Late Breaking! Mike Peters Of The Alarm!

[Gross Urnings 0]

Found this on a music website I visit on occasion...supposedly either an email sent out to fans or a posting on his website?! Anyway - reads as follows:

 

Hello my friends,

 

I hope you are all enjoying the best of times as the holiday season approaches.

 

I have some very difficult news to share with you. Last Thursday on the 8th December, I was diagnosed as having cancer. I have been told by my consultant, Dr. E that I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The good news is that although my illness is not curable, it is treatable and, in the words of Dr. E, it is a disease I will probably die with, rather than of.

 

Obviously, this has come as a massive shock to me and my family, especially as it is almost ten years to the day that I was originally diagnosed with cancer (Non Hodgkins Lymphoma). In 1995, no one really knew what had happened to me and how I had come to be 'cured'. Now, with the breaking of the DNA code and the huge leaps in 'understanding cancer', that have happened since, I now know far more about my situation. Ten years ago, it seems that my own immune system supressed the cancer and I was able to go into 'remission' for ten years. (A 'good deal', according to Dr. E!).

 

Today, modern science has unlocked some of the dark secrets of cancer. The one thing about me that is different today from ten years ago, is that my white blood count is extremely high. A normal reading would be between 5 and 10. My count last Thursday was 482! This was the main indicator for my particular form of cancer - CLL (which is almost exactly the same as Non Hodgkins Lymphoma). The team at my local Hospital / North Wales Cancer Centre have been absolutely amazing. I have received only the best, in terms of treatment, care, reassurance and honesty. Last Friday, they sent me to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor for a treatment known as Leukapharesis. I was wired up to a machine and my blood was drained off a litre at a time, separated by a centrifugal force and put back into me, minus the white blood. It was a long and arduous procedure lasting over four hours (and not without a considerable amount of discomfort!), but it has brought my white blood count down to 380.

 

On Monday, I was back at the Cancer Centre to see Dr. E who had arranged for me to have a biopsy under general anaesthetic on Wednesday. The Biopsy is to confirm Dr. E's diagnosis of CLL and to rule out any other form of cancer such as Mantle Cell Lymphoma. The biopsy was performed by Dr. Z, who successfully removed an enlarged lymph node from my neck. (The other good news is that I was out in time to see Man Utd v Wigan on T.V. that evening!).

 

At the hospital during the afternoon, I was again visited by Dr. E, who indicated to me that with my cancer being at CLL Stage 1, he feels I should begin a course of chemotherapy starting next Friday the 22nd December. He has also told me, that, subject to my response, he should be able to work the chemotherapy around my desire to perform at The Gathering in January. I am starting out on the mildest form of chemotherapy and providing it is timed correctly, I should be in an 'up' part of my cycle and therefore fit enough to perform.

 

I want to reassure all of you that I will be fighting this fight with every ounce of energy I can muster. I have my wife Jules, and son Dylan beside me and they are reason enough to live for. They have both been incredible. Jules has embarked on a virtual degree course this weekend. She has asked Dr. E a million questions and has searched the web, devouring information to enable us both to deal with the shock of this life-changing situation.

 

Be reassured, my outlook for the future is still the same as for any healthy person of my age. The only difference is that now I have to learn how to live with cancer. If I respond well to the chemotherapy, I can hopefully put the cancer into remission for another ten years or even longer. That is the only uncertainty, how long will my body keep the cancer at bay before having to start all over again? My immune system will never be the same as it once was. From now on, I have to be vigilant at all times and protect myself against infection. The biggest threat to my life is not from cancer but from infection. A common cold that, if not treated immediately, could turn nasty and become pneumonia. This is the mantra that has been drilled into me by the medical team - to protect myself against illness.

 

I know all of this will be a massive shock to you but I want you to stay positive and focused. Life is for the living. The Gathering is going to be extremely special this year and ironically, the new album could not be more aptly titled. 'Under Attack' has taken on new meaning for me, my family and the band. I believe it is the best album I have ever had the pleasure of recording. Some of the songs came to me on my iPod whilst I was in hospital and they gave me a big lift. I am so looking forward to next year because of the music, you would not believe. I will still be able to make music and perform concerts (although I think it's safe to say I won't be traveling abroad until I have got this thing under control and there may be two bald guys in the band come January!!!!!!). I also hope to take a full role in the promotion of the single and album.

 

At times like this you need your family and friends around you and as you are all part of my family, I aim to keep you as informed as possible. I'll be running a detailed diary on the website and keep you posted with regular updates. I will be trying to live my life as normally as possible and I have to say that I feel incredibly positive about the future. I will see you all at The Gathering or at a show in the U.K. Until then, keep me in your thoughts, you will be in mine.

 

Love and life,

 

Mike Peters

 

December 15th 2005

[Gross Urnings 0]

well...in reading about this form of cancer, seems like he might be a good candidate for the 2014 list.....

[Windsor 2,142]

I hope you are all enjoying the best of times as the holiday season approaches..........and now I'm going to talk about cancer.......

[football_fan 41]

well...in reading about this form of cancer, seems like he might be a good candidate for the 2014 list.....

He has already survived for 10 years with the cancer, and his post indicates that he has a good chance of survival with the latest treatment. In my opinion, there is no cause for alarm, as he will probably last at least another couple of years.

[Cerberus 273]

In my opinion, there is no cause for alarm,

I thought about it, but I thought nah, too obvious.

[maryportfuncity 9,988]

We'll have to be careful here. If his Jules Peters is going hell for leather on-line it's only a matter of time before she drops in here. I suppose I'd better not mention I think all his Alarm records are over-rated garbage.

[Paul Bearer 5,620]

I suppose I'd better not mention I think all his Alarm records are over-rated garbage.

You obviously think more highly of them than me!

[maryportfuncity 9,988]

Aye well, I'm a mere assassin at this stage. The clarity of vision I'll achieve if and when I make post-twunt will doubtless elevate me further above the turgid repitition and cretininous level of creativity that oozes from track after track by The Alarm.

[Paul Bearer 5,620]

Aye well, I'm a mere assassin at this stage. The clarity of vision I'll achieve if and when I make post-twunt will doubtless elevate me further above the turgid repitition and cretininous level of creativity that oozes from track after track by The Alarm.

only 99 more posts to go

[BrunoBrimley 83]

I can't say as how any of this made sense to me.

[Guest Toke Deltorso]

I can't say as how any of this made sense to me.

Ditto.

[Guest TNSBDS]

Wow! Lou made it to number one! I thought there was some consensus that his form of cancer would not be life-threatening?

[Phantom 2,465]

Mike Peters of The Alarm is still receving chemo. Latest message from The Alarm's facebook page is

 

Mike received his chemotherapy treatment today at Bangor Hospital and I'm happy to report that Mike's

bloods are moving in the right direction after his recent

health blip earlier in the year on The Alarm Tour.

 

Mike experienced a reaction to the chemo today but is now feeling much better and watching the Footie!

 

We were able to view the 2 Leukapheresis machines which were purchased at a cost of £45,000 and raised from Snowdon Rocks sponsorship monies.

These machines, as Dr Edwards explained today, will save many lives.

This makes Ben Nevis Rocks and Snowdon Rocks (14th September) so special...

We are delighted to be taking 150 Trekkers up Snowdon this coming Saturday.

[CaptainChorizo 1,895]

It is good news he is no longer too shy shy to raise money for medical equipment.

[Lard Bazaar 3,687]

It is good news he is no longer too shy shy to raise money for medical equipment.

 

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume this was deliberate.

[charon 4,938]

 

Watched a doc on BBC Wales a couple of yours ago about his battle with the big casino.

 

Came across as a really nice guy, and be a shame when he goes.

 

Think there was some mad himalayas trip he organised with slim Jim phantom around that time

 

Really good live frontman , both with The Alarm and aptly, Dead Men Walking.

[Spade_Cooley 9,001]

Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia for the third time.

[Sir Creep 7,011]

Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia for the third time.

 

Not to be a stickler for impertinent detail....but....

 

 

 

I have been told by my consultant, Dr. E that I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The good news is that although my illness is not curable, it is treatable and, in the words of Dr. E, it is a disease I will probably die with, rather than of.

 

 

.....thus, there was and was only ever going to be ONE diagnosis. He may be back in hospital for a third treatment of same, but that's it.

 

One last thing I can't believe slipped past everyone!

 

 

 

On Monday, I was back at the Cancer Centre to see Dr. E who had arranged for me to have a biopsy under general anaesthetic on Wednesday. The Biopsy is to confirm Dr. E's diagnosis of CLL and to rule out any other form of cancer such as Mantle Cell Lymphoma. The biopsy was performed by Dr. Z, who successfully removed an enlarged lymph node from my neck. (The other good news is that I was out in time to see Man Utd v Wigan on T.V. that evening!).

 

ZORDERS! Was that YOU!?

SC

[Magere Hein 1,397]

 

Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia for the third time.

Not to be a stickler for impertinent detail....but....

 

 

 

I have been told by my consultant, Dr. E that I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The good news is that although my illness is not curable, it is treatable and, in the words of Dr. E, it is a disease I will probably die with, rather than of.

.....thus, there was and was only ever going to be ONE diagnosis. He may be back in hospital for a third treatment of same, but that's it.

 

No reason for alarm, then?

[maryportfuncity 9,988]

 

 

Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia for the third time.

Not to be a stickler for impertinent detail....but....

 

 

 

I have been told by my consultant, Dr. E that I have Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The good news is that although my illness is not curable, it is treatable and, in the words of Dr. E, it is a disease I will probably die with, rather than of.

.....thus, there was and was only ever going to be ONE diagnosis. He may be back in hospital for a third treatment of same, but that's it.

 

No reason for alarm, then?

 

 

 

On the bright side, this is a successful comeback in his life!

[charon 4,938]

No reason for alarm, then?

 

The were Alarm Alarm previously I seem to recall, and he later fronted Dead Men Walking , who were an excellent 'supergroup'....

[Rotten Ali 599]

Lost count of the investment I've made in Mike. Top ten commendations for proved me wrong for so long. Long may he continue to defeat cancer.

[Magere Hein 1,397]

Lost count of the investment I've made in Mike. Top ten commendations for proved me wrong for so long. Long may he continue to defeat cancer.

 

I admire that, cutting your loss. I should've done the same with picks like Mugabe.

[YoungWillz 18,948]

Mike Peters pulls out of concert dates to be by his wife's side, who is battling breast cancer. http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/mike-peters-pulls-out-rhys-12119398

 

No news on Peters' own battles...

[Phantom 2,465]

Mike Peters pulls out of concert dates to be by his wife's side, who is battling breast cancer. http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/mike-peters-pulls-out-rhys-12119398

 

No news on Peters' own battles...

 

He was here in Minnesota quite recently. Apparently he's doing well.