As many of you know, I was recently diagnosed with colon cancer (adenocarcinoma) after a routine colonoscopy. I then had follow up PET/CT scans and was told that early detection is probably what saved my life. I ended up having major abdominal surgery to remove the "crud" (malignant tumor) and they also took out 26 lymph nodes of which only 3 had cancer in them. Just because that it had spread into those few lymph nodes, my oncologist told me that the diagnosis was Stage 3 cancer and advised a curative, aggressive treatment plan. The plan is to hit me hard for the next six months (24 weeks sounds better to me!) with treatment to prevent re-occurrence.

My intent for this thread topic is twofold. First, many musicians have lived and sadly died because of this horrible disease and I wanted to try and raise awareness and will try to post as I go along on the next phase of this "journey" to help anyone else who has, gets or knows someone who has a similiar situation. I will try and update this thread as I begin my chemo tomorrow (July 15th) to let everyone know how I'm doing. I'm feeling upbeat and positive that this is treatable and beatable.

Secondly, it is always helpful to read positive comments, thoughts and well wishes from others (especially other musicians), as well as to share similiar real-life situations and I will greatly appreciate it if you care to leave a positive note and good thoughts for me as this
next phase begins.

Being a steady working musician for many years now, this has been a traumatic experience for me and my family and at times I find myself still thinking that it's all just a bad dream.

I am NOT looking for pity, but just some positive support from this Fender Community that I have come to know, love and respect, and which I am sincerely proud to be a part of.

Thx,
-Mike

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Wel,l let me say that you are included in our prayers and we hope the best for you. What ever happened to this forums members getting the amp for you? Anyway take care my friend.

Mike, I`m retired due to a severe back injury I got at work. I crushed 6 discs in my back and have nerve damage to both legs. I`m home most of the time and in constant pain. If it wasn`t for playing the guitar and my artwork I would loose my sanity. I don`t have the disease you have, but the situation is similar. Don`t let this disease get to your head because the mind controls the body. Keep your thoughts positive and will your body to heal itself. With the help of God you`ll come through this and will be able to live a normal lifestyle. Good Luck and get well soon... Joe

Thanks for the well wishes. That's the kind of positive support that I was hoping for.

I appreciate it very much and although I need to leave now to get some things taken care of before starting treatment tomorrow, I will definitely be checking in and posting (or having my wife post) as things progress.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Wow. All I can say to that is...Amen Brother!

Mike, I am still praying for you brother! You hang in there and let us know how you are doing.

Because of you, I am scheduling a colonoscopy. I am 45 and have never had one. I figure there is no time like the present. I know that colon cancer has one of the best success rates if caught early. So, it is time for me to be proactive! I have you to thank for this Mike. I appreciate what you are doing for us all.

I know through the power of prayer and my faith that you will come out of this victorious. We are pulling for you Mike!

Joe, you have just been added to my prayer list! You hang in there too buddy!

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Bill

"Show me a crowd where the band is loud and my drunken ballet is in fashion!" Jerry Riopelle

Mike
You know through our previous emails/calls that you are in my thoughts/prayers and will continue to be. I look forward to your call later today as it is always a pleasure to talk to you.

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

as JPD said mind controls the body so good thoughts my friend & support from your family & us & im sure you'll be back. Dont let it get you down. take care

you are in my thoughts and prayers!

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Playing your guitar is an addiction after your first riff you just can't stop. Kind of like raisins you taste one then eat them by the handful.
-Oldpat

Good Vibrations and best wishes from The Fender Mothership! Prayers to both you and Chet.

Keep the good spirit up Mike! you are in my thoughts and prayers those 24 weeks will fly by and hopefully you will be healtier than you ever were!

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It's a mix between Jazz and Funk, it's called "Junk"

Mike we're all behind you my friend. When the going gets tough look behind you there we will be supporting you the best we can. Hang in there we'll be there for you.

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I played on stage once, they kicked me off when the band arrived

Mike, prayers from metro Chicago for COMPLETE return to ROBUST health and long, happy, heaalthy, prosperous life.

Think only positive thoughts, attract only positive, recuperative and on-forward-life happy and successful thoughts. And you might want to, in addition to services and Scripture and prayer, take a look at a 'magnetism' or 'attraction' book, especially Rhonda Byrne's The Secret comes to mind.

Visualizing you in huge-health-Olympic form up through your 90s, Bro.

Peace and love in a fellow-musician way.

My prayers are also with you Mike. Keep up the positive attitude! Good Luck and GOD Bless!

Mike, as long as you keep your mindset up, nothing can stop you!
24 weeks will go by real quick, and with the help of a positive additude, and a true belief that you are healing yourself, you'll be in remission in no time!

Good luck, and keep us updated.

-David

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"#1"Highway 1 Strat - Sunburst
Classic Vibe Tele
Squier Strat -GFS 60s P'ups
Hot Rod Deluxe
Pearl Export Series Drum Kit
Rogue Ukuleles
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The only guy on FLF who plays reggae

Cancer is pretty serious. Being one of the survivors has really got to give you a warm feeling! We'll be prayin' for ya back here- best of luck with your recovery!