearer to me each day. And so do you - one of which was to give me such helpful advice

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Claudia Allred's avatar

Good evening Human Rabbi: I’ll be thinking about you, mostly about your personal worry. I’m a cancer survivor x2. The key word being survivor. Stay strong and know lots of folks are praying for you and that’s a fact, me one of them. Thanks for your eloquent heads up. It’s hard to tell folks bad news, but you did it with your usual grace. Wishing you the best, love Claudia 😊✡️💙

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Ruth's avatar

I am sorry to read of your cancer, but cautiously delighted of your prognosis and plans to delay death as long as possible.

Saving your pages to read later.

Shalom, Ruth

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Carl Shapiro's avatar

Hi Josh,

Hope you have a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carl

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Gillian's avatar

So sorry to hear about what you’ve been dealing with. Thinking of you and hoping for a full and lasting recovery.

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Rabbi Joshua Hammerman's avatar

Thanks so much, Gillian! Hope you and your family are well.

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