Howdy everybody, I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. I was fortunate and happy to spend my Christmas with my wife and mother. There were times in the last year when i often questioned if I'd be here to do it, and here I am, extraordinarily happy to be here and say that.
This year was my 20th high school reunion. Although I was unable to attend I send out the biggest thank you to my former classmates who sent me a wonderful donation from funds of the reunion. A bunch of the people I knew in high school had been following my ordeal since before my surgery on facebook and have been there constantly for emotional support. I was surprised and truly touched when they showed up with financial support as well. So thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help to all my classmates of 2 decades ago who came forward and provided so much support.
Some new news on the medical side of things as well. I've been suffering from chronic pain in my lower back, side, and lower abdomen for two years. I've been through so many tests and so many doctors it's crazy to even describe. Since the surgeon said he couldn't operate on the hernias he ordered another MRI on my spine which showed a bulging disc in my thoracic region which is pushing on my spinal cord and two degenerative discs in my lumbar region. It is strongly believed by the doctors that the bulging disc is what has been causing this pain for two years which nobody could find. So, soon I will receive some injections in my spine to shrink this disc and hopefully take the pressure on my spine. If everything goes as planned, this just may stop the pain that has changed my life for the last two years. I'm hoping so hard that this will be the case. as far as the degenerative discs, well, there's not much to do about those for now.
Of course, I wouldn't be me without something else going wrong, which seems to be my theme for the last few years. A week and a half ago my left shoulder started hurting and has been getting worse just about every day. I've tried to just tough it out through the pain hoping it would get better, but it hasn't so I'm going to have to go once more to the doctors, get yet another MRI and figure out if it's a nerve or a rotator cuff injury and then go from there. I think that will officially be 7 MRIs this year, not even to mention the catscans, cerebral angiograms (3) and untold xrays. I feel like I could be my own nuclear reactor soon. It just seems that every time they find a solution or possible fix to one problem, another rises. To be honest, I just don't understand how I could fall apart to the extent that I have in just two years time. Many days it's physically overwhelming painwise, other days it's emotionally overwhelming because of the length and the constant pain and the near death experience with the brain, and still other days, it's both physical and mental. Those are the days that I completely stay home and can't really do anything and find it difficult to talk with anybody. I hope those days pass. I'm trying with all my inner strength to get through this. It's exhausting but I know it isn't just going to go away itself so i will continue fighting physically, mentally and spiritually until I can get my life back. I am determined to do it. I want to be out playing gigs full time again. I want to wake up in the mornings and feel positive about the day I'm about to have.
I've played 2 gigs in the last two months which I know doesn't seem like much, but it did to me. Mars Farris and I opened for Blues Traveler with our acoustic blues duo, Junco Partner and it felt so emotionally good that it over rode the pain of playing upright bass. Then I just recently played bass for Acoustic Syndicate for a night at the Visulite Theater in Charlotte. it was alot of fun but it was around a three hour show and it took me at least 3 to 4 days to recover physically. It really was an inspiring show to me though because it is starting to feel like my brain is connecting to my hands and to the music. It showed me that I really am recovering from the brain surgery, although slowly. But hey, slow or not, if I'm recovering and seeing real signs of it I'm happy about it. I wasn't playing at 100% or anything, but maybe 75 to 80%, which is pre3tty damn encouraging 7 months after my craniotomy.
So, there you have it, all the latest news, gooad and bad, coming from my life and situations. i once again hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season and be thankful for those in your life and for your life in general. Much love, Chris Kew
December 29, 2009
THE CAUSE
Chris Kew hails from Newfoundland by way of Boston and toured his way around North America countless times before settling down in Asheville NC.
In past years Chris has performed with a number of bands Hypnotic Clambake, Jiggle the Handle, Steel String Theory, and The Recipe. More recently Chris Kew teamed up with Mars Farris to form Junco Partners. Music is his passion.
But for the past year Chris' ability to pursue his passion and support his family has been severely limited.
Several months ago, Chris Kew was been diagnosed with an arterial veinous malformation in his left temporal lobe. It affected his speech center and language comprehension. The complications from the condition made it very difficult for Chris to pursue his profession as a musician.
His doctors recommended surgery and after several delays, the surgery was completed late in the spring of 209. It's was very delicate surgery with many potential complications and risks but Chris pulled through. He now faces a long and slow recovery.
Chris longs to return to playing music full-time but he's got quite a journey ahead of him. Anyone one who has been through brain surgery is aware that recovery is a slow and painstaking process and things which were once simple tasks, now require significant energy and focus.
Chris continues to take several prescriptions which take a toll on both his physical and emotional status. The prescriptions also take a toll on his wallet and the financial burdens are difficult since Chris is unable to return to work as of yet.
In past years Chris has performed with a number of bands Hypnotic Clambake, Jiggle the Handle, Steel String Theory, and The Recipe. More recently Chris Kew teamed up with Mars Farris to form Junco Partners. Music is his passion.
But for the past year Chris' ability to pursue his passion and support his family has been severely limited.
Several months ago, Chris Kew was been diagnosed with an arterial veinous malformation in his left temporal lobe. It affected his speech center and language comprehension. The complications from the condition made it very difficult for Chris to pursue his profession as a musician.
His doctors recommended surgery and after several delays, the surgery was completed late in the spring of 209. It's was very delicate surgery with many potential complications and risks but Chris pulled through. He now faces a long and slow recovery.
Chris longs to return to playing music full-time but he's got quite a journey ahead of him. Anyone one who has been through brain surgery is aware that recovery is a slow and painstaking process and things which were once simple tasks, now require significant energy and focus.
Chris continues to take several prescriptions which take a toll on both his physical and emotional status. The prescriptions also take a toll on his wallet and the financial burdens are difficult since Chris is unable to return to work as of yet.
