Cancer = No Jazzfest

[jmac]

I don't jump on this forum much...I guess that's what happens when you spend most of your time fighting cancer. But I needed a place to vent my frustration and figured you all would understand.

I was diagnosed back in October and decided to go through aggressive Chemo over a 9 week period (6 hours a day/5 days a week) with a goal of being able to attend Jazzfest this year. I started going to Jazzfest back in '96 and haven't missed since...until this year...it looked as though I was going to make it...told my bro's I would be there just as always, but at a little slower pace....and maybe only one night that I would carry on through to the early morning hours...so my plane ticket is bought, hotel booked and I am set...feeling good that my hair finally started to grow back, energy level slowly coming back, etc...I haven't seen live music in over 6 months and was looking forward to Jazz Fest...as Jerry Garcia said, "when live looks like easy street, there is danger just ahead"...I took a set back this week that has compromised my imune system (the original cancer & surgery has left scar tissue that is causing issues) and need to have some more surgery...my Dr. has advised me to not travel...he doesn't think drinking lots of Beer with 500,000 music lovers is in my best interest...I am scheduled to leave Weds nite for Nawlins...I have struggled with what to do all weekend...should I just F it and go and risk getting worse...after all, my original goal when I started Chemo was to be healthy enough to attend Jazz Fest...but, I realize I can't go...so to anyone who reads this...

Enjoy the Fest like it was the first time you went...and have a beer for me!!!

[McGregor]

Good vibes your way Jmac. I hope you feel better and soon!

[glinda]

jmac! My heart goes out to you. You remind me to live life to its fullest. Maybe you can experience a little taste of the healing power of music! Listen in to fest on wwoz.org and watch next weekend on attblueroom.

Healing vibes to you.

[csoul]

jmac - I don't know you one bit, but my heart is going out to you right now. You truly have been dealt a crappy hand........this year. I know that everyone on this board feels the same way, cuz we all know what a blow it would be to not get to go. I'm sure I can speak for everyone here when I say that we will be thinking of you, not only during fest, but all year and sending good thoughts, karma & prayers your way......and looking forward to drinking a cold, cold one with ya' at Ms. Lena's next year. Take care of yourself and know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. I for one will be that much more appreciative of my opportunity to be there.

[chrisjoseph]

good thoughts are with you.

[FLSusan]

I'm wishing you the very best and sending a huge hug. Please take care of yourself.

P.S. We'll meet next year when you're well enough to attend Jazzfest '10!

[brooklyngal]

I'm so sorry to hear this is happening. I hope very much that if you get yourself well this year then next year will be your grand return to the fairgrounds!!! You'll be able to really enjoy without any fears or concerns and hopefully not miss any additional years as well. I like the suggestion of listening to the webcasts. It isn't the same but maybe that coupled with getting on the boards will get you through this year. Take good care of yourself and we'll see you next year.

[IBROCKN]

Jmac, Please take care of yourself, and I can't believe these words are being typed on MY keyboard, but listen to your Doc!
We''ll all be sending good thoughts your way & hope to meet you at Fest 2010.

[ABITAGIRL1]

Jmac, will send a silent prayer to the powers that be from the fairgrounds this year. I'll ask them to send you strength and healing. I know that in 2010 you'll be back in NOLA partying amongst your friends. Stay strong.

[noblues]

I'm sorry you can't be here but take care of yourself first, so that we can have a beer with you next year. We'll be looking for you. Until then, be well, keep going, and I'll have a beer with your name on it.

[jtd7]

my Dr. doesn't think drinking lots of Beer with 500,000 music lovers is in my best interest...
See, this is where I would definitely get a second opinion.

Aw, I'm joking with you, jmac. You're making the right choice for yourself, and for all of us. We can't afford to lose anyone who so obviously loves music and NOLA as much as you do.

Please take care of yourself, partake of Jazz Fest by streaming WWOZ and taking in the Blue Room next weekend. I'll be doing that with you this year. After She Who Must Be Obeyed was laid off in Feb we had to cancel our JazzFest trip this year.

And you will be in my prayers, jmac, for lots of healing grace, and the strength to endure your treatment.

[ohio]

Prayers for you Jmac!

Missing this one year to take care of yourself should equal many more fests in the future...

[mwgirlonherown]

Jmac,

I am so sorry to hear. Please take care of yourself and listen your body and your doctors. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now Jmac---My best thoughts for your health from here in Salt Lake.......

My family has been going thru a fight with cancer as well, and I just want you to know that recovery is a blessing, and I know that soon you will be back at Fest, enjoying the healing power of great music!!!

God Bless, Matthew

[petegumbo]

Healing Karma coming your way, hang in there brother, next year we will be in the sunshine dancing or over in gospel tent singing praises, take care we'll see you then...

[Festering]

I had fairly similar issues to consider in 1992 and decided to attend.

But the most important thing is for you to concentrate on what you need to do. I can't know from here whether that is attending or not, but I do know firsthand that the gift of cancer - no that's not a typo - is that it really helps you (forces you?) to focus on what is truly important.

Allow it do that for you and if that means coming to Fest, see you there. But I'll drink to your health either way.

-dan

[ChiTownHuck]

I am sorry that you can't attend. Prayers sent.

[jmac]

thanks everyone for the great vibes...it really helps to hear all the kind words...I know I won't be able to attend but as Fess, Eddie Bo, Snooks, etc... are watching from above, I will be watching from the Web!!!

Happy Jazz Fest 2009 to you all!!!!

[Tivia]

Many healing thoughts to you!

[eZe]

thanks everyone for the great vibes...it really helps to hear all the kind words...I know I won't be able to attend but as Fess, Eddie Bo, Snooks, etc... are watching from above, I will be watching from the Web!!!

Happy Jazz Fest 2009 to you all!!!!

Hey, I'm heading down Wed. night, Thursday morning.....any Fest request while I'm there. Be glad to pick something up for ya. Of course crawfish and other goodies wouldn't make the shipping but cds and posters can.

Take care of yourself. Listen to 'OZ and let the music heal you.

[luvwarmth]

You (and your docs) are in a much better position to decide what is best for you. I know I'm just a faceless name on this board, but I wholeheartedly wish you well.

[papafrog]

take care brother jmac...all our hearts are with you....
it makes me stop to realize how important good health is...
a prayer for you as well...

[Chicago Fest Fan]

I know it hurts not to go to Jazz fest especially when that has been your goal this year but heed you Drs advice and we'll see you out at the fairgrounds in the future. Sending good thoughts and special jazz fest karma your way to help with your continued success.

[ozzie]

Sorry for your troubles jmac. Good thoughts and Fest karma headed your way. Take care.

[linza22]

jmac, sending a prayer out your way. remember, it's just one Jazz fest, seriously, just one. you be good to your body and your body will return the favor....for many many jazz fests to come. kisses.

[mangoon]

Good thoughts and prayers to you Jmac.

[Terry]

So sorry you won't be able to be there in person, but I am taking you with me when I leave home on Wed. You will be with me at the airport, on the plane, at the Hilton, on the trolley, and of course at the Fest.

I was debating whether to go myself as I am having some physical challenges myself, a little weak and swollen ankle, and swollen hands, esp. in morning. Have to wear special compression stockings which are a bitch to get on with, esp with my weak hands.

And now there is this Swine Flu thing going around.
But you decided it for me good buddy. I am going for both of us, and we will have a ball.

[luckydog69]

My wife had cancer surgery in January and is in the middle of chemotherapy now. I had hoped she could come to JazzFest with me. I enjoyed 1st weekend and brought her back a bandana to cover her head.
Just do what you have to do and stay away from crowds and come next year when you feel better.
You are in my prayers!

[eZe]

Hugs to your wife Lucky.

[KatiefromDC]

Will definitely have a beer just for you!

[jmac]

My wife had cancer surgery in January and is in the middle of chemotherapy now. I had hoped she could come to JazzFest with me. I enjoyed 1st weekend and brought her back a bandana to cover her head.
Just do what you have to do and stay away from crowds and come next year when you feel better.
You are in my prayers!

thanks man, tell your wife to hang in there...Chemo is darkest place I have ever been...the only thing that pulled me through (besides my family) was a daily dose of the fUNKY Meters/Meters, Dumpstaphunk, some Zydeco etc...I know what your wife is going through and with her in spirit...tell her to keep up the good fight!!!

[jmac]

Thanks everyone...I hope to keep this thread going all week...it makes not attending this year a little easier...someone please let me know how the Meter Men sound this weekend

[MormonMatthew]

Hey Now jmac---I too am a lifelong fan of anything Art Neville and George Porter lay down, and the Meters/funky Meters were instrumental in bringing me down to Fest for my 1st time 13 years ago........

If there is anything you want me to pick you up at the f Meters gig on friday night (t-shirt, hat) please let me know, as it would be my honor!!!

Stay strong, and as Art says "Light Yo Fiyo"!!!