The Cancer battle: What a difference a year makes!

[P. Aaron]

Yup. A year ago I was in & out of the local hospital as they failed to control my pain. I wondered where the hell I'd end up and whether I'd ever gig & haul gear again.

Thanks to the University of Michigan Hospitals & Doctors of the Cancer Center along with Celgene & Biologics, (the 'EVIL' drug companies who are underwirting my $9500 @ month Prescription) I have reached a stalemate with the Multiple Myeloma.

It is a chronic illness. At this time there is no cure. With my bad numbers substantially lower but flatlining (down about 96%), I have a decision to make: do I want another 6-8 weeks of stem-cell transplant therapy and another 6-8 months of another 'recovery'? I like having my life back now. Eventually I have to answer the above question.

In the meantime, after being burned by the last band who led me on while I was recovering (& then fired via-voice mail), I have auditions for other bands, Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday. They are all good situations with talented musicians but, the one I REALLY want, the very challenging last-gasp shot at a high-draw originals band has been put on hold for an indefinite period.

I wanted that one to happen first so I could, and that band could decide if I stood a chance at working well with them. I like the other opportunities, I just don't want to get into another project where folks start counting on me, and then bug out...it just happened to me. I'll probably be up front and that may help or hinder what comes next.

Anyhow...you can get your life back, it's just forever changed.

A question asked: Would I like to go back in time, have no memory of my illness, all that I've learned and the people I've met in the last year and enjoy good health being none the wiser?

No.

P.S. Don't laugh at those Scooter Store commercials. Having lost my mobility and using a wheelchair for almost 2 months, I appreciate walking the dog & doing tedious chores like never before.

[Pacman]

you rock, dude. Cancer's a $%^&*, but you're representing the power of the human spirit.




My dad would be proud.

[MJ5150]

So what happens if you say no to the question about 6-8 weeks of treatment?

-Mike

[john turner]

great story man. glad you're doing better.

what would be the benefit of the therapy you're considering now?

[neurotictim]

+1 to Pacman's statement.

While I truly believe that stem-cell research and medical advances are an important part of treatment, I put equal importance on the power of the mind and soul, and having a will to fight is essential, IMO, to winning the war.

Battles may be won and lost, but it's good to see you fighting.

[Dr. Cheese]

Keep the faith, keep up your strength and get your rest!

[drteeth]

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Keep the faith, keep up your strength and get your rest!

I could say something like this, but I'm just gonna add a big fat

+1

to this. Right on.

[buzzbass]

mo' power to you brother !

[DaveDeVille]

keep on fightin' the good fight ...



i'm gonna say a prayer for you , whether you like it or not !

[P. Aaron]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

So what happens if you say no to the question about 6-8 weeks of treatment?

Originally Posted by john turner

great story man. glad you're doing better.

what would be the benefit of the therapy you're considering now?

It's all about the toxicity levels caused by the oral meds I am taking now. If I can keep them low and not damage my kidneys, liver & other digestive organs, I could go on indefinitely. If for some reason, I become too toxic, then I have no choice.

They have already harvested stem-cells for the treatment. I could say "yes" at any time. But it could kill me too. Percentages are low 1-4% but, still.

I'll decide soon enough. It's an eventuality I think. I just wanna rock out some more first.

[P. Aaron]

Originally Posted by Pacman

you rock, dude. Cancer's a $%^&*, but you're representing the power of the human spirit.




My dad would be proud.

To steal that line from the Maybelline commercials:

"Don't act your disease, defy it!"

Thanks Marine.

[Mike N]

Wow, I had no idea what you've been going through. You're one of the old school TB'ers from way back that I've always enjoyed talking with. I don't come here nearly as often as I used to, so if you've posted something about this in the past I apologize for missing it.

Keep fighting and keep rockin.

[smperry]

Originally Posted by Mike N

Keep fighting and keep rockin.

+1.

[BartmanPDX]

My Mom has Multiple Myeloma and has just had all the chemo and transplant stuff over the last several weeks/months. Her hair just fell out and she's just finishing the "toughest part" and finally left the hospital yesterday (though she's staying in a nearby hotel). It was really hard on her, and she swims a mile a day and may well be the toughest person I've ever met.

But she's on the upswing, and hopefully this will really help her. Only time will tell. Cancer is a really tough opponent to lay my mom low.

Best of luck to you.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by Mike N

Keep fighting and keep rockin.

And +1 again.

[bwv1013]

Originally Posted by Pacman

you rock, dude. Cancer's a $%^&*, but you're representing the power of the human spirit.




My dad would be proud.

this.

all bass players would be proud too.

[Dave Siff]

Awesome news, Mr. P. You're an inspiration. I hope the auditions go well.

[P. Aaron]

Originally Posted by Dave Siff

Awesome news, Mr. P. You're an inspiration. I hope the auditions go well.

Hey Man! It's ordered! NBD sometime next week!

Yes, I'll post pics.

Thanks.

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Keep up the fight, man. We're pulling for you!

[Dave Siff]

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

Hey Man! It's ordered! NBD sometime next week!

Sweet!! You've earned it. Lookin' forward to pics.