Posted on: Thursday, July 1, 2010
Family Assistance Update
July 2010
A.P. Smith (Email to Forrest 8-31-10) I went to the VA in Little Rock Arkansas last week. Finally found a podiatrist who knows his businness. For 34 yrs I have had an ongoing foot problem. This doctor is setting up a schedule to do surgery on my right foot in mid October The bone in the bottom of my big toe is too large and causes all kinds of trouble. The little toe will have to be broken and relined with the others, thus will require 2 months on crutches.
In 1976 the VA operated on this foot and I received a bad staff infection. It was a messed up job and has caused me
pain ever since then. I have had surgery on it 4 times and they never got it done right, but now I hope all will be ok.
My heart is doing real good so no problems there the I know of.
Elaine Foltz : (8-28-2010 Deceased 8-28-2010) I received a call from Larry Foltz, HPROA member today advising that his wife Elaine is presently in MD Anderson hospital concerning her cancer condition which she has been battling for several years. He informed me that her condition is deteriorating and that she will be sent to Hospice care sometime today. Larry asked that we keep Elaine and their family in our prayers.
Information received by Gene Yanchak
Randy Sillavan: (UPDATE 8-27-10) Randy is still unconscious but no longer being sedated. Dr said it may take a while for him to come around. He did do dialysis today and all went well. He is off of the meds he was taking and holding his own. Continue to lift up your prayers for Randy and Margie & family
.Randy Sillavan: (8-25-10) They have shocked Randy's heartback into rhythm and everything is going well. He will undergo dialysis later today. If his rhythm holds they will try taking him off of the ventilator which could take 2 hours or 2 days. Randy is still under sedation. Progress is slow but looking better. Keep those prayers coming!
Randy Sillavan: (8-20-10) Randy was still critical this morning but showing signs of cardiac stability. He received a unit of blood this morning and his kidneys seem to be coming back but it will take time for organs to get over shock of his operation. They have installed ports in case dialysis is needed. There are some neurological concerns but he hasn't been awake since the last surgery and those tests can't be run until he is conscious. Recovery is take a while after this surgery. Margie and family appreciate the prayers and concerns of so many. Please continue to remember Randy in your prayers.
(UPDATE 8-23-10) Randy had dialysis today and his kidneys started working, very slightly. He is still unconscious but seems to know when Margie is with him. Doctors say that he is still critical but making small steps to recovery which can be expected but still a long recovery is anticipated. Continue to lift up your prayers for Margie and Randy.
Randy Sillavan: (8-24-10) Randy's platelets are very low and his kidneys are still not working. Doctor is saying that Randy would be in the hospital at least six more weeks if all goes well. Please continue to pray for Randy and Margie often.
info per Leonard Cooper
Nelson Foehner, FAC
Joe Oatis: (8-20-10) As the doctors told Joe, week 5 and 6 would be the toughest and this week 5 has really been rough on Joe. He is having great difficulty swallowing due to the radiation burns in the mouth and throat. Joe should finish radiation on 8-27. Doctors state that it will be at least 2 weeks after the 27th to regain his strength. They have stopped Chemotherapy because his platelets and potassium were way below normal. He will continue with radiation for the next 5 days. These are really tough times for Joe and we asked all to keep praying for him often.
Info from JoAnn, Sister in law.
Nelson Foehner, FAC
Birgit and Milton Gideon: (8-20-10) Mel began his report by saying that it was with a grateful heart toward God Almighty and all of his brothers and sisters in Christ that have been keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. Birgit continues to do remarkably well with her chemo treatments which Dr. Deleon is very pleased with her progress and especially her fighting spirit.
Mel went to M.D. Anderson on Monday 8-9-10 where he was put through a series of back to back tests. A body scan revealed a spot on his left lung also and they proceeded to biopsy the 3 lymph nodes in my chest and the new spot in my left lung. On Tuesday, 8-17-10, Mel met with doctors where he was told that both lungs and one lymph node was involved with the same cancer and it was now a stage 4 cancer. He was told that if he took the chemo I would have a 40% chance to live 18 months. He drove back to Fredricksburg that and broke the news to Birgit.
The next day he took Birgit for her chemo treatment. Her Doctor Deleon called him into his office and they had a long talk. Dr. Deleon felt that my cancer was a lower level Stage 4 cancer and since Mel was in good physical condition, except for his poor breathing,and that his attitude is outstanding with good family and church support Dr. Deleon felt that the chemo treatments he has planned for Mel could very well "arrest" the cancer. If so he would be put on a maintenance program of oral chemo drugs thatt could very well keep the cancer under arrest. If this is God's will and happens,he could live a good life with Stage 4 lung cancer. Mel had a port put in to his chest yesterday at the Hill Country Memorial Hospital and will start his chemo on August 24th. Needless to say Milton and Birgit have a heavy load to carry and they need all of our prayers to help them through these perilous times. Remember them always in your prayers.
Info from Milton "Mel" Gideon
Nelson Foehner, FAC |
D.J. McWilliams (Email from Dinah McWilliams) D.J. had successful cataract surgery today on his left eye at Conroe Surgery Center. Everything went well with no complications.
Randy Sillavan: (Update 8-11-10) Randy is still in Conroe General Hospital recovering from heart valve replacement surgery. His wife, Margie, reports that hea is having trouble with fluid on his lungs. They will be doing a cat scan and other test this eveing. He will not be going home this week. Plese continue to lift up your prayers for Randy, Margie and the hospital staff as he reovers.
Latest Update (8-19-10) 8-19-10 Leonard Cooper reported at 3PM this afternoon that Randy was operated on in ICU to remove blood clots from above his heart. Hopefully his kidneys will start working again. He is listed as very critical at this time. Keep those prayers coming.
UPDATE (8-7-10) Randy underwent successful heart valve replacement surgery today and is recoverying in ICU at Conroe Regional Hospital. Lift up your prayers that Randy would make a complete and rapid recovery.UPDATE (8-19-10)
Randy Sillavan: Peggy Frankhouser reports that Randy was recently diagnosed with congenital heart failure and will undergo heart valve replacement surgery on Thursday at Conroe General Hospital. Peggy stated that Randy took ill a couple of weeks ago, went to the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital. Tests, monitoring and a visit with the heart surgeon led to an agreement on the surgery. Please keep Randy, his wife, Margie and thier family in your prayers.
Nelson Foehner, FAC
Forrest Turbeville: Forrest is still having some severe pain in his right eye. Several doctors are working with him but he continues to deal with bad pain in that eye. He has a virus in the eye and they continue to try different medications but that is complicated because of allergies to some and some could interfere with cells that were implanted last year. Forrest is in need of your prayers so remember him often. Also his computer will be down for a few days as it will be in the shop for repairs. You can reach him on his cell at 713-319-5466.
Nelson Foehner, FAC
Joe Oatis: (7-21-10) We visited with Joe's wife, Tammy this afternoon and she reported that Joe had driven out to M.D. Anderson for his 3rd chemo treatment this week. He is taking a chemo treatment every day and one radiation treatment a week. He is doing well and driving more himself as time passes. He is using a feeding tube to maintain his weight and receive the nutrition that he needs. Joe lost some teeth in surgery and it is difficult for him to chew any solid food but he tries very hard and has some success. Please continue to pray for Joe and his caregivers throughout the treatment process and that he would be strengthened both in body and spirit.
Nelson Foehner, FAC
Birgit & Mel Gideon: (7-17-10) Birgit had her permanent port surgically implanted into her chest on Thursday morning and will begin a weekly chemo treatment every four (4) weeks. This treatment will begin on Monday and last one hour each day in the clinic at Fredericksburg and will continue indefinitely. She is still a little bit weak and her platelets are very low but she is eating better and feels good.
I received the results of my PET Scan on Tuesday and the Brain Scan on Thursday and met the doctor on Friday morning. The tests indicate that the cancer is isolated to the tumor in my right lung and the lymph nodes in the right chest area under the breast plate. This was not the best news but it was considerably better than it could have been. I feel prayers were answered. I feel good about the outcome of this fight. I will see a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon this coming Tuesday afternoon to be evaluated for the possibility of surgery and or future treatment procedures
God Bless everyone and Praise God in Heaven,
Mel Gideon
Texas Hill Country
Donald L. Martin: We visited with Mabel, Don's wife, this morning and she
reports that Don has really been sick for past few months. He had a ruptured
esophagus and was near death and remained in the hospital for 7 weeks. This was
complicated due to the fact that Don only has one lung that is partially
functioning. He was released from hospital and had to return for 4 days for
nutrition as he has trouble eating although that has improved recently. He is
now at home and doing pretty good, eating somewhat better. Don does not talk on
phone as his hearing is bad but he would welcome guest to come by and see him or
any cards or notes that someone might send him. Mabel's cell phone is
713-705-0283 and their address is 21923 Field Green Dr., Cypress 77433 in the
Fairfield sub-division. Please keep Don in your daily prayers.
Nelson Foehner, FAC
Bob Sieckmann: We visited with Bob this afternoon by phone and he reports that
he finished his chemo treatments a couple of weeks ago and that he goes back to
M D Anderson next week for test to see if they got it all. He stated that he
would let us know the outcome of those tests. Continue to pray that all goes
well for Bob and that his cancer would be in remission.
Nelson Foehner.
Nicolette Bozeman: HPROA Member James M. Bozeman reports that his wife, Nicolette, also a member, was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. She had a double radical mastectomy 3 weeks ago and will begin chemotheraphy next week. They have moved from Colorado to Tyler to be close to a better cancer treatment center. He has taken a position at the University of Texas at Tyler. He states that Nicolette's spirit is low and he knows some encouraging words from friends would help cheer her up. Her e-mail address is gardening87@aol.com and her cell # is 832-385-3893. Give Nicolette a call and keep her in your daily prayers.
Nelson Foehner, FAC
Joseph N. Guidry: Matt Perales reports this morning that retiree Joseph
Guidry was admitted to Spoan Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas and was in
critical condtion. We will update as more informatin becomes available.
Joe retired in 2004 and moved to the Rockport area recently. Please pray
for Joe and his family.
Nelson Foehner, FAC
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