Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: bigredbass on December 06, 2004, 11:04:37 AM
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My wife went back to work today.
On May 11th of this year, my wife went to our family doctor fighting a bad sinus infection. In the course of her visit, John took XRays which revealed a mass in her right lung. Three days later we recieved the diagnosis of inoperable lung cancer in her right lung.
The world began spinning beneath our feet.
Surgery was not possible due to the location, beneath her esophagus and trachea and atop her aorta, too crowded for the best surgeons to think of diggging around, even in a doctor-rich environment of Nashville, with Vanderbilt, HCA, etc.
After several weeks we reported to Tennessee Oncology, a partner of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Foundation, set up by the country comedienne Minnie Pearl before her passing. Over the following months, her team of her doctor, nurse practicioner, research and case nurses, along with the radiologists who oversaw her radiation therapy saved my wife's life.
The day before Thanksgiving, we learned she was cancer free, by the grace of God Almighty. I don't believe in luck and believe all good things only come from God, and am just 'God-smacked' that he will let me keep her.
Cancer is a whole 'nother world I was blissfully unaware of. The chemo, the radiation, the other patients, I never knew . . . .
Our lives together can continue, and after 22 years of marriage, this is the greatest gift I could have ever hoped for, and it is just sublime to be in my very own 'happy ending'.
I've said that to say this:
Value and cherish your life and the lives of those you love dearly. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. All things are just material, and there's always something else you can buy.
Amazingly I can only now pick up my bass again. All through my life, no matter how grim things were, my music was always an escape. After May 11th, my Spoiler felt like a fence post in my hands and my inspiration utterly left me. Only now do my hands recognize my old friend as a familiar face.
Take good care of you and yours, and my very best to all of you.
J o e y
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well that put a tear in my eye just reading this.
I so happy for you this has a happy ending
David T
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Joey, I am so thrilled for both you and Mrs. Wilson as well as the rest of your family and friends. Your posting surely did touch me. You are so right in that things are just things. Thanks for sharing your blessing.
Sam
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Silenced...
After losing two members of my family I don't need to imagine. I've always found a true friend in my basses.
M.
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Great news, and may the two of you truly enjoy this very special holiday season together.
And don't forget your 'old friend'...spend a little time with her, too.
Be well...
Chris
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Joey,
I'm very happy for the two of you. A friend just had her first chemo last Saturday. I hope her outcome is as good as your wife's and yours.
Celebrate and play her some happy tunes.
Rich
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Hey Joey,
I'm so happy to hear about your wife's recovery.Recently,I too went through the same ordeal with my best friend's treatment.About the same time as when you two found out,my friend found out about his cancer.We were getting ready to start a buisness together and had to put that off until now.He is in full remission and gaining weight and our buisness plans are full steam ahead.I discovered the world you are talking about from taking my friend to the cancer clinic everyday this past summer.I discovered some truly remarkable people associated with that particular field of medicine.So much heartbreak and at the same time,so much hope and joy with recovery.I just hope everything turns out alright for your friend Rich.
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Let me just add my congratulations on a very happy outcome. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in a very late stage, and still she came through - and she's still with us twenty years later.
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Joey,
Thanks for sharing the story of your hope-filled experience. It's sobering and very uplifting at the same time. It makes this time of year that much more meaningful.
Best wishes during this holiday season,
Tom
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It's always uplifting to receive good news and the occasional reminder that life is about more than material possesions. Give the Mrs. a hug from all of us in the club...
John Paul
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Joey,
Congratulations on the remission. I hope you and your wife share many happy and companionable years together into the future.
Mike
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my condolences. i'm really glad to hear that your wife is in remission. as a smoker it is something that is always on my mind. my mother died of lung cancer and it wasn't pleasant. once again, my thoughts are with you and your wife.
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Joey,
We've lost too many good people. I'm glad your wife isn't one of them (lost ones, that is - I'm sure she's good). Treat her like a fine bass, with a tweak here and there and lots of warm friendly contact. Enjoy your time together and take care..
John
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Joey:
Best wishes and good vibes to you and yours as this holiday season approaches. Good things do seem to happen around this time of year. Keep healthy, keep happy, and keep playin'!
Bill, tgo
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bigredbass is back ...
AND Brother Joey ...
and Mrs. Wilson
Great news ...'Feels so good' of Chuck Mangione would sound now.
PTBO
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Joey,
Glad to hear the good news. I'm sure this will be a very special holiday season for you.
God Bless,
Stoney
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Hey Joey,
You are so right when you say Value and cherish your life...
My first son was diagnosed with cancer about 16 years ago, and then passed away about 2 years later. During those 2 years of pursuing treatments, spending many days and nights in the hospital, and travelling across the country to other hospitals for treatment, you realize how many families are battling cancer, and many other afflictions. And, it's not just affecting the older generation, but there are so many babies, children and young adults that are fighting these diseases daily. And it changes the lives of the entire family.
Even when things are going well in my life, I always like to take time to say a prayer for all those out there who are still battling various things, and it certainly makes you appreciate what you do have.
May God continue to Bless you, your wife and your family. I know this will be one of your most joyous holiday seasons.
Mikey/
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Good news is always good to hear. Joey, enjoy the holidays together!
Wilfred
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BigRedBass,
Wonderful news on your wife's recovery!! That is the best news I have heard in a long time. This will no doubt be the best holiday you'll ever experience.
Peace,
James
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Joey, I hope 2005 brings you and your wife nothing but happiness. And the same for other Club members!
David Brudnoy (talk show host on WBZ for 19 years) lost his battle with cancer on Thursday and his parting words to the audience were to be sure to tell people that you love them before they are gone. How very true.
Life is too short, but it can be ever so wide!
EffClef
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Joey,
May you and your family be blessed with continued good health. You take all the time you need away from that bass, Alembic or not, and enjoy it with your family. Like I always say, Once an Alembician, always an Alembician. We're here for you. Take care.
Darrell
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Joey,
God bless you and your family man. That truely is a story with a wonderful ending. What a gift!!!!!
I lost my mom when I was a little kid, 10 days before Christmas to breast cancer. I've had a hard time with the holidays ever since. Seeing my kids during these times really has made it easier and hearing stories like yours does help to bring back my faith. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Peace,
Dino
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Joey,
Thanks for sharing this. Give her lots of hugs and enjoy seeing her grow old!
Andrew