We are glad to advise and thank everyone for the prayers that our Grandson, Sgt Daniel Cook is home from Afghanistan and reunited with his family.  This was his second tour and now he will be stateside for an assignment and schooling.  It has been such a relief that he is stateside again.

Doris/Wayne

7-25-10                      

 

 

 

Just a note regarding attendance at this year's campout:  This is something to which Les and I have been looking  forward, and hopefully we'll be in attendance.  However, there is a possibility we may have to cancel out but only time will tell.

 In short, I spent July 8 - 11 as an inpatient at the Portland VA Medical Center for complaints of shortness of breath  (3+ weeks) and severe left arm pain (which began July 8 as I was en route to the Portland VA for a clinic appointment).  A myocardial infarction was ruled out in the ER, which was great news, but an abdominal/chest CT was positive for multiple pulmonary emboli.  Thank goodness for heparin and coumadin anticoagulation!  The shortness of breath remains active and the doctors indicate it may continue for "weeks or months."  It goes without saying "it could have been much worse." 

UPDATE 7-25-10

On July 14 The Roseburg VA performed a "home oxygen test", in which the O2 saturation fell to 81% during supervised walking in the hospital corridors, so home oxygen was added to the therapy for the shortness of breath.  The O2 was originally to cover "exertional" activities but has now been changed to 24/7, including while sleeping.  (No I was NEVER a smoker!   Ha.)   I'm sure this O2 Rx is just temporary  for purposes of "comfort" until the pulmonary emboli dissolve and the shortness of breath becomes a thing of the past. 

Until l hear otherwise, the coumadin anticoagulation and I will remain friends indefinitely.  Thank goodness medical science researchers were able to develop these wonders of science and medicine!   The VA also has scheduled several visits to "specialty clinics" such as hematology, as well as  specialized lab tests to try and find the etiology of my  hypercoagulability or propensity to perform blood clots. 

 As a "side-light" as to "what else could possibly go wrong", my 94 y.o. father fell at his assisted-living facility this past Thursday (7-22-10) and broke his left hip.  It was a very minor "compressive fracture" but required surgical pinning on Friday.  He's doing quite well over at RiverBend.  He will be transferred to a rehab facility in a few days for strengthening exercises and help with ambulation until strong enough to return to his assisted-living facility.  My father normally walks 1/2 to one mile per day at his assisted-living facility, and as a survivor of the depression has LOTS of determination and therefore should "do just fine".  His strong sense of humor remains intact and that definitely helps as well.

7-25-10                      

 

 

Sharon writes, "I just accepted  the Peace Corps campus recruiter position at Washington University for the academic year 2010-2011,  a great way to continue service.  The woman I'm replacing was hired at 72,  retired last year at 80,  so with any luck maybe I'll get two years.  The only job I like better than offering library services is selling the Peace Corps.

Washington University is in St. Louis.  It is a fine private school with one of the best med schools in the country.

After training in Chicago mid-August,  I start Sept 1 as the campus Peace Corps recruiter for Washington University in St. Louis,  a part time academic year appointment.  I'm jazzed.  They tell me recruiting is done with Facebook so I'll be getting more techie skills. 

Presently, I volunteer at the ecology center and with International Wives each week,  and work in my beloved native plants garden early mornings before the 100 degree heat." 

7-25-10                      

 

It was a GREAT WEEKEND...  We had a lot of fun at the PIZZA PARTY... and at the same time Springfield, Oregon celebrated its 125th birthday!  Think about it -- Springfield was only 60 years old when we were born and only had 13,000 residents when many of us were in first grade...  

Pizza Get Together 2010

 

	Morning in Denio, Nevada
	Denio sky. No clouds nor smog. Ooops.  One small cloud at the bottom.

7-10-10              
 

 

 

Hi All:
 
Just a short note to keep to apprised on my cancer and what the doctors believe the score might be.
 
I finished my 5th Chemo infusion last Friday (I also had to receive a blood transfusion on Sunday  -  I guess I am now animic).  Had a pretty tough time the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days after the major part of the infuson.  But doing much better now.  I am scheduled for one more Chemo treatment (I'll have the first part on 9 July).
 
They have run several scans, and the cancer appears to be spreading (so far just to bones and not to any orgins - except my lung of course).  I have meds that are doing a pretty good job of controling the pain. 
 
Nina and I are so blessed to have you and others as our LOVING support group.  We give thanks for that alone, EVERY DAY.
 
We are doing well. I am still working a few hours a week, but I seem to have less and less energy.  We'll be buying a car for Nina and probably move within the next couple weeks.  So things continue to get resolved.
 
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers,
 
 JOHN & NINA HALES

7-10-10              
 

 

Steve Hinrichs

Jan Fochtman

   Have been traveling to in Alaska in their motor home with Jan's cousin and her husband.

	Have fun Steve and Jan.

7-10-10