PJ music helps in difficult times
BS50517
Posts: 7
I'm 31 years old and a few days ago I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. There is never a good time to get cancer but I was particularly disappointed with the timing because... well, I'm so bloody young but also because I was due to travel to the United States in November to see Pearl Jam. I have seen PJ multiple times in Australia but I thought that there would be something particularly special about seeing them in the U.S. That trip will now have to be cancelled because I'll be having surgery and chemotherapy in the coming months. I have bought tickets to the Big Day Out in Adelaide, so I will at least be able to see Pearl Jam there - if all goes to plan.
I have read stories from other PJ fans about how the music has helped them through difficult times in their lives. Now I have a story of my own to share.
Two days ago I had my MRI and CT scans to image the tumour. At the imaging clinic, there is a selection of music that you can listen to during the scan. I took one look at the list and Pearl Jam jumped out at me. Before going to the appointment, I was watching Carrie Brownstein's interview with the band. Jeff commented on how difficult it is to play songs like Even Flow. The first song that came through the headphones in the MRI machine was none other than Even Flow. The sound quality was likely to give me ear cancer but I was happy to have PJ along for the ride.
Whilst waiting for the scan, I was thinking about how this can be a new beginning for me. A chance to adopt a more positive approach to all things, to become an even better husband and father and that I will be able to look back on this stage in my life as a turning point. When I heard the Even Flow lyric, "He'll begin his life again", a big stupid grin crossed my face. The scan lasted about 30 minutes and toward the end I was actually falling asleep, which I didn't think would be possible listening to Spin The Black Circle. Pearl Jam's music has been with me at a lot of important stages in my life but this was something quite unique. I'm looking forward to Lightning Bolt coming out and seeing what meaning I can draw from it and how it might help me through this journey.
Play it loud.
Beau from Australia
I have read stories from other PJ fans about how the music has helped them through difficult times in their lives. Now I have a story of my own to share.
Two days ago I had my MRI and CT scans to image the tumour. At the imaging clinic, there is a selection of music that you can listen to during the scan. I took one look at the list and Pearl Jam jumped out at me. Before going to the appointment, I was watching Carrie Brownstein's interview with the band. Jeff commented on how difficult it is to play songs like Even Flow. The first song that came through the headphones in the MRI machine was none other than Even Flow. The sound quality was likely to give me ear cancer but I was happy to have PJ along for the ride.
Whilst waiting for the scan, I was thinking about how this can be a new beginning for me. A chance to adopt a more positive approach to all things, to become an even better husband and father and that I will be able to look back on this stage in my life as a turning point. When I heard the Even Flow lyric, "He'll begin his life again", a big stupid grin crossed my face. The scan lasted about 30 minutes and toward the end I was actually falling asleep, which I didn't think would be possible listening to Spin The Black Circle. Pearl Jam's music has been with me at a lot of important stages in my life but this was something quite unique. I'm looking forward to Lightning Bolt coming out and seeing what meaning I can draw from it and how it might help me through this journey.
Play it loud.
Beau from Australia
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2007 Werchter Belgium
2010 Nijmegen Netherlands,
2010 Werchter Belgium
2012 Werchter Belgium
2014 Amsterdam 1 Netherlands
2014 Werchter Belgium
my next one.
Camden, NJ 2006
Camden, NJ 2008
NY, NY 2008
EV 2008
EV 2011
Brooklyn,NY 2013
Philly, PA, 2013
My Lightening Bolt cd came in the mail today and I am living in it right now - It will surely project you into that realm of healing...I cannot begin to tell you just how spiritually transcending Swallowed Whole and Yellow Moon are. When you hear them, your new life's agenda will be reinforced - not to mention Future Days.
Today has been a day for tears as someone important to me was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor - she will undergo surgery on Monday and biopsy pending, we will see if chemo is also necessary.
Pearl Jam has been the sound of my life as well - Truly, their music has provided relief, reflection, and healing.
So, all day we have been celebrating life and love - and I now add your life and that of your family too to that celebration so that you have hundreds more Future Days and Yellow Moons to share with your wife and children.
Good luck and good faith -
My mum got diagnosed recently with breast cancer, currently going through chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Peace and love.
I am hanging in the balance of a perfect finished plan
Like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand.
I returned home today and sat in my recliner chair and looked up at my favourite painting, which I got for my 30th birthday last year - it was wonderful to be home after 2 weeks in hospital. I was also greeted with a lovely surprise, as Lightning Bolt had arrived in the mail. I pulled out the record sleeve and the image below is what I was greeted with. The colours seemed to match so closely, it was as if Jeff Ament had sent me a giant Welcome Home card!
Loving the new album, especially now that I can Spin The Black Circle.
Frustratingly I can't get the image to display, which is kind of important to the post. I've read the threads on how to do it but it says it can't determine the image size and I don't have the energy to deal with it now.
So sorry you couldn't make it to the US leg of your trip, and of course about the complications you suffered. Hoping for a speedy recovery for you and that LB provides that spiritual uplift that's so important in times like these.
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
I hope things are looking brighter for you now and you're getting better.
I was diagnosed with melanoma cancer a few years ago with not a great prognosis. Listening to PJ helped me through the shittiest days, and I especially found comfort in Eddie's Into the Wild soundtrack. When panic set in I closed my eyes and listened to Long Nights and felt much more at peace.
I'm doing fine right now, hopefully you are too.
All the best!