Tuesday, July 14, 2009

7/14/09 Lessons Learned !


One of the first things we did when we started going thru this Cancer maze was to start an accordion file and keep copies of all of our many scans, reports etc. so we always would have them when seeing different doctors. After having the last pet scan, {we had to wait quite a while to get results} and after things looked a bit unsettled I just wanted to get in the car and put a lot of this behind us, which is exactly what we did. This week I went to see the ENT {ear, nose and throat specialist} who I see each month to make sure there are no changes and I was really looking forward to getting his take on the latest Pet scan. But when I finally got to see him, he did not have a copy of the scan and I was just kicking myself for momentarily letting my guard down and not having copies of the latest scan. The next morning I called over to the oncologist office and had them fax a copy over to me. I was reminded once again that you have to be your strongest advocate when dealing with all of the people who are helping you thru your treatment and recovery.So next month when the ENT tells me he doesn't have a copy of pet scan I can just say here you go. If you can’t advocate for yourself then no one else most likely will !! A lesson well learned.

This week I am doing the music for the intergenerational camp at Great Camp Sagamore. I have a class with kids in the morning and then one in the afternoon and some activity in the evening. Last night we had a dance and I was so pleased at how well things went. My good friend Tom Hodgson joined me and it was just a treat to get to play and call again. I am really learning to pace myself, to make really good use of the headset microphone, and I make sure to get lots of rest {two naps on monday !}. Although the work does tire me out it is so wonderful to be out performing and doing my best at filling my summer schedule. The one thing that this whole experience has taught me is to be thankful for each day as it comes along. Every day will have it challenges but its how we meet those challenges that make the difference. Once again Peggy and I are so thankful for all of your generous help and support, it continues to make a huge difference as I go through these months of recovery. Also speaking of benefits, Dan Berggren and Carl Heilman will host a benefit for Peggy and I this Sunday evening July 19th at the Tannery Pond Community center in North Creek NY. Carl will present his new program “I am the Adirondacks” that Dan, Peggy, Casie Filiachi and I did the music for. It is a wonderful program and we are ever thankful to Dan and Carl for putting the benefit together. We truly hope to see some of you at some point this summer and in the meantime keep those vibes coming !! I’ll look for you at 7:00 !

6 comments:

  1. Dan,

    You are absolutely right about the need to be our own best advocate, but don't be too hard on yourself for forgetting to bring the scan image to our ENT guy... they are only practicing medicine, and we are only practicing being patients.

    I'm glad you are able to fill your summer schedule with your traditional gigs... it sure beats the alternative! :-)

    Maria

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  2. What a balancing act - on the one hand, learning to trust that others are there for you, and, on the other, learning that the ultimate responsibility is yours for making sure you're on the right track in your healing journey. So glad you're finding your way to balance in your music making. Those lucky Sagamore campers! You've come so far and, I'm sure your honesty has, and will, help others who find themselves trying to navigate very challenging periods in their own life.
    love to you and Peggy,

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  3. Dan, I am amazed and so grateful to read of your recovery from the treatments. Your strong spirit, mental attitude, and the healing powers of music and friends speeding along signals to your body cells and all the complex interactions.
    I've got July 28 at Weedsport gazebo in red on my calendar - see you there. Hugs to you & Peggy. Glenda

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  4. Well, Andy and I have been back on the Vineyard for almost a week and still no sign of a "Skinny men are sexy" shirt. Do you remember where you saw it? Maybe there was a run on the shirt by skinny men???????

    Dan, will you be coming to Meadowlark?

    Cheer & hugs,
    Deborah Forest Hart, in Oak Bluffs for the duration

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  5. Thinking good thoughts for you, hoping to update the folks in Red Creek through the newspaper about how your're doing. Lots of Love, from Louise.

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  6. Dan-
    I'm thrilled that you are able to get back performing. Scares the hell out when you recognize you may loose a part of your life like that. Looking forward to your sweet sounds.
    Chuck Lochner
    PS I love the lower registers.

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