Night after Thanksgiving in Maryville...Stan, Walker and Jody

dWJStan.jpg"





Jody and Debbie. Deep down several class mates are sure Debbie is really
Ann Hunt? What do you think?



OK according to Ruthie THIS is the real Ann Hunt..remember? To me
Debbie looks much better?





Stan had a good time!


I just put this picture in to piss of HERMAN and STEVE!
MHS won another play off game and will be headed to the semi-finals.
This team has won over 56 games in a row! Long long way from
the coaching of "Big Fat Don!"





Not sure what was going on here?





Jody at the Hilton gathering




Stan..Lovingood..Robert...Jody and Tip

NO PICTURES PLEASE!



Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.
If you are around during the holidays e mail and we
will gather?



Find more photos like this on GoSmokies

IF you are coming back to town for a UT game be SURE and POST on the
blog or E MAIL us! (wjonair1@aol.com)


Here is the line up for the V O L S!

Hope everyone had a wonderful summer!

I posted the news about my friend and our class
mate yesterday.. Last night I
thought of so many things we shared and went to
bed feeling really down.

This morning I walked out the
front door and saw this sun
rise. IT reminded me
that nothing dies it just changes.






The Class of 1966 has lost a great guy.

I got a note from Mary and she forwarded
this one. I don't think the family would mind
if I shared it.


Mary,

I got your email address from Emmet's address book as I believe you are someone Emmet knew from Maryville, TN. Unfortunately Emmet passed away on July 22. You may have know that he had cancer, Multiple Myeloma to be exact. He had been doing amazingly well until early June. He had signs of some reaction to his donor stem cell transplant. Where this is not unusual, and we thought he had begun to recover well, he had a stroke on July 8th. The stroke site in his brain seemed to grow every day for 2 weeks, most of that time Emmet was un-responsive and in a coma. He died calmly surrounded by family. While we were braced for his death we are all trying to find the new reality of life with out him.
I am most proud of our 32 year marriage and our 2 wonderful daughters. He died to young.

THIS JUST IN TODAY...EMMET UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday morning,

"Made the turn" is the phrase we heard yesterday on Emmet's situation. It is what we have been hoping for. He continues in good spirits and is wanting to do a little work out in the physical therapy department this morning. We anticipate him coming home Friday afternoon. Elizabeth arrives that evening and we are both so excited to see her.

Here is what I think I currently know.
Emmet has been diagnosed with Acute Graft vs. Host Disease. As scary as that sounds, it is better than Chronic GvHD. This is being considered a "one and only episode" and a mild case at that. After 9 days in the hospital it is amazing what some others go through. Emmet did have to go to a second tear of drugs because he was not responding to the steroids. As good as they can make him feel, they were not fixing the problem, and he can only be on them for so long.

Emmet has also agreed to a double blind study, (double meaning neither he nor the doctor will know if he is getting a placebo or not). The study adds an enhancement to the second tear medication. Two thirds of those in the study will have it, one third will have the placebo. This study was highly recommended by our doctor. The downside to it is the time commitment. Emmet will be at Anderson for about 4 hours twice a week. We feel so fortunate to be handy to such a great cancer center, and advancement in all things cancer need to be explored, so he agreed.

They inserted a vein catheter in his arm to ease some of the ordeal of infusions. It will remain in about 6 weeks. He is used to having one at his collar bone area and thinks this will be better. At least this way he doesn't have to be poked each time they want blood or to give medication. He did spend about 4 days on clear liquids and can now start adding new but soft foods. There is just so much bullion and jello he can handle. It will be so good to be home. For me to, although I do not spend the night at the hospital. Neither one of us seems to sleep very well and this way we can flip around as we like with out disturbing the other.

Once again you have all carried us through a tough time. We are so grateful.
Love, Jennie


More pictures from the Saturday lunch in the mountains

As always click to make them bigger and check out the post after this
for more.

This is about all I can load on this post...SO I will do another post with more pictures after this is posted.

THANK YOU Deb and Richard for having all of us over.
It was a great afternoon!
As always double click the pictures to see them in a larger format
and if you want a disk of ALL the pictures just send me your address at wjonair1@aol.com and I will make you one and send it.
There is a TON of them and as always
the girls of the class of 66 looked outstanding while the guys looked a tad weathered!

TOMORROW IS THE DAY TOMORROW IS THE DAY TOMORROW IS THE DAY TOMORROW IS THE DAY






Last minute reminders...
IF you wanta drink something other than TEA AND WATER bring it with you.
I am bringing cokes and will see if I can smuggle some stamped spirits
out of the house. Glad to share.

Remember the car thing...meet at Smith's at 12 30 or
call if you come later so the gate can be opened for you.

SEE YOU THERE!


Earlier post:



Here is the deal

1. 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.


2. IF you need to drive STILL meet us at Smiths if you can
at 12 30. She lives in a gated community and if we all convoy up
together it will be easier!

3. Jan has dipped into some of our funds to provide Buddys
Bar B Q for all of us...BUT it will be limited to meat, sauce
and buns only.

4. PLEASE if you can bring a dish to share...or drinks...or
ice...or desert...or salad...or chips or anything else to round
out the meal.

Again, if you have yet to e mail or call her please do so..it is
NOT TOOOO LATE!!!

IT IS THIS SATURDAY.......IT IS THIS SATURDAY..........IT IS THIS SATURDAY....




We have 35 on the dance card for the summer party this Saturday!

YOU are MORE than invited to STILL join us!


Here is the deal

1. 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.


2. IF you need to drive STILL meet us at Smiths if you can
at 12 30. She lives in a gated community and if we all convoy up
together it will be easier!

3. Jan has dipped into some of our funds to provide Buddys
Bar B Q for all of us...BUT it will be limited to meat, sauce
and buns only.

4. PLEASE if you can bring a dish to share...or drinks...or
ice...or desert...or salad...or chips or anything else to round
out the meal.

Again, if you have yet to e mail or call her please do so..it is
NOT TOOOO LATE!!!


See you Saturday, 12 30...at Smiths!

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