It's been 3 years since my diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma
At first, I was nearly crippled with pain from the lesions that grew on my spine and the vertebrea compression that I suffered as a result.
Since then, I've had chemo for 2 years, corrective surgery, and (mostly) recovery.
There was a period where I could not even sit on the couch & hold a bass on my lap. These days, I am a decent sight reader, much better bassist than I ever was, and am gigging fairly regularly.
These days, I am mostly pain free. The myeloma is a chronic disease that has no known cure, only response from treatment.
I am in that stage of what they call: 'near complete response'.
I am functioning on about 80-85% of my pre-diagnosis physical capability. The rest may simply be age vs. gravity.
You can come back from hell. Believe in the never ending ability to redeem oneself and grow at any age.
Now, if I could only get that drummer to realize this...
At first, I was nearly crippled with pain from the lesions that grew on my spine and the vertebrea compression that I suffered as a result.
Since then, I've had chemo for 2 years, corrective surgery, and (mostly) recovery.
There was a period where I could not even sit on the couch & hold a bass on my lap. These days, I am a decent sight reader, much better bassist than I ever was, and am gigging fairly regularly.
These days, I am mostly pain free. The myeloma is a chronic disease that has no known cure, only response from treatment.
I am in that stage of what they call: 'near complete response'.
I am functioning on about 80-85% of my pre-diagnosis physical capability. The rest may simply be age vs. gravity.
You can come back from hell. Believe in the never ending ability to redeem oneself and grow at any age.
Now, if I could only get that drummer to realize this...
As for strings, I would say celebrate another day of rockin with a fresh set of strings. 
