Chemo in Concert

Apparently, when one starts a blog that people read, the audience expects an ongoing flow of information. That would explain the phone calls and emails I have been receiving asking if I was still kicking. Most seemed happy when I answered.

Cycle 2 of the chemo went smoother than the first cycle. The side effects have been reduced and I am able to work daily, exercise, play golf and the drums. I completed Cycle 3 July 9 & 10 and feel good so far. Cycle 4 is July 30 & 31 and I will have another PET Scan two weeks later to determine the progress of the treatment. Perhaps the reemergence of Cancer Boy!!!

On a serious note, I recently lost a good friend, Craig Oakley to brain cancer. Craig and I served in the military together with the NORAD Band. We stayed in touch over the past 34 years, occasionally getting together and playing. Craig’s brain cancer had a very quick impact on him physically which prevented him from doing many of the things he loved including playng his drums.

Although my prognosis is very different than Craig’s, who knows what the future holds for any of us. Therefore, I have decided to reach out to a few musicians that I have enjoyed playing with at different times throughout my career and will have a concert at our house on July 25. Please feel free to come by. We will be playing between the hours of 3pm – 7pm, maybe a little later. We are going to do a Pot Luck and I mean food!!!!

I am honored to be playing with following musicians:

Fred Hamilton – guitar instructor from University of North Texas – Fred and I played together in the NORAD Band.
Corey Christiansen – guitar instructor from Utah State University and Indiana University
Mike Brumbaugh – trombone – Mike and I played together in the NORAD Band.
Frank Catalano – sax – Frank and I play together now when he tours the east coast.
John Benitez – bass – John plays with trumpet player Chris Botti
Pete Grimaldi – trumpet – Pete and I have played together since we were kids in the Youth Band.