RETIREE ROUNDUP
RETIRED OFFICERS ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
JANUARY 09, 2009
PIERCE LEAKE - (12-11-2008) (Delvin) - Ruth Massey advised that Pierce had been hospitalized but was now recuperating at home. I contacted Pierce and learned he was in the hospital for a couple of weeks with some intestinal bleeding. He said they did a colonoscopy and found he had several intestinal ulcers. He then developed some blood clots. He is being treated with medication. He said he still is weak but is improving. Please remember Pierce in your daily prayers.
TOMMY BABER - UPDATE - (12-11-2008 - Delvin) - Talked to Tommy and he has been released from the hospital. He said they had put him on some medication and he is to see the doctor next week. Please keep Tommy in your thoughts and prayers.
Elaine Foltz (12-19-08 email) I am not sure when I last updated Elaine's progress. She had an MRI at M.D.Anderson and they discovered yet another suspicious spot in her brain. Due to the fact that this is the second such spot, it was decided that Elaine should go through 12 radiation treatments of the brain. We were allowed to be treated at a M.D. Anderson Facility in Katy, Texas, so this made life eassier not having to drive and park at the Medical center each day. Elaine started radiation of her brain on 12-8-08 and she will conclude her treatments 12-23-08. She gets a treatment every day Monday thru Friday. Her cancer Dr. at M.D. Anderson had put her on a chemo pill named XELODA. So right now she is taking radiation and chemo at the same time. She is doing well and has no complaints. She is very tired and sleeps alot. She says she feels well enough to go home and see her parents for Christmas. We are planning on driving to central Illinois Christmas so she van visit with her family. WE WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Larry and Elaine Foltz
W.K. Ford (12-19-08 email via M.D. Beale) Today we found out my dad has colon cancer.The doctors are wanting to move very fast. We have 2 appointments next week and 2 the following week. On Dec. 31 we will find out what day the surgery will be.Please pray for the LORD'S will to be done, for both my mother and father. Add strength for me. Bill is doing better. His back is healing and the congestive heart failure is getting better. Cindy, Bill's oldest daughter has also been in hospital, she is on the liver transplant list from crones disease,(however you spell it) she needs blood every couple months. She has really been working to much and has gotten herself run down lately. Too much going on. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Much Love and peace.
GOD's Blessings, toni
J. C. THOMASON: (12-21-08 - (Nelson) Doug Bostock received a call from J.C,.today who reported that on 11-5-08 he fell while doing household chores resulting in 8 clamps required to close the cut to his head. Test on subsequent back pain revealed that he has some arthritis in his back for which he is taking medication. J.C. admits he is not a good patient but his wife and daughter put up with him. His daughter is fighting her own battle with cancer. Although J. C. says that they have no particular needs right now they could use our prayers as he recovers from his injuries and his daughter continues her fight against the cancer. We would ask that our retirees in the hill country keep an eye out for J.C. and his family and we will all keep the Thomason's in our prayers.
FRANK C. O'NEIL: (1-01-09 - Guy McMenemy to Nelson) Guy reports that his brother in law, retired Sgt. Frank O'Neil, was hospitalized in Abilene, while visiting friends, for painful lung problems. After examination, surgery was performed on Monday, 12-29-08 and a portion of lung was removed and sent to a lab to determine if it was cancerous. Frank is in an ICU unit and unable to received any calls. Information will be updated as soon as test results and condition reports become available.
JOE ECKENRODE: (1-1-09) (Nelson) We visited with Edwanna, Joe's wife, minutes ago and she reports that after Joe had 3 way bypass surgery at Methodist Hosp. in Houston on 11-26-08 he remained in the hospital for 10 days and he was then moved by ambulance to Parkwood Healthcare and Assisted Living Center in Lufkin at 300 North Bynum. Edwanna stated that he remains there today and that he seems to be weakening some each day but is still responsive to her and speaks to her and caretakers. He did get out of bed yesterday and took a few steps but he is just to weak to move any distance. He is on oxygen and his appetite is falling off. He does have a phone in his room but does not talk on it. She stated that she is sure that he would love to have a visit from a retiree if only for a brief period. Edwanna's health is not real good as she had a heart attack last April but she keeps struggling along to be with Joe as much as possible. These are tough times for the Eckenrode's so remember them in your daily prayers. UPDATE (1-2-09) We received a report this morning from retiree David Wells of Lufkin that he had gone by the Healhcare Center and visited with Joe for a while. He stated that the staff told him they were getting Joe to do some walking, that he is gaining strength and they are trying to wean him off of oxygen. Joe seemed to very alert and talked about old times and old friends at HPD. Joe was a little wobbly when he stood up but was in good spirits, good humor and said the staff was taking care of his every need. Wells will check on Joe periodically and keep updated on his condition. Remember to keep Joe and Edwanna in you daily prayers.
DEATHS DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 2008
KATHLEEN R. MCMILLIAN (WIFE OF MEMBER STEPHEN P. MCMILLIAN) - DECEMBER 20, 2008
