reliable, and you probably can’t
do this or do that,” continued
Richards. “Even if you see them
twice a week every week while
doing something active, they’re
looking at you as a patient. It’s
one of those things. I’m hoping,
in a way, that people who read
this understand that those of us
who get these diagnoses know
it’s going to get us. But, my
gosh, do not forget that we’re
he not only wants to do, he feels
still vibrant and viable musicians
he has to do. When word gets
until that day comes. We still
out about a musician having can-
have plenty to offer.”
cer, people change around him.
It’s only natural. They generally
He adds, “When you get a di-
don’t know what to say or how
agnosis, suddenly you become
to act, but they’re worried about
isolated through no fault of your
hiring him for gigs they can’t be
own. We’ve noticed people
sure he will be able to perform.
don’t stay in touch as much.
Isolation becomes the norm.
It’s more, ‘How are you doing?
Hope you’re feeling good” in-
“I don’t blame people for it,
stead of “Hey, how are you do-
but the first thing people think if
ing? Let’s go get a drink.” It’s
you’re being treated for cancer
such an isolating diagnosis -
is you’re sick, you might not be
even though you’re still basically
NJ STAGE - ISSUE 44
INDEX
NEXT ARTICLE
19