Gigging With, Combating, and Beating Stage 4 Most cancers

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 In late October 2022 one thing simply wasn’t proper. I had uncommon points occurring  in my decrease stomach that simply weren’t regular, so I went to my major physician, Dr. Wagstaff, who set me up for a cat scan. After reviewing this he despatched me to a specialist, Dr. Flanigan, who decided that I had most cancers of the liver, in addition to the colon. Moreover, it was stage 4 most cancers. When this was revealed, Danielle made some extent of telling me there after which “I will see you thru this” And she or he informed me that many occasions since! At this level it was simply a few days earlier than Thanksgiving and Dr. Flanigan thought I would as properly get pleasure from Thanksgiving at house and the next Monday he’d function.

I suppose most cancers may be like having a child in sure respects and like a child when it is able to be born, it is born. In my case, it was the Saturday after Thanksgiving I discovered myself on my knees on the ground within the bed room in extreme ache. Off to the hospital I went. 

Dr. Flanigan did the surgical procedure on my colon and stated he obtained all of it. In doing in order that they needed to open up my abdomen with a purpose to get to my colon. Moreover, because the prep I’d have achieved, had issues gone to plan on Monday, didn’t occur, I needed to be arrange with an ostomy. Dr. Flanigan was very sorry about this. His intensions have been excellent, with having me have a good time Thanksgiving at house, however nature took it is course sooner than any of us anticipated. So, because it stood, these have been the playing cards we have been all dealt and needed to take care of.

My perspective was “Okay, that is our scenario. Nothing goes to alter, so lets take care of it”. There was no level in wallowing in distress. That is only a waste of time and solely makes issues worse. Perspective is all the pieces.

Clearly, one does not have main surgical procedure, hop away from bed, skip down the isles of the hospital and go house. Having my stomach opened up, some dicing inside, and stapled again collectively once more, with one thing like 20 staples, or so, is kind of an ordeal. The concept of merely getting away from bed appeared unimaginable. Ache? It was off the charts. Nevertheless, I did not need  to develop into reliant on ache meds. I’ve seen what they did to others I knew. At this level any sort of motion  wasn’t a consideration. All the workers at Decrease Keys Medical heart was fabulous, I have to add! They made it so much simpler.

Progressively, I used to be capable of sit up. After a few days I used to be capable of get away from bed and child step across the room. 

Danielle at all times stated from the start  “We’re on this collectively”. She additionally introduced me considered one of my guitars from house. .

The nurses confirmed me the way to use the ostomy. What a pleasure! 😆  

Being in such main ache and having to take care of this was including severe insult to harm, so to talk. Nevertheless, the nurses have been nothing lower than fabulous. Moreover, I refused to let the scenario get the higher of me.I maintained perspective and cracked jokes lightheartedly with the medical workers. It actually harm to chortle, nonetheless. Nevertheless, I used to be satisfied that the perspective of the chortle outweighed  the ache that went with it, so chortle I did!

It helped too! I used to be capable of stroll the ground of the hospital. Somewhat on day three and extra on day 4. 

The workers appeared very impressed on my progress and on day 5 I used to be launched from the hospital. Danielle picked me up and we went house.

Extra challenges at house. The primary being the steps. I believe it took 7 minutes to get from backside to prime. It usually took about 4 seconds. Nevertheless, being out of the hospital, put my final aim in a extra centered sight, albeit it was the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel, taking part in gigs once more. I used to be now in sight of my aim! As my expensive pal Kerry “Gonzo” Dwyer identified “… You had some actually intense stuff, however sounds such as you skilled it with a glass half full perspective”. I needed to agree with him. From my perspective, that was the solely technique to take care of it.

It bothered me that Dani was doing all of the gigs and lugging and organising the gear  i may barely get away from bed. As at all times, she saved a constructive perspective. “Oh I do not thoughts in any respect!”. 

I believe it was one other two weeks that I performed my first gig at Two Mates Patio Restaurant, our house gig! It wasn’t simple. Nevertheless, I used to be decided to do it. I used to be restricted and physician’s orders said I  could not elevate something over 15 Lbs., so I wasn’t a lot assist in setting it up, or tearing down. This gave me first hand perception into the that means of the outline of the phrase “Cad”. Nevertheless, Dani was nothing wanting fabulous and insisted on ensuring she carried the entire weighty gear. On one other be aware, candidly, I wasn’t all that pleased with my taking part in that day, however I used to be taking part in and that made me thrilled!! With out query, the following gig can be higher!

Then, in late January 2023, I used to be signed as a songwriter to Millennium Manufacturing Music in London, England! I take into account this an infinite honor! Right here was the principal of the agency, a music skilled, who’s been within the enterprise for thirty 5 years and is enormously profitable, stated to me as we signed the contract “Chris, you are a really prolific and really inventive songwriter!”. This meant a lot to me. Very, only a few of the songwriters you may discover in any music competition, or occasions are revealed. 

(for these not within the music trade, publishers selected the songwriters, not the opposite method round. Moreover, they’re in that small group within the prime echelon of the music trade.)

I’m now revealed  with not one, however  two publishers! Since 2000 I have been with McClure and Trowbridge  Publishing Nashville and in addition now in Europe with Millennium Manufacturing Music.  

I am very lucky!

I used to be placed on chemo remedy, additionally in January. What I’d do is go to the clinic on Monday, the place the nurses would hook me up for about 2 or 3 hours. After that, they hooked me up with a chemo pump, about 50% bigger than a cellular phone, which I wore beneath my shirt. This enabeled me to operate usually and return to common life for 2 days till Wednesday and I might return they usually’d take it off. I used to be then once more, returned to regular life, this time with out the chemo pu,p and I might return 12 days in a while Monday and the method can be repeated. This went on for 8 weeks. Then they’d take me off it for eight weeks, then and restart the process for one more eight weeks.

I requested about alcohol consumption, being a beer drinker, they usually stated in the course of the time I used to be getting chemo (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) alcohol was not permitted. On the twelve remaining days, I may have a beer a day.

For myself, I believed “Why even hassle?”.  Studying in between the strains, the implication appeared to be that I used to be higher off with out it. So I simply stopped 100%, be it a day on chemo, or a day without work chemo.

The necessary factor for me wasI was taking part in gigs once more and that is what mattered.

Some humorous issues about chemo is that some individuals get “Chemo Mind”. With “Chemo Mind” you typically do not make sense as phrases can escape you whenever you discuss. Or, you may neglect what you are speaking about in mid sentence. I had that. 

Essentially the most tough factor for me was holding a choose whereas taking part in. I could not do something about it. I might really feel it begin to slip and it could step by step begin to slide away. I figured the way to take care of it by being a contact cleaver. When it began to slide I’d take my proper hand (the hand I maintain it with) and faucet it again into place on my left higher chest. There was a semi-minor problem the primary couple of occasions the place I fell out of time, as at first it was awkward. Nevertheless, that did not final lengthy. I keep in mind there have been occasions the place it saved occurring constantly. It was a ache in butt in these occasions, with it occurring so usually, however no less than I may handle it to an appropriate diploma, all issues thought-about.

The opposite factor was, I could not write a tune. Nothing would occur. The creativity gene I used to be blessed with was gone.

Perceive, granted, I am a good guitar participant, and I am okay as a vocalist. Nevertheless the principle factor I do is write songs! That is #1 for me. I am a printed songwriter. I’ve obtained not one, however two publishers… I might sit down with my guitar and there was …. nothing. nada, nichts, rien, 

So, with that as a backdrop, think about somebody in my place and I’m incapable of writing a tune! For me that was a really severe concern. Certainly, very severe. Firstly, I am a songwriter.

In the meantime, on the medical entrance, issues have been progressing as time went on, no less than to the following stage any method. Nevertheless, that is progress! Whereas Dr. Flanigan did the colon a part of the surgical procedure, I’d be scheduled for the liver surgical procedure up in Miami someday in the course of the 2023 summer time.

My perspective all through was: Do all the pieces the medical doctors inform me to do, proper to the letter, no “If’s” , “And’s”, or However’s”. 

Danielle and I travelled as much as Mount Sinai on Miami Seashore. We would already been up a few occasions for cat scans and interviews with the surgeon, Dr. Hochwald. Like Dr. Flanigan, Dr. Hochwald was prime notch in his discipline. Into the O.R. I went.

Whereas the operation went properly, I used to be now wanting on the identical kind of restoration as 7 months prior as they needed to open up my torso once more. When the time got here to get away from bed a few days after the surgical procedure, I actually wished no a part of it.

On the flip facet, with a purpose to get out of the hospital, which at finest was just a few days away, I needed to get away from bed and stroll across the flooring I used to be on. If I did not, I wasn’t going anyplace. I walked and Dani helped me! She had been staying on a settee in my restoration room! On day 5 we drove 160 miles again house to Key West. We stopped at The Caribbean Membership in Key Largo and met with our pal Key Largo Joe Gowran.It was good to see him ay considered one of my favourite bars on the planet.

Restoration was the identical as final time. In spite of everything, they needed to open up my torso to achieve entry to, this time my liver. Dani performed for 2 weeks solo whereas I convalesced at house. It was like deja vu, because it was  occurring another time. Getting away from bed, getting up and down the steps took endlessly once more nonetheless, I used to be itching to play a gig, however Dani insisted I needed to keep house and get better. After every week I stated “I am prepared!”. Dani replied “No you are not! You want no less than one other two weeks of relaxation!”. Per week later I used to be again at Two Mates Patio Restaurant taking part in, however once more, not lifting something over 15Lbs. for six weeks. She by no means complained as soon as. She’s simply say “You’ll be able to take the mic stands and the chairs. Simply not on the identical time!”

Right here I felt like a cad once more! My girlfriend is carrying the P.A. my gig bag and I am doing the lite stuff. 

Rattling. 

Nevertheless, I used to be taking part in and earlier than I knew it, carrying the heavier stuff!

On September 2nd 2023, on a Saturday, I awakened and made some espresso. Armed with a cup of Jo at 8:00 o’clock, I sat down at my pc and as quickly because it opened, my jaw hit the ground. Jimmy Buffett had died solely a number of hours prior. This was a shock, to say the least. We, like the remainder of the world, did not know he was this sick. Plus, he performed Key West again in March. Then, whereas he was right here he additionally added reveals at The Key West Theater, designed to cater to the locals, as the costs on the Amphitheater have been insane. God relaxation his soul.

After the preliminary shock settled a bit, the very very first thing I did was seize my guitar and in about fifteen minutes I wrote a tribute tune for Jimmy that I titled “Sail Him Residence”. In spite of everything, Jimmy was a sailor! The tune touched on different issues as properly in his life corresponding to flying planes and writing books, in addition to his adventures, corresponding to being shot at in Jamaica in his airplane. I performed it on Fb Reside shortly after I completed it. Inside 48 hours it had 10,000 views.  😊

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56Jp8g6tLtk

Because of the ten,000+ who watched it on Fb Reside.

I believed for a second. Then it dawned on me “Hey! I wrote a tune!”

Apparently, this one was a present?

I’ve had just a few songs that have been items. You do not know the place they arrive from. Again in 1996 I  wrote a tune, “Sarah”. Sarah was one of many longest songs I’ve written. It is about two brothers within the Civil Battle, one joined the Union military, the opposite joined the Accomplice military. Their forces meet in Virginia and a battle ensues the place they find yourself killing one another. It is a tune that focuses on the idiocy and tragedies of battle. 

After I wrote the tune, I had no plans on writing a tune, a lot much less, one in regards to the Civil Battle. Nevertheless, the entire sudden it was there and wanted to be written. I knew the entity who wanted it written may solely keep for a really brief time period. I had the music written shortly. There was no alternative, it needed to be. Then the lyrics got here so quick I may barely maintain sustain with them. I used to be writing quicker than I ever had, however I obtained in time. When the tune was achieved, I felt a way of gratitude and the spirit left.

It was fairly the identical with “Sail Him Residence”. The tune was written fairly shortly. The music was there and like “Sarah”, the lyrics simply got here out of nowhere.

After this I used to be again to being chemo mind non-creative. 

Make of that what you’ll.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56Jp8g6tLtk

Curiously sufficient, lower than every week later I used to be declared “Most cancers Free”!!! 

Hummmmm…..

I used to be now off chemo, nonetheless, it stays with you for 2 to 3 months. A minimum of in my case that is how lengthy it did. After a few weeks the choose holding problem was over and achieved with. YAY! Chemo Mind stayed with me for a number of months. I nonetheless get relapses from time to time, notably on stage. 

A really, very, crucial a part of this restoration is credited and because of the generosity of associates! 

Dani had instructed organising a “Go Fund Me” account. Underneath the circumstances, it was choice. Financially issues have been going to get powerful, so we set it up. The outpouring was nothing wanting superb! I am unable to start to thank all of you! 

Thanks!!! Thanks!!!!! Thanks!!!!! 

On the finish of February it was time to care for the osty, as soon as and for all. I used to be again with Dr. Flanigan right here in Key West for this. Apparently, I additionally had developed a hernia. Dr. Flanigan informed me quite a few occasions that this was a serious surgical procedure each earlier than and after it happened. 

It was a combined bag for me. On the one hand, the osty actually needed to go. I paid my penance and served my time with all that went with it. A yr and 4 months.

Alternatively, I might be going through one other main stomach surgical intrusion once more, together with all that went with the restoration. Getting again to regular was important nonetheless, whatever the ache concerned and the identical restoration of barely with the ability to get away from bed, strolling the ground, not with the ability to play gigs for  weeks, not with the ability to elevate gear and counting on Dani to do it once I was again taking part in.

Dr. Flanigan informed me no less than 5 occasions “You went by means of a really, very, very, severe operation 

Nonetheless, we did it. Dr. Flanigan obtained the plumbing again so as and glued the hernia as properly. For a 3rd time I went by means of a serious surgical procedure and all that went with it. I once more was decided  to get again to taking part in and with the assistance of household, associates, a tremendous medical staff, and particularly Danielle, collectively, we beat most cancers. Thanks for all the pieces and as of Could 1st our yearly schedule was set at 416 gigs.

We beat most cancers! Thanks to all who helped, be it prayers, donations, healthcare professionals, and the rest that I am forgetting! Nevertheless, there are go ensures in life, so I’ll have bi-annual cat scans. The primary one is in July.

                                                                               

                                           The Shanty Hounds at Two Mates Patio Restaurant

                                                  Danielle Hoy and “Key West Chris” Rehm

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