Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: JedMarum
Date: 08 Feb 10 - 04:04 PM

Great idea Seamus. I'll look into it right away.

Thanks again y'all. Since the income issue will be an important hurdle for Michael for at least the next year, I'll keep this subject refreshed from time to time. We have a couple of other things in the works - but more on that as the time comes.

Thanks again to all

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 10:45 PM

Any chance of a Mudcat Auction with the proceeds going to Michael's medical expenses?

I'll submit some books and CDs.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Ferrara
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 05:30 PM

Thanks Jed for making us aware of this. I hope Michael can read, or have someone print for him, all these very encouraging stories from people who've been there. And Michael I hope you will end up with another great success story.

Is anyone down there arranging a benefit concert for Michael? When I was waiting for a heart transplant, people did that for us. Besides the major financial help, the feeling of being supported that it gives is a priceless gift.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Mike L2
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 12:03 PM

Hi

<" Bat Goddess... 11 at my last count here at The Café. But, there are those that don't wanna talk about it. ">

I am one who has written here that I have suffered from throat cancer.
I don't mind talking about the positive side as long as it helps other unfortunate people.

I live in the UK and I contacted throat cancer of the larnyx some 15 years ago.

I had gone to the doctors with another problem and mentioned that I was finding that I was getting hoarse late in the day. At the time I was working as a lecturer in IT.

So I was lucky that they found it early.

My consultant advised my treatment to be at first laser surgery. I had 5 or 6 ops at about monthly intervals. They gave me monthy monitor appointments and for about six months declared everything was OK.

But then one day I was told that the tumour had re-grown and that surgery now was not an option and I was recommended to have radiation at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.

I had daily treatment as an outpatient - my choice as we live about 30-45 minutes from the hospital - I had to have 36 treaments and had to go every day including Saturday and Sunday and Easter which fell during my treatment.

As healthcare is a current topic both in the UK and the US I will tell you that I received all my treatment on The National Health even though I had private health care insurance!!!! That was at my consultants recommendation.

I have nothing but praise for the treatment I received. 36 days and I was never kept waiting for even one appointment. I had direct contact at all times by phone to a doctor and on occasions I did have to phone with questions. I was always answered immediately and satisfactorily..

The after treatment and care was of the same standard.

At first the radiation was not a problem. I drove to my treatments - accompanied by my wife - at first I was able to drive home after receiving it. About halway through I felt more happy with not having to drive.

I had sore throat for most of the time and eventually I was unable to swallow normal food. I was advised to try to eat normal food but to blitz it in a food processor. I didn't mind this because at that time the taste of food to me was not important. Towards the end of my treatment I was prescribed free by the hospital cartons of a yoghurt-like consistency. Each pot contained something like a 1000 calories !!!!

At the end of the treatment I was soon able to start eating normally again. And have been almost uninconvenienced ever since. My voice though was rough at first but over time it has improved and now I am able to sing but have to change the way I sang before because I don't have the range that I had previously.

Someone here ( I think ) said that throat cancer is not well known and there are few sufferers compared with other cancers. This may be true but but only last night the BBC showed a report to say that throat cancer is increasing and warning that ALCOHOL was the main culprit !!!

When I was diagnosed there was no mention of alcohol but only of cigarettes. I was a non-smoker ( never had even one !!). They blamed mine on being a musician and singing in smoky clubs, pubs and other establishments.

In fact I questioned alcohol and was advised to drink "sensibly" if I wished to after I returned to health.

I hope this helps others and at the moment Tom, Kendal and now Michael.

My thoughts are with you all and I raise my glass ( sensibly) in wishing you all well.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: mkebenn
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 11:57 AM

as in most things, good spirits are the best treatment, and I send mine. Mike

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Jed Marum - sans cookie
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 09:01 AM

I'm working on getting a mailing address posted, Kendall. Thanks.

Thanks to all for your kins thoughts and comments. I don't know if Michael's been in to MC to see this thread yet, but I spoke with him yesterday - and he sounds well. He sounds in good spirits too. He's been told his prognosis is good and they mapped out his therapy for the next few months with hopes they can avoid surgery. The disease has not yet affected his larynx, and may not.

As GUEST,Sam I Am says above, donations and/or CD purchases through the website listed above is most appreciated and your thoughts and prayers even more so.

Thanks again y'all.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 08:07 PM

I don't know from Pay Pal, just give me an address where I can send for his CD.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: gnu
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 07:03 PM

Bat Goddess... 11 at my last count here at The Café. But, there are those that don't wanna talk about it.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: DougR
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 06:20 PM

Michael: Good thoughts and prayers are sent your way from a University of North Texas grad (class of '52). Kendall is an excellent source for treatment of your problem and I hope you are able to avail yourself of the best medical treatment available.

Let us know of your progress from time to time.

Best,

DougR

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Barbara
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 04:44 PM

Michael, take care and get well! That's an order.
Blessings,
BArbara

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 12:48 PM

Boy, my current circumstance is keeping me away from much computer time. Between my parents, my daughter, and performing I only get in here on a sporadic basis. So I am appreciative that this has been brought to my attention. Having Jed as a close personal friend, and a fellow Beef Brother, I know what a good man he is. He will do much to help Michael through this time.

Michael...... wtf? ...... You and I form the north - south axis in Red Wings and Notre Dame fandom, bro. Lay offa this aul load of shite, willya?

Seriously, sir, I have you straight in my prayers, and I will start hawking your CD's at my gigs. I am a fan, and will spread the word in whatever way I can. But, you need to sink into the treatment and get soon, y'hear? I am looking forward to the day that I can make it to Texas and do some singing with you, Jed, and some Texas friends. So get busy, OK Buddy?

Go Wings...... and go Michael Harrison,

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST,Sam I Am
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 12:14 PM

I'm one of Michael's friends who has really enjoyed his music at some of our "singalongs" in the past (I'll have to overlook the fact that he's a Red Wing's fan). I just wanted to say that several of his friends have put a lot of work into developing his website so that people can donate and buy his CDs, and I hope everyone will seriously consider making even a small donation on that website. With all the friends that Michael has, the small donations will really add up. I know that Michael and the people that have spent the time to set this up will really appreciate it.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Mr Happy
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 11:08 AM

Michael,

Keep yer chin up & get well soon!

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 10:37 AM

After years of not hearing much about mouth and throat cancers, right now there are five in our circle alone undergoing treatment (including Tom/Curmudgeon and Kendall). Six, now, with Michael.

White light, prayers and healing thoughts focussed in his direction.

Yes, check out Dr. Steven Zeitels at The Voice Center, Mass General Hospital, Boston, MA.

(See Science Daily
and Voice Center   
and here's the article from Boston Magazine -- Voicebox Hero )

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 09:29 AM

Michael, here's hoping for a complete recovery. All best wishes to you and Kelly.
- Phil

Michael's CDs can now be purchased through the Friends website.http://michaelwilliamharrison.com/

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 07:16 PM

I was just directed to this by Jed. I too would say Dr. Z. Michael has started his chemo. He joins Kendall and Tom on the list for prayers for full recovery.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: PoppaGator
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 07:04 PM

I had cancer on my right tonsil in 2004. The tumor was about the size of an egg. Long story short, I'm completely cancer-free now, and certainly hope the same for Michael.

I was told before starting treatment that "head-and-neck cancers" ~ which I would assume includes the throat ~ nowadays have the highest full-recovery rate of all types of cancers, but that the treatment is among the most debilitating and painful, because of all the various systems of the human body that can be found in the head and neck.

I spent a couple of months pretty whacked out on painkillers. At one point, I couldn't swallow anything, not even my own spit, and had to have a feeding tube installed in my stomach, which became my sole source of nutrition for a couple of months. It was a pretty rough time, but it WORKED.

My treatment regimen included both radiation (5 days a week for 7 weeks) and chemo (once a week for those same 7 weeks). The idea was to shrink the tumor to the point where surgical removal would be possible. The radiation and chemo worked so well that the surgery was unnecessary and never happened; the tumor was completely gone.

I'm left with zero thyroid function, about 50% saliva production, the loss of some facial hair, and a mouthful of broken-off teeth. All of that damage can be attributed the radiation I underwent. Michael is apparently getting chemo but not radiation, which should leave him with much less permanent damage. Of course, we all hope that he DOES experience "permanent damage" to all the cancer cells!

God bless and best of luck.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Wesley S
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 07:00 PM

Wow thanks for the update. I didn't know he was feeling poorly. Let's hope for the best. There are very few Michael Harrisons in the world and OUR Michael Harrison is one of the best.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 05:53 PM

Thanks for posting this, Jed. Not in a position to help financially at this point, but can send positive thoughts and white light.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 04:37 PM

Michael, if the 'throat' includes vocal cords, do check out Dr Zeitels. I know too many people who have or have had this. Looks like you have loads of friends and fans though. I hope for a successful treatment that isn't too difficult.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 03:32 PM

Oh, "Texas Guest" yes..now I've connected the two. Thanks Jed.

Michael, we have a lot of folks who have made it through this before. Try to keep your thoughts and words as positive as possible. Watch funny old movies, cartoons, anything which will make you laugh or smile.

Now that the Mudcat Mojo has been activated, you will feel all of those good thoughts, concern, love and hugs coming your way.

I give thanks for your complete and timely healing. This is or something better for the highest good of all concerned.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Will Fly
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 03:20 PM

Michael - I hope the chemo and any other treatment you have does you positive good, and that you win the battle. I read somewhere that, these days, in places like the US and Europe, the success rate in curing the disease is overall actually quite high - 85%+ and rising. Go with that figure in mind!

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:35 PM

Well, Micael, I'm gonna forgive 7ya' for being a Wings fan... Go Caps!!!

But seriously, here's hopin' that you can get up to see Kendall's doctor who everyone here says is the best... And like the Capt'n said, "Ain't no death sentence these days' and, yes, these guys can do wonders...

Hang in there an' know that I'm sendin' a bunch of good positive "harrison" energy all the way from Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains...

Bobert (harrison)

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: gnu
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:30 PM

T&Ps.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: JedMarum
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:28 PM

Michael's used a few Mudcat names over the year, I believe - Texas Guest among others. And I think, like me he is more frequent reader then he is a poster - but I know many of us here know him and know of him - so a look at the link will fill in some of the blanks.

Thanks again to all.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: JedMarum
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:26 PM

YES - Michael is the WINGS fan.

If you'd look at the link above, there's more info about what's going on nad how you can help - but as I said above, simply purchasing a CD pr two will go a long way to help - and I am certain you'll love the music.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:23 PM

Is this MWH the Wings' fan? How can his hockey pals here help?

~S~

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:17 PM

Sorry I missed this! I'll trace it and keep any eye out for anything that might be of assistance.

SRS

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: JedMarum
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 02:10 PM

Contributions are most certainly be in order, as your situation allows. If you click the link I posted above (and again here) there is info and a means for doing so. In addition to the medical expenses and the worries, Michael has lost his income. Any help we can give will be meaningful.

But in truth, you can help yourself and Michael by purchasing his CDs. He is a fine performer and CDs show it. I am certain Mudcatters will enjoy his music very much.

Thanks to y'all for posting. I am sure we can provide real benefit to Michael as we "circle the MC wagns," as Kendall says above.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 01:35 PM

Blessings and light to one whose with has bright light to others ....


Like Janie said there's a pattern here .... or just maybe we get to share the pain because we share the laughter so well...

Keep posting ....

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Amos
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 01:20 PM

This is a rough time for Michael; he's had his first chemo and says it all went well. Michael has a long history of contributions to the music forum here.

Here are clips of Michael for your enjoyment.

If you can help, there is a donation button on this page.

Come back hale, and winning, Michael!!

A

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: kendall
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 01:15 PM

Jed,would contributions be in order? Our health care system may be the best in the world, IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE, but it is also the most expensive.

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: kendall
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 01:12 PM

Is there any way you can get to see Dr. Zeitels at Mass. General hospital? He is the best there is in that field, and I know that because a number of other Doctors have told me so.

It's amazing what they can do these days. Cancer used to be an automatic death sentence but now it can be no more than an inconvenience.

Mudcatters, circle the wagons for Michael!

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: MikeL2
Date: 02 Feb 10 - 06:53 AM

Jed

I am so sorry to hear about Michael's misfortune.

I send him my best wishes and all the positive enegy I have to help in his coming fight.

I have suffered from the same problem some 12 years or so ago.

I am pleased to report that after a lot of treatment and rest I am now fit and well and have been recently declared "clean " of the dreaded big C.

After some time recuperating my voice has returned.....I can now sing but do not have the range that I had previously. It is improving still and though I haven't started performing in public again this is because I don't want to - it was not my living any more when I contact the illness.

Another positive thought is that even since my recovery even better treatments are available to aid even better recovery.

So I am crossing everything that I can for Michael and hope that we can hear him back in good voice soon.

Best Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: Janie
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 11:27 PM

Michael, I enjoy your thoughtful and informative posts here on Mudcat. Sending light and positive energy.

Thanks for posting this and letting us know, Jed.


I don't think of throat cancer as being all that common, though perhaps it is. It sure seems like it has become all too frequent in this community of late.

Subject: Michael Harrison - Singer and Cancer
From: JedMarum
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 10:55 PM

I know many of my music friends know my friend Michael William Harrison and Michael is a long-time, part-time Mudcatter.

Michael is also one of the North Texas area's favorite and finest folk singers and a good friend to the music community at large.

Michael is battling throat cancer and friends of Michael have begun an effort to help him. Performing is his only means of support - so whatever lies in store for him later, he has lost his income for some time.

I know his Mudcat friends will want to know how he's doing and keep him in their thoughts and prayers. I know some of his Mudcat friends have direct personal advice they may wish to offer, as well.

I have a long term wish, hope, prayer, that his music will return him, strong and healthy - but first I wish him good health and the financial peace to get through this next phase of his life.

This Link will take you to web site that has been set-up for Michael by his friends and you can find links there to Michael's Face Book page, as well. I hope you will take a look and consider helping out in any way you can.