Barb73
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http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/ ... 3406.story
OBITUARY:
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Buddy Blattner dies at 89; former major leaguer and longtime sportscaster
A gifted athlete, he was a world champion table tennis player as a teenager before switching to baseball. In retirement he took up tennis, winning many national senior tournaments.
Buddy Blattner, a former major leaguer and longtime sportscaster who paired with Don Wells on the Angels' KMPC radio broadcasts from 1962 to 1968, has died. He was 89.
Blattner, a St. Louis native who spent most of his life in the Midwest, died Friday of complications from lung cancer at his home in Chesterfield, Mo., said his wife, Barbara.
A gifted athlete, Blattner was a world champion table tennis player as a teenager before switching to baseball. In retirement he took up tennis, winning many national senior tournaments.
He began his broadcasting career in 1950 in St. Louis, calling games for the Browns, the city's American League team, alongside Dizzy Dean, the Hall of Fame pitcher turned down-home baseball announcer.
The pair also were heard nationwide on the Liberty and Mutual radio networks' "Game of the Day" and then on television when ABC and CBS broadcast the "Game of the Week" in the '50s.
Blattner was the straight man and translator for Dean's extremely colorful commentary.
"People liked [Dean] giving everything but the score but wanted me to restore sanity," Blattner told author Curt Smith for his 2005 book "Voices of Summer."
Blattner also was the radio voice of the NBA's St. Louis Hawks in the '50s and spent two seasons in the booth for the St. Louis Cardinals before coming west to work for the Angels. He joined them in 1962, a year after expansion admitted them to the majors.
After the 1968 season, Blattner left for the Kansas City Royals, and Dick Enberg replaced him on the Angels' broadcasting team.
Blattner retired after the 1975 season and returned to his native Missouri.
He was born Robert Garnett Blattner on Feb. 8, 1920, and learned to play table tennis at a neighborhood pool hall where he and other boys covered billiard tables with wooden boards.
In 1936 and 1937, he traveled to Europe for the table tennis world championships and came home with trophies.
Baseball won out over table tennis, however, and he made his major league debut with the Cardinals in 1942, playing 19 games that season before he was drafted into the Navy.
Stationed in Guam during World War II, Blattner returned to spend three seasons with the New York Giants and one with the Philadelphia Phillies before retiring in 1949.
A shortstop and second baseman, Blattner finished his major league career with a .247 average in 272 games over five seasons.
"I was already 26 after the war," Blattner told Smith. "My skills were gone. So I looked elsewhere."
At the end of his broadcasting career, Blattner created the Buddy Fund, a charity that provides athletic equipment to disadvantaged youth in St. Louis.
Besides his wife of 68 years, Blattner is survived by three daughters, Barbara, Debbie and Donna; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
A moment of silence was held before Friday night's Angels-Royals game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City to honor Blattner.
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(The Los Angeles Times, Obituaries, by Claire Noland, September 5, 2009)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.
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Sue,
Keeping your Mom in my prayers for a successful outcome and that Cyberknife will be a "go."
Continued good thoughts,
Barbara
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Patti,
So glad you brought this subject up for discussion. I was wondering the same thing.
Every fall, Bill and I receive the regular flu vaccine (dead virus). However, due to the fact that Bill is in treatment presently, and has a compromised immune system, I was actually wondering about both.
The swine flue vaccine seemed rather iffy to me due to the haste with which it was put together. Maybe there is no answer to this due to not having any large-scale studies?
We will be watching for updates on this - for sure.
Barbara
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Joy,
I am glad to know that you got through the WBR. As for the carbo/taxol, that was Bill's first regimen four plus years ago.
All I can contribute is to let you know that Bill has never had any nausea, and the most he's ever felt was a fatigue which has lasted various amounts of time over the years - related to various chemotherapies.
Wishing you the best,
Barbara
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162306.php
ARTICLE:
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Today's tough economic challenges make it a good time to re-examine the way we and our family members eat, as more of us try to stretch the budget by dining on the cheap on foods like hot dogs, bologna sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese.
But eating healthy doesn't have to cost more.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science nutritionists Lynn Janas, PhD, and Hope Bilyk, MS, RD say that a few small changes in the way we shop, cook and eat will help us stay healthier and spend less.
Let's start with eating. Janas, who holds a PhD in nutrition, wants us to envision what a healthy meal looks like not on some difficult-to-conjure food pyramid but on the dinner plate we sit down to. Half the plate should be filled with vegetables all that fiber will help fill us up. One-quarter should contain protein lean meat, fish, eggs or beans. One quarter should include whole grains like bread, pasta and rice.
Eating healthy begins with improving the quality of food on the plate, according to Bilyk, a registered dietitian, who said we should start small and keep it simple: substitute a slice of whole grain bread for the usual white bread; occasionally use brown rice for white rice; instead of a sugary breakfast cereal, eat oatmeal, muesli or some other whole grain.
"We can add more nutrition to our meals by making small changes, taking small steps," Bilyk said.
Eating on the run can also be nutritious, if you grab a piece of fruit instead of a cookie. Unsalted popcorn, a whole grain, is a good snack choice, as are a handful of nuts, instead of chips.
Despite the government's attempt to nudge more Americans to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, we don't consume enough of them. Researchers at Ohio State University recently reported that 80 percent of U.S. children from 12-18 years of age were not eating the recommended portions of fruit on a given day and approximately 90 percent were not eating enough vegetables.
The explanation might be out of sight, out of mind, said Janas, who wants fruit kept on the table or counter, within easy reach.
"People will eat appropriately if they have a selection of healthy foods," she said. "Let's get it out there and make it visible. We want to get more vegetables and fruits into everybody."
All vegetables have different nutrients and that is why we need to eat a variety of them, according to the nutritionists, both assistant professors in the Department of Nutrition at Rosalind Franklin's College of Health Professions. A healthy plate should be colorful.
"Put a rainbow on your plate," advised Bilyk, who advises us to select dark green and dark orange vegetables. "Color signals potential health benefits," she said.
Eating healthier can also help stretch the food dollar. Beans and lentils are cheap and can be used as extenders for more expensive protein dishes like red meat. Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale. Whole chickens and chicken thighs are an economical choice.
Aim to eat fish twice a week. Canned salmon or tuna in moderate portions are relatively cheap and nutritious. Try meatless meals. Use eggs, but cut out some of the yolks. Make minestrone, frittatas, omelets. Use enriched pasta with tomato sauce and small amounts of ground beef. Make homemade pizza, limiting the cheese and processed meats. Buy fruits and vegetables in season. Buy cheaper store brands. Shop sales and lower-cost produce stores.
Both nutritionists also recommend the "Go, Slow, Whoa" system of thinking before eating. "Go" heavy on the healthy foods that should fill your plate. Make it "slow" on meats, processed foods, pizza and low-fat cheese and "whoa," or hold the line, on regular-fat cheese, ice cream, baked goods, chips, candy and sugar-sweetened drinks.
Eating healthier can help see Americans through the economic rough times now and beyond. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent the obesity that drains more than $117 billion a year in direct and indirect costs, for medical treatment to lost wages, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Janas and Bilyk point to the nation's four leading killers many forms of heart disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease/stroke and diabetes are nutrition related and largely preventable. Heart disease alone is projected to cost $305 billion in 2009, including health care services, medications, and lost productivity.
By focusing on what we eat, Americans can enjoy better health. They can live longer and save more money.
"You truly are what you eat," Janas said. "Every cell in your body is regenerating and at some point will be affected by what you eat."
About Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) is a national leader in interprofessional medical and healthcare education, comprising the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
There are more than 15,000 RFUMS degreed graduates in the United States and worldwide.
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(Medical News Today, Source: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, August 29, 2009)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.
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Michele,
I love your attitude. So glad you have maintained your sense of humor. It's actually good medicine.
Your list of "AGREEDS" was spot on and when accomplished, should give you a move forward.
As with you, this board has given me such a huge support over the many, many months.
Keeping you both in thoughts and prayers.
Barbara
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Michele,
I love the *iss and vinegar that you are displaying. Go get 'em girl.
Get those questions going and know that we are your virtual support group - there in spirit - always.
Barbara
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(((Michele))),
Your expersience with the roller coaster ride is well understood. It's not easily taken, but it is definitely something some of us have been riding.
I don't know if this counts, but Bill has had a shoulder scapula met for a few years. First, they used radiation to quell it, and then it grew despite that.
As for bone mets, I am sure there will be those who will post to relate to you their experience. Zometa has been in use for bone mets.
Sending you much care, and hope that the communications become more cohesive from your doctor team, and that you will receive the information you both need.
Keeping you both in my daily prayers.
Barbara
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Yes, Randy, that does make it doubly sad.
Barbara
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Dear Sue, Susan and Bud,
I want to thank you and everyone here for the prayers and support.
This will be kept short - Bill received his chemo today, and the doctor said that he will be looking into something for the shoulder (scapula) and the neck.
My hopes are that the chest being stable is blessing to continue, and that the other two issues will be alleviated in some manner, or other.
Again, we arrived home today with a sense of some ease. That's not too bad after some of the days last week.
August came in with much to deal, but maybe, it has ended on a hope.
Barbara
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You are a wonderful, caring daughter. I know exactly what the radiation of over 20 zaps can do. My husband has survived them. His last WBR was over two years ago. So far, not one met has returned.
Yes, he had a ribbon of fluid in his brain as a result of that, but it has increased/decreased over the past two years. His short term memory has been an off and on again issue, but he can still do many of the things he once did of a mental nature. In fact, he does better when I cannot resolve the checking account, and completes it in fine fashion.
I worried so much that he would become mentally deficient. He has some problems, but nothing as were described in "worse case scenario." His humor is still intact. His ability to "push buttons" has never been erased.
Wishing you good vibes and please know that your caring and assistance is what has added greatly to your Mom's support.
Much success,
Barbara
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Kathleen,
That was my Mother's name (Kathleen
). My father used to sing, "I'll take you home again, Kathleen..."to her. We kids used to giggle at that when we were little - in the forties.
Well, you are right, of course, humor is the best medicine, and inbetween the dips of that roller coaster, we try to keep the laughter going.
Kathleen, and all, Bill and I went for the follow up visit after having been released from the ER and on Warfarin (coumadin 1x a day) and lovenox injections (2 x a day).
They will be calling us in two days to regulate any necessary changes to that regimen.
The oncologist said that he would give Bill the treatment today because the chest is stable. He wants to look into something for the neck node, and he ordered a scan of the shoulder (scapula) to see what could be done to alleviate that pain.
My heart is lighter - not completely at ease, but looking toward something hopeful.
Everyone's prayers worked. Bill took me out to lunch today following the treatment. He had his favorite, salmon and mashed potatoes with a gravy.
Today, we found that he had gained 3 lbs. I guess all that hospital food did good for him.
Thank you so much everyone, and to you Kathleen, we count on prayer and we received a bounty of sorts today. We know that prayer is working for us in some way or other.
Barbara
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Sue,
I have learned so much from being here at the boards. It has to do with the experiences people have - whether they be the same or not - including the empathy. It's comforting to know that we are not alone and can source things.
There have been so many times over the years with this disease when we have seen those who have gone it alone. A lone individual, sitting for their infusions without a family member is a sad thing to see.
On the other hand, talking with family about some things is fine, but there are wonderful families (mine, for instance) where one cannot go to certain "places." This board provides that.
It will be a sad day if we cannot have any place to go to unload our cares. Sometimes, with family, one needs to keep the stiff upper lip, smile often, and don't mention certain concerns.
Thank you for your prayers, Sue. Personally, I value prayer deeply. I have been the recipient of much through prayer - the supplications of others, and my own. The length of time that we have been here existing with this is testament to that.
Barbara
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... wD9AC8IR80
Obituary:
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BOSTON — Richard Egan, who rose from street kid to the U.S. ambassador to Ireland after making millions of dollars founding data storage giant EMC Corp., died Friday after a battle with lung cancer.
His family issued a statement Friday night saying the longtime suburban Hopkinton resident died at his Boston home after being diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in May. The family said he also suffered from emphysema, diabetes and high blood pressure.
"This is a great loss for our family, and we are terribly saddened," the family said in a statement announcing his death.
Egan, 73, was an electrical engineer and a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot who worked at Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Intel before he co-founded data storage technology provider EMC in 1979. He sold most of his shares in the tech boom, shortly before the bubble burst.
The self-made billionaire, who raised seed money for his business by selling office furniture, was a key fundraiser for the Republican party and former President George W. Bush, becoming a Pioneer fundraiser for the president in 2000.
He stepped down as EMC chairman in January 2001, about three months before Bush nominated him to be the U.S. ambassador to Ireland.
Egan got a bachelor of arts in science degree from Northeastern University and a master of science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was part of the MIT team that developed the Apollo Guidance Computer, which provided reliable real-time control for the Apollo spacecraft that carried U.S. astronauts to the moon.
Egan never forgot his hardscrabble roots and was a major donor to Northeastern University, where a research center is named in his honor.
Egan leaves behind a wife and five children.
The family did not announce funeral plans.
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Google News, Boston, August 28, 2009)
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Actually, Susan, I don't know what the *ell I am doing.
But.....when I come here and put it in writing, the wheels begin to turn and my mind becomes very alive and kicking.
I may be old (74 1/2), but I am not passive.
Unfortunately, the pulmonologist did a number on Bill while in the hospital (btw, a really sweet and lovely guy he is) BUT he had to delve into the smoking issue. "How many packs? How many years?"
Whaaaat? My reply was ... when Bill began smoking (the cigarettes were dropped from planes in Korea by our government), and the doctors were actually endorsing their use in ads.
So...Susan, I come with baggage. They used to call it *iss and vinegar. lol
Thank you, dear, for your vote of confidence. This place here at LCSC is just the most fantastic place.
God bless us all.
This is my bullwark against that nemesis called cancer.
Barbara
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Thank you, Ned, for the efforts to contact Ellen in PA.
Barbara
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Hello and a warm welc
me to you,You have come to a very supportive community of survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones.
(My kid brother, Donald, was a Vietnam Vet.)
So glad that you are in remission. You couldn't have arrived at a better place than LCSC.
Barbara
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Thank you, Carleen, for the prayers and for the good wishes.
That information about Lovenox not stopping any of your husband's treatments is one more in the OK column.
Here's hoping. May Monday bring us some options of what can be done for Bill.
I will update to let everyone know.
Barbara
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Geri,
That was very interesting that you were on the Lovenox for so long.
Here I was thinking that it was a monumental thing that has occurred with us. This is why these boards are so important. When someone is alone and thinking, the thoughts tend to narrow and isolate.
Your experience with it has given me the hope that even if Bill were to be fortunate to continue with "some" kind of therapy, this med would not be an impediment to it. Just thinking here - not taking anything for granted, of course.
Thank you, Geri.
Barbara
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Carol,
Your prayers will be much treasured. Thank you.
Because of the support here, the level of my anxiety has been very much lowered. Of course, thinking is a bit harder to curb, but I'll even push for that over the weekend.
When I was teaching, one of the tools to lower stress was to encourage journal writing. This community has given me the chance to "get it all out." Without this, Carol, I would have been a real mess a long time ago.
Barbara
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Kasey,
I had to smile at the label "veteran." You have got that right
Wow, I feel sometimes as though we've been "in the trenches." It is a war, really, come to think of it.
I will let you all know as soon as we get home on Monday from the oncologist's office.
Barbara
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Katie,
Those are my hopes. The slight growth may keep us in the regimen, but again, maybe not.
The oncologist did mention about maybe a clinical trial. I would hope if Bill cannot have a continuance of this treatment that a clinical trial could be a possibility.
Either that, or that a more recent drug will pop out of the pipeline and land in time.
Thank you, Katie, I appreciate your good thoughts and wishes. They are a comfort, truly.
Barbara
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Michele,
You have given me food for thought. It seems that I have that very tendency to try to translate things.
Sometimes, I am right on with what it says, but of course, at times, I have gone over or under the mark.
So, as you say, better to wait....
Thank you for the thoughts. We will take the weekend as a respite from too much thinking. The thoughts will creep in, but the clamper will be used to pocket them for the time being.
Barbara
New Lung Cancer Procedure Allows Quick Recovery
in LUNG CANCER IN THE NEWS
Posted
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/healt ... 80797.html
ARTICLE:
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Brian White runs far. He runs for hours. Sometimes the 59-year-old starts at sunrise and finishes when the sun sets.
"I've been an exerciser in an exercise program for at least 15 years," he said.
But his running came to a halt last spring. After recovering from pneumonia, a chest X-ray revealed a slow-growing tumor in his right lung.
"The news was very bad," White said. "She said I had a growth of 2.5 centimeters and she was pretty sure it was cancer in my lower right lung."
"He was beside himself," said Dr. Sandeep Khandar, a thoracic surgeon with the Inova Thoracic Oncology Program. "He just didn't understand how this could happen to him. He did everything right."
White believed the diagnosis was a death sentence, but Khandar told him there was hope in a new procedure to remove lung tumors that would not only get rid of the cancer, but would allow him to get back to his active lifestyle -- in mere days.
"With the minimally invasive operation, we're able to get people out of the hospital as early as the next day," Khandar said. "They get back to work in a couple of days, back to functioning in a normal capacity generally within a week or so."
Khandar is one of just 40 surgeons in the country who is removing lung tumors through two tiny incisions. Doctors insert a small camera through one of the holes. In the other, they put in special instruments that go between the ribs to remove the tumors.
"The biggest advantage is not spreading the ribs," Khandar said. "If you don't spread the ribs, then patients will have less pain."
In the traditional open surgeries, surgeons make large incisions in the chest and actually spread the ribs to access the lung. That causes damage to the muscles and a lot of pain. It can take weeks for patients to recover.
"A traditional open operation, the patient is typically out of work for several weeks, on narcotic pain medication for several weeks, up to a month, and still having a substantial amount of pain up to four, seven, eight, even 12 weeks."
"After the operation, he said, 'I'll have you walking from the recovery room into your room,' and I said, 'That's pretty much unbelievable,'" White said.
But the doctor was true to his word. White was not only back home the next day, but his running sneakers were back on his feet in less than a week.
"Everything he said, it came true," White said. "And it really was amazing. How he got my lung out of that little hole, I have no idea, but he did."
Most lung tumors can now be removed through this procedure, but some larger tumors or those that are located in the center of the lung may still need to be taken out through the traditional open surgery.
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(Washington News, Health, by Eun Yang, September 4, 2009)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.