Cancer & me
In late 2010 I was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma, a particularly nasty form of the many varieties of lymphoma out there. 2011 was pretty ordinary. Five months of chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant which involved five weeks in a hospital isolation ward and being more sick than you may possibly imagine.
Now I am in remission however there ain't no guarantees. Mantle cell lymphoma is considered incurable. The average survival period for mantle cell is about six years. I'm up to five. However I was lucky to have a treatment regime that could be a cure, the jury is still out. I celebrate each new day. One thing I should say is medical science these days is just astounding. I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses who cared for me. And of course to my wonderful wife Trish.
My health issue led me to shouting myself to a couple of high end concertinas. If there isn't too much time available, what the hell, why not indulge. Hence Parnie and Ede.
A purpose for me now is to support the Leukemia Foundation and this in turn gives purpose to my concertina playing. I raise funds through my music, mostly by busking. People are very generous. I get support too from influential people. Here's a video of former PM Tony Abbott dancing to Rupert Murdoc's tune.
Now I am in remission however there ain't no guarantees. Mantle cell lymphoma is considered incurable. The average survival period for mantle cell is about six years. I'm up to five. However I was lucky to have a treatment regime that could be a cure, the jury is still out. I celebrate each new day. One thing I should say is medical science these days is just astounding. I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses who cared for me. And of course to my wonderful wife Trish.
My health issue led me to shouting myself to a couple of high end concertinas. If there isn't too much time available, what the hell, why not indulge. Hence Parnie and Ede.
A purpose for me now is to support the Leukemia Foundation and this in turn gives purpose to my concertina playing. I raise funds through my music, mostly by busking. People are very generous. I get support too from influential people. Here's a video of former PM Tony Abbott dancing to Rupert Murdoc's tune.
If I can make it a bit further down the track I'm planning to record a CD with the sale proceeds to go to the Leukemia Foundation. As well I'd like to organize some concerts and tours to raise more funds, all the while progressing my concertina playing. A win, win situation.