Happy New Year

Friday, December 29. 11:30 am. We're packing to take the Grands back to Bethesda. They came up Christmas Eve with their parents and we've had a great time. Maayan had a fever/virus for a few days. Rebekah took her to see Dr. Wes Boodish who was the first doctor to examine her at St. Barnabas after her birth (in 1970). Then from about 16 to about 18 or so Rebekah worked in Dr. Jack Schwartz's and Dr. Boodish's office. Funny turn of events. So, then Tuesday to Brenda and Rudys house. Good food, gifts exchange etc. Then Boo and Greg left for Bethesda, Mom and I took Ben back to Maplewood where Carol and Maayan were resting/recuperating. Wed. we went to the PaperMill Playhouse/NJ Ballet Nutcracker. Fun. Kids loved it. Got some ballet Mice and Soldiers to sign our programs. I went backstage and greeted the musicians. Most where surprised I was looking so good. A year ago they heard I was in trouble, but most hadn't seen me since then. I do look different with this new doo etc., but I look surprisingly healthy which surprised some of them. Good to see those guys. The SwingTown gig at Centanni was fun. We have a video and a CD of the gig, thanks to Chili. Mon. night we play at 1st Night at Columbia High. I also take a shot Monday and back to the hospital for a shot Wed. Thurs. Carol has a nother easy test, then Friday we're off to Florida for a week. Fly into Tampa to see Jane and Kim. Then off to Captiva. Hopefully we can catchup to a few others along the way. Have a great New Year. Happy and Healthy. JIMBO

Sunday Music

Wynton Marsalis's music, Romare Beardon's Images visit my afternoon here on 13. It's a messy cold afternoon. Rain on top of sleet and snow. Our clouds give way to sun, then darker clouds. A slushy afternoon. Jets challenge the Patriots. Favre tosses a few as well. I can't get out to rehearsals or concerts today. Prefer to stay home and rest. Yesterday played big band in Tenafly, then Brass 5 in Millburn. Exhausted myself. So slept early last night. Maybe we'll get out tomorrow. Shot in the am. Then to Paterson for big band. Hospital Wed. Wed night SwingTown at Centanni. That's enough for 1 week!! Gotta catchup on guitar soon again. There goes the sun. If it gets cold we'll be a slipping around. Can't wait to see the kids for Christmas. We're going to Nutcracker and Marionettes and maybe some ice skating with them. Great fun for our 43rd Anniversary. Got to hear Lee with the Funk Filharmonic at Winter Garden Friday. That would be a good trip for the kids. Train to Hoboken, Ferry to the city!! Hah! Beautiful. OK. So, we're still cookin'. Thanks again for all the support. Peace. JIM

Lotta Poking Around

Thurs. Dec 6th. Yeah, there was a lotta poking around (needles) in the hospital yesterday. 5 at least. 1st bloodwork was more than 15 vials of blood. All tolled, probably less than a pint which is what I used to give in the olden days. The phlebotomist wanted me to drink some OJ for sugar support. Then to the docs evaluation including the biopsy (#2 poke) which is fine (gotta phone call from Coco about an hour ago, I'm still fine in remission at 3%.). Then Suzanne, the Clinical trial nurse for a skin test (Poke #3) which is similar to a TB test we've all had. EZ. Then over to the Adult Hospital at Memorial Sloane Kettering for the vaccination, which is 2 more pokes. One EZ, one more challenging. Then you have to sit for 30 minutes to be sure you don't have any negative reaction to the injection. They take your vitals a couple of times. I was fine, no problemo.

So, that's over. Gotta go back tomorrow to have the skin test examined, but no pokes!!
My new Bass Trombone is a gas!! I even had a chance to use it in rehearsal last night with SwingTown. Getting ready for some gigs. I'm digging the cold weather. I should go for a walk. Have a great day. Speak to you soon. JIMBO

Holidays coming

Mon., Dec 3, 7:30 pm. (Here are pix of my adorable grandaughter Maayan and my electrifying Grandson Benjamin at Thanksgiving).
We're doing fine. Energy is returning. I said to Concert Band last week I had "normal" energy for rehearsal etc. Been playing alot. Last Friday went to Dillons and bought a used Bach 50B Bass Trombone. Nice sound. Traded in my Conn. Having fun. Played it (and tuba) in a brass 5 Saturday and a big band today. Tomorrow in the tbone quartet. Fun. Yesterday was rehearsal and performance on bass of Brahms violin concerto and Symphony #2. Difficult to play thru 2x in one day. Sent Chanukah presents to the kiddies today. Took my pre shot shot today. Wed. back to hospital for checkup, Bone Marrow Biopsy, and 4th Vaccination shot in the Clinical study. We're enjoying the cozy house in this cold spell. It's a relief to feel some cold.
Fri. night went with Metsch-Ampels to a play here in town. Dylan knows the actor (see, we got connections all over!!). Next week we're up to see Alan and Elaine and dig the John Faddis big band. Then Sunday to hear Mahler with Bud at MSC. So, we're getting to enjoy the arts around here. Need to hit some galleries in NYC soon. We've been too stuck in Jersey recently. But we'll get into town soon. The guitar playing is coming. Greg and the kids sent me some interesting You Tube videos for inspiration.
Well, enjoy the holiday season. Keep healthy. Sign up please to be a potential donor to someone somewhere. Save a life.
Thanks for your blood, platelets, and prayers. Love you all. JIMBO

Post Thanksgiving

Fri., Nov. 23rd. 7:30 pm. We had 27 for dinner yesterday.Even Lori and Ty flew up from Florida for the dinner. Delicious. The food, the people, the love. Carol did a great job. The kids came up Wed. Also Wed. we went to hospital. Excellent bloodwork numbers. 3rd vaccination. Going OK. Feel good. Playing music, both trombone and basses. Studying guitar and enjoying. Oh yes, we stopped by the 12th floor to see Catriona. She was busy but could stop for a quick hug. Mariah was off. Saw Chrissy too. Also hit the 15th floor. We may bring a group to the 15th floor to play a set for the patients and for some of the staff who want to hear us work. Hope you all can enjoy this beautiful Fall weekend. We went to the Farm today. My cousins in Princeton. Saw the whole family. Great joy. Gotta go. Love. Peace. Thank you for your spirited care.JIMBO

Cold Lifting

Fri.Nov.16th. 7 pm. We're off to hear Steve and the Newark Elders playing Jazz at the Priory and eat dinner. Most of the cough is gone. Cold as well. Just a touch in the am. The vaccination spot is still angry red and itchy and a hard lump. Oi!! But that was expected and I was warned I might have lumps for quite a while. Not a bother. CB gives me a shot Mon., then to hospital Wed. early for bloodwork, Drs. exam, and 2 other Vaccination shots (3rd round). On Dec 5th for the 4th round I also get a bone marrow biopsy. So, all is proceeding ok. Had a wonderful talk with Bill Sempier in Vermont this week. He's doing great after Chemo, Radiation, Pneumonia etc. Back to lecturing and hopefully soon to sing again. I'm performing again in December. Working up to it. Am playing trombone and tuba again as well as basses. Surfed web re: survivors stories, or as Brad says "conqueror"'s stories. Interesting . Tough. The more I read the more I feel blessed and grateful.
Getting ready for Thanksgiving. Last year I had my 5th day of Chemo on Thanksgiving and the stomach erupted!! Oi vey!!
1st time we missed our tradition at home in over 25 probably 30 years. Back to it this year. We have 25 guests again. Fun. The kids will be up for the weekend to see their cousins. It's a gas!! Pete is sending me pumpkin pie again from the diner.
Did I tell you I got my bass back from Arnold's shop??? Sounds better than ever. At Gage's shop last Fri we saw John Pattitucci and an old bass owned by Jack Lesburg. History all over the place. The Concert Band wailed at the Veteran's Day ceremony Sunday. Good vibes. SwingTown is readying for Holiday parties in December. Also big Jazz fundraiser in February, then a cabaret in March. We'll play the Veterans Hospital again in January. We're keepin' at it. So, gotta go. Love and Peace. Keep healthy. JIMBO

Finally Cold

Thurs. 11/8 12 noon. Finally cold weather to slug through with my cold/cough. Yesterday to MSKCC for another blood test, chest Xray (both OK) and vaccination. It's a bit wearing (wearying??) with a cold. I was sick by the time I got home. Got into PJs and cancelled out on the Community Band. It was ok, Shelley conducted. Feel better today. Meeting this am re May gig with SwingTown, doing a Cabaret at Bloomfield College. Then this afternoon back to NYC to Gages shop to look at basses with Ian and Bob.
Would like to get to Blue Note this week to hear Clarence with Basies band but I'm still struggling with cough etc., especially at night. Maybe Sat. night. We'll see. Stay healthy. Drink hot tea!! JIMBO

Sunday Blues

Sunday. 11/4/07 11:30am. Down with a cold/cough. Drag. Wanted to play music this am but can't get out. Didn't sleep well. Went to hospital Fri to get chest xray, blood test etc. I'm ok, but have to wait for this cold to lift. Checking out NYC Marathon on tube. Air etc. is beautiful here. Digging Joni Mitchell w Jaco, Pat, Michael etc. on the DVD now. So, I have to slow down. This makes up for all the gigs I played when I wished I could be out in the air, park, or just home. And so it goes. I'm home wantin' to be out, when I'd sometimes be out wantin' to be hanging out here. The constant balance battle. We talked about all that years ago at Westtown, Caldwell etc. Spoke to Maayani this am. She cheers me up.Monday. 11/5. 5:00 pm. Clocks back. We did go to hear the Ahmad Jamal Quartet and Ramsey Lewis Trio at NJPAC with Bonnie, Bob and Ian. Fun. Reported to Docs today I still have a cold/cough. Now nasal drip is annoying. This cold is taking a while to clear. Staying close to home, resting, drinking and using cough meds. Back into MSKCC on Wed. for Vaccination shot. Enjoying the ball games. JIM

Vacation

BLOGNOTE 10.29.07 4:50 pm
We’re in Shanendoah National Park, Skyland Lodge Resort around mile 40 on the Skyline Drive. Yesterday we were with Becky and the kids in DC watching Greg run the US Marine Corps Marathon (32nd annual). Greg also ran it last year and bested his time yesterday by 30 minutes. He looked fresh as a daisy each time we saw him at 12 miles at the Smithsonian on the Mall, then at 21 miles at Crystal City. Then Carol and I took Ben and Maayan home on the Metro (after a quick stop at the inflatables and Sabaros Pizza) while Becky and Jamie went to cheer Greg at the finish line. By the way, the cheering all along the race is great fun. You cheer your own friends and others. So many “TEAM” runners (for Leukemia and Lymphoma). Hurray!! The trains were filled with exhausted and elated runners with bright shiny medals around their necks. Greg has one as well. He got 2 finishers medals for the kids. Sat. night we had dinner with Hadar and Raheem and the family at a Moroccan restaurant. Fun. Last night we left after dark which was a mistake not knowing exactly where we were going. We went 35 miles out of our way but finally got to speak to someone at the hotel who got us up into the mountains without having to retrace. Oi!! Dark empty country roads in western Virginia with little gas left you start thinking ………….(movie). As we entered the Park the temperature was 37 degrees F. We got into our neat cozy room by 10 pm. Tired enough to watch the end of the World Series and pass out. This morning I awoke to see the sun rise over the mountain behind us to glow into the valley and mountains in front of our western facing picture window. There was ice on our car. (As I write sunset is a creeping in). So then we walked to the dining room for breakfast. A good uphill climb. After breakfast we drove to a picnic area and hiked briefly on the Appalachian Trail which runs throughout the park. Reminded me of my boy scout days hiking the Kittattiny Mountains in western Jersey. Fun. After a nap lunch was terrific. Great menu. Then sit by a fire and read the papers. Made a trail ride horseback riding appointment for 3:15 tomorrow. Then back to our place. A deck off the back of the room overlooks this incredible valley and other mountains. Sooo quiet. Only hear chipmunks scurrying through the leaves. Beautiful air here in the mountains. We’ve needed this rest for a while. Very happy to be here. Thanks to Carol’s family for helping us with Mommy’s care. Love you all. Peace. More later. JIMBO
10.30.07 Happy Birthday Benjamin!!! No. 7!! Love you xoxoxo Grandpa and Grandma. 5:30 pm. Just got back from a horse back trail ride. Fantastic; on a pinto. See pix.Saw a Buck. Also had a picnic out on a field in the cool air and warm sun. Beautiful Fall day. Blue skies. This am after breakfast we hiked; more pics of scenes, skies, a buck and more. Perfect vacation. Nap too! We need this more often. Heaven man!! Later.

Clinical Trial/New Doo

Tues. Oct. 23, 2007. 12:50 pm. New haircut!! Continuing to perform. Past weekend played ArtsMaplewood's Jazz Weekend Concert at Burgdorff Sat. eve , then a Church gig Sun am (music of Duke Ellington) then Sunday eve SwingTown Dance Party. Alot of fun. Exhausted Monday, slept in!! Today trombone 4 rehearsal. So, resting between gigs. Must learn to do less, drop out and tune in to self preservation. Carol and I hiked the reservation on a beautiful Saturday morning. Must continue same. Next weekend to Bethesda then to Virginia to hike in Shanendoahs. Leaf peeping. Again, need to find time for self. Read, listen, paint and sketch, practice, hike etc. Bass is back. Fabulous sound and feeling. Thank you Arnold. Thanks Ronnie. Trying to keep in touch with many friends and relatives. Trying to work my way back to a normal life style. I'm pretty much there, but have to let some things go. Less volunteering. Go tomorrow to MSKCC for checkup and coaching on injections. Carol will prep the next Vaccination spot (a different extremity each time) for next 2 weeks. In about 1 month, before the 3rd Vaccination, I must undergo another Bone Marrow Biopsy. Ugh!! Donating myself to science here. I just tried to lookup my Clinical Trial on NCI website. There must be hundreds of clinical trials for AML patients. Couldn't find mine in the listing. It's going well though. No negative reactions so far.
Again, thanks for all your support. I've learned so much about people, life, cancer and the world in this process. I feel fortunate to be living in the NYC area for medical expertise (and of course the arts). I feel fortunate to have the support from Carol, Rebekah, my entire family and friends. I'm feeling good and really appreciate that. It's not an easy process physically or emotionally, but my friends and relatives have supplanted the hardships with love, prayers, and attention/support. As Devon said to me Sunday, "we're blood brothers now". Hah!! I guess John we're now "platelet brothers"!! Hah!! I miss my Chemo Sabbe Michael. Fortunately we have lots of his music to dig. Music is so healing; uplifting. Challenging. Its a wonderful family.. music.
I'm reading about violinmaking, guitar playing, piano playing while listening to country, Irish, Brahms Second, Mehldau etc. Then studying scores, preparing scores (Birkhat), playing trombone/tuba/bass. Carol and I skimmed Annie Liebowitz's book 1990-2005 retrospective last night. Breathtaking. Susan's last years/months/days/hours. Powerful. Mixed with new life, 3 babies at the same time. And longevity. And deeply revealing portraits throughout. Creative; thoughtprovoking; solid.
Enjoy this beautiful Fall. JIM

Forward

Thurs. 10/11/07. 10:30 pm. Bob and Bonnie and Ben and Barbara just left. (That's Bonnie and Barbara with me at dinner). Carol made a "Thanks" dinner for friends who have helped us out . We'll have others. Yesterday I had a Birthday morning first with singing from Benjamin , Maayan and Greg. Then a trip to MSKCC to get poked and shotup. A+ report from Dr. Berman on the CT Scan results. Mini fungal at best, we're pretty much clear. Then visit with Jon F. Then Vaccination shots. No issues. EZ. Got home and napped by 4 pm. Wed. night Concert Band rehearsal. Carmen Suite. Finlandia. Stars and Stripes etc. Fun. Birthday Cake too. Today I napped some more. Tomorrow guitar lesson and NJ Symphony Concert at NJPAC; Neemi Jarve and Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg. Tschaikowsky program. So, we're doing good. Finding a routine. Still trying to catchup with folks I haven't seen in a year. That's coming along. See ya. Thanks for all prayers and support and love. JIMBO

Start'er Up

Mon. Oct.8,2007. 5:35 pm. Went to MSKCC at 53rd St. for the CT scan. Due to holiday no traffic. We were done by the apptment time. Had to drink a liter of the juice. EZ. Then over to York Ave. to begin the Vaccination trial. 3 pokes today. 1st 2 are like a skin test, similar to your TB test under the skin. 3rd poke on other side is a shot designed to draw in certain elements of my Immune system. 48 hours later (Wed am) we will introduce the vaccination. Then again in 2 weeks.
Tomorrow Tbone 4 in the am. Guitar lesson at 1:30. Then Tuba/Dixieland Gig from 5-9 for the opening of a new Target in Wayne (Riverdale). I guess I'm back!! Hah! See you soon. JIMBO

Under 3%

Thurs. 10/4 8:30 pm. Yanks 2/Clev 4. Oi!! Phone call from Coco today says I'm in Remission, under 3% blasts (you and everybody else has that count). So, on to a CT Scan (checking fungals still) and another meeting with Suzanne (nurse with Clinical Study) Monday for pre Vaccination inoculation (which is designed to draw in certain immune system cells). Then Wed. a checkup with Doctor Berman and the 1st Vaccination. What a birthday that will be. I'm ok with it. For me and science. Carol and I enjoyed ribs and chicken at the new Indigo Smoke here in Maplewood. Tomorrow we play tbone 4's and rehearse with the Jazz Trio. Sturday is GreenDay here. Sunday to hear Chanticleer at SOPAC. Peace. Thanks for your support. JIMBO

#6

Mon. 10/1/07. 6:00pm. Number 6 Bone Marrow Biopsy (or Aspiration, both today) to be used as the baseline for the Clinical Trial. Also had blood tests (12 vials; not as much as a pint) and urinanalysis. Signed all the paperwork etc. Once these baseline tests are examined and I'm totally accepted into the trial we'll begin the prevaccination shots and the vaccinations (in a couple of weeks). So while they are shoving needles and drill like tools into my hip bone I tried to lighten things up: "so you use Lidacaine instead of Novacaine in this procedure? Yes. Must be the female version of the drug". Hah!! Both Carol and I had to miss our Lifelong Learning classes today. Next week as well since I need another CT Scan to monitor the fungal material on the lungs and the liver. I keep turning red at times. I swear this condition existed before my illness, from either blood pressure meds or some other sensitivity. But...we've got to stop the Voriconizale (antifungal) for now and see if it eases up. Doc doesn't like to see skin changes. Indicates a (negative) reaction. So, it was nice to see Dr. Berman and Coco and Lola and Mona. I was going to stop up to 12th floor to see Mariah, Katrina etc. but ran out of time. Next Monday we'll get up there.
Played a wedding ceremony at a pretty park/lake in Morris County (Kinnelon) Saturday. Enjoyed a party yesterday. Tonight will dig Antiques Roadshow while we wait for the beginning of the playoffs Thursday. (Maybe Monday Night Fball). Picked up the October Better Homes and Gardens which has a feature on my cousin Rick Wogisch (Architectural Landscaper) in his home garden. Also books to send to my students who graduated from high school while I was in the hospital. Finally!.
Still feel good and am enjoying the energy and ability to start playing etc. (Played Trombone Quartets Friday as well). Love. Peace. Keep Healthy. JIMBO

A Million Bucks

Wed., Sept. 26, 2007. 1:30 pm. Well friends, I feel like a Million Bucks!! I have energy, goals, a love life,( I love life), a great family, great friends. I can only celebrate what I've been through. It has brought me closer to my own life, if that makes any sense. You know, becoming more in touch. We take so much for granted all the time, that this has been a reality check for me, a way for me to reevaluate everything. (It was a helluvah year!!). The New Years services give me strength, hope, comfort. Seeing my Grandchildren and their parents give me great Nachos (spelling?? I'm not great at Yiddish or Hebrew). The diner gives me food!! Tonights Band rehearsal will give me goals and something to work for. The JJ Blues Band gives us more to work towards, and SwingTown, our 22 piece Big Band. New Jazz Trio is playing in October (thanks Ben and John and Susan for all your help). Then there is health. My artwork, my guitars, trombone, tuba and double bass and electric basses. Then there is all the great music to listen to (Faure, Mahler, Brahms, Albert Collins, Miles etc. etc.), or watch on the DVDs (this week part one of "The Great Conductors and Leonard Cohen). I've had a chance to be with friends. Carol and I visited Elaine over the weekend in Woodstock. Ahhhh Woodstock. Then I went to visit my old bandleader from the Catskills yesterday, Tony Leonard, He's 94 years old and still kickin', although a bit weaker at it. Then there is this place my parents selected to raise us: Maplewood. I'm still here and digging it. We enjoy being and working here (mostly volunteer work anymore). Heard from my Army buddies this week, Jon and Joel, and Jerry. And my High School buddies Tom and Alan this week.
All this, and then there is Carol. What a woman. She takes good care of me. We really have alot to be thankful for. I have alot to be thankful for. Even though she suffers through every pitch of the NY Yankees. She also takes care of Mom's needs; doctors appntmnts, food, pharmacies etc. etc. On and on. She's fine. I celebrate knowing and living with Carol.
Last night I went back to Caldwell, scene of years of work and many fine performances for me. Sadly to the funeral home, wife of a colleague, but also wonderful to see the places, and some people from those 30 years I was active there. Very cool. I heard from Billy Sempier yesterday. He's hanging in, just got back from Europe. Then John C and I hope to go see Helmacy soon. I had lunch with Bob and Doreen last month and checked out their digs. Very cool. Spoke to Pablo by e mail this week as well. Missed the JCHS monthly Pancakes this time around, maybe next time. Got back to Life Long Learners this week. That class makes sure I get into the Library once a week. Keeps the brain ticking.
OK. Gotta go paint. It's getting late. Enough celebration for one day. But I feel like a Million Bucks. Peace. Love. JIMBO

All OK

Thurs. 9/19;11:45 am. Just got the phone call: no cancer, no fungal on my liver!! It must have been a piece of bacon tryin' to hookup! Hah!! So, will need to continue an anti something (I'm not sure which, anti-biotic or anti-fungal???) but other than that I'm clear. Now onto the Clinical Trial which will require extensive visits to my 2nd home (no, not the Woodstock home, the upper East Side Country Club known as Memorial Sloan Kettering). In any case, Carol is hugely relieved. We'll keep you posted on this mopup operation Vaccination process. Meantime I visited my Internist today to catch him up on my progress. He's been on the mend as well. Doing good now, new office etc. Gotta go send photos we took last night of Ben, me and John....New Jazz Trio, for our Oct. 20th Jazz Weekend gig at Burgdorff. See you soon. Again, thanks for your support. JIMBO

Sat. Followup

Sat. 9/15. 8:09 am. So the procedure was uneventful. Funny, same surgeon who put in my port back in November. He says to expect results next Wed. but I have to call the doctors office anyway for other reasons and I will try to get results earlier. Today is overcast so we may have to move our neighborhood party until tomorrow, we'll see how it goes in the next few hours. I don't have any residual pain or bleeding, all ok. But I'm amazed at how close to my heart he put that needle in me. Man, one little slip, ouch!! The hole is right at the little soft spot in your chest cavity. I would have thought they were going in the side, but Doc explained not for this segment (#2 or the left lobe). Front and center instead. Used a CT scan machine to locate exact positioning, mark the spot with an X, and go to town. I said something to him about my being "chopped liver" etc. Doc liked a little levity. Carol took good care of me as always. Thanks Baby!! So, as soon as I get the results I'll share them with you. Thanks for keeping up . Thanks for your prayers and caring. JIMBO

Friday Procedure

Fri., 9/14. 7:40 am. On my way soon to MSKCC for the liver biopsy. Last weeks CT Scan showed no change in the liver spot so they need to double check (there was also residual fungal material on my lungs, left over from the pneumonia; so, we'll probably get on a liquid antifungal once today's procedure is done). I still suspect and hope for this to be additional leftover fungal material on the liver, just like the lungs. I'll let you know as soon as I know anything. So, no food or liquids except water since 10 pm last night. Checked the sugar at 7, all ok. Will keep checking that. My appointment is 10 am on the 6th floor for registration. Then vitals etc. checkup, slip into a gown, transport to 2nd floor. Start sedation, lie still, here a poke there a poke, then recovery room for 3 hours or so lying still in one position (naptime) as the anesthesia wears off and they can be sure there is no bleeding etc. I'll write tonight again.
Meantime we had a great time with the kids Wed. and Thursaday. I went to Shul as Carol helped Riv cook for 18 people Wed.eve. Then we stayed at Marriott Pooks Hill. Then Thursday back to hear Gregs service and wonderful sermon. Then back to the house to rest and play. The hospital called Thursday afternoon to give me the schedule for today, so we hit the road for Maplewood at 7 pm. Easy ride home. Glorious as always to be down there. Lots of tears when the Au Pair Jeanette left to go home. Meanwhile the new Au Pair Bonolo was doing math problems with the kids when we left. Soon bath time. Smoothe transition.
OK, gotta go shower up myself. Tomorrow is Block party. I'll have to lay low a bit. Whatever. JIMBO

Continuing Saga

Mon., 9/10/07 9:30 pm. Spent 11am-8pm in MSKCC today. All numbers from bloodtest were excellent. WBC's, Platelets, Hemoglobin excellent, so I'm making cells. Hurray for Dr. Berman and her staff. Cancelled todays Bone Marrow aspiration because she offered to me to join a Clinical Study of a Vaccination which is being used on AML patients (and a few other kinds of cancer patients) which will require a few BMAs along the way. This study is on a process to eradicate any left over Leukemia cells which might want to stir up my troubles again. As you know, there is a percentage of patients for whom these nasty little buggers cause reneewed problems. I'm trying to avoid that, so I'm inclined to go along for this study. Carol and I are studying the details and will let you know more soon. Meantime, my CT Scan today dealt with both my lungs and my abdomen area organs (so I drank a quart of that raspberry dessert) and on Wed. they will tell me if the density on my liver (section 2) is smaller. If it is, it indicates fungal situation for which she will give my liquid antifungal and will cancel the biopsy scheduled for Friday. IF on the other hand things look iffy still, or larger, I will have the biopsy Friday. Tune in Thursday to find out how the boy musician handles his next adventures at the (MSKCC) Memorial Sloan Kettering Country Club!!! So, between tests we visited the 12th floor to say hello to some of our dear friends, Katrina, Saga, and Donna. Also walked to a little Pain place (think French bread, not pain management!!) to have an unusual lunch. Then to a NYC library for a bit of culture, then to St. Catherines of Siena, a beautiful neighborhood church for some spiritual uplift. A trip back to MSKCC cafeteria for a bit of light dinner before the CT scan. We had a great weekend with our Grandchildren, and went to Bens 1st baseball game. Fine coaching/education for the kids. We bought Maayan a soccer ball and goal so she can practice her kicks. She's into it!! She started school today. We'll be down to see them for Wed. night and Thursday services Greg conducts. L'Shonah Tovah y'all!! JIMBO

Nothing New

Fri, 9/7; 9:45 am. Nothing new yet. Still waiting for a biopsy appointment. Will let you know what's up when that happens. Meantime the Grands are coming up for the weekend and we're thrilled. Ben is playing on a baseball team and Maayan goes to school this week coming up. The kids have been sharpening pencils throughout the house on an electric sharpener Carol sent for start of school. Hah!! Have a great weekend. Thanks for your caring support. L'Shonah Tovah!! JIM

The latest

Tues. 9/5/07 11:30 am. Just rec'd a phone call from Dr. Berman with a report from Dr. Jarnigan. The MRI is not totally conclusive, and he wants to biopsy the liver. The spot is on the 2nd segment; it could be a remnant of a fungal infection (remember I'm just finishing with a fungal pneumonia, for which I undergo another (it's easy) CT Scan on Monday at 6:30 pm).
or, it could be the second location of a different cancer, not Leukemia. So that is what they have to (hopefully) rule out. So, I've called to try to have the biopsy done this week if possible. I expect a call back today. I'm available Friday so with luck we'll do it then.
Meantime, we are playing with a band of friends tomorrow for the seniors pool party, then Thursday we go with Ronnie to have our good upright basses worked on. I'm seeing 3 or 4 students this week and am trying to get back into my routine. SwingTown rehearsals begin tomorrow night, and tonight, Tuesday, for my 1st time, I join the Contemporary Artists Forum here at 1978, our Maplewood Art Gallery, where I hope to share and get reactions/critiques etc. about what I'm doing with my pastels. I'll go now to Jerrys to get a few more frames to prepare for tonight. Yeah, I'm still busy a bit, but I'm enjoying new areas of interest. The guitars are coming along. I was sharing with Matthew (who by the way is now doing some wonderful pastels) and Debra some tunes in open D tuning on Peters guitar.
And Greg and Rebekah had a wonderful Run on Sunday in Virginia Beach. Kids, and friends all had a wonderful time, Beck and Greg a good run, AND they won a raffle which includes free air tix and hotel to the next run of their choice. They are checking the guidelines for the raffle and if it fits I vote for Hawaii!!! Let's hope so. Great fun. The diner awaits. See you soon. JIMBO

The latest

Tues. Sep

Labor Day Weekend

Sat. 8am. It's a beautiful weekend here in the Northeast. Rebekah and Greg and the kids are in Virginia Beach for the Leukemia Foundation Rock n Roll Run. Together they raised over $12,000. I'm so proud of and thankful to the 2 of them. I still have not gotten a report about my liver. It seems it's a vacation week, things are slower this week. One clerk at the Radiation office said reports take 2 days, sending me into today which of course is a holiday weekend. This despite the fact my Doctor said he could read the results to me hours after the test; meantime he was off yesterday. So, we'll wait until next week for the details. The test was a noisy MRI and the technician neglected to offer me earplugs; after 3 loud courses I pushed the panic button and asked when will I be done??, she said I was only 1/4 done; I told her it was too loud, I was a musician and had to protect my hearing; she asked "don't you have earplugs in??" NO. Somebody forgot about that. Dumb. One of the first mishaps I've come across at MSKCC. Most are so thorough and professional. I also asked her to start warning me when the noise was coming and to explain the process as we went along. She was pretty much not interested in a patients comfort, reaction etc.
Meantime after the test Carol and I had a wonderful visit with Bob and Doreen Ayers at their shop on 47th street. Bob is a very experienced percussionist now renting instruments and rehearsal space to performers in and around NYC. They have a great space, immense number of interesting and valuable instruments, (including my 1st Kay double bass!!) and we had a great time seeing the setup and having lunch at a diner. Fun. We had worked together in Caldwell and NJ Symphony , North Jersey Wind Symphony and NJ Pops, and PaperMill Playhouse for many years. So my goals for this weekend are to keep warming up my chops to hopefully get back into rehearsing Brass 5 and Tbone 4 and Blues Band. Its coming along. I enjoy the practicing time and the time tp paint etc. This week we spent time framing drawings. Fun. Next week I join an Artists Forum at 1978 to share/critique etc. Blood test numbers from Tuesday are ok, not great. It seems with each progressive Chemo it takes longer for the bone marrow to replenish etc. I'm protected and don't need transfusion support at this time, but I thought my numbers would be higher. I feel good and will get another set of numbers on Sept. 10th when I go for blood test, bone marrow test and a final CT Scan on the lungs/pneumonia thing. Carol and I are having a good time here in Maplewood this holiday weekend. I haven't yet gotten to Woodstock but we will this fall. Peace. Enjoy the weekend. JIMBO

New Situation

Tues. Aug 28, 4:00 pm. Today at the Laurence Rockefeller Pavilion of Memorial Sloane Kettering on 53rd Street I had a consult with a Liver specialist, Dr. William Larnigan, Hepatobiliary (thats an SAT word if I ever saw one!!). He negates the Gall Bladder concern but wants to do a dedicated MRI on the Liver because there is an infinitesimal spot and he needs to look closer to see if it's (hopefully) benign. If not, he'll do a biopsy with a needle through the skin. Fair enough. So, we'll be back to NYC Thursday morning, I should know more Thursday afternoon, I think. Also, both he and Dr. Berman needed blood tests today, so 2 trips to the 4th floor there (I'm still challenging the phlebotomists....the 1st hole didn't work, #'s 2 and 3 were beautiful as blood sucking goes). As for the rest of my life, Carol and I had a beautiful visit with Dawn and Jerry, Angie and John yesterday at the Lake. Sunday we checked out "Talk to Me", good movie, historical. Saturday a fine party at Randi and Glenns for the kids August birthdays. Delicious. Daily I get stronger and more normal. Had "Redman" reaction to the anti-fungal which is itchy and uncomfortable, but I finished those pills last night and will take a Benadryl tonight if the itchiness bothers me. My bass is sounding beautiful but I'll have some adjustments made soon on the bridge, fingerboard etc. Enjoying all the guitars, strumming D tuning. Fooling with Salsa keyboard voicings etc. Want to spend more time on Salsa basslines. Readying sketches for printing, framing, showing etc. Adding more, playing more with colors etc (thanks Matt and Erica). Reading George Carlin in between fits of laughter. Still miss Woodstock, maybe soon. Brother Bruce created a beautiful letter featuring Raswan and me for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society appeal. Way to go Bro. Riv and Greg run next weekend. Wow!!! Amazing stuff.
Gotta go nap. Peace. JIMBO

Mariah wishes me well as I leave MSKCC!!

Fri., 8/24/07; 7:30 pm. Sorry I haven't written in a while. I'm ok.That's my nurse Mariah wishing me a goodbye as I leave MSKCC after my (hopefully) final Chemo. While I was last in the hospital our home was hit with a thunderstorm which effected our internet service. It took a while to straighten it out (thanks to Bob K). So, I'm back on the track. Since coming home the first week took a long while to gain balance, some strength, and energy. I was able to go to Bruces birthday party last Wednesday, but had to cancel a trip to the Poconos (we went today instead). Then Friday felt good, Saturday not so good, but got to a nice party that afternoon at Shirleys house.Sat. Night my student Marc and his parents came by for a nice visit. Felt better Sunday had Brunch with Kappy and Carol, and had dinner with the Straus family, played guitar etc. (Last Thursday back to MSKCC for a bloodtest and sonogram. Liver OK, they want to review my Gall Bladder, so that review comes up next Tuesday. Numbers OK, no transfusions.) Then Monday to Paterson to play upright and Fender with a Big Band. In the afternoon Austin and Suzy came by and Austin showed me what he is studying on bass with Joe B., then we played duets, both upright and electric. Tues-Thurs. we went to Bethesda to visit the Grands: Keyboard lessons, National Acquarium at Baltimore Inner Harbor with Porpoise Show and Pedal Boats. Swimming lessons at YMCA and nice dinner with cousin Adam and Hadar. Jeanette, Rebekah and Gregs Au Pair is wonderful. Enjoyed being with the kids, reading, thinking, learning. Today we visited Betty and Wayne in the Poconos with Kappy. All of Carols Bedminster buddies have been so very supportive of me through this process. My next Bone Marrow Biopsy or Aspiration is on Sept. 10th. Meantime Sunday I go to see Jerry and Dawn to see photos of both the missed China trip and the missed Army Band Party. Can't wait to swim in the lake.
So, as I gain strength I am trying to catchup with friends and relatives, little by little. Come Labor Day I hope to be able to begin rehearsing in Bands, Orchestras, Brass Quintets etc. again. We'll see. Meantime we're deveoping strategies for showing the art work and continuing to draw/paint. Peace. Thanks for you prayers, blood, platelets and cards. Hope to see you soon. I'm trying to answer the phone calls etc asap. JIMBO

Mon., Mon. II

Mon Aug. 13 at 5:30 pm. I'm home. I got the word around 10 am from Dr. Berman that my CT Scan showed enough improvement to release me on Oral Meds. I go back for a blood test Thurs. and a Bone Marrow test in a few weeks but essentially I've completed now 10 months of 5 Chemos plus several other hospitalizations. Hopefully I'll be in remission for a long time. I'm finally digging music on my sound system, tuning my basses and guitars, going now with Carol to hear my buddies play Jazz live up at the Farmers Market. Its a beautiful night here. Yesterday was so fine with Rebekah and Matt visiting me. I keep falling asleep by 8 pm, then waking up at 4 etc. I gotta work on that. Hah!! So I'm home, for a quiet week. See you soon. Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, blood and platelets. See ya. JIMBO

Monday, Monday

Mon., Aug. 12, 2007. 8:30 am. Just got back from a CT Scan. Let's hope it was good and I can leave soon. I feel like I can't heal much more here, I need to go home, out in the beautiful sunetc. It all depends on how the lungs look with Fungal Pneumonia. It was disappointing to be here this past weekend missing so many wonderful events. I feel well enogh to go home. Now lets see what the docs say. JIM

Another try

Thurs. August 9, 2007; 9:40 am. I've tried to post 2 additional posts here which don't appear on my computer, so I assume they were lost. In any case, I'm entering my 3rd week here dealing with Fungal Pneumonia. My cough isn't too bad, so I wish I could be released, but the doctors want to do another (3rd) CT Scan on Tuesday before they release me. My numbers are happening, I have White Blood Cells now with Neutrophils, and RBCs and platelets, so it looks like my body is recovering nicely from the Chemo. I hope to be in Remission once they do the next Bone Marrow Aspiration or Biopsy. Meantime I have anti fungals (oral and intravenous) trying to curb the pneumonia. Its frustrating because I feel so good. But, rather safe than sorry. So, I'll have to wait it out. Will unfortunately miss a wedding and an army band reunion this weekend. I miss playing bass. Got a guitar here to keep up the chops and felt well enough yesterday to draw and paint. 1st time in a week or more. Maybe more today. Went up to hear a pianist playing delightful old gems yesterday. Carol and Debra joined me. Maybe I'll go up there to paint today. In any case am working from my hospital phone here to keep a few things happening in Maplewood. We have a stage donated by Sony/BMG but now we have to store it. Gotta find room. Susan has the bands playing at the pool. Fun gigs. I have dreams of gigs I want to do in the Fall. Can't wait. It's been a challenging 10 months, especially for Carol and Rebekah, but it's also been incredibly rewarding hearing the stories of disease and healing; meeting the on line medical staff fighting disease. It's an incredible system if you have the correcyt medical insurance. I've seen the best in the world here. So I learn alot. I'm inspired by these people and this system. I see alot of really sick people, much sicker than me. But people with hope and strength. Its amazing. I celebrate my surroundings. But can't wait to get back home, into Carols arms, back up to Woodstock, back to the NJ Shore and beyond. Here is a pix of my 2 most caring nurses. You've read about them in my blog. Katrina and Mariah. The greatest. Peace. Thanks for the blood donations and platelets. Love, JIMBO

CT Scan

Here I had both Mariah and Katrina on the floor on the same day. Lucky me, I'm well cared for. Stiil no fevers; 2nd CT Scan looks about the same as 1st; today Dr. Berman changed my intravenous antis to oral medications which means she says: "getting you on the launching pad". So, I hope I'm released sooner rather than later. I felt well enough to take out the drawing pad today for the first time in a week. I took an Ambien to sleep last night and that worked. I haven't even asked for Robitussen today, so I'm doing better. I'm starting of dreaming of picking up my bas and playing some tunes. I also listened (and conducted along) to Sibelius Symphony #2 today, So that was great. Many memories of rehearsing it and performing it in 1968 down at NJ Arts Center (now PNC Bank). It was the Arts Centers first season. We had hadheavy rain days before, the dressing rooms were muddy. But the sound in the amphitheater was a gas. I loved working there, better sound than Waterloo, which we played 10 weeks that year. When you are a Cancer patient in the hospital for weeks at a time you get to review alot of your life. I try to focus on the hip positive things we did, like symphony concerts, choral concerts (so many I can't remember them all), fun club dates, occasional Blues dates, tours with the orchestras. Alot of fun. Well enough from Mr. Nostalgia. I gotta go. Hope to see you all in person soon. Love and thanks . JIMBO

Fevers No More

Yeah well the fevers slowed me down a few days, and the coughing/breathing thing with the pneumonia slowed me down a bit, but as of Friday morning we rallied and got most of that under control. The numbers have hit bottom and now are climbing. I haven't had a transfusion in 2 days (1 day I had 3).and I felt really good when Rebekah arrived to visit. She looks so great. And then Martha and RJ joined us for a good visit. When Carol came by we had a full room. Fun. We left the room for a while to allow privacy to my roomate as he had some issues to deal with hospital staff. We walk the halls here for exercise, I think 12 times around is a mile or something. Some people are out there pushing their poles building up the miles and their heart and lungs at the same time. I'm hoping I get out of here in time to dance at Kim and Skips wedding next week. We'll see how the lungs are on Tuesday when Dr. Berman intends to do the followup CT scan on the lungs.Robitussin wCodeine has kept them calm enough for me to get some sleep. So with the laptop I get to hear or see many DVDs/CDs which I haven't seen before. I usually don't slow down enough to sit and dig videos, so this is a decent new experience.I do miss practicing my basses. My brass chops will need rebuilding after this stay. BUT...come the fall I'm assuming the energy and strength will be there for some brass quintet playing again. I want to get my tuba reconditioned or replaced. I really dig that instrument. Have a good weekend everybody. Carol is bringing her Mom to see me today because the 2 of them are heading to Belmar to a family gathering at which new twins are being introduced. The twins names are "Millie and Lou", which by coincidence is the same as Carols parents. Fun.
Gotta go. Thanks. Peace. JIMBO

August

Wed., August 1, 2007. 9:30. I always love August 1st because it is usually our target date for getting to Woodstock. But...this year we have another journey to MSK Country Club!!! No golf here, just field trips to X ray or CT Scan. So, this morning I was told the source of my fevers is probably a pneumonia for which they started giving me anti-fungals in my cocktail mix a couple of days ago. Dr. Heaney warns me that this may take longer to heal than just the counts coming back, so...I may here into next week now.I have not heard yet about the last 2 blood cultures tests, but Katrina expects they will do another today. So at this point I feel better than yesterday, still some discomfort from mouth sores (I swash a couple of times a day, this is annoying but very typical after Chemo). Deb was here and brought me the new Woody Allen book. Fun. Carol and Deb and I were having some good laughs last night joking around. We watched Celebrity Jeopardy and then News Hour and then the Yankees. Almost every teamate hit a homerun last night except the one people are paying to see hit one, A Rod. George Steinbrenner just keeps making money. Hah! There are days when that team plays a high level game, when they play like kids, laughing, joking etc. Then there are other days they seem so tight, one wonders how they can vascillate so. The season has been a roller coaster ride.
My cousin Margo is coming to see me today, then Carol should be in later. Brother Bruce is trying to get some time up here this week as well. So, I better go freshen up. Andrea just remade the bed, and both Katrina and Mariah are here today. I'm being well cared for. Dr. Berman is on for the weekend, so thats great for me. She takes great care also. I have trouble talking on the phone right now due to the sores, so hold off on the phone calls for a few days. Thanks. JIMBO

Fevers

Monday, July 30th, 6 pm. Over the weekend they moved me to a new room because they needed a room for females, so moved me in with another guy. Then a fever developed, not too high, but a fever causes alot of investigation and careful monitoring. Up the anti virals, anti biotics and a chest x ray. Blood cultures also. We'll see. Had 2 blood transfusions and 1 platelet transfusion yesterday. My neutrophils are at 0.0 so the Chemo did it's job. I figure, barring trouble, I'll be here until next Sat or Sun. Greg and Riv start a vacation to Cal. on Sunday. Nice. I gave a painting to one of the staff, Flavio, who dug a little still life I did upstairs. He digs Latin Jazz. Did 2 more paintings today. when my strength returns I'll get into pastels again. I had to cancel visitors today because of the fevers; maybe tomorrow will be ok. Later. JIM

Back Again!!

Thurs. 7/26; 3:30 am. I'm back in MSKCC with cellulitis again for about 10 days or until my numbers come back again. Neutropenic at this point so I'm on intravenous anti=biotics, Again my Achilles heel, my nose, Same room, 1222, different bed. Hah!! Saw Katrina, shes good, be back Sat. She said Mariah is around too. So, I got my team back for my final round round here. Carol brought me in Wed am for the routine inspection/oil change etc. and the hood ornament was a sparkling again. (Somebody called me Rudolph, I think a young Doctor). My eyes are burning a bit so I've requested drops again. Other than being depressed about having to return during this lovely week I'm ok. Carol was pointing out that getting the many needed transfusions etc. these next 2 weeks will be easier from the hospital anyway. Good point. The alternate system through the adult hospital (outpatient) is frequently annoying and time wasting as Rich and John and Carol can attest to. Here I'm ready (with a good port put in by Coco) for whatever is needed. I'm resting alot. I had a reaction called "Redhead" to the antibiotic so then they give me Benadryl and I'm in Lala land, sleeping away. I can't tell you how many times Carol has come to visit me not 20 minutes after Benadryl and I'm a zombie, certainly not good company. But Carol takes good care of me. Food, crossword puzzles to keep my mind busy etc. Yesterday they needed rooms so they put me on a gurney in the hallway for about 2 hours. We were laughing because I felt I was in SCRUBS. I saw Zach Braff on TV the night before in a hysterical Scrubs scene. Ah, another Columbia High genius!! Between him and David Javerbaum that must have been a funny couple of years at CHS. And I knew Kenny Shapiro was a riot in my class. Hah!! So I expect to get out just in time for Kimmys wedding, the Army Band reunion, and a trip to Betty and Waynes in August, then later up to Woodstock finally. We'll see about the Cape, that's touch and go now. Meantime I got my artwork and my guitar coming in tomorrow so I'll try to make due. I'll try some more sleep now. Love to all. Thanks for your help.Thanks Brad for your note. Keep well, see you soon. JIMBO

Home, Sweet Home

Mon., July 23rd, 7:30 pm. Got home Saturday around 6 pm. Finished last Chemo Sat at Noon, then needed to do some Renegel for Phosphorous therapy before I could be released. Nights are sluggish, but doing ok. Yesterday got to the field to hear SwingTown at JazzFest, they sounded great. Beautiful night for all the guys to sing and play. Today slogged to NYC in the rain to see the doctors and get a shot. All ok; now the goal is to stay healthy enough during the sinking immune system numbers to stay out of the hospital. Wed. back for evaluation. So it feels wonderful to reach this plateau, finishing the final scheduled Chemo. After 2-3 weeks or so I'll be able to get out, up to Woodstock, Cape Cod etc. Feel like I gotta makeup for lost time a bit. Meantime the therapy time has allowed me some quiet art/music time. Did alot in hospital and shared with the art therapist. Am developing strategies for the drawings. I'll keep you posted. I may need some blood and platelets this week. JIMBO

From Riv and Greg

Thurs. July 19; 5:00 pm. From my daughter:Mom and Dad - Please forward this and post it on your blog

Thank you all for your support! I have already surpassed my goal of raising $2,200. This amazing support has been felt by Jim and our whole family since my father's diagnosis and is greatly appreciated.

If you have not yet made a contribution, please donate through Greg's web page:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaGHarris

Greg and I are running together in August and he is running the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Greg is working toward a fundraising goal of $3,300.

Thank you again,

Rebekah and Greg
ps: I'm doing fine in the hospital. John came to give platelets, getting alot of support. Thanks Riv and Greg and everyone. JIM

3rd Day

Wed. July18, 2007. 2:30 am. Carol drove me into the city Monday. At registration did vitals, IV hookup, EKG, bloodwork, then to X Ray for Chest workup, by then room not ready, go get lunch, do not pass go!! Got escorted up to room about 4:30. More paperwork etc. Dinner, eyedrops etc. Debra came by for a visit and to support us. LuAnne and a friend came by to say hello. Jeff is on the 8th floor prepping for a Bone Marrow Donation. Hes about -3 days at this point. We'll keep up with him.1st bag of Chemo was hung at 9 pm/3 hours drip. Same Tuesday am 9-12 noon. Bob K came by to visit at 12:30. We hashed glories from MapleWoodstock. What a weekend. Gas! My HS buddy Tom Gould and his wife Judy came by to check out our Band JJ Blues. Fun. Pix.Then in afternoon Vivian came by for a nice visit. Carol came up after work and brought me new comfy summer slippers. I'm wearing my new shirt "I Heart The 12th Floor Nurses". Its a big hit here. The nurses are jokingly harrassing me as to why their picture isn't on the shirt, why just Eddie? Hah!!. Made a new shirt:
" I heart the MSKCC Doctors"with my pix with Dr. Berman from last winter with masks on. Hah!! She loved the shirt when Carol showed her, so she took home an extra large! She said it'll be a nightshirt. Hah!! No Chemo Tues. night into Wed amm. Old roomate left at 4 pm. New roomate checked in at 9 pm. Watched Yankees squeeze out a win. Sleep. Up to dig Miles etc. while writing. Before MapleWoodstock we had a scare in our Maplewood Community Music family, Susan (our "Mom") got an attack of Appendicitus. Uncomfortable on a gig Thurs night. Called Ben to go to St. Barnabas 3 am. We visited her 11 am (me, Ben and Sue K) and by 12 she was rolled into OR. We went back to see her about 2pm. Done. Arthroscopic surgery. Home Sat.. I saw her at Maplewoodstock Sunday!! Sue is going easy for a few days, but we're all amazed at her stamina/recovery. Appendix out and up in 2 days!! Man that used to be a week to 10 days in the old days. Modern medicine keeps knocking me out. Well next weekend is Maplewood JazzFest. It will be a gas, but I'm forced to lay low at that point, probably will miss sitting on the field but will try to listen from the car if I can. Both Dr. LaManna and Dr. Berman visited me Tuesaday. They tell me Dr. Mark will release me Sat. So this is my last scheduled Chemo. From here we come back for the Neulasta shot and bloodwork next Mon at 11 am. Will be monitored EODay for 2 weeks or so, then Monthly the next year or 2. You have to be careful with this disease, it can rear it's ugly head in a hurry, but I expect to be in remission come Fall.

3rd Day

Wed. July18, 2007. 2:30 am. Carol drove me into the city Monday. At registration did vitals, IV hookup, EKG, bloodwork, then to X Ray for Chest workup, by then room not ready, go get lunch, do not pass go!! Got escorted up to room about 4:30. More paperwork etc. Dinner, eyedrops etc. Debra came by for a visit and to support us. LuAnne and a friend came by to say hello. Jeff is on the 8th floor prepping for a Bone Marrow Donation. Hes about -3 days at this point. We'll keep up with him.1st bag of Chemo was hung at 9 pm/3 hours drip. Same Tuesday am 9-12 noon. Bob K came by to visit at 12:30. We hashed glories from MapleWoodstock. What a weekend. Gas! My HS buddy Tom Gould and his wife Judy came by to check out our Band JJ Blues. Fun. Pix.Then in afternoon Vivian came by for a nice visit. Carol came up after work and brought me new comfy summer slippers. I'm wearing my new shirt "I Heart The 12th Floor Nurses". Its a big hit here. The nurses are jokingly harrassing me as to why their picture isn't on the shirt, why just Eddie? Hah!!. Made a new shirt:
" I heart the MSKCC Doctors"with my pix with Dr. Berman from last winter with masks on. Hah!! She loved the shirt when Carol showed her, so she took home an extra large! She said it'll be a nightshirt. Hah!! No Chemo Tues. night into Wed amm. Old roomate left at 4 pm. New roomate checked in at 9 pm. Watched Yankees squeeze out a win. Sleep. Up to dig Miles etc. while writing. Before MapleWoodstock we had a scare in our Maplewood Community Music family, Susan (our "Mom") got an attack of Appendicitus. Uncomfortable on a gig Thurs night. Called Ben to go to St. Barnabas 3 am. We visited her 11 am (me, Ben and Sue K) and by 12 she was rolled into OR. We went back to see her about 2pm. Done. Arthroscopic surgery. Home Sat.. I saw her at Maplewoodstock Sunday!! Sue is going easy for a few days, but we're all amazed at her stamina/recovery. Appendix out and up in 2 days!! Man that used to be a week to 10 days in the old days. Modern medicine keeps knocking me out. Well next weekend is Maplewood JazzFest. It will be a gas, but I'm forced to lay low at that point, probably will miss sitting on the field but will try to listen from the car if I can. Both Dr. LaManna and Dr. Berman visited me Tuesaday. They tell me Dr. Mark will release me Sat. So this is my last scheduled Chemo. From here we come back for the Neulasta shot and bloodwork next Mon at 11 am. Will be monitored EODay for 2 weeks or so, then Monthly the next year or 2. You have to be careful with this disease, it can rear it's ugly head in a hurry, but I expect to be in remission come Fall. Rec'd an invitation from Jerry for an Army Band Reunion in August. Hoprfully will get there. It's fun finding guys and am looking forward. Someday have to get together with the Serenaders, our 1st band in 9th grade. Coop and I are talking about it.
John comes by tomorrow after giving Platelets again. Carol later. I think Glen will be by for Lunch one day if his schedule permits. So, I'm reading, listening, practicing guitar, and will start drawing tomorrow. We do the best we can under the circumstances. Try to deal and get beyond. Looking forward to some more travel with Carol: Woodstock, New England, Carribean,Europe, what ever the Docs permit flying wise.Thanks for your support. JIMBO
ps Just got an e mail that my former student Chuck Sastre has died from a lung disease. He used to come to James Caldwell HS for lessons in the 70s. A talented man went on to piano/vocal duo stuff as well. We're very saddened to hear this. His services are this week which I will miss due to hospital stay.

3rd day

Wed. July18, 2007. 2:30 am. Carol drove me into the city Monday. At registration did vitals, IV hookup, EKG, bloodwork, then to X Ray for Chest workup, by then room not ready, go get lunch, do not pass go!! Got escorted up to room about 4:30. More paperwork etc. Dinner, eyedrops etc. Debra came by for a visit and to support us. LuAnne and a friend came by to say hello. Jeff is on the 8th floor prepping for a Bone Marrow Donation. Hes about -3 days at this point. We'll keep up with him.1st bag of Chemo was hung at 9 pm/3 hours drip. Same Tuesday am 9-12 noon. Bob K came by to visit at 12:30. We hashed glories from MapleWoodstock. What a weekend. Gas! My HS buddy Tom Gould and his wife Judy came by to check out Band JJ Blues. Fun. Pix.Then in afternoon Vivian came by for a nice visit. Carol came up after work and brought me new comfy summer slippers. I'm wearing my new shirt "I Heart The 12th Floor Nurses. Its a big hit here. The nurses are jokingly harrassing me as to why their picture isn't on the shirt, why just Eddie? Hah!!. Made a new shirt: I heart the MSKCC Doctors with my pix with Dr. Berman from last winter with masks on. Hah!! She loved the shirt when Carol showed her, so she took home an extra large! She said it'll be a nightshirt. Hah!! So Chemo Tues. night into Wed amm. Old roomate left at 4 pm. New roomate checked in at 9 pm. Watched Yankees squeeze out a win. Sleep. Up to dig Miles etc. while writing. Before MapleWoodstock we had a scare in our Maplewood Community Music family, Susan (our "Mom") got an attack of Appendicitus. Uncomfortable on a gig Thurs night. Called Ben to go to St. Barnabas 3 am. We visited her 11 am (me, Ben and Sue K) and by 12 she was rolled into OR. We went back to see her about 2pm. Done. Arthroscopi surgery. Home Sat am. I saw her at Maplewoodstock Sunday!! Sue is going easy for a few days, but we're all amazed at her stamina/recovery. Appendix out and up in 2 days!! Man that used to be a week to 10 days in the old days. Modern medicine keeps knocking me out. Well next weekend is Maplewood JazzFest. It will be a gas, but I'm forced to lay low at that point, probably will miss sitting on the field but will try to listen from the car if I can. Both Dr. LaManna and Dr. Berman visited me Tuesaday. They tell me Dr. Mark will release me Sat. So this is my last scheduled Chemo. From here we come back for the Neulasta shot and bloodwork next Mon at 11 am. will be monitored EODay for 2 weeks or so, then Monyhly the next year or 2. You have to be careful with this disease, it can rear it's ugly head in a hurry, but I expect to be in remission come Fall. Rec'd an invitation from Jerry for an Army Band Reunion in August. Hoprfully will get there. It's fun finding guys and am looking forward. Someday have to get together with the Serenaders, our 1st band in 9th grade. Coop and I are talking about it.
John comes by tomorrow after giving Platelets again. Carol later. I think Glen will be by for Lunch one day if his schedule permits. So, I'm reading, listening, practicing guitar, and will start drawing tomorrow. We do the best we can under the circumstances. Try to deal and get beyond. Looking forward to some more travel with Carol: Woodstock, New England, Carribean,Europe, what ever the Docs permit flying wise.Thanks for your support. JIMBO

3rd Day

Wed. July18, 2007. 2:30 am. Carol drove me into the city Monday. At registration did vitals, IV hookup, EKG, bloodwork, then to X Ray for Chest workup, by then room not ready, go get lunch, do not pass go!! Got escorted up to room about 4:30. More paperwork etc. Dinner, eyedrops etc. Debra came by for a visit and to support us. LuAnne and a friend came by to say hello. Jeff is on the 8th floor prepping for a Bone Marrow Donation. Hes about -3 days at this point. We'll keep up with him.1st bag of Chemo was hung at 9 pm/3 hours drip. Same Tuesday am 9-12 noon. Bob K came by to visit at 12:30. We hashed glories from MapleWoodstock. What a weekend. Gas! My HS buddy Tom Gould and his wife Judy came by to check out Band JJ Blues. Fun. Pix.Then in afternoon Vivian came by for a nice visit. Carol came up after work and brought me new comfy summer slippers. I'm wearing my new shirt "I Heart The 12th Floor Nurses. Its a big hit here. The nurses are jokingly harrassing me as to why their picture isn't on the shirt, why just Eddie? Hah!!. Made a new shirt: I heart the MSKCC Doctors with my pix with Dr. Berman from last winter with masks on. Hah!! She loved the shirt when Carol showed her, so she took home an extra large! She said it'll be a nightshirt. Hah!! So Chemo Tues. night into Wed amm. Old roomate left at 4 pm. New roomate checked in at 9 pm. Watched Yankees squeeze out a win. Sleep. Up to dig Miles etc. while writing. Before MapleWoodstock we had a scare in our Maplewood Community Music family, Susan (our "Mom") got an attack of Appendicitus. Uncomfortable on a gig Thurs night. Called Ben to go to St. Barnabas 3 am. We visited her 11 am (me, Ben and Sue K) and by 12 she was rolled into OR. We went back to see her about 2pm. Done. Arthroscopi surgery. Home Sat am. I saw her at Maplewoodstock Sunday!! Sue is going easy for a few days, but we're all amazed at her stamina/recovery. Appendix out and up in 2 days!! Man that used to be a week to 10 days in the old days. Modern medicine keeps knocking me out. Well next weekend is Maplewood JazzFest. It will be a gas, but I'm forced to lay low at that point, probably will miss sitting on the field but will try to listen from the car if I can. Both Dr. LaManna and Dr. Berman visited me Tuesaday. They tell me Dr. Mark will release me Sat. So this is my last scheduled Chemo. From here we come back for the Neulasta shot and bloodwork next Mon at 11 am. will be monitored EODay for 2 weeks or so, then Monyhly the next year or 2. You have to be careful with this disease, it can rear it's ugly head in a hurry, but I expect to be in remission come Fall. Rec'd an invitation from Jerry for an Army Band Reunion in August. Hoprfully will get there. It's fun finding guys and am looking forward. Someday have to get together with the Serenaders, our 1st band in 9th grade. Coop and I are talking about it.
John comes by tomorrow after giving Platelets again. Carol later. I think Glen will be by for Lunch one day if his schedule permits. So, I'm reading, listening, practicing guitar, and will start drawing tomorrow. We do the best we can under the circumstances. Try to deal and get beyond. Looking forward to some more travel with Carol: Woodstock, New England, Carribean,Europe, what ever the Docs permit flying wise.Thanks for your support. JIMBO

Good News

Here is my 6 year old Grandson Ben digging the sounds on my laptop. That's his own photography, electrifying isn't he?? He performs at Strathmore Music Center this week with his Music Camp. He's also quite a dancer.
Todays report says my blasts are at less than 1%, the lowest number yet. On Monday the Doctor informed me that the DNA had changed after the 2nd Chemo. This is also good news and means the Chemo is working. So I go back for my (hopefully) last round of Chemo on Monday for 5 or 6 days. Then I usually have 3 weeks or so in isolation at home trying not to get a fever or infections. MapleWoodstock is this weekend, Ill be playing at 3 pm Sat. Last weekends Band Concert sounded great.
Don't forget Riv and Greg's Run Labor Day weekend for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. See the last 2 posts to donate.
My good friend and colleague Bill Sempier started his Chemo and Radiation this week up in Vermont. Lets add Bill to our prayer lists. And again thanks to all for your support, prayers, cards, blood, platelets, thoughts and good wishes. Peace. JIMBO

Leukemia Run

Here are Greg and Riv visiting me in the hospital last Thanksgiving. (JB)
In addition to my daughter running in Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society my wonderful Son-in-Law Rabbi Greg Harris is also running. Carol asked me to tell everyone that this organization has provided some very real support for us since my diagnosis including support to our family for visitations to see me in the hospital, and workshops for patients and caregivers. So thank you for supporting the cause. JIMBO
Rabbi Greg ran in the Marines Marathon in Washington DC last fall and has been keeping up his training since that time. Here is his website for the Virginia Beach run:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaGHarris


Rabbi Greg Harris
Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County

Run Baby Run

From my daughter Rebekah, seen here with her daughter Maayan:

> Hello - As you may know my father, Jim Buchanan, was diagnosed with
> leukemia this year. He has been doing very well and in honor of his
> strength and spirit, I am running the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll 1/2
> Marathon to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am aiming to
> raise $2200 by August 15. Please join me in supporting the Leukemia
> and Lymphoma Society by making a contribution in my dad's honor.
>
> Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly & securely.
> You will receive email confirmation of your donation and I will be
> notified as soon as you make your donation. I thank you in advance for
> your support and your generosity!
> http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/GoRiv -

Rebekah (Riv) Harris PS
> - Please forward this email to as many people as you can to encourage
> them to donate as well!
>

Whoops

Once again a website adress did not appear in the blog. I have no idea how or why that happens, but....the site is MaplewoodOnLine (dot com). Check it out. JIMBO

After the 4th

We had a relaxing 4th with a wet Fireworks display. Today we're off to Woodstock and Harriman State Park for a few hours to visit. Getting ready for SummerMusic Band Concert Sunday at 7 pm. Practicing for MapleWoodstock, we play at 3 pm Sat. 7/14.
Saw the Matters article about me and the Cultural Affairs gig is on front page of . Fun, check it out.
I see Dr. Berman on Mon. Hospital starts next Mon., 7/16. Final (hopefully) Consolidation Chemo. Have had some opportunities to play Tuba, Bass and Fender this week, so that's satisfying. In the Fall I hope to be back to playing again. JIMBO

Back home

Mon. June 25, 6:30 pm. We're back home. Spent Fri with Grands riding Amtrak etc., then Shabbot dinner at Riv's, then over to Annapolis for the weekend. Stayed in historic section, BnB 2-0-1 on Prince Georges Street. Beautiful homes and Gardens. Toured Naval Academy, Sunset sailed a Schooner (Woodwind), other tours of historic Homes and Gardens. Great scenery to sketch/photo/paint. Rest. Loving. Food!!! Walking alot. Irish Festival Sun. afternoon, good bands. Now to teach a bit, rehearse and practice a bit, and draw and paint too. Back into hospital after MapleWoodstock (see MapleWoodstock.com for both this years and last years event). The usual routine, but hopefully (with Gods help and your prayers) I'll be in remission and on the mend after this time. Feeling good. Gaining strength daily. Peace. Thanks for your support. JIMBO

Medical Update

Thurs. 6/21. 10 am. Saw Dr. Berman yesterday at MSKCC. All bloodwork looks good. Postponed Bone Marrow Biopsy until July 9th, then back in H July 16th for final consolidation Chemo. I'm a little bit Anemic, the Hemoglobin numbers are still in the 10s, not yet in the 12s, but that usually is the slowest to come back as multiple Chemos add up. No transfusion needed. I asked what to expect come the Fall. The Doctor says she continues to monitor me monthly for at least a year. Then we'll see where I stand. That's fine. We got in and out of the H and the city easily yesterday. The Grandchildren stayed with Millie and Randi doing artwork. Last night Carol had a meeting during our Swing Band Concert, so the kids sat next to Millie good as Gold for the outdoor concert. They played a bit with other kids. Spent yesterday afternoon at an amusement park perfect for this age child...Bowcraft. Tomorrow I take the kids home on Amtrak. Ben's a transportation freak and digs all modes of travel. He can't wait. Maayan is interested and going along for the ride; she's more casual about it. Hah! Next week back to the practicing and artwork. I'll still need blood and platelets again soon so please get up to MSKCC and give if you can. Thanks, JIM

Post Father's Day

Good weekend watching Subway series. Then Sat. went to Open Gardens in Bergen County (see NYT 2 weeks ago Sun.). While traveling spotted a used Prius for sale in a driveway. Bought it!! Sun. met Rebekah, Rabbi Greg and the Grands at Franklin Institute in Philadelphia for a Fathers Day funfest at a Science Museum. IMAX theater etc. Kids are now with us until Fri. Tomorrow down to Seaside Park Beach with Jane. Wed. SWINGTOWN Concert at the Library park. Thursday Hilton Neighborhood Assn. meeting. Fri, Sat. Sun to Annapolis for a BnB weekend before going back into H in July. Still have a few details to do before SummerMusic.
So, I feel as strong and normal as ever right now. I'm not running etc., but I am walking the track. Numbers seem to be holding. Gotta go. Grands need help. JIMBO

Weekend report

Tues. June 12, 2007. 12:22 pm. Rebekah and the kids came Fri. We had dinner with Harvey and Eva at Winchester Gardens. Then Carol cooked, I went over to checkout Jerrys band at Heres 2 the Arts. Kids arrived later. We had a quiet Sat. Maayan gardened w Grandma, Ben zoomed around the house with many buses etc.Boo ran 6 miles/training. Maayan and Beck visited with Ruby and Diane. We walked over to 1978 for Art opening. Sat night Jeanette and Vanessa went with friends. Randi and Glenn and Dylan joined us for dinner. Ben loves Dylan. Early to bed so we were ready for MSKCC Rock and Run Sun am. EZ into the city, parked on the pier. Setup at Pier 46. Very well done. I wore this shirt celebrating our 12th floor nurses. Saw Donna there. 3000 people in all. Carol and I stayed with the kids while Rebekah, Jeanette and Vanessa did the 5 K walk/run. Kids games, woman on stilts, juggler, balloon artists etc. Fun. Brunch. Then we came home early. But 2 of Brad's friends recognized me from the shirt. They figured I was the hat guy who was Brads roomate. Hah!! Fun. Nice people. I made a TV tape "Survivors Statement". After the kids went home and the Yankees won Carol and I went to movies to see Gracie, since it was filmed here in Maplewood. Entertaining. Mon morn pancake house with fellow retired teachers. Then walk in the park. Our backyard is beautiful, we sit out with Mom. Today I have a guitar lesson with Courtney. Carol and I walked the park. Then I snoozed. Moderately gaining in strength and endurance. My body has been through alot so I don't push. We're easing into a normal routine. Thanks for your caring thoughts and prayers. JIMBO

New Doo

Wed. 5:00+. New hair/beard cut and shirt help us feel like Spring is here and "Summer Is a 'Cummin In" (the title of a Madrigal we used to love to sing in music school). SummerMusic is not far behind. JIMBO

Good Report

Wed., June 6, 5:00 pm. Went to MSKCC today (thanks Ron N.) for Blood test. Good numbers, no transfusions needed. Hurray!! Next checkup on June 20th (probably a Bone Marrow Biopsy as well). Went with Ron to play some basses at Gages shop. Interesting, Fun. Tonight I'll go to play and conduct at the Maplewoood Community Band rehearsal. It's been too long since I could get there. It will be great to see those wonderful musicians. Only 2 days until the Grands showup. We're getting ready. Meantime, I try to see, think, feel life as normal routine. Try not to focus on the disease/hospital scene. Making music, creating art, living here with Carol and Mom makes all that possible. We focus on living life, seeing peolpe, playing the instruments etc. You know. Feels good that way. Peace. Thanks for your prayers, thoughts, blood, support. JIMBO

Good Weekend

Well we've had a good 1st weekend out of the H. Fri I played Tbone Quartets for an hour. We have another rehearsal and a recital this week.Then Sat. took some time to pickup some art supplies; then to hear a Jazz concert outside at Drew U in Madison. Beautiful Evening. Sun am walked the track 3 times. Then Artists Studio Tour 11-2 (saw 2 Galleries w many artists, plus two home/studios in Maplewood). Fine. Kim called to tell me about those fine articles about Christine Ebersole in yesterdays NY Times. Cool. Spoke to Brother Bruce as well, he recently gave me blood, but now he has a cold. Drag.
After a nice lunch/dinner we went to Maplewood Town Hall to celebrate the refurbished Murals about our towns history. The paintings and Town Hall meeting room are featured in "Gracie", the new Elizabeth Shue movie. Most of it was filmed here, about her life growing up here. Then this morning I substituted for another bass player at a Big Band rehearsal in Paterson. I tell you, that exhausted me. I still need to develop some stamina. With activity etc. I'll get stronger. After all, my body has been through alot recently.
Next weekend the Grandchildren are here and we'll celebrate at the MSKCC Rock"nRun. Peace everybody. Thanks for all your notes and good wishes. We're hanging in. Can't get to see and hear everything yet, we're still recovering, but I'll see you soon. JIMBO

Checkup and Schedule

Wed., May 30. 4:06 pm. Just got back from Dr. Bermans checkup. All the WBC counts are up. Hemoglobin has a little more to climb, but no transfusions today. Lookin' good. Next appointment next Wed. Final (hopefully!!) Chemo round will be middle of July. I will need a ride next Wed. at 8 am. Give me a call if you can help. So then Carol and I ran over to the Metropolitan Museum to check out the Greek and Roman Galleries, then the Roof/Stella exhibit, then Modern and other Stella room. Cool. Now to get playing some bass, tbone, artwork etc. Tonight SwingTown. Fri. work on SummerMusic stuff. See ya soon. JIM

Home, Sweet Home

Sun., May 27th, 10:15 am. Well the numbers are up enough to let me home, but first I have to take some Platelets, which means Benadryl, which means High as a kite. OK. Carol will be here about 2, then I should be on my way by 4pm (we can't wait!!). I hope to go hear/see the parade tomorrow. Last year Rebekah, Ben and Maayan were here to walk in the parade, we had a ball. Hope you all are enjoying the BarbQs, picnics, ball games, beach etc. I'm catching up to you. See y'all soon. I'm outta here.Thanks Katrina, Mariah, Clarissa, Lucy, Nan, Connie, Jeaneau, Michelle and all the other nurses and assistants. JIMBO

New Numbers

Sat., May 26, 2007, 5:10pm. Well the numbers finally started to climb today. The Docs say if my Neutrophils can maintain .5 for 2 days I can go; then a young Doc came in around 11 am with the good news, my Neutrophils came in at 1.2, the WBCs are at 2.4. So, I figure if I have good numbers tomorrow morning I will get out of here tomorrow afternoon. I'd love to get home for Monday. Meantime Carol and Debra are here, and I haven't needed any blood or platelets yet today, but I'm just finishing my 3rd bag of anti-biotics this afternoon. So, I have protection. I'm looking forward to getting back to the diner and maybe catching some live music. Finished a few more pastels. Gotta go order dinner, but I hope to see y'all soon. Thanks for your support. JIMBO

Memorial Day Weekend

Friday, May 25, 1:45 pm. Well, things are still a challenge. The WBCs are up to 1.4 today, but the neutraphils are still at 0. I needed blood yesterday, platelets Wed. and today 1 of each. The trouble is I had a bad reaction to the platelets last time, needing Benadryl and Cortisone. Hopefully we'll go slower today and avoid a reaction. I felt really good after blood yesterday, but the numbers are down again today. Had a nice visit again today from Bahati. Also the volunteer Ms. Ponti who dropped by last week returned, she's a painter and has shared some perspectives on my drawings. We had a nice talk. Last night a balladeer came to the room and sang his own love song. He's good, sounds a bit like one of the Beatles. Carol and I enjoyed the visit. I've been working on Jazz changes on my guitar, Bahati and I sang and played Bluesette today. Little by little. During this time of healing it's great to have some artistic challenges I can muster some energy for. Guitar and pastels seem to be working. I'm getting, naturally , impatient to go home. Each day, and loooong night becomes tougher. But, the Doc's feel I need protection. Yesterday Mariah asked me not to go to the 15th floor, but stay close to the room. She doesn't want me to catch anything. So, it's a challenge, but we'll deal. Carol will be here around 4. Spoke to Maayani today. Sweet. Ben is off to a camp for the weekend. Gotta go. JIMBO

Holding Steady

Tues. 9:30 am. Feeling good. Had 3 visitors yesterday. Thanks Bob, Vivian, Debra. Concert of Choral Music last night. Very good. Mariah is back today. Yahoo!! Just heard from Rabbi Jon Kligler, just checking in. He was concerned that I was back in the hospital, but assured him I'm doing fine. Happy Shavuot everybody. So Dr. Berman was very happy with the nose today. It took 5 days last time around as well, plus another 5 days for the numbers to come in. So, I'm hoping I can go home Friday if not before. Meantime I'm titling and organizing my drawings and doing more upstairs. Practicing guitar as well. Bob and I jammed yesterday. It's great to be able to challenge the mind while convalescing here. I've asked for street clothes, I'm tired of the gowns and pajamas. Finally slept through last night with a bit of Ambien as help. Feel better as a result. Keep enjoying this beautiful spring. Practice your changes. Hang by your thumbs. JIMBO

Me and the Docs

Dr. Berman has been on the floor this week. I am well cared for. These pics are from a few weeks ago when Brad and I were roomates. Thats the nurse Coco with the us. JIMBO

Sunday

Sun., May 19, 1:45 pm. Beautiful outside, and today is Mayfest, wish I was there. So last night Platelets transfusion. I had to take Benadryl so naturally I wasn't very good company for Carol. Today I need 2 pints of Blood sometime about 3 pm. Mariah wants to put in a new heplock, but keep the old one for Anti-biotics. I'll be double barrelled!! Roomate just left, he's ok. So, now I can practice guitar aloud w/o bothering anyone. Went up to 15th floor yesterday and today to finish more Pastels and get them sprayed (fixer). Fun. I've now completed more than 75 drawings in the hospital. Some I intend to add figures to. I've been invited to frame some and include them in next Spring's Art Show here at MSKCC. That will be fun. Today there is a wonderful review of Michael Brecker's new album which he completed before last January. Gotta get that. Yesterday heard a recital at 3-4 pm. Piatigorsky's Grandson played his Strad cello, the "Beaudeaut" cello. Amazing to be in the presence of that instrument. He performed Brahms Sonata in E minor; Melody in F (in the key of D) by Rubinstein; and finally the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto. Good program. What luck to have this stuff here. He runs the Piatigorsky Foundation sending Artists to perform throughout the Community. Cool!!!
So I see all these Summer of Love reunions, or events mentioned in the papers and TV. Shit man, we've been keeping the Summer of Love alive in Woodstock for the past 30 years man. And we will this summer. Rockin' and Rollin' on Zena Highwoods Road!! Hah!! Can't wait to get back there and start painting again. I have that Planet Earth TV show on in the background. What footage. That's the best yet. Gotta get a copy of this someday. Beautiful. Hip.
So, if you're in town this week drop up to the 12th floor, we'll chat. You no longer have to wear a mask.
Gotta go,JIMBO

Rock & Run Info, June 10th

Found a postcard here with all the details. I imagine run registration should be done in advance. at
www.mskcc.org/rockandrun . This will be a 5K run/walk, post race brunch, kids zone, live music and health and fitness activities.
Date: June 10, 2007. Location: Hudson River Park's Pier 46 (across from Charles Street). Time: Run, 9am; Walk, 9:30 am.
Post race celebration 10am-2pm..

Proceeds to benefit MSKCC's Cancer Survivorship Program. For more inf0 call 646-227-3885.
e mail: rockandrun@mskcc.org.
So if you'd like to join us celebrating and supporting Cancer survivors, and have a great time, c'mon by. JIMBO

Back in the Chicken Shack

Thurs. 5/17 at 6:20 pm. I'm back on the 12th floor. Carol didn't like the nose after this mornings shower. Doctors agreed once they read the blood culture reports. My neutophils are way down (as supposed to be post Chemo) so, they are protecting me with intravenous anti-biotics. A cocktail of them. The 1st one gave me an allergic reaction and I had to take oral Benadryl. That knocked me out for a sleep. Now things are ok. Carol has a meeting for HNA tonight so I'll keep myself busy with this keyboard and a book. TV too. I already miss playing my basses and guitars. At least I got to the diner 1x before landing back in here, thanks Larry. Also thanks to John and Bud for trips tp the hospital. Last night I conducted SWINGTOWN with a mask on my face; we're having fun with alot of new tunes for the vocalists and the band both. Fun. Enjoy this beautiful spring folks. Our backyard was like a jungle with lots of songbirds. A bit of heaven. Glorious. JIMBO

1st checkup

Mon. May 14, 8pm. Blood test was good. Still have WBCs and Hemoglobin numbers, no transfusions today, maybe tomorrow. Got my neulasta shot to encourage the Bone Marrow to make WBCs, neutrophils etc. Tomorrow apptmnt with another Doc.
I Feel good. The anti -biotics play havoc with your digestive system a bit so that's a bit uncomfortable. But, really, it's nothing compared to the disease which right now feels more and more in remission. I hope and pray. The eyes are still a little uncomfortable from the Chemo but that will go away soon. Just keep tears around. Gotta go. Love to all. Thanks for your support. JIM

Last Bag

Sat., 5/12/07. 6:15am. Just hung the last bag of Chemo-3 hours drip. Then eye drops, DexaMethasone (Sp?) which are given each 6 hours since before the 1st bag. Prevents burning up the eyeballs. The AraC is pretty strong stuff. I turn red, flushed looking. It hasn't fortunately effected any other organs to my knowledge, so far feel ok, but it gives the Bone Marrow quite a hit knocking out everything over the next couple of days. It interferes with the enzymes cancer cells need to develop, taking out my immune system with it. But, they cover us guys with antibiotics (Levequain etc) and blood and platelet transfusions. That's why I'll be returning to the hospital Mon (thanks Bud) and Tues. (thanks John) for checkups, see what backups I need. Now is the time to prevent infections colds etc. Thats what put my ass back here for 10 days extra last round. Same with my past 3 or 4 roomates, post Chemo infections. It can be a dangerous time. Meantime, I'm feeling ok enough to groove a bit. At 4 am the roomate called for help, that woke me up, so I putup the MacBook and listen to Bach Partitas (Gidon Kramer and his Guarneri), then Joni Mitchell with Jaco, Pat, Michael, Lyle, Don Alias and the Persuasions, Shadows and Light. Thanks Scotty. I've dug that 2 times this week. Also 5 other DVDs (all in 1 sleepless night) and many new CDs. Fun. Can't wait to get home to my basses and guitars today. And of course Carols loving arms. This is a lonely week for both of us. But, we're dealing what we got dealt. It's OK. Opens up new worlds of understanding and challenge, not without rewards. The people we've met; the support we've felt. The roomate needed the heat turned down, I was already cold, so I wrapped myself in my healing blanket (thanks Peggy and Barbara) and got comfy. Its funny, I get up at 5 to get a cup o Joe with my hat and the blanket, I look like some healer Ghuru!. Hah!! Sometimes I wish the food/snacks were available at night; gotta work that out for next time. Maybe a jar of peanut butter and some Motzah, just a bit to take off the edge now and then. Gotta watch the sugar levels. The steroids given before Chemo for anti-nausea etc. drive me up over 300 sometimes. Oi ve is mere!!! Up the insulin. Really, except for that, I've mostly been in a good range. Well, they're coming to take blood labwork to get ready to send me home. Chemo ends 9:30 or so. Then when we get the bloodwork report we'll see what support I need before I leave. In the past I needed a transfusion or 2, but hopefully not today, let's just get outta town. Carol will be here 2 pm or so and I hope to be comfortably at home for dinner. Thanks for your support guys. Thanks Katrina, Mariah, Alicia, Nicole, Nan, all the staff. Best to Brad, Peter, and all my Chemo Sabbes (that's Michaels little joke). Love you all. Peace. JIMBO

MSK Run, June 10th

MSKCC "ROCK AND RUN ON THE RIVER"

Sloan Kettering is having an event on June 10 to raise money for their programs for cancer survivors. There is a 5K walk/run along the Hudson River followed by food, music, activities, etc. at Hudson River Park's Pier 46. Even if you don't want to walk or run, you can buy tickets for "Brunch on the River" for $15 and show your support the old fashioned way -- by eating. For information on how to register, or if you just want to drop by on the day and show your support or make a donation, copy/paste: .

SLEEP arrived again Wed. night. Thurs. another busy day: 6 am, bag of Chemo, 10, visit Peter;10:30 Pastels workshop, Noon eat;
3:00 Rock/Country Guitarist performed on a Kramer (see New Yorker mag this week) with an effect which has his voice singing harmonies in real time; then a snack; then CB arrives; 4:30 Yoga session with Drew (Namaste), Yankees loose (Ouch that hurts), Supper, then a Classical Guitarist visits my room to play some Villa-Lobos on an amazing Classical guitar he just bought in Australia. He played an encore for Carol as well. Beautiful. Sleep came better Thurs again, until my roomates beeping pump went off 3x at 2 am, so that's why I'm writing now (2:30 am). Will checkout a few new CDs until I can sleep again. Last bags of the hot stuff star Fri night and Sat am, then home Sat. afternoon. We continue to hear individual stories of patients dealing here. It's an awfully tough grind for most everybody. So far I consider myself extremely fortunate. My body seems to be responding to the therapy w/o damage to my other organs,; your support has been amazing; Carol's support is amazing, all my family. I'm seeing a different part of the world, no not Costa Rica or China, both of which we had to cancel, but an incredible Medical world. The real deal. NYC and its brains. I'm lucky to be here. Peace and Thanks. JIMBO

Day 3

Wed. May ?, 11:48 am. So, last night not a wink of sleep. Probably 'cause of drugs. I was alert all night. I tried ordering some Ambien at 3 am but they don't give it to you after 2 am. So, I ordered some for tonight, but I'll probably collapse tonight. I did enjoy many nice DVDs and music on the iMusic and CDs. Great machine I got here. Thanks Riv and Carol. Met a rock guitar player here, Peter, nice guy, good talks about our diseases and music. Been using the pastels again. Carol has been invited to a caregivers workshop/support group this afternoon at 4 pm with our wonderful Social Worker Donna. Donna is very supportive here. As are all the nurses, Docs etc. I'm well situated here. Saw Bob yesterday, then CB, then the Rabbi, Dr. Berman dropped by as well. Busy day. Got to sit outside up on the 15th floor. Hope to go up there later for pastel stuff. Ordered a massage for later today or tomorrow. That might help me sleep here at MSKCC (MSK Country Club!!). Food is still OK. So guys, I'm doing fine. I'll be a little under after I leave here and the anemia sets in. Next Mon. I come back for a checkup. Last week Becky and Greg told me they are running in the Leukemia/Lymphoma Race next Sept. in Va. GREAT!! Then yesterday I found out about an MSK race/Sunday Brunch in early June. I'll get you the info in my next blog so you can signup if you want. Should be alot fun.
Peace. Love to all. Keep up the good work. Hang by your thumbs. JIMBO