From the Dark Times back into the Light!

[P. Aaron]

You can come back! Perhaps not without damage but, being motivated by one thing can make all the difference.

It's been 2 years since my battle with multiple myeloma began. The pain & damage to my spinal area put me in a wheelchair, I could barely make it to the bathroom let alone walk the dog, or make oatmeal. Imagine being able to sit up but NOT hold your bass on your lap and play a Stooges bass line!

I have many many people to thank between the U of MI cancer center, my wonderful wife of 19 years Anita, the evil Drug companies supplying me essential and effective meds. Music has been a constant motivation, and of course this forum, which has kept me humored, motivated, lusting for gear and to keep on playing & learning. Those things along with the PM's and public notes of encouragement.

It was bleak, I was always hopeful. Frustrated that things didn't heal faster. But, if you're looking at what seems like similar things, don't just hope, find things to keep you interested. Skip the metaphors, just find something to keep YOU going.

[Relic]

Wow, that's pretty a pretty upbeat and inspiration post right there, thanks for sharing.
I think that family, friends and a good attitude can get one through just about anything!

[Kawai-chang]

Good for you! Here's hoping for a quick and complete recovery.

[P. Aaron]

Originally Posted by Kawai-chang

Good for you! Here's hoping for a quick and complete recovery.

According to my Docs, I am in 'complete response' but I won't call it remission yet. I still have to take prevention meds and am wrapping up the clinical trial. I am improving.

I can do a club-gig. I have that kind of energy & drive.

Sadly, still trying to find a serious band, that situation has not improved.

[smperry]

This is the best news I've heard in a while.

Very happy for you!

[giacomini]

Great news!

Wish you the best!

[Lonesomedave]

man, that just makes me shudder to think what you must have been through...

all the best and I hope for continued good news!

[Blueszilla]

Congratulations! Nice to hear you're on the road to recovery.

However, 'serious' and 'band'.... aren't those mutually exclusive?

[P. Aaron]

Originally Posted by Blueszilla

Congratulations! Nice to hear you're on the road to recovery.

However, 'serious' and 'band'.... aren't those mutually exclusive?

See my thread in Band Management about replies to ads I have posted.

To elaborate: I have been in a clinical trial at the U of M backed by big Pharma. They have supplied the necessary medicines that have for me, been mostly effective. I used to get weekly infusions and have to take a series of counter-active drugs to combat some of the reactions. It's a fairly typical thing. My body is the battlefield, occasionally, I take friendly fire casualties.

Getting the energy back is key...along with combating the pain. I can get almost any pain med I want. The problem is, I can get almost any pain med I want. They have their place, but you still want to keep them in perspective. There's the surgical route, which has its own set of mixed results.

It is fun to play again however, walk the dog, just doing stuff, HAVING THE CHOICE to do stuff, a big deal.

[Selta]

This is wonderful to hear!

[Blueszilla]

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

See my thread in Band Management about replies to ads I have posted.

I've read some of that, I was just bein' a smart ass; it's a hobby.

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

It is fun to play again however, walk the dog, just doing stuff, HAVING THE CHOICE to do stuff, a big deal.

That is very cool. I agree, ya never really know what you have until it's taken away. Your experience helps me appreciate just being able to walk, and for that I am grateful to you for reminding me.

Best of luck to you!

[MJ5150]

This reminds me of a Celine Dion song for some reason.

-Mike