Missing a concert with Jocelyn Brown saved drummer Mark’s life

The street to restoration 

Having been within the enviable place of working with so many nice artists worldwide as an expert drummer, Mark apprehensive his analysis would sign the tip of his livelihood. 

The bodily act of drumming is one which requires the ft in addition to two palms, so having inside kidney stents and a colostomy to take care of may cause issues.  

“I’ve been getting again to work slowly,” he explains.  

“Having been a musician for 37 years it’s troublesome to study to say no to issues, however I’ve to hearken to my physique. At any time when I used to be invited to work, I’ve needed to make them conscious that they wanted to have somebody on standby simply in case I’ve to tug out on the final minute, in case my kidneys flared up as an illustration. These days, I’m hoping this received’t be essential”.  

He added: “I do depend on the kindness of fellow musicians and stage crew to hold my gear because the stoma means I’m extra liable to having a hernia.” 

However regardless of the challenges of his therapy, Mark hasn’t let it cease him. 

“I nonetheless have to make a residing and to assume the place I used to be in 2019 once I had the majority of my therapy, surgical procedure, chemo and radiotherapy, I stay second by second and I really feel so significantly better and extra vibrant because of this. 

“I do know that if I had gone by way of this within the Eighties the therapy simply wouldn’t have been that superior. 

“I’m so grateful to all of the analysis that has been developed and the folks working to make it occur so I could make extra recollections and stick with it with what I like to do.” 

A second to recollect 

That second on stage with Jocelyn Brown might not have occurred in 2018, however a number of years later, because of his therapy, Mark made a reminiscence that can stick with him for years to come back. 

“I bear in mind displaying up on the Jazz Café in London in any case my therapy and her son was standing facet stage, he stepped out to level me out to Jocelyn in between songs.  

 “He pointed at me, and he or she appeared over and began crying as she knew how shut I got here to almost not making it. The viewers had been mystified as to why she began crying, then she defined my story. She didn’t have to try this. It was touching… she’s a sweetheart 

“I’ve so many individuals to thank for being right here and I’m grateful that I’ve had an opportunity to share my story. 

“It’s nonetheless weird to assume I’ve a stoma, although I’ve accepted it as a part of me and the progress that has been made in most cancers therapies imply there are kinder therapies now than there have been again within the days once I first began out in making and enjoying music.” 

“My five-year anniversary from analysis is on 1st October, and I really feel I’ve so much to be grateful for.”