Mike Howard Jazz Blog

Wonderful News regarding Mike’s progress

J. Paul Duplantis — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:34:53 +0000

Debi Howard said,
July 27, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Sunday morning, July 27, 2008

We have such wonderful news for you! Mike rec’d a further amputation on his right leg on June 28th (the wound was not healing at all) and this past Wed. we got the official word from Mike’s vascular surgeon, Dr. Jeromy Brink, that this amputation is totally healed!

It has been the biggest challenge for me to determine when, where & how Mike would be getting treatment for the Multiple Myeloma. Many of you are aware that Barbara Kavanagh from the AZ Multilple Myeloma Network referred us personally to Dr. Rafael Fonseca, Director of Multiple Myeloma Research & Treatment at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. After email connections were made, Mike had an appt. for evaluation within 2 weeks. Dr. Peter Bergsegal is looking after Mike’s health situation and decided to start him on Valcade chemo in IV form, 2 more pill form chemo meds and antibiotics. We are sheduled to get treatments, checkups & lab work every Monday. The drs. said to give it 4 weeks treatment to see it this treatment is effective for our situation. Drs. advise that we not travel just yet. We may be able to take a visit to L. A. in 3 weeks or so.

Mike was released from Healthsouth Re-Hab Hospital this past Thursday. We will get home care with an RN & Physical Therapists twice a week. Will then go to out-patient OT & PT therapy there after. We plan to use physical therapy in the pool for less weight baring stress on his left leg & for more flexibility.

We are all doing our best and continue to let you know when we can, how much your prayers and love keep us above and beyond the situation and how many miracles keep appearing for us. Most of you know that I am not surprised, but, so amazed and thankful when I can see them!!!! Mike thanks you from the bottom of his big, big, heart and even though he does not feel like talking on the phone or having visitors just yet, pls. know how much we appreciate everything in our lives and that includes you all.

Our sons, Anson, Preston and Derrick (that lives in Texas) are being upheld by God’s grace and are so trusting in God’s guidance in our lives and challenges.

Pls. email us a line or two and I will be posting photos of the the 2nd jazz jam a.s.a.p. It as so wonderful that Mike was able to attend. He thoroughly enjoyed it!

From your help & support, I bought Mike a beautiful Ibanez hollow-body electric guitar in red sunburst and black background. Will send a photo of his playing soon. He is able to practice sometimes.

Blessings & Miracles Everywhere,
Deb, Mike, Anson, Preston & Derrick & Michelle Howard

Mike Update at Healthsouth

J. Paul Duplantis — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:45:47 +0000

Mike got transferred to Healthsouth Re-Hab Hospital on Monday afternoon. He’s doing better and glad to be in re-hab. Thank goodness he loves the food there and knows the nurses and doctors already. This is his 3rd stay this year. So, weekly he is evaluated. I’m gonna guess that he will be there for 2 weeks. You are welcome to visit or call him. He would love the company now that he’s feeling better and out of the grogginess from so much anethesia/meds.

John Vold, a wonderful guitar player is filling in for Mike at Bobby C’s Sunday Brunch and this past Sunday, John came with his guitar and amp and played for Mike & the Good Sam Hospital ward of Pod 1A greatly benefited also. Wendy from Jazz in AZ came also. A couple of our nurse friends, Kristen & Iris were saying that they felt we needed a fog machine to go with the music!!!!

We are hanging in their with lots of faith and thanks for all of you, family & the Lord’s prayers answered daily.

Blessings,
Deb

A real good sign: Mike wants ‘another’ guitar – just like John’s. It’s an Ibanez electric hollow body. I’ll get it for him sometime this week.

Update on Mike from Deb

J. Paul Duplantis — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:39:00 +0000

Hello everyone mike has been in the hospital since last thursday, june 26th.

He received an angiogram on his left leg to clear some blockage & it was necessary to
amputate more of his rt leg above the knee. We are blessed w an appt july 21st
with the specialists for multiple myeloma at the mayo clinic in scottsdale, az.
He is currently having a slow time clearing mentally from anesthia & not exactly
sure yet if that is the cause.

Doctors will be running tests. Pls continue prayers and thx for all your caring, faith & love.

Deb

Photos from Benefit at West Valley Art Museum 06/14/08

J. Paul Duplantis — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:38:15 +0000

Video posted of the Mike Howard Jazz Benefit at the Gaslight

J. Paul Duplantis — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:37:45 +0000

Here is the video of the last Jazz Benefit held for Mike Howard. Great music, great crowd and great place.

Click here for Video

You can also find this video on the video menu to the right.

MIKE’S LATEST HEALTH UPDATE:

J. Paul Duplantis — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:29:47 +0000

Mike and I met with his prosthetic rep last Thur to fit Mike for a ‘prop’ leg to attach to his wheelchair. All in expectations that Mike will feel up to attending this fund raiser.

We have made alot of accomplishments last week: spiritual healing session, went to see The Doobie Bros & Chicago at The Dodge Theatre, meeting with prosthetic rep for a prop leg & Multiple Myeloma Support Meeting which was a major relief to meet everyone and have the support system we greatly need. Thursday after meeting with the rep & the mm meeting, I went to work from 1 to 6p and returning home, Mike had his guitar, tuner, music book, cords & straps on the bed and had practiced. That’s the most I have seen him do in weeks since returning home from the re-hab hospital!

This coming week we will be attending a national ‘Amputees Across America’ luncheon at Healthsouth Re-Hab Hospital; meeting with our Naturpath Dr. Psenka to review avenues to get Mike stronger and healthier; & meeting with our prosthetic rep, Mark to get Mike’s prop prothetic leg to hopefully attend his 2nd Jazz Benefit this Sat.

At the present time ( and since Jan 08), we are not treating Mike’s cancer with any chemotherapy due to the 7 surgeries he has underwent for vascular disease & bone marrow cancer related. We will be getting a second opinion (& more opinions) for treating his condition. Mike also has the hugh challenge of Periphial Vascular Disease.

All that you are doing and everyone involved, is proof of Mike’s gradual healing and he believes my (our) friend, Alice Penrod confirmation that the Archangels Michael & Gabriel and Jesus are taking great care of him & have guaranteed his total healing!

God is Great!!!!!

I have items for silent auction

J. Paul Duplantis — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:28:57 +0000

3 framed photos
1 massage gift certificate
1 candle & soap gift basket
1 gift certificate for Valle Luna Dinner
1 carved ceramic pot

Does anyone else have anything to donate for the silent auction or raffle drawings?

2) Decorations & Theme

My friend, Cheri will help me decorate the stage ‘Luau’ style (per approval with Mike Bailey) and we have encouraged everyone to dress colorful/tropical style.

3) We will have an info table for the Multiple Myeloma Support Group, etc. & make some announcements about it.

4) Wendy will be available to help do the raffle tickets/drawings like at the last benefit.

5) Paul Duplantis might be able to do some video.

6) I will have a poster board of Mike’s photos & career bio.

If you have any other questions or suggestions or something else we need to work on, pls. let me know a.s.a.p.

Message from Debbie Howard

J. Paul Duplantis — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:27:45 +0000

Hello Everyone,
I wanted you to all know about the wonderful works of fellow friends & musicians
that dedicate their time, talents & finances to host these events.
Here is the 2nd jazz jam benefit that fellow musicians are hosting for my
husband, Mike. Most of you are aware, but those of you who are not, Mike is
challenged with Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer) and PVD – Periphial
Vascular Disease. He has had 7 surgeries this year and needed his right leg &
left toe amputated from the vasular disease and most likely interconnected with
the cancer that causes severe anemia in the bone marrow. We are currently
researching naturapath methods of treatment. Any chemotherapy is too severe for
him right now. He’s trying to build up his strength. Pls. keep him in your
prayers, we appreciate it so much. He definitely feels the healing prayer & love
that maintains him. We are expecting and accepting a miracle healing any minute
now!

For all of you who have donated in the past, my husband and my family thank you
from the bottom of our hearts and appreciate all of your cards, letters, phone
calls, financial support and also meals prepared for our family.

With Love & Appreciation,
Debi, Mike, Anson & Preston Howard
For any of you who want to mail a card &/or donation, pls. make out you check
to:

Mike &/or Debi Howard
2241 W. Sierra St.
Phoenix, AZ 85029
Debi Cl 602 510-0536
Mike Cl 602 885-1680 Pls. feel free to give him or I a call & pls. leave a
message so we call you back.

Blessings & Miracles Abound,
Deb

West Valley Art Museum Benefit for Mike Howard on 6/14

J. Paul Duplantis — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:39:55 +0000

Hello Everyone,

This is the flier invitation to my husband, Mike’s Jazz Benefit that fellow musicians are hosting. We would like all of you, your friends and family to know they are invited and welcome to spend time with people that want Mike to know how much they care and love him. Especially during the last 7 months since he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer) and serious challenges of Periphial Vascular Disease.

Please email me to let me know if I can expect to see you there. Our theme is ‘Tropical Luau’ and we will be dedicating it also for Father’s Day. Will let you know more later as we organize the details.

Okay – get out your vintage/classic Hawaiian shirts and dresses!!! We’re gonna ‘keep cool’ and have a great time.

If any of you or know of a business that would like to donate items for raffle and/or silent auction – pls. let me know or have them email or call me.

I will post updates on particulars for the event on this blog as the time nears.

Blessings,
Deb
cl 602 510-0536
email: debigarciahoward@yahoo.com