I'm on the verge of starting my 6th cycle if all goes well. The "tingling" sensation (neuropathy) in my fingers is not subsiding as in the past. It seems that many of the side effects are a bit more intense than in previous weeks as well.

I know that the treatments have a cumulative effect and I expect that it's going to be a bit tougher to be comfortable from here on in. So far, there have been some tough stretches, but it's been tolerable for the most part.

The little things seem to be getting worse (i.e. headaches are bordering on migraine, the metallic taste of food and beverages are lingering longer, fatigue is more intense, nausea feeling is happening more often.)

I still try to keep a positive attitude, but it's going to be a little bit harder now. I'm very thankful for the support that I've gotten here, as well as from my family, friends and colleagues.

When I do finish this next cycle, I will be halfway through my chemo treatment.

I can't stress enough to everyone that if you're due to get "the test" go and have it done. The prep for a colonoscopy is like having a cold beer compared to going through chemotherapy!

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

Don't leave home without it!

All the best to you mate

_________________
The mighty rock the mighty roll once it's got you it wont let go. A.Durant (RIP)

08 Am Std Strat
07 Essex AEP239VS
85 Profile Sillouette
78 Amena model 1830
Super Champ XD
Peavey Rage
Zoom G1X

You know that all my best wishes are with you Mike. I watched my father go through the same thing. Because of you, him and several others I'm scheduled for my out patient testing 10/06/08. Thanks and hope it eases up for you soon!

Hang in there Mike I know you have alot of grit and determination and now is the time they are truly needed. I wish I could send you some reservers but Mojo and Prayers are going to have to do. As always you are in my thoughts daily.

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

Mojo and prayers being sent over the Atlantic to ya Mike, stay positive as possible. The best of luck, I hope the side effects ware off soon.

Hang in there Mike! We are praying and pulling for you! Keep the faith brother!

_________________
Bill

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

Thanks again to all. Not feeling so well right now.

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

Don't leave home without it!

feel better Mike we look foreward to hearing from you

Hang in there Mike. This, too, will pass.

Mike, I want to share my high opinion of what you've accomplished with this thread. If you go to a lot of museums and look at masterpieces of art, or listen to deep music with wrenching lyrics, or read a deep novel, you won't experience more truth than you get by reading this thread. Mike, by sharing your struggle through chemo in real time as it happens, you've created a little bit of "art" here. I don't think there's any thread, anywhere, that's got more to offer or is more "art" than this one. This is a forum with many musicians here and I hope this dialog of trials and tribulations that you and some others have faced can be appreciated for the unique work or art that it is, and inspire others.

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"Now, bring me that horizon."
-Capt. Jack Sparrow

I realise im new to the forum and as yet have not really conversed with anyone particularly let alone you Mike. But i have read your thread and have read all the replies and well wishes and am in awe of the sense of community this forum has.

I wish you all the best with your treatment and i'll be rooting for you.

Chris
(Birdman82)

Mike,

Please get well, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Let friends, family AND music keep your mind healthy and the body will follow. God bless!

Kyle

I wish you the best on your procedure, fhopkins!

strat58cat, it was my intent that other musicians and/or loved ones, who found themselves in a similar situation might benefit from this thread. A very keen observation my friend!

I went to the clinic today and was told that I had a 99.5 temperature (100.5 and you don't get chemo), after speaking with my oncologist and discussing the neuropathy, we decided that this cycle would not include the oxaliplatin.

I've got a sore throat, nasal congestion and headache, but was able to continue treatment. If the temp goes down by the end of the week, he will give me a flu vaccine as well.

It's about 1:30PM here (EST) and I'm ready to sleep for awhile. I'll be halfway through treatments at the end of this cycle.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers, well wishes and positive mojo!!!

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

Don't leave home without it!

Mike - my thoughts and energy are aimed at you - may it help you get thru this treatment cycle.

Gil

_________________
Where ever you go, there you are

1998 Ovation 1861 Standard Balladeer Natural
Taka - 2005 Squier '51 Black
Yume - 2006 Squier Strat Cherryburst
Houbi - 2008 Fender VG Strat Blizzard Pearl - won here
Fender Super Champ XD; Vox DA-5

Mike,
Just went for my bloodwork today(keeping my fingers crossed), Getting a check up to screen for prostate, cholesterol, etc. Never had that done before and I'm 37... Wish the best for you, Through your courage you have inspired me. Thank you,
J

Mike thanks for the heads up on colon cancer, men don't realize after a certain age, lets say past 40, things start to go wrong, I've had my colon tested 3 times because I was dumping blood, the test & pollup removal was nothing, no pain, I was out having a beer that day after the test, the only bad part of the whole deal that actually gave me nightmares was drinking the panther piss they give you to clean you out so the scope can see all the way up your intesten. Young men maybe made out of teflon now but as we all know that stuff wears off.
Mike my best get well wishes are with you, try to be strong and if you need a strong shoulder to lean on I'm from the city of broad shoulders.
sparky