March 27, 2005 From Denny Grossman

Happy Easter!!! 6 a.m. Easter Sunday and I am siting here on Lazy Boy with legs hi above my heart (Linda) punching out this note. Very comfortable but lost the ball out of my great roller mouse - 1 1/2" heavy red ball. Life is good as it is forcing me to use the keyboard mouse which works fine and I just thought it is getting my fingers soft and able to move in the right places. Now Terry - don't make something funny out of this!

I am comfortable - more so each day. Can't get around much except slow with walker but who cares. Neighbor built a 5" platform that this recliner is sitting on so I can get from it to walker easy. Then I can slowly get into bathroom, - which is only necessary every morning to poo and to shave and sponge bath. I can pee for 9 hrs. or so in the bag. I have the best big wedge pillow uder my legs on the foot stool part. Bathroom has a great hi potty chair that I sit on, poo. wash, change my clothes. Life is good. Row brings me clothes and containers to dump my bag and blood drain bag in. Warm water, rags, soap, tp all in easy reach.

I have first doc. appointments on Fri. Bags out. Life then even gets better! Son made a ramp to get me down to driveway and car off of front porch as can not go up or down steps - they lifted me up the stairs when coming home and PT said no more. The entire class is so special with all of you phoning and e mail etc.

Only 6 wks of this good life and then get a new knee put back in. I feel so great, except when I move my bad knee. Been so busy with calls, family & friends over, etc. Friends brought us dinner to eat together last night. Great to visit plus he started hooking up my DSL wireless which starts Tues.

So blessed! God is good! Denny

March 26, 2005 From Linda Schofield

Finally got hold of Dee Franecke Machtolff after we played telephone tag for days! She is recuperating from her knee replacement at Deanna Watkins' in Stanton. She had called Deanna several years ago after receiving a copy of the class list (thank you, Denny). Dee F-M lives in Valencia so visiting was a bit of a problem but they have kept in touch by phone. Deanna insisted on Dee staying with her during this recup period. Dee has worked in hospitals as an asst. to Dir. of Nurses and chose a small hospital for her surgery (very small - I could not even find it!) She is miserable and swears she will never have the surgery on her other knee. This may well be due to her current pain - pain is not reproduceable by thinking about it (or we would never have 2 kids!) so she may change her mind if surgery becomes imperative on other knee. She was happy to hear that we were praying for her and she will try to make reunion. She may need a ride. Doubt that she will make the picnic but again, if a ride appears, she might!

Talked with Denny at length. He is on the right meds for each of his problems. Promises me that he is keeping his leg elevated. He had been sleeping in his recliner (which is fine - I did post-op too) and is having it elevated 5inches to accomodate transfers to wheelchair. Same great carpenter is making a ramp for him so he can get W/C outside. Can't drive but has ride to next Dr appointment. Had some 250 plus emails to read! Using computer with knee elevated (Row is keeping a close eye on him, I talked to her). Next surgery is in a few weeks if all goes well with antibiotics. Altho planning reunion is a great deal of work he is sure that we will make our numbers and will continue to meet at least in small groups after Oct. Go Burroughs!

Sent an email cartoon (nurse-attorney that I got from Grant Shroyer) to Dan Cassidy who answered and seemed to be in fine form. Prayers work!

John Dondanville called. He, too, seemed to be in good shape. Enjoyed trip to LV. He needs a ride to picnic and reunion. Lives in Palmdale so maybe Ronetta, Carol or the Boggs?

Have real concerns about Don Garner - will try to get to OC to check him out for myself. I am afraid his stroke is worse than we thought - or is extending. In the meantime pray for him.

TTTTHat's all folks!

March 25, 2005 From Don & Norma Boggs

Denny finally made it home yesterday after being treated for a kidney infection and prostate enlargement. Tests showed things back to normal except he still must wear the "bag" like I did for about 1-2 weeks. I am sure he will update all of us regarding his knee surgery program.

Have a blessed day and weekend and happy Easter.

March 22, 2005 from Carolyn

I just spoke to Rowlene and called Denny in the Hospital. That's right, he's still in there. He was all packed and ready to leave when they told him his blood test showed a KIDNEY INFECTION. The Doc. thought it was a lab mistake and sent in another sample only to find out it was worse. Thank goodness he was still in the hospital and this Kidney Infection was caught in it's early stages.

March 20, 2005 from Cal Roe

Saturday March 19, I went to visit Denny in St. Joseph's Hospital after his knee surgery. I was one of four guests he had. I did not do much visiting, and I left early. But, I forgot my new JBHS jacket. So, I returned on Sunday Mar. 20 to get my jacket and visit. While I was there I took the attached photo. He seems to be in good spirits, the pain is not noticable, and has reasonable plans for when he will go home.

He had his metallic knee joint removed, and then they installed a non-metallic "block" to maintain the spacing while the infection is eliminated. This "block" is supported on the sides by some serious steel straps to keep the knee streight. He can bend it a little, but he says that really hurts. Yesterday, and this morning he went for a 'walk' with a walker for about 50 feet down the hall. He will have to use a walker to get around for the next few weeks. Denny has high hopes to be over this in 6 weeks, but Rowlene said the doctor says this is only his hope.

Meanwhile, he is concerned that the JBHS reunion will get behind. So he is making his famous notes for when he gets home to his new laptop computer.

Cal Roe

PS I met Denny in 1950 as we rode our bikes to Jordan Jr. High. I had just moved to Burbank from an Iowa farm, and was looking for a friend.

May 25, 2004 from Dan Cassidy

I'm Home from the hospital but due to haveing an IV pick temporarily inserted in my arm I am home bound until July 1.Antibiotics are pumped into me through a timed computerized pump every 6 hours. A home care nurse shows up each day with a 24 hour supply which she attaches to the pump. On June 30 the Pick will be removed at home and I will be free to travel moderate distances until August. After that I should be off most if not all restrictions. Thank the members of the class of 55 for all of their calls, letters, cards, visits and prayers of support. Nick Georgino and Tom Shollin in particular called, visited and spread the word but there were dozens of others who contacted my wife Terri or me during my hospitalization. Thanks again dan

May 25, 2004 Posted by Sharon Stevens Cox

Hi Friends,

I spoke with Carol Handy last night and also Barbara Landin. I am happy to report they both sounded great! There spirits were up!

Carol is home convalescing with the help of her husband Gene. She is having physical therapy at her home. She is still weak somewhat in her upper body...and is, like I had to, learning to walk again. Her lower body is immobile at this time. With therapy that will improve. She also deals with a new illness, Diabetes. Her spirit has lifted a lot since I spoke to her last. She wishes to extend thanks to all of you who sent cards, called, etc. She said it is amazing how many classmates have sent her get well wishes. It has helped her tremendously as has the power of the alumni and family prayers. Tell everyone hello too. We will be there for her. We talked for quite some time.

I spoke with Barbara Landin. She sounded great too. I have been bugging this dear woman about having her hair blonde again. She has been wanting to color it but just has not found time. She is very active with her sorority from college. She does have some days of extreme pain. The pains are brief but very painful. We are all continuing to pray for a cure for her devastating illness. When I told her I was going to bug her about her hair....she said, "Oh Sharon....it is so gray it almost looks blonde." I replied, " No Barbara.....It does not...Get your hair done and you will feel better!" We laughed and agreed we both need some help in the hair department. She is suggesting anyone who plans the trip to Oregon ....via.....Corning, CA.....meet at the "Olive Pit" restaurant, rather than the Iron Skillet. She said, the access from the hiway is better....and it is a quieter place to visit with "old" friends. The food is as good or better....and the prices are about the same.

That is all for now. I have sent a few tokens of care, and cards to the ill. I hope everyone will take time out to send their caring wishes. It is so very uplifting when one is hospitalized or bed ridden to know how very much we care.

May you be blessed for the many things you do for others. God just told me the other day, "The JBHS Alumni is putting a smile on My face." Thank you God. Keep up the good work and thank you from the bottom of my heart to the top of my frizzy head. Keep your sunny side up! Hugs and love to ya'll. xxoo Sharon (Stevens) Cox....The Ornery Chick from Tennessee

Sunday, May 23, 2004 Posted by Terri Cassidy

Happy Sunday Evening...sorry for the bulk mailing, but wanted you all to know that I sprung Dan from Good Samaritan Hospital today (or else he would have walked out) and I recommend never trying to leave a hospital on a Sunday! Anyway, his heart surgery recovery is progressing well and they decided to let him come home and treat with a 24 hour iv of antibiotics until 6/27. He is tired, but glad to be out of the cardiac ward even though it was a USC-affiliated hospital. He will have a home health nurse visit daily to help with the drugs and cannot drive or do anything strenuous for about a month. I know you are supportive and we really appreciate your interest in how he's doing - but please don't feel slighted if Dan isn't answering the phone or email for a few days til he gets acclimated. I will be working some this week so he will be on his own...he really needs some good food (no wine, yet), rest and a chance to reconnect with the outer world.

If you need something quickly, my cell # is (949) 412-1242. Thanks for being such good friends and family - couldn't have made it through without your prayers and good wishes.

Thursday, May 20, 2004 Posted by Denny Grossman

I talked to a very good friend of Dan's this afternoon. It is Vic Georgino, Nicks younger brother. He went and visited Dan at hospital yesterday, Tues., and Dan was up walking around. Dan hoped to get home by Thur. He just needed a shunt put in to get some anti rejection drugs into his system I would guess.

Dan should be in good shape for a long time with the new pigs valve.

Dan wants everyone to know he is feeling just great, now, and they are working on the infection. He's doing so well he may be going home by Wednesday and not Friday which was 1st suggested.

If any of you want to send him a card his address is:

Dan Cassidy
27 Pembroke Lane
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

I know he would love hearing from you.

Carolyn

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 Posted by Denny

Barbara Squire Price is at brothers now and in about a week will get another CAT Scan and MRI to see if cancer tumors have shrunk enought to operate. Talked to her Sunday and she sounds great but not ready to run outside for a few days. She said first doc. originally gave her 2 wks. to live - that was 5 wks. ago. She is so positive and got thru her 3 chemo sessions and just knows that she can take whatever is given to her. Next Doc. said wait a minute - things can be done and now they are doing them. She needs to wait 4 wks. between chemo so has 3 wks. to go if she needs more if tumors not shrunk enough. So many cards, 2 gifts from Sharon she loves, first one an angel. Many phone calls from lovely people like Sharon she really enjoyed. So many classmates have fond memories with Barbara.

Monday, May 17, 2004 Posted by Carol Maitland

I spoke to DAN CASSIDY today and this is the report I have to give you:

Dan had his Aorta Valve replaced with a Mechanical Valve in May, 1998. (These valves are supposed to last about 20 years or more.) Just recently he felt winded when going up the stairs to his home and just wasn't feeling too good in general, he was swelling up a lot. It turned out that his heart valve was only pumping 70% of the blood is was supposed to be pumping. After the Doctors performed some tests they found out that he had an infection around his heart and that there was a leek in the stitching around the valve. They don't know if the leek caused the infection or the infection caused the leek. The Cardiologist scheduled emergency surgery to get to the valve. Now Dan is the proud owner of a PIG'S VALVE instead of the Mechanical one and it's even registered. HA! I told him he will like this one a lot better because I'm the voice of experience, I have one myself.

Dan wants everyone to know he is feeling just great, now, and they are working on the infection. He's doing so well he may be going home by Wednesday and not Friday which was 1st suggested.

If any of you want to send him a card his address is:

Dan Cassidy
27 Pembroke Lane
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

I know he would love hearing from you.

Carolyn

Sunday, May 16, 2004 Posted by Nick Georgino at 2:10 PM

He is at Good Samaritan Hospital, L.A. Room #426, phone # 213-977-2121. He will probably be there till Fri. His wife said he is doing "fine". That is all the info I have on him. Pass the word.

Sunday, May 16, 2004 Posted by Carol Maitland

I just spoke to Nick Georgino and he said that Dan's Mechanical Heart Valve was leaking and when he went in for his check up they put him right in the hospital and performed an emergency Heart Surgery to replace the valve. Will keep you posted as I find out more.

Sunday, May 16, 2004 Posted by Nick Georgino

Dan's wife just called me to let me know they did emergency heart surgury on Dan today. They operated on his heart valve. He is in ICU the present time and will be in the hospital about 7-10 days. She is staying in a hotel near the hospital in L.A. I am going to talk or see her Sun. I'll keep you up to date.

Monday, May 3, 2004 Posted by Denny

Visited Barbara this afternoon and she was in top spirits. She had chemo yesterday and has it every 5 days. She said on the 3rd. day after chemo last time she didn't feel that great. Today she said she has no pains and walks to the bathroom easy.

She said she can feel all the prayers and even hears them. She thought her T.V. speaker remote by her was saying prayers as they were so clear. Barb says that all her cancer can be operated on as in places they can get at. The only thing now is to reduce the size of the tumors and the biggest one is in her liver - over 50% of her liver. They have to get it reduced to under 50% so they can operate there also. Barb says maybe she can go to her brothers in a week or so and do in patient chemo until ready to operate.

She is planning on taking her 5th. wheel to Refugio group site for our Sept. 12th. - 17th. class camping trip, hoping she will be OK by then. (with some of my friends as holds 80 people) Barbara really has a positive attitude!!! She received many cards from class mates so said to pass on a big thank you. She couldn't believe Sharon Stevens Cox phoned her and sent her a card and gift. She got at phone call from Joan Dutton Reynolds - she was so pleased but didn't feel well that day. She said even a received a card from Dorothy Mc Kenzie Lord in AL. Gwen Sanden visited her yesterday - they went to grade school together and then Gwen went to Burbank Hi.

I will keep you posted on Barbara - she is an inspiration and really can feel all the prayers. Several sent me e mail so I show it to her also.

This is a pic of her Mom, Mom's best friend Evvy, and Barb's daugther in law. Barb has 3 sons and 3 daughters and said this daughter in law is so close she is another daughter. This daughter in law is truly a fun lady - what a spirit she had at visiting today!

Our sermon today at church was Romans 5:1-5 and even farther. and what a terrific message - I couldn't wait to tell Barb. vs 3 says We rejoice in our sufferings because suffering produces perserverance, character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us.

Our Pastor said sufering produces the ability to hang in there and produces hope and helps growing flourish. He said Christians become more diamond like (diamonds made with lots of pressure down in earth) Holy Spirit works thru our struggles - God is faithful. God Bless, Denny

Friday, April 30, 2004

BARBARA had surgery the other day for a blockage in her colon. While in surgery they found tumors that were cancerous and it has spread everywhere. She is having radiation at this time. They are hoping to shrink the tumors and bring the cancer into remission. There is only one type of Cancer involved which is a good thing. She is at St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank... Room 388.

Cards can be sent to her brother and he will take them to her. His address is:

Bob Squire 801 N. Beachwood Dr. Burbank, CA 91506

Friday, April 30, 2004

CAROL HANDY YANNELLO

Carol's husband sayes Doctors have diagnosed her problem as POLYMYOSITIS. A muscle deterioration decease. "Polymyositis - Patient information and treatment This is a good Web Site for describing what it is 1st hand from a person that has it. If you would like to send a card, please send to:

Carol Handy Yannello 3579 Gulfshores Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-4331

Friday, April 23, 2004 Posted by Denny

Sharon & Dick just walked in the door. All is well. Doc wanted hospital to run more tests - took a pic behind his heart etc. and all OK. This kept them at hospital two extra nights.

They are happy to be home and get some rest with their own bed and dog!

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 Posted by Denny

Sharon called about 4 p.m. today. Dick got good news on the two tests he had today and they were waiting for Doc. to come in and hopefull let them go home. Dick slept like a baby but Sharon's roll away not as comfortable. Talked to Dick and he sounds great. He said Sharon must of slept pretty good as she snored!

Sharon said to tell all hi for them and she will be back online soon. She has been with Dick at hospital since about 4 Mon. afternoon.

They are in a good hospital - same one Sharon was in for her tumor and hip.

Neighbor lady Jay is spoiling them with homemade soup, brownies, and apple pie.

Regards, Denny

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 Posted by Denny

Sharon Stevens Cox called me this evening from TN. Dick had a stroke Mon. afternoon about 4 p.m. He couldn't talk so neighbors called 911 and paramedics took him to hospital. His stroke shouldn't leave him impaired in any way - it is a blessing that he got this warning and he might come home tomorrow. He was in ICU when I talked to Sharon at 8:30 tonight but Sharon was talking to him while we were talking. He is alert with no problems. His mind is still sharp etc. No physical impairment. No memory loss.

Sharon is staying overnight tonight with him and she said he might be able to go home tomorrow. We need to Pray for Sharon also as she hasn't had much sleep in the last 28 hrs.

Sharon's cell is 1901-359-8083 and she has it on with her. Best not for too many to call her as she needs her rest. She will let us know any new information.

Thursday March 31, 2004 Posted from an E-mail sent to Denny from Cal Roe

Today is better than yesterday. I'm finally getting the medications under control. At one time I was taking two medications to lower my blood pressure. I was taking one/day of Alcase, and 2/day of Loperssor. As of yesterday, and a visit to my cartiologist, I'm now only taking 1/2 per day of Lopressor ONLY. My blood pressure was often in the 90's /50's. I had no energy, and it was a task to stand up. So I bought a blood pressure measuring machine. I take my pressure after doing things, and the average in in the 100 to 130 over 60 to 80, and that is GOOD.

I have lost about 20 pounds, but that is probably good, My appitite is returning, and that is good. I do enjoy a nap after my walking sessions, and that is expected. I guess it will be just a slow process. I have forwarned my fishing group af over 25 years that I may not make the mis-May trip to the eastern Siearas. I have backed out of my volunteer work, and thay have founf replacements. So off to recovery.

Cal

Wed. March 10, 2004 Posted from an E-mail sent to Terry by Denny

Cal Roe had some chest pains last Fri. morning. Drove to Doc in Big Bear and Doc said heart attack and he airlifted to Victor Valley Hospital near Victorville. Then they decided he needed a triple bypass so they took him to Apple Valley St. Mary's hospital where he had it on Sun. morning. He is doing fine and probably will go home tomorrow. His two sons and wife Barbara were with him. Now Barbara found out she has shingles and has a friend to go with her to pickup Cal tomorrow.

Sun, 28 Dec 2003 Posted from an E-mail sent to Terry by Denny

Denny and his knee made a return trip to the Hospital. Denny thinks he is still a kid and works too hard. - tw

Sun. nite I got home from Y Tree Lot. I had worked at lot for 20 days. 4 hrs. week nights and 6 hrs. on weekend nights. They had me as night manager and I got thru it with no pain. It was kind of a tough schedule as walking 5 hrs. - 6 days a wk. with picket sign at the local Pavilions where I have worked for over a yr.

It was a good feeling that we were down to 16 trees when I locked up Sun. nite at 9 p.m. We were to tear down the lot on Mon. & Tues. and sell these last trees then. Being so busy, and not being able to scrub the kitchen and bathrooms floors. I did this and vacumned, as last chance before Christmas as we have two little grandsons from Mon. - Wed. these two weeks and it keeps Rowleen very busy and no chance for house cleaning by either of us. Got in Tub. at 11 p.m. and saw my new knee, I had for 8 months, was swollen. Within 15 mins. it was very large and I had a terrible time making it to bed. I was tired but with pain and chills I couldn't sleep so Rowleen have me a super strength vicaden @ 4 a.m. I hardly take pain medicine but this did the trick - God Bless Row! At 7 a.m. I could walk some so played with boys till 8:45 and then made it to Pavilions for our strikers Christmas Potluck. Great food, great people, great spirit so I was able to take lots of digital pics and print them out in front off one of the food warmer extra plugs. I was able to sit down a lot printing and cutting pics. as had to be at lot at 2 p.m. to help take it down. We had the morning group of 34 strikers under a big sign that had Health Care! Not Welfare! I printed out these 34 in 5 x 7 and gave each person one. Then at 1:30 I took another group pic of 32 in afternoon group. Many other great pictures between. I had a doc appointment at 4:15 to check my knee so only helped 2 hrs. at lot. Orthopedic doc, that did the replacement, drew out 50 cc's of fluid and his nurse took it right over to St. Joe's for tests Mon. nite. He told me it looked like knee had an infection which is very serious and pretty common in metal replacements in the human body. Doc said I would need to go into St. Joe's if proved positive and he would call about 2 p.m. or so. Rowleen called me at lot at 11 am. on Tues. and said I was to be at St. Joe's at Noon and that it was positive. I had Bruce helping with others as I couldn't do much at lot. I had hoped to stay longer but had to leave - all was left to do was cover the big trailer full of lot signs, poles, equipment and tools. The 3 left did this and it is all done now. They took our 100' x 100' tent down on Wed. so all this just got done in time. Another successful yr. Over $25,000 profit for the Burbank Community YMCA and most of work done by our Y's Men's Coed Service clubs volunteers, of which, I am the average age. We have done this for over 40 yrs. and it is getting hard now.

Took Row to dinner and took a group pic of night picketers and gave them to each on Mon. nite.

Anyway got to hospital and they operated by cutting open scar and laying back skin. I was out for two hrs. for this 1 hr. operation. They used 8 liters of cleaner, pressure spraying a lot of it to get in all the areas they could. The knee parts looked great so they sewed it up. Got lab tests back Christmas Day (Best Christmas Present ever) that this infection was the least strong of several so they had a barage of almost continuous antibotics that they have had flowing into my veins since Tues. nite and just have the antibotics that fight this strain now. The prognosis is good that they can stop this infection - about a 65% success rate.

I got todays antibotics at hospital and each day for 6 weeks I have a home nurse coming and hooking a pouch up to a shunt (PIC) in my arm, for about 20 mins. till drained. It comes frozen and they delivered all the equipment and 10 days doses tonight already.

Not much pain now and swelling pretty good - what is left is normal from trauma. I will see Doc. on Wed. and he will keep an eye on progress. Knee looks good and they take staples out in two weeks so will be driving by then or before. I must keep it elevated and most weight off of it for a couple of weeks to get swelling down so it will heal faster. Need all the prayers I can get as it worked for Sharon & I and for others these last yrs. About the worst that can happen now is that the infection could come back anytime for a yr. but after 6 months pretty safe. If they can't stop infection out comes the new knee parts and they fuse it with cement for about 3 months until it checks clean and put in another knew knee which is a big job! Prayers are important now - thank you!

Denny

November 16, Posted by Denny

I talked to Sharon tonite and she is very happy to be going home tomorrow and is doing real well. She will do outpatient therapy while at home about 2 days a week. She gets up and walks all over with walker and even said she has shuffeled around a little without the walker without telling the nurses. Her latest brain scan looks good and so she is well on her way to being back to normal. She is hoping to be able to walk well and make the Feb. 9th. Vegas trip.

Yolanda Molina called her today from Alabama and she was so happy to talk to her winter classmate. Sharon is so grateful for the flowers and all the cards and phone calls she has received from our classmates.

Denny

November 13, Posted by Denny

Dick called tonight, Nov. 12 th. He said Sharon is doing real well and walking with a walker for about 150 ft. She will be coming home on Sunday and is in very good spirits and can't wait to get home. She is planning on her and Dick making the Vegas trip on Feb. 8th. Sharon is in good spirits and her old self again. She is really working on getting her legs and hip stronger so she will be in good shape again.

Denny

November 10, Posted by Denny

I just talked to Sharon Stevens and she is still in Rehab. She can take phone calls and enjoyed talking to Carol and Joyce Lyle Haskitt a couple of times each.

She is getting around with the use of a walker pretty well now and should be going home in about a week. She can't wait to get into her king size bed and be home with Dick.

Dick brings her dinner from local restaurants at times which makes her very happy. Sharon said to be sure and than all for the many cards she has received!

Her phone # at Babtist Memorial Rehab. hospital is 901-751-6121. Best to send cards to her home - 691 Woodland Trace Lane, Cordova, TN 38018.

We all continue to pray for her complete recovery and getting to walk without help real soon!

Denny

November 10, Posted by Denny

I just talked to Sharon Stevens and she is still in Rehab. She can take phone calls and enjoyed talking to Carol and Joyce Lyle Haskitt a couple of times each.

She is getting around with the use of a walker pretty well now and should be going home in about a week. She can't wait to get into her king size bed and be home with Dick.

Dick brings her dinner from local restaurants at times which makes her very happy. Sharon said to be sure and than all for the many cards she has received!

Her phone # at Babtist Memorial Rehab. hospital is 901-751-6121. Best to send cards to her home - 691 Woodland Trace Lane, Cordova, TN 38018.

We all continue to pray for her complete recovery and getting to walk without help real soon!

Denny

November 4, Posted by Denny

Sharon Stevens Cox address as of 4 p.m. today, Babtist Memorial Hospital Rehab., 2100 Exeter Rd., German Town, TN 38138 Room 221A Phone - 901-751-6121

She is really doing good now as they disolved the blood clot in her leg today. She is alert and cheerful and should be home in two weeks or less per Dick tonight.

November 2, Posted by Denny

Sharon Stevens Cox got out of ICU Thurs. night and is doing a lot better. She can be phoned in her hospital room in Memphis TN at 901-726-2918. Removing the tumor from her head has removed the pressure from her brain. She is on blood thinners etc. as she still has a blood clot in her leg. She can stand up with help now. She is on her way to getting in good shape. Her husband, Dick, said tonight that she will go into a rehab hospital soon so as to get her the best care possible and get her back to normal quicker.

Late Update

Dick and their 9 yr. old granson were with her all day today and she is alert - has stood up. She still has a blood clot in one leg they are trying to dissolve.

Her mind is good and her mouth was dry so she was able to drink a coke. Also Dick went out and got her food she likes. She is very happy with all the cards Dick has taken to her. She read many today. She should go into rehab soon and that way get stronger faster as it is tougher at home to do the correct exercise. She is getting to be her old fun self and thanks everyone for cards and prayers - they have been answered!

October 29, Posted by Carolyn M

I talked to Dick yesterday about 1:30 our time. I had just caught him in as he walked into the house for a minute. Good timing on my part. He has his grandson visiting and says it is good because he is doing things with him and it's keeping his mind off the situation. He said that they found a blood clot in Sharon's right leg and have desolved it. She is talking now but not sleeping. They give her things to sleep but they don't work. She talks about Burbank a lot and not quite with things in the present yet, but each day there is a little sign that she is coming back. She signed the dinner menu and wrote a little note to her grandson on it so this was encouraging. It is common for blood clots to form with this type of surgery, Dick was saying. She is NOT out of ICU as yet and they don't know when she will be. I'll keep you posted on this. Dick said that a whole bunch of cards came in the mail the other day and he will take them to her when he can. HE WANTED TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR CONCERN and he knows Sharon will be so thrilled to get them. He was saying that they are now thinking that the fall she had, had something to do with the tumor pressing against her brain. Her leg wasn't doing what she was telling it to do and she fell. All that theropy that she was having just wasn't doing any good. If Dick hadn't pressed the Doctors to do something for Sharon, because she just wasn't herself, they would have never found out about the Brain Tumor until it was too late. Dick knows Sharon and knew something was very wrong. They gave her a MRI per his insistance. Thank God for Dick!!! Sharon is probably alive because of his insistance. He says that Sharon has the best Brain Surgeon around so this is a real plus.

October 22


Dick just called me this afternoon to say that Sharon had a large tumor taken out this morning out that was putting pressure on her brain. Sharon had been getting confused the last few days so Dick took her to the hospital to see what was the problem. This was a good thing as the doctor says these tumors grow fast and can be life threatning. Their daughter flew in from Calif. to be with them for the operation.

Dick wanted me to pass this info to her classmates that Sharon will be in ICU about 5 days and doctor does not think the tumor is cancerous but positive tests take about a week. OK to send cards but no phone calls until we find that Sharon is able to take them. We all need to pray for Sharon that she will get through this OK and come out strong once again. Part of this was causing Sharon not to be able to do the rehab she needed on her walking.

Dick will keep us posted on any updates in Sharon's condition. Denny

Sept.8th
Jerry Lucas had surgery on Friday. He will be home Sunday night or Monday the 9th. He is in great shape- only a sore throat from having his tonsils removed. He is enjoying Italian Ices!

Karen

August 7th - Posted by Carol M

Update:

Sharon Stevens is getting better everyday. She can get on the computer for a short time now. You might want to send her a cheery note. Hips take a long time to heal.
IFLYSAFE@aol.com
Click here for Status reports.

Jerry Lucas is going in for a 2nd opinion. Hope it's better news than he has right now. I have the correct spelling of what he has. METASTATIC SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA. Look it up on the Internet. Very interesting.

Don Garner is doing better from his heart attack and stroke from two years ago. His left side is still giving him problems.

As I find out reports from people, I'll pass them on. So many of you are asking about our Classmates.

July 7th
Jerry Lucas is having a tumor removed Wed. July 16th. per Karen Fairfield. We certainly all wish the best for him and he has a quick recovery.

June 26
Keep Glenda Myers Portesi in your prayers as she has had some health problems and asked us to keep her in mind. She knows that prayers really help as she has been helped with prayer many times before. She really is close to God and a very special person.

June 25
Dixie Freeman Johnson has broken her arm. We do not know any details but she had broke her hip over 6 months ago and was finally able to get around. Send her a note to cheer her up. 406 S. Orchard Dr., Burbank, CA 91506 Her husband Rick looks at his e mail - rickj811@aol.com

June 23
Delores Frannecke Machtolff is having shoulder surgery next Friday, recouping at her friend's (a nurse) then going home to direct her kids for the move. They said she planned it this way, so she doesn't have to do anything. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?

She had the knee done in Nov. and it's crummy. No cartiledge left, so she has to use a cane most of the time. She has a hard time walking far. dmachtolff@netzero.net

June 23
Jay Wanamaker was feeling tired and had a little chest pain so about 10 days ago he went to Doc. and had stress test and couldn't pass it so they found 3 arteries mostly blocked. They were to do a 3 by pass last Mon. but did a 5 by pass. He is doing fine now, out of ICU and going home middle of this coming week.

June 23
Sorry to report that Kenny Jo Walker's mother pass away this past week.
kenniejo@hotmail.com

July 10
Denny talked to Dick and Sharon last night on phone. Sharon had gotten up July 4th. morning and didn't want to wake up too much and fell trying to get a hold of her walker. She fell on her good leg and tore a legament. Now she has a brace on the one leg and is still unable to put weight on the other leg with her repaired hip.

This will set back her recovery date but she is in good spirits and being not able to get on computer a phone call or card would be great.
IFLYSAFE@aol.com
Click here for Status reports.

Rylla Halbaken-Papiri could always use a cheery card
Pleasant View Convalascent Hospital, 22590 Boss Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014.
She enjoys phone calls per Joyce Lyle Haskitt. 408-873-1130

Diane Mc Fadden Thompson just lost her husband to throat cancer. She could use some cheer.
130 Edelen Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030
E-mail: nonithompson@yahoo.com
Telephone 408-354-5174

George Busch, 6038 Rod Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Carol Handy Yanello is having some breathing problems so is getting tests.

"Barney" Barnett has prostate cancer like so many of our classmates have or had.
413 E. Elizabeth, Fort Collins, CO 80524 - bbarnett@psd.k12.co.us

Barbara Landin Egger has Amyloidosis and has done a lot of research and had a lot of tests to help her. eggerfunnyfarm@webtv.net She wants everyone to be aware of this disease as she had a hard time finding out what was her problem.

What is Amyloidosis?Amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which one or more organ systems in the body accumulate deposits of abnormal proteins. The name "amyloidosis" was first used more than 100 years ago but cases were described over 300 years ago. However, only within the past 20 years have physicians understood the specific make-up and structure of amyloid protein. Although amyloidosis is not cancer, it is very serious. It is disabling or life threatening. However, growing awareness of the condition seems to be leading to substantial new research and treatment alternatives.

Gary Osborn has shingles and is very uncomfortable now - no e mail
1115 N. Naomi St., Burbank, CA 91505.

Glmportesi@mail.win.org

Nick Georgino has sight problems and can not drive anymore - no e mail
5300 Newcastle Ave., Encino, CA 91316 818-881-0325

Janet Corwin Lyneis just had knee replacement surgrery on both knees. She is doing ok. Her address is:
Saddleback Memorial Hospital
2445l Health Center Drive
Laguna Hills Calif. 92653
Room 310

A NOTE FROM THE SECRETARY

If anyone of you were friends or close at all with any of these please send them a card. Terry Barnett told Carol and I, a couple of years ago, that he didn't have any friends in our class but I know that is wrong and he just might think that. He was a good guy in Burroughs.

We are all subject to some medical problem as we get older and I know that it made me feel good a month ago when I rec'd calls, cards, and flowers when I went in hospital for a knee replacement. It is no fun having a medical problem or an operation and classmates kindness can really make you feel better and help you get well. It really helped me!

I know that there are others in our class that can use some cheery mesages so let us know so we can e mail, call, or write. Thanks, JBHS 55

Sometimes just a note, e mail or call can really give help to others. When we hold our hand out to others we help ourselves at the same time. Carol Howell just sent a message about holding our hand out to another when walking on rocks across a stream. My fishing friends have done this for clumsy old me.

It is amazing the power of friendship and e mail helps a lot. Barbara Landin had been sick and loosing weight and trouble in breathing and then found out thru the internet and doctors what her disease was and how to treat it. Sometimes we talk to others and help each other with things we didn't know.

Denny - JBHS 55 Reunion Secretary
grossmand@aol.com