New Year, New Hope

~ slfuchs

2023 began with Vickie and me exiled from our home because of Hurricane Ian and she undergoing treatment for Stage Three Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

When Vickie “rang the bell” after completing six grueling rounds of chemo therapy, and her subsequent PET scan came back clean, we thought we were home free.

Alas, we were not.

When a later test showed “some unusual activity ” in her lungs, it felt like a mule kick to the gut. The right lung abnormality was “just” pneumonia, but the left lung was pneumonia … and cancer.

And so, 2024 begins with us in the brand new McKinley Avenue Hospital of the Moffitt Cancer Center where Vickie underwent major surgery for the type of lung cancer non-smokers like she is sometimes suffer. They tell us her two cancers are unrelated to one another.

It has not been an easy time!

And yet… we are full of hope. Our wonderful surgeon, Dr. Samuel Freyaldenhoven is confident we will beat this, and his confidence inspires us both. In the 18 months that Moffitt has been “our second home” everyone here — the parking attendants, the housekeepers, the tech staff, the nurses, and the top cancer doctors who have treated Vickie — have been caring and kind.

Our three children and their wonderful spouses have been with us through daily contact, advice and encouragement. We have been very blessed!

We are still waiting for test results, and Vickie having gone through chemo and major surgery has been to hell and back. Still, I can’t stifle the feeling that 2024 — despite its beginning in pain and anxiety— will evolve into a wonderful year.

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Published by slfuchs

Loving husband, father, grandfather and rabbi. Author of, "What's in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives,” "ToraHighlights,” “Why the Kof?,” “Why Triple Chai?,” "Who Created God?," and "...And Often the First Jew." On October 17, 2017, Rabbi Fuchs was selected as the recipient of the Vanderbilt Divinity School's Distinguished Alumnus Award. To be considered for this award, one must demonstrate excellence and distinction in justice-making through their efforts in congregational ministry, religious institutions, non-denominational/all-inclusive organizations, community–based organizations, government, or other social institutions. Spent last four falls serving in Milan, Italy, (2013) and Germany (2014-2016). Otherwise, he enjoy writing and speaking after serving three congregations and as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is currently serving as Rabbi of Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Sanibel, Florida.

24 thoughts on “New Year, New Hope”

  1. Stephen,
    We appreciiate your taking the time to keep us updated. We, too hope 2024 isa bribhter year for you, and especiallyfor Vickie. Wishing you both strength in the weeks and months ahead.
    Much love,
    Edina & Alan

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  2. Dear Steve , my prayers for this new year are for you and Vicky, thanks for updating us. What a strong hero she is!. I adhere to your hope that there will be a victorious end in this saga and that Vicky will be healthy again.
    We miss you and bless you both from Germany. Shana Tova for the second time!

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  4. So sorry to hear this news Stephen. All best wishes for Vickie’s recovery. Glad you’ve got wonderful support and a great attitude.

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  5. So sorry to hear this. I wish both of you the strength and love that should guide you through this tough time. This is the second “ non smoker “ lung cancer in females I am hearing recently. Kati

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  6. Praying for you both. It certainly has very a rough Autumn for many of us. At the beginning of October my older brother dies of blood cancer – A consequence of three tours of duty in Viet Nam. His widow was devestared. She died 6 weeks later as the result of an auto accident. In the meantime I had total reverse soulder replacement and am still in pain. May 2024 be better for us all.

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  7. Oh Rabbi , I am so sorry to hear about Vickie’s cancer…. yet, I am certain with the wonderful care she is getting , she will get through this … You both will !!! I am sending my love and positive vibes to you both…. and — never forget to remain steadfastly hopeful and positive. ( am I preachin’ to the choir ? ) Hugs, Betsy

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  8. We are to rejoice always, pray continuously, and to give thanks in all circumstances…. I am in awe of you both.
    My sincere prayers and blessings to you and your beautiful, lovely Vickie.

    Love,
    Beverly Field Whittington

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  9. Calendar Date: January 1st, ( 2024 )

    Dear Rabbi Fuchs:

    I both hope and pray that you, Wife Vickie and Family-extended fare well in all aspects of your lives as we set foot into the new Gregorian Calendar’s year, as well as far, far beyond, Dear Rabbi.

    I pray our Prayer of Shehechanu, reflecting a gratitude that Vickie is in the trusted-and-caring hands of Dr. Samuel Freyaldenhoven, …. And, again, I pray.

    Please take very good care, Rabbi Fuchs.

    Best regards always,
    Mark Loveland

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  10. May it be The Almighty’s will to heal Vickie fully and soon, and give you both strength and patience during this time. El na, r’fa na la.
    Joe Dix

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  11. So sorry to hear this news, and placing Vickie back our our shul’s misheberach list. Warmest regards from the chilly Hudson Valley,
    Michael Fessler

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