Alert the Media

I came back to work today and I sent out a message to all of my coworkers telling them about my news. The idea was to tell everybody at once and let them know that it's okay not to say anything when they see me getting a cup of coffee. Please don't interpret it as "Don't talk to Jon Ever," because that's not what I meant. I just didn't want to dread going to work because I'd be talking about cancer all day. Here's the note:

Hello,

Those of you who know me may have noticed that I've been out for the past week or so. I'll be back for the next couple days, and I also have an explanation for my absence. Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which of course came as a bit of a shock. Fortunately it is a highly treatable form of cancer(95%), as Lance Armstrong has shown over the past few years. There are some great resources on the internet which explain the disease, including http://www.tcrc.acor.org

Last week I had surgery on my left side at Brigham hospital in Brookline. An underwriter no less. Soon I'll be getting my pathology report and learning about my future treatment which could include chemo, radiation, or simple blood tests.

As you might guess, I have a lot on my mind, but I'm glad to be back at work in part because it is something I can do to make my life normal again. Towards that goal I have a small request which is that you help me think of work as a sanctuary where I don't need to think about cancer all the time. I'll have some stories to tell and there will be news as different tests come back, but please let me tell these stories when I'm ready. Oddly enough, perhaps the best way to show that you care is to not ask. Or, ask Robin or Ken who I will be keeping up to date with the various ups and downs.

I have a lot of friends here, and I'm lucky to have you all. I appreciate the support and in the coming months I know I'll need it.

Thanks, Jon