HERE IS A NEW REPORT FROM EMMET, WE NEED TO REMEMBER HIM AND ALL OF OUR
CLASSMATES IN OUR PRAYERS.




Good news ! The dreaded INR # is down to 1.3 this morning. (it was up as high as 10.5 yesterday)
This means that Emmet can be "scoped". This is the definitive test for 'graft vs. host disease'.

Yesterday afternoon Dr. Giralt, who is Emmet's primary doctor at Anderson surprised us with a visit. We had thought he had left town but he was still in the area and just came in for a little while. Once he was involved stuff started happening. Emmet was immediately put on Vitamin K, which reverses the coumadin.

He will have the procedure some time this afternoon. Since it will take place on a Friday afternoon we are not sure when the results will be published.

Also, Dr. Giralt immediately started treating Emmet as if he did have GVHD and put him on steroids. There is a reason athletes like this stuff. Emmet is on an energy high right now and shocked all the nurses this morning when he asked if he could go down to physical therapy and walk on the tread mill. We like that Dr. G is interested in being aggressive and not wasting precious time.

Another thing we learned yesterday is that GVHD has nothing to do with rejection. That was good news. We also believe if GVHD is what this is, it is still a mild case.

Anyway, I wanted to keep you all posted. If nothing else, today is a good day, and we love them all.
Your prayers are working!!!
Jennie


Also if you need more info on the party in the mountains scroll down to the other post.

The June 23 potluck at Debbie's in Saddleridge in Walland is DAYS AWAY!

Jan just called and said we have a good list of folks planning on
going but there is still room for YOU!
Although we sure do need to meet at Smiths at 12 30 to car pool up
(due to limited parking) IF you are going to be running
late and can't make the 12 30 time feel free to
call Debbie at 865-981-9378 and she can give you directions
to her home. As we said earlier parking is at a
premium so the car pooling is really a good idea, but
do NOT let it keep you from coming!

I am old so I forgot what I posted earlier...normal for me,
but here is the cliff note version.
Bring...something to share this be pot luck..(Ettie and Morton
NO tired pot jokes)and if you want to drink
something other than tea bring that also. Debbie has her
e mail listed but if you have problems with it send your note to me
on how many and I sure will forward it.

A few are out of town..on vacation..or in jail so they
get a pass but if you are LOCAL you really should come on up
and if you are out of town try to make it!

Jan is up for more things in the future as are all of us.
Come on to this one and lets talk about the next deal!

As always send notes and thoughts about whatever and I will
post it.

THANKS!

Walker

Debbie's number 865-981-9378 and email dbway@bellsouth.net.

We lost a Basketball GREAT today.

The June 23 potluck at Debbie's in Saddleridge in Walland is THIS MONTH GUYS!


Debbie would like to know how many to plan for. Remember we will need to meet at Smith's to carpool at 12:30 PM. Debbie's number 865-981-9378 and email dbway@bellsouth.net.

If you are going to come please drop Debbie a note so she can get an idea of the count. If you are out of state, we are having a really outstanding Spring and the mountains will be THE PLACE to visit by the end of June.

As always if you have any news to pass on please send it to the blog or to me @
wjonair1@aol.com


SEE ALL OF YOU ON THE 23rd I HOPE!!

UPDATE on EMMET!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Hi to all,
It seems the month of May has had more medical events than any other, even considering the transplants. We have spent to many days at M.D.Anderson dealing with new situations.

First of all, the blood clot in Emmet's leg is still something to deal with but it did not prevent us from going to N. J. for Michael's first birthday. It was a much needed trip for us and a complete delight to be with Michael at such a precious time. He is toddling now, and very mobile. We had so much fun. But, back to the blood clot, Emmet will remain on coumadin for about 6 months. He currently sees someone weekly to verify the level. He is now off the Lovenox, which is the injection that I had to give him, thank goodness. Emmet's leg continues to be swollen and a little sore, but this is to be expected. It is my understanding that as long as the leg shows these signs it means the clot is still there, as opposed to moving to the lungs. He will have another ultrasound in about 3 weeks.

The other issue that came up in May has taken a lot more of our time. The "bump" on Emmet's back became infected. He has had this for probably 15 years. It is either a subasious cyst or a libasious cyst, both types being benign. Sorry about the spelling. It has been completely dormant for so long, no one seems to know why it suddenly started erupting. The doctor's have gone back and forth as to what to do with it. Being on blood thinners has been the big issue. About 2 weeks ago a surgeon had looked at it and prescribed antibiotics. Well that didn't seem to calm things down, but at least there was no spreading. We had a follow up visit with her yesterday. As luck would have it, the coumadin level is not very high yet, so she went ahead and cut out the cyst. A biopsy will provide more info on the exact type. Part of me is really pleased it is gone. The tough part is that it was very large, about the size of a chicken egg, and infected, so the incision can't be closed up. I have to clean it and re-pack it twice a day. Giving shots in his belly twice a day was much easier.

Anyway, that is the latest in our continuing medical saga. I am amazed at how often a medical person expects me to do a medical procedure without even asking about any skills I might have. The family joke is that each of us got the right kind of cancer for the other one to deal with. Emmet is excellent in the kitchen and fluffing pillows and waiting on me, just don't get graphic on anything that may include blood.

As you can see, we still need your prayers. It is so comforting and empowering to know you all care and pray for us.

The party in the mountains is still on and if you think you might be coming scroll down
a few posts for the info on how to RSVP.

We had family in and took them to the Park for three days, not much was blooming but it was a great time to visit. As always if you are headed back to Murvle this spring or summer either e mail or post here and let us know!

AFTER DECADES OF WATCHING THE FOOTBALL TEAM WIN, MARYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL HAS WON THE STATE
BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP!

I have NO idea when Maryville even WENT to a state Basketball Tourney but
tonight they were there and in the second OT won the Championship game!

This year our school has both the state championship football and now basketball
team. I watched it on TV and I can tell you these guys were a hell of a long
way from the days of the FOX! For more on the win click on the blue high
lighted words.


PS...last year I MC'd a spelling beee and was given the little clock shown in the picture above. Loved the way the Literacy Society spelled the name of our county.

We are working on some gatherings this spring and Summer. Here is one Jan has
added to the books.













MHS Class of 66 Summer Picnic

Debbie Beaver Way has invited us to her house for a summer potluck on Sat., June 23, 2007 at 1P.M. The Rhododendrons are supposed to be blooming then. Paper products will be provided. Also, tea and water. Please bring any additional drinks needed and your favorite dish. PLease R.S.V.P. dbway@bellsouth.net.or call 865-981-9378 tell her if you will attend and what you will bringing. Because of limited parking we will need to meet at Smith's Mortuary at 12:30 to carpool. She lives in Saddleridge in Walland, TN. Her address is 2030 Chilhowee Loop Rd. SHe will send
Directions closer to the event. We hope you can attend.

Again we are working on one in the Spring and then another one in the summer. As we crawl toward the age of 60 it is time to party early and often!


Because we all are grads of MHS and rolling in money we will find the following not sent by a classmate beyond funny.

As we all know democrats are just very young republicans, when they grow up and open their eyes they come over to the winning team!

Senator Hillary Clinton was invited to address a major gathering of the American Indian Nation two weeks ago in up-state New York...

She spoke for almost an hour on her future plans for increasing every Native American's present standard of living, should she one day become the first female President. She referred to her career as a New York Senator, how she had signed "YES" for every Indian issue that came to her desk for approval. Although the Senator was vague on the details of her plan, she seemed most enthusiastic about her future ideas for helping her "red sisters and brothers".
At the conclusion of her speech, the tribes presented the Senator with a plaque inscribed with her new Indian name - Walking Eagle. The proud Senator then departed in her motorcade, waving to the crowds.
A news reporter later inquired to the group of chiefs of how they come to select the new name given to the Senator. They explained that Walking Eagle is the name given to a bird so full of shit it can no longer fly.

WHAT....THIRD ANNUAL APRIL FOOLIES
WHEN....SATURDAY MARCH 31
WHERE...WILSON AUDITORIUM, MARYVILLE COLLEGE
FOR.....3 GREAT AGENCIES FOR CHILDREN (ChildNet, NEW hope, Success By 6)


SOME OF BLOUNT COUNTY'S FINEST (and flat strangest) TALENT including ugly hairy men in drag, skits that will make you shake your head and the group in the picture...BUFORD'S ATOMIC OUTHOUSE!

Tickets at the door, at United Way (865-982 2251, call them for directions to their new office) and at both Blount Today and the Maryville Daily Times.

FOOD @ 5:30 PM
SHOW @ 7:00 PM

If you are in town don't miss this if you are not in town it is a great reason to come home.

First two OLD pictures of our movie houses in downtown, one is now being restored and the other is the home of Roy's Records.




A fire started around 1 this morning in Knoxville on the far end of Gay Street. If you remember the old L&N and the World's Fair site, this is the intersection just past it going away from the river, on the way to Broadway and Central.

Here is an update from Emmet.
As always if ANYONE has something they would like to share please send it.

The moon picture was taken on the road down to Dry Valley ( just after it passed under the Look Rock..Foothills Parkway) some may remember going up on the parkway just after it was completed and relaxing on car-hoods while star gazing and passing a quart of Schlitz around?







This note is to all who have been so kind in their thoughts and prayers. The one thing that I can say is that all the prayers obviously worked. We started with my brother Art going thru all his exams at MD Andersonon Tuesday Jan 9th and harvesting his stem cells on the following Tuesday & Wednesday. I had complete body radiation on Wednesday about noon and was violently ill the rest of the day. I received his stem cells on Wednesday night.
I have been going to MD Anderson everyday for a 3 hour drip of fluids and magnesium. I feel great, just a little tired at times. I usually go to the showroom for a couple of hours a day. I am not allowed to be in crouds because my cell counts are so low so I have no immune system right now. I do get Sunday off from the hospital but will be sent home with a fanny pack of fluids. You will never know what your e-mails have meant to us. Jennie keeps asking who that person is on my e-mail list and she can't beleive it when I say that is a Maryville classmate. It is hard to think that I am sick, the way that I feel. They call this the 100 day period of follow-up. There are a lot of risk involved with this procedure but it was the only way known to try to hit a home run and keep it in remission. This is a study so maybe this will help find a cure for this deadly disease.
Thanks again to all with their prayers and concerns. Emmet

New Party Pictures and TWO Classmate updates


Sharon said the pictures of HER were not very good so I dug around and found one I hope she likes better. Also a few more of folks at the party.



Got two notes after the blog was published, one from Mary Beaty McDonald and another from Renger Bierma. I still have pictures of Steve McArthurs new home and a note about their moving, after Christmas I will get it posted.

As always PLEASE send me any news or pictures so we all can see how you guys are doing.

As they say at Kmart...Merry Holidays and Happy Christmas!!
WJ


My wife and I will not be coming in for Xmas and will do only a pass through on New Years.
WE CERTAINLY WISH HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AND WISH THE VERY BEST FOR EVERYONE IN THE
NEW YEAR!

LARRY AND DEBBIE CAMPBELL





Dear Walker,
I will be retiring from Shell in two days time. Please continue to send these e-mails to my private e-mail address: rpbierema@aol.com. You can delete the Shell e-mail address which expires. Hope to have a chance to come by some time next year, not sure yet, but hope to come to the US to attend the wedding of Bob Graves' son in Chattanooga.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Renger


Merry Christmas!!! I hope you have another wonderful Christmas and New Year. Think we can stay up til 12 a.m. on New Year's Eve? Maybe we should set the clock!
Okay, I do need a list of who is who in the pictures. It is so sad to have been so far away for all these years. Thanks so much for keeping all of us updated.
We have a big Praise! Our house in Atlanta sold last week. We hope to close on the 29th. Two years of double house payments has been more than hard.
We saw the kids and families for Thanksgiving this year. We all went to Columbia, SC to our daughter Ashley's. We were all able to drive there instead of us paying for plane flights to get them here. Turner and I are looking forward to lounging in our sweats all Christmas day and the 26th also! We have had several people invite us to join them for Christmas dinner and we have graciously declined as we are not going to be on any schedule! The children are all at in-laws and I am not cooking a thing!
We have worked so hard this year getting this business up and running and are very pleased on the progress so far.
Okay, I have run my mouth enough!
Merry Christmas !
mary

W E L C O M E to the first ANNUAL MHS Christmas GATHERING.

Because we had so many folks the blog will only handle two or three pictures per post. No problem, we just posted over and over...SO, please keep scrolling down and checking out who showed and who got talked about!

The first annual MHS class of 1966 Christmas Gathering was outstanding! If you are on this post..please keep moving down to the others to see more pictures. IF you were not there, you were TALKED ABOUT!

Cause this tired BLOG will not handle many pictures per post I am posting and publishing as I go. DO NOT FAIL to scroll down for more of the 2006 MHS Christmas Party Pictures.. GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

DONT'S STOP HERE, more pictures just below this post!!!

GREAT CHRISTMAS GATHERING

Classmates from WAY back...including the elusive Yvonne Lambert (King) who brought SHRIMP!! Tony (Rabbit) Houston, Gail King, Ettie Howard (Reese) Billy Yarbrough, and a HOST of others!

Here are the pictures and if you wanta know the names just e mail me at wjonair1@aol.com and I will send you a list.

Great fun...still going on when I was told to leave (yea, I know) and a fantastic stepping stone to MORE seasonal meetings.

Thanks to all who came. Also a big thanks to Sharon and Gail for their planning and EVERYONE who brought eats.

LAST of the PICTURES..IF you want a disk of all of them drop me a note with your address and I will burn you one and mail it out.. wjonair1@aol.com

THANKS

Day after Thanksgiving






























Send Sharon an E Mail (address in the next post) if you can come visit on the 19th
of December, details are also in that post. Hope everyone had a great T. Day and can come in for the 19th.

MORE INFO ON THE GATHERINGS


Sharon wants to know if you are coming?
If you wanta bring vitals (a sad try at spelling the food Jed ate after he used the pool sticks to fetch the pots across the fancy eating table) then rock on, but we are bringing at least one Honey Baked Ham and a touch of Lynchburg Holy water.

Call her (her phone is in the last post)
Or E mail her at sharontcady@yahoo.com


Ya know when we gather every 5 or 10 years we always say we should do this more often.
Brothers and sisters after looking around the room at the 40th I agrEE!

So if you are lurking around Murvle on the day after Turkey Day come out to the Hilton bar and lets tell lies.

IF you are coming in for Ho Ho then make a point to meet everyone on the 19th!

If you have just moved back (Mrs. KING!) then come to both of these deals.


Lets make this one the first of many OK?

Any questions e mail me at wjonair1@aol.com