Dear Caring Bridge Friends and Family,
Here's a quick update that refers to some social media posts that are making the rounds. I've tried to keep my Caring Bridge health information separate from all of the typical daily social media outlets because information can be confusing when it's all mixed together regarding various mundane, funny, and serious topics.
Some of you may have seen that I posted my retirement announcement on Facebook. I'm here to let you know that this is only partially a health-related decision. When I was extremely sick and beaten down in the hospital and recovering from spinal surgery, radiation, and the cancer diagnosis in 2019/2020, I wasn't really sure how much time I had to live (actually, on a side note—none of us know precisely how much time is left).
I was at peace with "going soon" (and in 2019 I felt like that might happen sooner rather than later), but I was also looking towards the future and pondering which possibilities I still might have to live a fulfilling life with my family—and hopefully still be doing music projects. One of the goals on the distant horizon back then was to stay on my gig with the WDR Big Band until the full retirement age in Germany, which would be 66 years, 1 month for folks of my generation.
Much to my delight, my full-retirement-age date is approaching, yet I don't "need to retire" because of health concerns. Of course, I'm going to be very sad to leave my gig in January of 2025, but I'm thrilled that my health is relatively stable still (more info on that below), and that I can even consider leaving the WDR after my 30-year stint with the band and afterwards doing some other projects ... it's all cake!
As my friend and mentor Rufus Reid wrote to me: "When it's time, IT'S TIME."
So, I'm somewhat sad to be leaving the WDR Big Band next year, but I am thrilled to be alive and feeling halfway decent most of the time. Hurray for modern medicine and the power of love and positive thinking!
Here's what I posted on social media:
*****
It's with a heavy heart that I announce that after 30 years with this incredible ensemble, I'm retiring from the
WDR Big Band beginning in January, 2025. I'm not 'retiring' from music and bass playing by any means, but my work with the WDR Big Band will conclude to make way for a new bassist to take over the position.
It's a great job, and it's meant the world to me to be able to work with this world-class big band for the past three decades. I offer my love and respect for all the great musicians, conductors, arrangers, composers, guest soloists, and WDR staff (management and recording crew) that have shared this journey with me. When I first started playing bass in the '70s, my dream job was "studio jazz bassist"—and that's what I've had with the WDR Big Band since 1994.
*****
Regarding my current health situation: As you may know from my previous post, I switched to the chemo medicine Capacitabine. These are pills which I take twice a day. Every three weeks, I have an infusion of Bevacizumab at the clinic. Beva is a monoclonal antibody that prevents new blood vessels from growing. This seems to keep the progression of my Stage IV breast cancer in check—for the time being.
I've been able to deal with both of these drugs pretty well, although there are some annoying side effects. One bad side effect of the Beva is that it causes high blood pressure, so now I'm working with the doctors to find the magic combination of high blood pressure medication. That's proved trickier than I thought!
At the end of June I will have another PET scan (every 6 months!) to determine if the current medication regime is working and keeping things stable. I'm hoping for a "stable" report because I still have a lot of quarter-notes to play before January 2025. By the way, I'll be subbing for myself on a USA tour with the WDR Big Band in February 2025 ... So even though I'm retired from the band, I still might get to see you in Chicago, NYC, or Pittsburg in Feb. 2025!
I'll check back in here after I get the results of the PET scan in early July.
Keep swinging, and have a Happy Father's Day. It's
Christi Himmelfahrt today in Germany, which is Feast of the Ascension ... which is celebrated here as Father's Day.
All the best,
John
