I found David's website while researching about Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain tumor. I found his website to be very inspiring. My uncle died of GBM twenty years ago this coming holiday season. David is an 11 year survivor this year! You can visit David's website at www.davidmbailey.com.

How did you find out you had cancer?

I started getting these really bad headaches. One morning, I fell over and felt nauseous. My wife called 911 and I remember getting in the ambulance thinking it was silly. I had a small seizure in the ambulance and when we got to the ER, I had a major grand-mal seizure. They did a quick cat-scan and saw a large mass in my head so they put me on a helicopter and flew me to a bigger hospital where they operated the next morning to remove the baseball size tumor in my brain. The pathology came back with the bad news -- grade 4 glioblasoma multiform (GBM) Prognosis, 6 months to live.

What types of cancer treatments were recommended?

I originally saw a general oncologist who had one clinical trial to offer but it was a randomized study, meaning a computer would pick if I got the treatment. I thought that was stupid. Then he gave me the best advice possible -- he told me to see a NEURO oncologist -- someone who specialized in heads.

How did you research cancer and cancer treatments?

I searched online for brain tumor clinical trials and found the best site in the world: www.virtualtrials.com

I printed out the full list and started calling hospitals all over the nation. When I called Duke university in North Carolina, I knew I'd found the right place -- Dr. Henry Friedman called me back that night and I went there the next day and was immediately put on a trial using the drug Temozolomide, (Temodar) now the standard of care for all brain tumors

How did you tell your family?

I didn't -- they told me when I woke up in the hospital. :-) My kids were age 2 and 4. As time passed, they gradually became aware of my situation, especially as I began to write and perform. We maintained a positive perspective so they would not be scared.

Are you involved with any cancer support groups, fundraisers or cancer organizations?

I participated in a few online email support groups for awhile. As I got more involved in my songwriting and performing and recording, I started doing lots of benefits for all kinds of cancer and nursing groups all over the country and still do today.

What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with cancer?

Life is short. Time is precious. Don't ask 'why me' -- ask 'what now?. Surround yourself with positive people, do what you love and love what you do. Find hope and share it with everyone you meet. Consider that every morning you wake up, you are cured for a day.

What advice would your give the family members and friends of someone diagnosed with cancer?

Just be there. Know that you do not have all the answers, but you don't need to have all the answers. love the moments together. take notes on all medical meetings -- the patient will often not register all the questions and information.

As a cancer survivor, what thoughts do you have on surviving cancer and being a cancer survivor?

I know many folks whose main goal is to resume life as they knew it before diagnosis. As a full-time profession performing songwriter, my diagnosis has become a part of who I am and what I have to share with others, so it is always current and quite public -- this July I will celebrate 11 years of survivorship. Amazing.

www.davidmbailey.com