Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff

Subject: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:23 PM

Wow, what a roller coaster this year has been! For quite a while (at least the last couple of years) I'd been concerned about a lack of energy, and some related stuff, but agreed with the Docs that it was probably just a symptom of hittin' the 'fifties'. Five months ago a huge malignant tumour was found on one of my kidneys, and from the reaction of specialists it wasn't hard to project that I wouldn't be around for very long. I went through many X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasounds and the like, but the bottom line was that the only possible option was a complete kidney removal, with a LOT of potential dangerous complications.

Scared shitless? Yes....and no. I've had one heck of an interesting ride, with far less heartbreak than many of the folks I've known. You hate to finally say "goodbye", but I'm a fairly adventurous type, and if there was a "next step", well.....I'm pretty curious. So, I was willing take that step without any recriminations. BUT....

I was recommended to a young hot-shot surgeon, named Neil Fleshner (who has quite an internet presence I discovered) who was willing to take on 'dangerous or radical' operations. I was told he was considered the best in Canada, and when I managed to get an operating date (four weeks ago) Heather and I kept our fingers crossed.

The operation went great, Dr. Fleshner got all the cancer, and I got a brand new life! I'm still in a state of manic euphoria....so happy I can barely describe it.

Spent three weeks in Sunnybrook Hospital with SEVEN TUBES STUCK IN ME! Various IVs, catheter (Ugh!), stomach tube, needles in the arms, yada, yada...and when they finally let me out four days ago, I didn't even wait for my ride....I took the bus home (!!) even though I'm down 40 POUNDS (fortunately I started from a not so svelte 210)...poor Heather....the nurses probably thought I'd been deserted, but I REALLY wanted out.

Well...I've got virtually no muscle tone, feel as weak as a baby.....but Boy am I happy. The conditioning will come back over the next few weeks and I want to thank the few folks who DID know what happened when I came out of that operating room, and phoned Heather and the hospital. (I didn't tell anyone, how bad things were becoming over the last few months, simply because I didn't know how)

Man, did I hate cancelling concerts...but I had to cancel a few, and students as well (there were times when I simply had no energy for long drives, or even teaching). Plus my Mudcatting hobby took a severe hit, and had dwindled down to almost nothing....sorry to those folks who asked for musical help and got ambiguous (short) PMs back asking for patience. I'll be on the case in a few days as the strength comes back.

Well, I guess some of us on the Cat REALLY belong to quite a "club", don't we? Hospitals can be a mite scary!

So....eat yer vegetables, don't smoke, and DON'T brush off a pain in your side for several months as a "muscle pull"....it may be what I had....and my tardiness damned near killed me.

I'm SO glad to be checking out the Cat and the good people once more.

Luv

Rick

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:28 PM

Welcome back Rick! To LIFE!

Sincerely,
Gargole

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:28 PM

Ohmigod, Rick! I have been missing your posts and figured you took Heather on an exciting trip. But that's not what I had in mind! I'm so glad you're recovering!! Abby/hg

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:31 PM

I'm relieved to hear you're recovering.

I told you many times to quit smoking and you always blew me off. Now, here's a promise. If I ever see you smoking a cigarette again, I'm going to take your guitar and break it over your head. Believe me Rick, I'll do it.

Now, get well, play music and enjoy your second life.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: RichM
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:35 PM

I've been through the big "C" too, Rick. After a couple of operations, radiation and chemotherapy, here I am, healthy ----30 years after.
Attitude is a big part of healing. I swore I would fight the good fight,and it looks like you are too!
Loving friends and family are a big help too.
You go, boy!

Rich McCarthy

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Fortunato
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:38 PM

Rick, I have been watching for your posts, my friend. I thought you'd had no interest in the threads going past. I've had little myself. But I watch for you and Jerry Rasmussen and Art Thieme and 'Spaw and Micca and some others. Now I understand where you'be been. Well, I guess if you have to find out someone you care about has had cancer, then this is the best way: After the worst is over and there's a bright future. Congratulations, my friend. Welcome back. I wish you a speedy and full recovery.

Whew! That's a relief; I was worried you went to sleep and the hogs ate you.

cheers, chance

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:39 PM

Such a relief my friend! What the hell is going on? cancer is everywhere. Been wondering why you didn't finish that guitar strap, now, I know! Welcome back Mate, and, if I ever see you smoke I will whisper in your ear, "Ya know, Heather wont be single for long" hehehe

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Fortunato
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:41 PM

Oh, by the way Rick. My dad had a similiar cancer of the Kidney. It was removed years back. He's 90 years old now. He keeps up his house and yard and gardens every day. Chance

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:49 PM

The bus still cracks me up. I always had someone sitting and waiting when I was close to a release'cause as you now know, by that point you are ready to walk home!!!!

JP says you ate 4 plates of Chinese the other day.......Take advantage of the weight loss. On the other hand, you can do what I have done each time.....Be so damn happy to be alive you eat everything in sight and do more than you should........Take it easy Bro.

BTW......This would be a damn good time for you to catch up on your corporate duties with Lane, Fielding Patterson, and Swan--Layabouts-At-Large. The rest of us have been relaxing overtime without you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:52 PM

Well, Judas priest, Rick! Glad to hear you are back among us. I had wondered what the deal was.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Cappuccino
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:53 PM

Good to hear you're in such good shape.

- Ian B

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: MMario
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:57 PM

! ! ! ! ! ! !

!

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:57 PM

Whew Congratulations. I've been telling people about you- about your musical abilities, that is. So glad for the good part of your news.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 12:59 PM

I kept checking your website to see where the hell you were! Glad to hear it's over and the news is good. Frank and I are looking forward to your November concert in Branford, CT.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:03 PM

Yikes...what a scarey bit of business! I'm so happy that all turned out well in the end...I love a success story! Hoo-freakin'-ray!

LL

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: alanabit
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:09 PM

I thought you must have been off on tour. Welcome back and look after yourself mate. We like having you around here. Alan.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:14 PM

Yeah, don't go getting sick-I've been giving out flyers for your Goole gig in September all weekend, and can't wait to see you.

Best of health

Eric

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: GUEST,Nella
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:14 PM

You're lucky. My father died of kidney cancer at 54. He'd be 61 if he was still with us.

Dad's cancer was a direct consequence of his smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of developing kidney cancer, and is believed to cause about 30 percent of kidney cancer found in men and approximately 25 percent of the cancer in women.

Take care and stay healthy. You have a lot of fans in Connecticut.

Nella

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: M.Ted
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:15 PM

You are one of the few that cares enough about all those old time musicians now in the Celestial Old Time Red Hot Country, Jazz, and Blues Band to keep their playing styles alive in your playing and in your teaching--most likely there was a unanimous vote to keep you here on the firmament as long as possible--those of us down here want to hold on to you as long as possible, too--

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:28 PM

Wow, it sounds like this was something you couldn't even handle with your Dremel. Glad the doc had a better toolkit!

(you want light and breezy, OK, so it shall be...)

Shit, Fielding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

love,

~Susan

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Mudlark
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:30 PM

Rick...I'm so glad that the outcome is good..it's great to hear you so full of joy! Thanks for all the wonderful musical knowledge you've given of so freely, and thanks for being alive....it will be great to have you back!

Nancy

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Mrrzy
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:32 PM

Yikes, man! Welcome home!

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: C-flat
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:35 PM

Congratulations on your recovery.
Time to start living again!

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Wesley S
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:46 PM

Rick - I'm glad to hear you're on the mend. I was also wondering why I hadn't seen any posts lately. I would have prefered disinterest to cancer however. Take care and best of luck.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Dave Swan
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 01:52 PM

Brother Patterson is quite correct. We've worked our selves into a stupor doing nothing, and could really use some help. Very glad to see you up and posting. Happier still to hear all went well. Come out to sunny California and convalesce!

Best, D

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 04:01 PM

Joyful, joyful!!!! Here everyone is telling you not to smoke, and you're whole COUNTRY is smoking!!!! It sure is great to hear the good news, Rick! Maybe we can hop over and hear you in Branford...

Jerry

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: KT
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 04:16 PM

Two words come to mind, Rick.....BRAVO and gratitude!!! Wishing you all the best as you continue in your recovery. KT

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:04 PM

Thank you for staying with us for a while, Rick. Have all the Chinese food you want but no MSG...SINS.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Hollowfox
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:34 PM

JAY-sus, Rick! You just about scared me into a heart attack with this post! I'm glad you shared good news with us by the end of the chapter, though. Let the strength build back slowly and steadily, and savor the manic euphoria for all it's worth, for as long as you can. And give Heather an extra hug for me, would'ja? (No digitalis for me tonight, thanks, my heart's going at a pretty good clip right now.) Mary

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:46 PM

Well, Rick seems to have the joy and mental energy of a little kid on Christmas morning. Rick, I'm glad you're back at Mudcat; I'm glad you're alive and gonna stay that way for a while; I'm glad you're around to yell at me for playing stuff on guitar in ways you don't like. That you're happy makes me more glad than anything else.

I hope that "manic euphoria" lasts for the rest of a long life.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 05:57 PM

Is it any wonder where our hearts have been
Listening to your music, visiting a friend,
Talking up your picking and ability to sing?
Then we come to find out you've had this thing.

Don't know where that was going, if even, but the lines wanted to be written.

This Kat isn't laughing, she is beaming, like the Cheshire Cat, with gratefullness that you are home and well...a survivor, but most of all because of your friendship and kindness to us all.

Oh, and, I think Heather has earned at least one full day at the Spaw!

luvyadarlin'...kat

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Morticia
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 06:05 PM

Merde Chaude,Rick, glad this story had a happy ending....be well, stay well, no more scares okay?

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: lamarca
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 06:36 PM

Rick, this is a Club that we members did NOT want you to be part of...but since you've decided to join us, glad you're here, Survivor! At least you get to keep your hair...my friends complimented(?) me on my Sinead O'Connor look-alike style while I was doing chemo...

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Deckman
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 06:44 PM

Congrads on the victory Rick. I sure understand about you not knowing how to post the news earlier. That's one kinda private hell that you and yours have to go through alone. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:01 PM

Rick,

Glad to see you back on the 'Cat and well enough to go out for Chinese (I had to have passed you on Kingston Road). I hope to get over to see you this week. I tried my best to keep it quiet, but I have to admit that I leaked it a bit.

Welcome to your new life. I'm off to 3-2-5-1, 4-2-5-1.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:09 PM

Glad to hear you're sticking around!

BJ

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 07:16 PM

All the best, Rick. Good to see you back. vl

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: bigchuck
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:07 PM

Wonderful news, Rick, and sobering to this old geezer. All the best and I hope to actually meet you and hear you live sometime.
Sandy

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:13 PM

geez...at least you saved Mudcat about 17 gigs of bandwidth by NOT advertising what you were going thru!....awfully considerate of you!...*weak grin*........so, maybe RT congratulations at the Getaway¿¿...and happy 1st day of the rest of your life!

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Stewie
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:26 PM

All good things, Rick. Welcome back.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: little john cameron
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 08:49 PM

Jings!! Ye cannae get bugger aw past you ataw Fielding.This wis a select wee club we had oan the go here an' ye couldnae wait tae get in could ye?
Weel,noo that ye've gaun through the initiation ah suppose we'll hae tae late ye in. Noo,aboot the smokin,ye'll find efter a wee while that ye think a wee draw wid be awricht jist tae see if ye had it beat,or some ither rationalization.DON'T EVEN THINK ABOOT IT!!!!!Awbody'll tell ye,IT CANNAE BE DONE.
It is anither story in the ongoing Fielding saga.
Ah'll bet ye Alan is disappointed though as he probably needs his guitar tuned by this time.

Great news pal. John

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: alison
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 09:00 PM

glad to have you back Rick........... you must have had a very "interesting" few months......

love to you and Heather

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Nancy King
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 10:15 PM

Yikes, Rick -- you've had quite a time of it! So very glad to hear it's all turning out OK!

I enjoyed meeting you at last year's Getaway, and am definitely looking forward to seeing you again this year! Till then --

Cheers, Nancy

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Dharmabum
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 10:33 PM

Funny how something so bad can create something so positive.

Sunrises will be a little brighter,
Sunsets will be a little prettier.

ENJOY.

DB.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Ferrara
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 10:51 PM

Omigawd Rick!!!! You know what? I'm glad I didn't know this was going on. Not sure I could have stood it.

But so glad to know it went so well. Give our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Neil Fleshner!!!!

Rita

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:48 PM

G'day Rick,

Best wishes ... get even better!

(And here I was making bad cricketing puns about your Goole Gig ... )

Anyway, I'm glad to hear that it may all be gone in one chop ... an old musical friend of mine, here in Sydney (and a keen performer for CanTeen ... a local charity supporting teenagers with cancer) has, just into his retirement and looking forward to enjoying a lot of bushwalking, been hit with cancer in his lower spine.

He's had a lot removed and is currently going through the radiation and chemo phases ... and a bone marrow transplant next week - but he's stayed right in there with the music, music workshops and encouraging his kids - all good musicians.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Paul Mills
Date: 09 Jul 02 - 11:52 PM

Rick must be thrilled to see such an outpouring from mudcatters, but he shouldn't be surprised. I have been priviledged to spend this past weekend celebrating Rick's victory with fellow mudcatters Big Mick, Jed Marum and Jeri and other friends and although I haven't been a regular poster for sometime, I surely feel the strength of this community. God bless you all!

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: Escamillo
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 12:39 AM

It's great to see you back Rick ! My best wishes for your fast recovery and 50 years more of music. And a big THANK YOU to the doctors and personnel who dedicate their lives to save lives.

Un gran abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: MAG
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:32 AM

About time you took advantage of the wonderful support waiting for you here .... I can only add ...

JEEZ. -- M.A.

Subject: RE: Rick: Life, Cancer, Friends, Gigs, Stuff
From: DonMeixner
Date: 10 Jul 02 - 02:35 AM

Well, Rick, by now I could only repeat what has been said. I am truly glad at your good news for us.

Don