Family Assistance Updates

PATTI GAMBINO: We received a note from Patti who is slowly recovering from her back surgery at home. She expressed her thanks for the phone calls, cards and letters from all of her friends at the HPROA. Patti is now able to get out but can only sit for 40 minute periods which limits any traveling away from the house. She had a injection in her hip the week before Christmas and is now scheduled to start therapy on Jan. 7. She is hopeful that things will get back to normal so she and Sal can attend the Feb. meeting. Keep those card and letters coming folks and pray that Patti continues to improve as she enters her therapy sessions.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

Charles Burton (12-28-07 - Delvin Kendrick) Had a real good visit with Charles today in Oklahoma City. He is feeling well but is still on oxygen. He said they have not been able to determine what caused the problem with his lungs. His lungs have hardened and he is not getting enough oxygen on his own. He said he doesn't get out much anymore but his daughters and sons-in-law are very attentive. He was in good spirits and said to tell everyone hello.

JAMES W. PRICE - (12-26-07 - Forrest) We received a card from Elmerette (Sam), daughter of J.W. stating that he had knee replacement surgery and slow recovery, lots of pain and taking medication for his pain. We called J.W. and he strated that he still has pain but not near as severe as it was and he is getting around with the aid of a cane. Keep J.W. in your daily prayers for complete and rapid recovery.

JAMES W. MADDOX - (12-26-06 - Forrest) J.W. has had a "dry mouth problem" for the past 10 years which causes the inside of his mouth and tongue not onlhy to stay dry but a painful burning sensation in his mouth. After having been to several doctors with this problem, none of the doctors have been unable to stop this incesant painful situation. He now has a very bad sore throat and a cold that adds to and complicates his problem.

BETTY MADDOX - 12-26-07 - Forrest) (Wife of above Member J.W. Maddox) - While talking with J.W. we were informed that Betty had fallen and caused a bad abrasion on her leg. This abrasion evidently got infected and set up a neurophy and circulatory problem, and gradually became so bad from the infection and pain that he was put in the Spring Branch Medical Center Hospital almost 3 weeks ago and promptly placed in ICU where she remains at this time.The pain became so intense, J.W. said that Betty actually entertained the possibility of having her leg amputated. She is not allowed any visitors as a precaution not to further any infection. Please keep J.W. and Betty in your daily prayers that they both will get relief, comfort and healing from their medical problems.

CONSTANCE ZERINGUE - (12-26-07 - Forrest) (Wife of Member Wallace Zeringue)
Wallace called us and he is still the "24/7 care giver" to Connie. She had a severe stroke in 2001 and she has been almost an invalid since the stroke. She can talk some and has some movement in her left leg and left arm, and she is able to feed herself some with her left hand. He is able to put her in a wheel chair and she can move herself around. Please keep Wally and Connie in your daily prayers.

Fred & Lila Berner (12-24-07 - Delvin Kendrick) I got an email from Fred Berner. He said Lila had her 6th back surgery and has some residual leg pain but each day she is getting better. Fred will have another knee replacement next month and is looking forward to it as the other knee that was replaced is great. He had the first knee replacement in July of 2006. He said that all and all they are well off compared to some people. They are still travelling in their RV.

Fred and Lila

Dear Forrest,

Today was Joe's 84th birthday and we had a really wonderful day. The cards have started to come and he really appreciates them. Thank you so much for putting the word out. We are waiting for a room to come available in the Skilled Care Unit at Memorial in Lufkin. He will go there for therapy and he's still very weak, but in very good spirits.

Thanks again and Happy Holidays to all.

Love, Edwanna Eckenrode

SHARON SYBERT - (12-18-07-Delvin Kendrick) Talked by phone to Phil & Sharon Sybert. Phil said he is doing pretty good but Sharon is having a lot of health issues. They just got back from seeing the dentist and she is going to have to see an oral surgeon to have some teeth extracted. Sharon has Essential Thrombocythemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis. The teeth problem is a result of these diseases. Thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative blood disorder. It is characterized by the production of too many platelets in the bone marrow. Too many platelets make normal clotting of blood difficult. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. . Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning it can affect other tissues throughout the body. It can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Sharon is taking about 10 medicines daily. One of these is a type of chemo in capsule form. She will be on that medication the rest of her life. Sharon is recuperating from gall bladder surgery. She had the surgery 3-4 weeks ago.

Please keep Sharon & Phil in your prayers.

Irwin H. Gaman- (12-18-07 - Delvin Kendrick) Talked with Irwin�s daughter. She said he will be having hernia surgery this Friday at St. Luke�s Hospital. It is scheduled as a day surgery. She said other than that he is doing pretty good.

Irwin H. Gaman- (UPDATE 12-22-07 - Delvin Kendrick) Talked with Irwin. The surgery went fine and he is recuperating at his daughter�s house.

oing pretty good.

EDKER J. MIKEAL: Delvin Kendrick located E.J. at the Regency Village Nursing Home in Webster where he has been for about 2 weeks. E.J. is still dealing with a bed sore that is very painful. He hopes to be released to go home tomorrow. Please continue to pray of E. J. for relief from his pain and that he would begin healing soon. He would also probably appreciate a Christmas card from some of his old pals or maybe a phone call after he gets home.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

ROBERT W. BARTOSH - (12-17-07 - Forrest) We received a phone call this date from Bob who stated that in May of 2006 he had severe pain in his back and was taken to the hospital. It was found that he had a cancerous left kidney and it was removed. He had "follow up" with his doctors each three months for a year and one visit they found three (3) small spots and bioposy was taken to see if the renal (kidney) cancer cells had spread. The biopsy revealed that the spots were small and cancerous but did not contain any renal cells. He began taking radiation in about June, 2007 and finished 8 weeks of radiation on 10-15-07.. He stated that he is doing pretty good other that he was weakened by the radiation. He is to go back to his doctor later this week for a check up and consultation and will keep us updated. Please keep Bob in your daily prayers that these radiation treatments have destroyed all the cancer sells in his body and pray he is now cancer free.

LOUIS ELLIOT - (12-17-07 - Jerry DeFoor to Forrest) Louis called Jerry this date and stated that he went in for a balloon and ended up with tripple by-pass surgery, a replaced heart valve and a lung that was filled with fluid that had to be drained. He sounded strong and said he was on the road to recovery. He is out of the hospital and transferred to The Forum at Memorial Woods, 777 North Post Oak, Houston, 77024 for rehabilitation. Jerry says that he is not quite ready for visitors just yet but has a cell phone (713-306-4418) and would not mind a phone call from friends. He appreciated our concern, kind thoughts and Prayers from everyone at the "cop-shop" about his health while he was in the hospital. He sounded eager to get back home and to our HPROA meetings. Please keep Louis in your daily prayers.

JOE ECKENRODE: Joe�s wife, Edwanna, reports that Joe has been in Memorial Hospital in Lufkin for 4 weeks. He initially was being treated for a blood clot in his lung and the treatment for that has caused other problems to occur. He is doing better but he is still very weak. He is not talking on the phone but loves to have visitors and get cards. Edwanna has asked that if anyone wants to send him a card, send it to their home at P.O. Box 285, Wells Tex 75976. Also if anyone in the area, he would love to see you drop by for a visit and that everyone keep him in your prayers.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

DOYLE GREEN: Doyle had a good report yesterday from his doctors. Some of his counts are coming back up nicely. He is not eating well because he had no taste buds but he�s working hard at it. Doctor�s concern now is the risk of catching pneumonia and they are loading him up with Bactrim and will take it for 3 months. An allergy to some medication has caused his legs to swell but they have changed that and hopefully it will correct this problem. He now has a 2 week break from treatments and goes back to his doctor and has some lab work on 12-28-07. Judy and Doyle wishes to thank everyone for their concern and prayers and ask that we continue to lift them up as Doyle has a long ways to go. They also wish everyone a merry Christmas.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

JACK PHARRIES: Bobby Foster reports that Jack Pharries is in Hermann hospital after having suffered a severe stroke yesterday. His wife Doris advised Foster that Jack has not responded in any way and the Doctor�s indicate that hope of recovery is slim. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jack, Doris and his family.
Remember them all in your prayers.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

LOUIS ELLIOT SR: Carliss reports this morning that Louis is still in the hospital where they are still running test. Louis still has some swelling in both legs but they feel that he could possible be released to come home this Friday. We will miss him at our meeting tomorrow and pray and that he does get to come home, recover and be at our January meeting in good health.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

ELAINE FOLTZ: Larry reports that Elaine was transported by ambulance from ICU at the Wharton Hospital to the Triumph Rehab Center, 1550 First Colony Dr. in Sugarland on 12-3-07 where she continues to battle a serious case of pneumonia. They have been told that recovery will be slow but they remain hopeful and asked for our prayers to bring Elaine through this. Remember Elaine and Larry each and every day.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

PATTI GAMBINO: Visited with Sal on the phone today and he reports that Patti is slowly improving. Went to doctor yesterday and he increased her sitting time from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. That does�nt sound like much but Sal says it give them a little more freedom. She is mobile without the aid of a walker but still wearing a brace and still dealing with some pain. He said it was slow but they see improvement. Sal is continuing to provide that 24/7 nursing care. Continue to pray for her continued recovery and all goes well for them both.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

JACK LEE: Sheila, Jack�s wife, called and reported that Jack had surgery on Oct. 27,.2007 at St. Luke�s Hospital where he had two toes amputated. He had developed melanoma cancer, complicated by diabetes and angina of the heart and a stroke some years earlier. They cannot treat the melanoma due to the complicating factors involved. Jack was transferred to Heartland Rehab Center behind the Willowbrook hospital and has been there for 5 weeks and will likely be there for a few more weeks. Sheila is faced with the fact that Jack�s time at Heartland is running out after which she must bring Jack home and provide care for him 24/7 or place him in another facility where he can receive care 24/7 at their expense. The FAC will continue to monitor this situation and provide whatever assistance it can if needed. Pray earnestly daily for Jack and Sheila as they continue to face his illness and the related problems ahead.

Nelson Foehner, FAC

GENE COX - (12-5-07 Forrest) We visited by phone with Gene and has had breathing and respiratory problems and was readmitted into the hospital back in October. He spent 7 days in the hospital and doing really well since getting out. Hopes to be at our meeting 12-13-07. Keep Gene in your daily prayers.

JAMES D. PONDER _ 12-5-07 - Forrest) Delvin Kendrick reported in November 2007 that James has had a multitude of medical problems for several years ie; diabetes and also has been diagnosed with a rare blood disease (Homozygous hemoglobin D Punjab) We called James today (12-5-07) and he is about the same as described by Delvin Kendrick except we now have learned that he was born with this disease and as previously reported, there have only been 2 other cases of this disease ever diagnosed. There has been a lady Dr. from India that has been instrumental in helping get him other doctors involved but none seem to know anything about this disease. We learned also that his insurance company has given him permission to be treated at the Deke Slatten Cancer Center (the astronaut founded this Clinic) He is still getting an experimental drug Epogen (used in also treating sickle cell disease) in effort to stimulate red blood cell growth.These shots cost $1250.00 each and he currently is getting a '"double dose" of the shot once a month. His diabetes is out of control and he is to see an encrinologist soon. He has good/bad days and states that he has already lived longer than anyone has lived that was diagnosed with this disease. Please keep James and his family in your daily prayers.

BETTY LEMOINE - (12-5-07 - Forrest) - We visited with Larry (Betty's husband) and he stated that Betty was diagnosed with uterine/ovarian cancer back in 2005 and is doing pretty good at this time. She has had a total of 14 chemo treatments within the past 18 months and is due to have another treatrment 12-18-07. She also has to have fluid drained from the abdomen area every six (6) days, Stated that they have always wanted to make our meetings and stated that if at all possible and if Betty has one of her good days that they will try to make our meeting on 12-13-07. Please keep Betty and Larry in your daily prayers.

LOUIS ELLIOT SR: Carless Elliot has reported that Louis underwent triple bypass and valve repair surgery on November 7, 2007 at St. Luke,s Hospital. He was in recovery for about 10 days when they moved him to the rehab floor. He was improving and plans were being made to move him to a skilled nursing facility. Last Saturday, however, he had a down turn and tests revealed fluid on his lungs which was removed. He is still in rehab doing somewhat better but has left instructions that he does not want any phone calls or visitors at this point. Carless has advised that he can be contacted on his cell if anyone wants to check on Louis�s condition at 713-306-9680. The family will be keeping a close eye on Louis and Carless will report any significant changes in his condition. Please pray for Louis and the medical staff at St. Luke�s so the recovery would be rapid and complete.

Nelson Foehner, FAC.