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8/1/06

I did not believe that the chemotherapy would ever be over, but at least today was the last day in this phase.

The Newpogen shots that were given for the past six days boosted my white blood cell count enough, and I could undergo both Cisplatin and CTP11 treatments. I will have six more radiation treatments, and then will enter the recuperation period before the major surgery.

The CT scan in a couple of weeks will tell how effective the chemo/radiation treatments were. Even though I cannot assume anything, I will try to be cautiously optimistic.

For the past six weeks, my chemotherapy hours (4 to 5 hours) were very special time. Without exception I carried “rocks” given by my friends, Bose headphone, CD player, CD by Ernest Goldman, and a book by Rachel Remen in my MFA toot bag.

Ernest Goldman is a local pianist who had piano lessons from the teacher of Beethoven’s linage in Austria when he was young. Then he moved to the US and had a career as a physicist till he retired at age 65. After retiring, he has devoted his life to his love of music and piano.

Oh, by the way, he is only 92 years young.

He is a core organizer of “Sounds of Stow” festival, where local musicians play orchestra　and sing classical mass music. http://www.soundsofstow.com/ He also gives concerts in the area nursing home frequently.

To make a long story short, I have been his groupie for the past few years. Even though I do not have musical ears, I was intoxicated by his concert with the extremely talented viola player from Israel, Yossi Gutmann. Also, his tenacious passion toward music, energy and discipline to organize, plan, and prepare new pieces for the next concert move me very much.

On the first day of my chemotherapy, he had a charity concert at a nearby nursing home. Being naive about the side effects of chemotherapy, I went to the concert with my friend. Ernest, who already knew about my cancer treatment from his daughter who is my friend, gave me a few of his CDs then. Thus, my chemotherapy time became a special concert time.

In his CD, he explains how, for example, Beethoven was afflicted by his deafness when he composed a piece. I understand that truly! When you are suffering, your sense of joy toward nature, life, and energy become very keen. It is not an envious feeling. You are simply glad and rejoice that there is such abundant beauty in this world! I never connected to music in this way before.

Thank you Ernest!

PS: Uploaded photo is taken at an oncologist’s office today. I should have looked at the mirror before to straighten out my scarf.

For comments: lincicome@charter.net