Eva Cassidy

I had heard her sing before and knew she was good. This past weekend my brother in law Jerry played me a few of her songs and I was really blown away. I heard she died young. 

I had treatment today. An infusion of Opdivo, an immunotherapy wonder drug. I am lucky. I've been told had I been diagnosed with Melanoma as little as ten years ago, it would have been a death sentence. Honestly, shocking to think if I didn't step in front of this with medical help and lifestyle changes, this would be the beginning of the end of my life. I don't feel old or remotely ready. The infusion only lasts 30 minutes. Last time, I had a reaction so I was scared. A new hospital, too. They are starting to lightly sedate me with liquid Benadryl. I sleep and get the infusion. I know it is so much easier than chemo. I won't loose my hair or look like death warmed over. But it is still scary because of the possible side effects. It's stressful.

I bravely say I'm gonna fly through this like some people do. I'm not gonna have any of those symptoms or reactions.But I had a few things happen after surgery that make me realize It could happen to me. I'm not really in control here. What if I do get the negative side effects? says the quiet voice in my head.

SO I chant, and eat a vegan diet, exercise and use step three, "Made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understood him"

But it was a stressful day and I can't sleep. So I looked up Eva Cassidy. I listened to her beautiful recordings and was so moved by her voice and inspired by her performances.

Then I looked up about her life and death. She was diagnosed with melanoma in 1993. She had surgery but unfortunately, the cancer came back and killed her in November of 1996. She was 33.

 It stopped me in my tracks. I had melanoma. That is what I am fighting now, in case there are microscopic cells lurking somewhere. I really felt for her. She loved to sing and write, just like me. She was active in music in the 80's and 90's just like me. I can't imagine missing out on all those years of life and making music. Very, very sad.

Truly the worlds loss, too. She was an amazing talent.

Thy will not mine be done. But, God I hope all this works and extends my time here on earth.

Eva Cassidy  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGnfqRR509M

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