First gig back after ilness

[weeo]

Hi Guys, last night I did my first gig since January, because of cancer op then 4 bouts of chemo,which really knock you sideways.
Anyway i made my return last night to my usual residency that i've had for the last 8 years and got a really nice welcome.
The other guy in the duo left at the same time as i went off, so i was on my own.
First couple of numbers were a wee bit nervy, but once i settled in and got used to being solo again, it was pretty much plain sailing
Funny but i really enjoyed being on my own again .I didnt miss my partner as much as i thought i would.
Lots of positives from the crowd and my wife and son, who came along to give me some support.
I'm feeling a bit tired today and my throat is a wee bit sore, but so glad to be back gigging again.
Still got a bit to go, i get a scan in 2 weeks time then meet the oncologist for results, keeping everything crossed until then.
If any of you guys get the chance of the screening test---DO IT --i know it's not nice , but it could save your life. They caught my cancer early because of the screening and ,hopefully, i'll be ok.
Must say a big thanks to the much maligned NHS, they really couldnt have done anymore,everyone from surgeons to the cleaners did a professional job at all times .

Regards
Eddie

[freeway]

Hi Eddie..

So glad for you that your over the worst and back gigging as well musta been pretty tough for you on both fronts. But music is great for the soul and gigging on your own although it can be lonely sometimes its also very rewarding both spiritually and financially.

I found the first few weeks after leaving our band a bit daunting at the start but would never go back with a band now much more freedom of song choices gigs and rehearse when I want now as well ;D

Anyway congrats and glad to see your back doing what you love most and more importantly that your back to good health .

Regards

Barry

[jerrymc]

I echo Barry's comments Eddie, and wish you all the best for many years to come.

[weeo]

Thanks guys, appreciate your comments

Eddie

[weegeo]

Hi there Eddie,
That is remarkable news welcome back to the stage i pray that all goes well for you from now on in and very good luck with your gigging


weegeo

[doricvision]

That's brilliant news Eddie,I was going to come down but I reckon I would have been more nervous than you . You've always been the perfect professional so I'm not surprised you did so well. After going thro my cancer op recently I can only echo strongly what you say,''get checked out early guys, the quicker it's detected the better chance of full recovery''.
Good on ye Eddie ,onwards and upwards mate
Bigmike

[shyamwestwind]

I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY FOR BOTH YOU GUYS,Big Mike and Eddie. To be on stage and singing again after illness, is the most happiesr moment ever and I wish you many many happy years of singing.
Whats this about screening, guys ? Do let me know some details - what to ask and what to expect, etc Yes, its real good advice ........ thanks guys !
Thank you for the inspiration,
Love you guys !! SMILE !!!!

[Jacqui]

Hi Eddie

Glad to hear your feeling much better, and getting out on the road again with the music, it's great you were about to go back to a familiar place, where you knew the people and format already, that must have been a big help.
The screening you mention, do give a few more details for the benefit of the guys on here, my partner did the test for the Bowel Cancer, after a lot of nagging from me, Men are a bit too laid back about these things, and sometimes need a push to get it sorted, but it's so very worth it for the peace of mind.
I wish you and Bigmike well, and may you both stay happy and healthy and be gigging for many years to come.
Jacqui x

[Tubbs]

Good to see you are back at what you love Eddie and its great to hear that you and Bigmike are doing brilliant after both your recent ailments. I too am doing my first gig for over 3 months next week after my recent heart bypass and i have to say that music has been a tonic in itself. Keeping positive and thinking good thoughts is a must too..keep it rocking mate.

[weeo]

Thanks for all your comments guys, and yes it's great to be back.
I dont know how it works in other countries, but in Scotland, when you reach the age of 50 the National health service send you a letter along with a test kit (every 2 years ) where you send a sample of your stool . They test this for bowel cancer and if it shows positive the wheels go into motion very quickly. After the diagnosis, i had surgery within 6 weeks which was followed up with chemotherapy (4 bouts 2weeks each and 1 rest week)
I get a scan next week and meet the oncologist the week after for results.
According to the surgeon they caught this quite early, because of the screening test. Without screening it would have been 5 years approx. before i knew about the tumour.
Hope this helps and gives you some idea of what goes on.
Any other help or advice i can give, please ask i'm only too willing to share my experience if it helps anyone.
Regards
Eddie

[weeo]

Forgot to mention Best wishes to Tubbs on his recovery and hope all goes well on your return.
We're all thinking about you

Regards
Eddie

[doricvision]

thanks for all your nice comments,your support is greatly appreciated and Tubbs ,It's great to see you on the road to full recovery,playing and performing music is a sweet medicine. I can see from the comments that some of you are concerned re how to go about getting tested for the various cancers. Eddie has fully explained the Bowel Cancer programme in the Uk in great detail.
In my particular case,Protate Cancer,I just happened to take part in a free Wellbeing Clinic Week at my local G.P 'S practice a couple of years ago which among other tests included a simple blood test.I had no symptoms other than frequently going to the toilet more often during the night ,but then this is a old age thing that can be attributed to many other factors, so I didn't expect to have any negative results .
My GP then asked me to call in past and told me that during the blood test the PSA reading was higher than it should be,in my case 7 [anything above 4 is usually treated as suspicious]
I had some bi-opses done and they came back negative so follow up blood tests were done on a six monthly basis and last year the reading had gone up to 13 suggesting something was in progress and a further bi-opse test again returned negative results. Although this was negative the consultant was sure that Cancer of the prostate was the reason and sent me for an MRI scan in December last year and in February they took another blood test which was 16 followed by another ''Jacksie intrusion''.
I was then told to come and see the consultant at the Ucan ward in Aberdeen.Prior to this appointment ,I had a very extensive conversation with my good friend and next door neighbour Bob who had his prostate removed a few years ago and he gave me all the inside info on the pros and cons of all the various scenarios and treatment involved should the news be the detection of Prostate Cancer.
At that appointment when the consultant confirmed that I had Cancer of the Prostate, rather than feeling devastated or emotional ,I felt a calming sense of relief wash over me that at last it had been found and I opted for open surgery for the complete removal of the Prostate which was done within 3 weeks.My wife Carol frequently comments on my calm reaction to being told I had cancer and I always tell her that it was down to my talk with Bob prior to the appointment,that I had time to think and research the various options. Guys it really pays to talk to someone who has been there ,done it etc
I was diagnosed early simply by going for a simple blood test to check my PSA level and early detection is crucial in making a full recovery
I know and understand this Guys ''thing ''about not going to the Doctor for a simple blood test.Most tests will come back as negative so no harm done ,peace of mind all round.For the ones that come back positive or slightly high, early treatment is vital. Let's be blunt here, to not take that test and not have early diagnosis the result is unthinkable.
I am now on the road to full recovery and hope to start work next month.
Once again I have to say grateful thanks to all the members of MH for their kind words and thoughts during this convalescent, to Weeo[Eddie]esp,and for that great Sage Shyam for his gracious words during our telephone conversation and not forgetting Tommy.
Hope this posting clarifys
Bigmike xxx

[Tubbs]

Brilliant words of advice Mike, i for one will be getting my bloods done in the next week or two, as Eddie and your goodself say getting it detected early is vital.