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