The Last Bass Outpost

Main Forums => The Outpost Cafe => Topic started by: drbassman on July 21, 2015, 03:48:17 AM

Title: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on July 21, 2015, 03:48:17 AM: I've been laying low for five weeks cause I had an unexpected illness. I ended up in the hospital with an abscess on my liver back in mid June. No warning, no one can figure out how it happened. It was the size of my hand when finally detected. The only clue was a fever for ten days and pain in my gut. If untreated in time, they are 100% fatal. So, after eight days in the hospital and being sent home with three drains coming out of my liver I'm finally feeling better. The drains are out now and I have two more weeks of mega antibiotics to go. Most of the time I was on morphine or oxycodon and out of it. So, posting would have been an adventure in delirium. I'm off everything now for a week and feel great, just a bit weak. Going to practice with the guys tonight for the first time in six weeks! All is good.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: uwe on July 21, 2015, 03:54:49 AM: Schön zu hören! Gute Besserung.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: dadagoboi on July 21, 2015, 03:58:34 AM: Glad to hear you're on the mend, Doc!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: patman on July 21, 2015, 05:10:04 AM: Good to have you back and feeling well...
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Nocturnal on July 21, 2015, 05:21:14 AM: Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Take care of yourself Doc!!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Pilgrim on July 21, 2015, 05:41:41 AM: I'm VERY glad you caught this in time! Feel better and recover well. We need you around here, Bill.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on July 21, 2015, 06:00:45 AM: Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Just another bump in the road! I'm just feeling blessed that I survived it.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: gearHed289 on July 21, 2015, 07:32:58 AM: Dang man, glad they caught it! Cool that you're going to band practice. 8)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Chris P. on July 21, 2015, 08:19:50 AM: Get well soon! Glad you're back!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: godofthunder on July 21, 2015, 09:01:29 AM: So glad you're feeling better!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: eb2 on July 21, 2015, 09:17:35 AM: Be well. God Bless.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: TBird1958 on July 21, 2015, 12:27:09 PM: Glad to hear you're feeling better, best wishes for a full recovery.
We've missed you!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Basvarken on July 21, 2015, 01:07:19 PM: Glad to hear you're feeling better.
Welcome back
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: gweimer on July 21, 2015, 01:33:13 PM: They can't get rid of us bass players that easily. Good news! 8)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Highlander on July 21, 2015, 02:08:13 PM: Get a 4x4 Bill... better for the bumps in the road... ;)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Lightyear on July 21, 2015, 04:30:28 PM: Great news Doc! Glad you're on the mend and still with us!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: slinkp on July 21, 2015, 07:26:37 PM: Holy crap. I'm glad you're okay.

Now you and Watt have even more in common than just liking NR birds! I look forward to your opera.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: OldManC on July 21, 2015, 08:06:45 PM: I'm glad you're on the mend, Doc! Seriously, what a great blessing that you and your docs caught it and you got the treatment you needed. I'm glad you're still here to add to the fun. ;D
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Dave W on July 21, 2015, 08:19:58 PM: Always pay attention to a pain in your gut. Sure glad you did.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on July 22, 2015, 04:06:04 AM: Quote from: dadagoboi on July 21, 2015, 03:58:34 AM
Glad to hear you're on the mend, Doc!
Thanks Carlo! I haven't been in the shop for 6 weeks, so I hope by next week I'll feel up to it. My first three basses have their finishes done and just need assembly.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on July 22, 2015, 04:10:03 AM: Quote from: Dave W on July 21, 2015, 08:19:58 PM
Always pay attention to a pain in your gut. Sure glad you did.

Thanks to all of you, it's so good to be a part of this motley crew! You are so right Dave. At first, none of the docs thought the pain was significant. It took ten days of fever and increasing pain to convince them it wasn't a virus!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: rahock on July 23, 2015, 03:47:41 AM: Hang in there buddy. Gettin' old ain't for sissies ;D.
Rick
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on July 27, 2015, 06:25:56 AM: Quote from: rahock on July 23, 2015, 03:47:41 AM
Hang in there buddy. Gettin' old ain't for sissies ;D.
Rick

Damn right! I'm getting better each day. Moving forward!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: BTL on August 08, 2015, 09:34:14 AM: I'm glad to read you're on the mend...take care!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on August 14, 2015, 07:29:44 PM: Oh yeah! I'm feeling better everyday. Off all drugs for 10 days and eating/drinking normally again. Life is good.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: OldManC on August 14, 2015, 07:45:40 PM: That's great news, Bill! I'm glad things are looking up.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Stjofön Big on August 15, 2015, 04:19:29 AM: Welcome back! As the years passes on, one becomes almost surprised to still be around. (Even if one doesn't get around much. Anymore...)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Highlander on August 15, 2015, 08:37:49 AM: Excellent..!
Title: Re: Recent illnessq
Post by: drbassman on October 08, 2015, 12:40:25 PM: Quote from: Dave W on July 21, 2015, 08:19:58 PM
Always pay attention to a pain in your gut. Sure glad you did.

Dave gave me the best advice. After the liver event, some of the pain has lingered and we've determined that my bile duct cancer is back. Again we've caught it early and I'm off to chemo next Wednesday. I'll keep you all posted, I'm quite positive again things will work out. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, that's all we really need!

Bill
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: TBird1958 on October 08, 2015, 01:26:13 PM: Prayers and best wishes to you Bill.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: patman on October 08, 2015, 01:41:54 PM: You will be in my prayers.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Pilgrim on October 08, 2015, 03:03:29 PM: Bill, sad to hear about this but very glad to hear that it should be something you can beat - again.

We're all pulling for you.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: wellREDman on October 08, 2015, 03:58:59 PM: sending good thoughts
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: OldManC on October 08, 2015, 04:06:16 PM: Good thoughts and prayers from Utah, Bill. I'm glad you have a set of good doctors and a great support system. Here's to successful treatment!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on October 08, 2015, 07:13:15 PM: Thanks everyone. Ironically, I feel great, just a little nagging ache in my gut. My docs were totally caught off guard and only found it via blood test. Starting chemo here in Rochester and headed down to Johns Hopkins as soon as we get an appointment for more chemo there. You all are great, I'm blessed to be a part of this forum.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Nocturnal on October 08, 2015, 07:35:34 PM: Best of luck with this Bill. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Dave W on October 08, 2015, 07:50:35 PM: Oh no! So sorry to hear about this. At least you're on top of it and heeded that gut feeling. Best wishes for a full and sppedy recovery..
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on October 09, 2015, 03:03:31 AM: Quote from: Dave W on October 08, 2015, 07:50:35 PM
Oh no! So sorry to hear about this. At least you're on top of it and heeded that gut feeling. Best wishes for a full and sppedy recovery..

Thanks Dave. Just read my last scan and it is totally negative, so we're happy there's nothing in lymph nodes or big tumors. Feeling good about treatment, too. Bless you and all the gang here.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: uwe on October 09, 2015, 03:15:57 AM: (http://www.davidstuff.com/historical/iwojima.gif)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Basvarken on October 09, 2015, 04:00:25 AM: Get well soon Bill.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: gearHed289 on October 09, 2015, 06:56:55 AM: Glad you're feeling good,and they caught it early. Here's to another successful recovery!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Lightyear on October 09, 2015, 04:48:04 PM: Good luck Doc! We all know for sure that you're a fighter and that counts with what you're dealing with. My prayers are with you.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: chromium on October 09, 2015, 11:29:43 PM: Stay strong, and get well soon!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on October 10, 2015, 05:09:03 AM: Quote from: uwe on October 09, 2015, 03:15:57 AM
(http://www.davidstuff.com/historical/iwojima.gif)

A picture is worth a thousand words. Thanks Uwe and all.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: dadagoboi on October 10, 2015, 05:57:30 AM: Keep on keepin' on, Doc!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: BTL on October 10, 2015, 06:41:33 AM: Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, and thank you for the continuing inspiration.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: godofthunder on October 11, 2015, 05:41:07 AM: Shit. I totally missed this. Sorry I didn't get back to you. I hope all goes well!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Highlander on October 11, 2015, 09:32:49 AM: Positive vibes from the Highlands...
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on October 14, 2015, 04:17:44 PM: First day of chemo went well today. The next one is Wednesday then a short break. So far so good!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Dave W on October 14, 2015, 06:21:35 PM: Stay strong!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on October 15, 2015, 05:16:54 AM: Quote from: Dave W on October 14, 2015, 06:21:35 PM
Stay strong!
Thanks Dave, I will! Today is supposed to be the worst day since the nausea could kick in and cause some distress. So far, so good, I'm feeling fine, just tired. Gonna work on a bass today! In between naps!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Dave W on October 15, 2015, 01:45:36 PM: Quote from: drbassman on October 15, 2015, 05:16:54 AM
Thanks Dave, I will! Today is supposed to be the worst day since the nausea could kick in and cause some distress. So far, so good, I'm feeling fine, just tired. Gonna work on a bass today! In between naps!

Napping is vastly underrated. :)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Highlander on October 16, 2015, 02:52:51 PM: Well, that's one shake you don't get at McD... ;)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: lowend1 on October 22, 2015, 09:15:31 AM: Give it hell, Doc! >:(
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on October 29, 2015, 02:03:11 AM: Update: first chemo went well, had to postpone the second due to low blood levels. Back at it on Nov. 4th. Got good news yesterday, they found the spot and I will also get radiation. The more treatment options, the better! I'm doing well, still working and hanging out in my shop.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: TBird1958 on October 29, 2015, 06:35:13 AM: That's encouraging, take good care Bill!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Pilgrim on October 29, 2015, 09:18:12 AM: Wishing you the very best - sounds like some positive developments. Great to hear!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Dave W on October 29, 2015, 01:59:40 PM: Good to hear, under the circumstances. I figured things were going okay since you've still been posting regularly. Best wishes as always.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Highlander on October 29, 2015, 05:48:45 PM: +1 on any of the above... can't add more pos vibes than I already am...
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on February 22, 2016, 07:52:02 AM: Hi guys, time for an update. Things were progressing nicely and recently the chemo treatments stopped working. So, we're finished here in Rochester and will be going down to Johns Hopkins on Feb. 29th. for the next steps in my treatment.

I'm feeling great right now as my cancer is still in very early stages with no obvious symptoms and the chemo side effects are subsiding. Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers. They are cherished. One of the silver linings in all of this is I've talked myself into retiring once and for all in June!

Keep your eyes open, I'll have a couple new basses ready soon!

Sincerely grateful for all of you,
Bill
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: nofi on February 22, 2016, 09:49:05 AM: i don't think i have posted before regarding your illness but you are often in my thoughts. all i can say is keep up the good fight, doc.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on February 22, 2016, 12:46:22 PM: Thanks Nofi. We're running the good race and doing all of the right things.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Dave W on February 22, 2016, 05:41:50 PM: So sorry to hear this, Bill. It sounds like you have the situation well in hand though. Keep us in the loop.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Pilgrim on February 22, 2016, 06:50:35 PM: I hope Johns Hopkins has some big guns to help you out!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on February 22, 2016, 07:09:21 PM: Thanks guys. The docs there are the best when it comes to my illness. I'm very thankful.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: lowend1 on February 23, 2016, 07:11:57 AM: All the best, Doc.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: uwe on February 23, 2016, 08:20:38 AM: Whomp that sucker!

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dN12_YBg0IE/Sbx5tTH7eDI/AAAAAAAAEjw/NGfyy695J-A/s320/sparks26.jpg)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on February 23, 2016, 09:02:42 AM: Quote from: uwe on February 23, 2016, 08:20:38 AM
Whomp that sucker!

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dN12_YBg0IE/Sbx5tTH7eDI/AAAAAAAAEjw/NGfyy695J-A/s320/sparks26.jpg)

Good one Uwe, that's my intention! ;D
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Highlander on February 23, 2016, 03:32:36 PM: Positive vibes, Dood... positive vibes...
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Basshappi on February 23, 2016, 05:23:09 PM: Wishing much success and a full recovery, keep fighting the good fight Doc!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Rob on February 24, 2016, 09:08:43 AM: Stay strong Doctor!
Prayers out for ya'.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: slinkp on February 24, 2016, 07:45:33 PM: Be well doc!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Nocturnal on February 24, 2016, 08:43:56 PM: Prayers and positive vibes headed you way Doc~~~~~~~
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on February 25, 2016, 06:43:39 AM: Thanks so much guys! We're actually excited and very optimistic about going to Johns Hopkins. We gave the B-team here in Rochester a shot at my treatment with the blessings of my JH docs. It worked for awhile, but then just stopped toward the end. JH is the top place in the world for pancreatic and bile duct cancer, so I'll have my best shot at survival with them. Naturally, prayers and attitude make a big difference, too! ;D
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on March 03, 2016, 08:59:12 AM: All went well at Johns Hopkins. They want me to do a couple more chemos here before we move onto a different therapy. Fortunately, they don't feel things are as bad as we recently thought. That was good news! Our docs here are very conservative and tend to panic if things don't go as they expect. So, we'll do some more treatment here then send the results down to JH for their analysis and follow up.

Meanwhile, I'm feeling fine, till the next treatment on Friday. Ugh!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: TBird1958 on March 03, 2016, 10:35:48 AM: Good news that you're feeling well Bill - Good thoughts and prayers out to you.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Denis on March 03, 2016, 01:04:50 PM: Glad to see you alive and posting, Bill! All good mojo from Raleigh, NC!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Dave W on March 03, 2016, 01:07:34 PM: Keep fighting, Bill!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: Highlander on March 03, 2016, 01:16:37 PM: I'll pour a slightly larger dram than usual Friday evening and drink to your good health...! :toast:
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: uwe on March 03, 2016, 03:04:25 PM: Who sez you can't live long and make a racket with a little poison in your body?

(http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Cobra-Spitting-Venom.gif)

Slither thru, Bill, and scale - ouch! - those chemos ...
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: patman on March 03, 2016, 03:34:51 PM: Best wishes, thoughts and prayers your way...
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: OldManC on March 04, 2016, 12:02:35 AM: Good thoughts and prayers out West, Bill! And here's to a long and happy retirement!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: steveonbass on March 04, 2016, 06:41:15 AM: I'm very late to this thread as I seldom enter this area of the forum but I wish you a smooth treatment and full recovery. This does not sound fun. I am thinking of you and yours Bill.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: BTL on March 04, 2016, 07:51:02 PM: It sounds like you're getting the best and doing your best...keep up the good work!

8)
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: lowend1 on March 05, 2016, 11:02:43 AM: Hang in there, Doc. Vaudeville needs you healthy!
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: westen44 on March 06, 2016, 10:21:00 AM: Hoping and praying for a full recovery.
Title: Re: Recent illness
Post by: drbassman on March 07, 2016, 07:00:07 AM: Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and prayers. We are going to do chemo locally a couple more times and explore some other options at Johns Hopkins. Our visit down there went well. Basically, my cancer isn't curable, so we're working on fighting it as long as there are regimens to do so. Just a reminder that life is short, but it is still sweet under any circumstances!