DillardClass

Prayer Update on Royce

Betty Britton sent this Monday, Oct. 2: Good morning. Rather than making telephone calls I thought I'd use the email as a means to update info on my "Patient".

Royce is getting weaker again. I guess the boost from the blood transfusion is fading. He remains in bed and seldom plays his solitaire on the computer nor comes into the family room to watch TV with me. I have to sit in his room if it's something we watch together.

Yesterday he broke his previous records of chest pain incidents. He started off with one at 2:30 a.m., another 6:25P.M. and another at 9:30 p.m. That happening even though he slept most of the day. He had been averaging two per day recently. So far the Nitro, Morphine and Lorazepam give him relief.

Last Thursday he fell when getting up from his chair at the table in the  kitchen. He isn't sure whether he attempted to get up without his walker. He fell toward the window, knocked over the ficus tree which landed on his head, etc. I had just stepped into his room for something when I heard the crash.  Anyway, I couldn't get him up no matter what things I tried. I was ready to phone 911 but decided to check to see if there were workmen on the condos behind us. There were two city inspectors in the alley and they very graciously got him up and into bed. The hospice aide had come shortly afterwards and looked him over in the shower. Later the nurse came and checked him. Apparently there was no breakage for which we are very grateful. I suppose that could contribute to his being so tired lately.

As he gets weaker I don't know if he can take many more "rides"  and I think that when that happens he'll really give up.

My times for leaving him with the aide may be coming to a screeching halt. One doesn't know about tomorrow but that's just the way it appears to me at this time.

He is getting more and more confused. The simple task of dialing the house phone with his cell phone became a source of confusion yesterday. Of course that could have been the result of all that medication.

Thought this might bring you up to date on Royce.

Thanks again for all the prayers for the both of us.

Betty

A Personal Request for Pendleton

I want your prayers for Pendleton Baptist Church, located in a country crossroads community, just west of Intersate 35 about seven miles north of Temple. It came to my attention today in a weird way.

I've been enjoying my "other class" immensely -- the men's Bible class that I teach Thursday afternoons at The Plaza at Richardson, the nursing home where my Mother lives now. I'm teaching our recent unit on Luke: Journeying to Jerusalem. The journey is at a more leisurely pace, about three sessions to cover what we covered in one Sunday morning in The Dillard Class!

After class today, while visiting with Mother, she handed me a sack of recent issues of the Temple Daily Telegram that I had ordered for her (so she can keep up with the obituaries). I dutifully take them home when she's through with them, usually just to add them to my recycle bin. But this time, for some reason, I opened one and got a shock.

"Weekend storm wreaks havoc on Pendleton Baptist" was the headline of a four-column news story. A photo showed their new church building that was under construction when a suspected tornado flattened it Saturday, Sept. 23. To see the article, Download pendleton_storm_damage.pdf 

While a 17-year-old Baylor freshman, one day I opened a letter written in pencil on dime-store tablet paper asking me to come "in view of a call to be our pastor." After preaching to about a dozen people that next Sunday, they called me to be their "full-time pastor" at the generous salary of $10 a week.

Don't think of it as a paltry sum. It paid for my meals for the whole week. And I had little expense earning it, for I hitchhicked to Temple on Wednesdays and Saturdays, borrowed my Dad's car to drive seven miles from my folks Temple home to Pendleton for services.

I was pastor there only about a year before resigning to accept appointment by the Student Department of the Baptist General Convention of Texas to be part of their youth revival teams. I rarely preached to more than that faithful dozen while at Pendleton, except during revivals and special "dinner on the grounds" services.

My roommate took over as pastor when I left. About a year later, the church disbanded. Lumber and furnishings were donated to three area churches. "Roomie" and I joked later that I killed the church and he buried it.

This article tells of its recent resurrection and its more recent setback. Join me in prayer for them as they recover from this disappointment and as I ponder what else I might do to help them.

Prayer Alert for Joy Clark

Joy Clark, 79, sister of Mary McFadden, tripped on her oxygen cord in Baytown today and was taken to San Jacinto Hospital there, where she was placed in intensive care. She had to be moved out to a recovery room when the hospital was overwhelmed with 18 victims of a Baytown chemical plant. Joy is using a breathing machine to take the stress off while they try to stabilize her. Fortunately, there are no broken bones; but she has fluid on her lungs, probable pneumonia, and possible congestive heart failure. Ollie and Mary McFadden had already planned to take Florence Gryder, Peggy Thompson's mother, back to her home in Winnie on Thursday. They will go on from there to be with Mary's sister. Mary said it is not necessary to call all the groups at this time. She will keep us advised of developments. Check your emails. I will also post the news on the class web, www.dillardclass.org, as well as here on the class blog.

Prayer Updates Sept. 24, 2006

Royce Britton, at home in hospice care, enjoys his "joyrides" with the men from our class. He continues to suffer episodes of chest pain.

John Caudill is doing well after hip surgery.

Mary Ann Frederickson got good news that tests showed no sign of cancer, and then came the saddest news that her husband Bob Frederickson passed away Saturday in the VA nursing home where has been for the past few years. Sparkman Funeral Home on Greenville Avenue will handle the services, but the time has not been set as of this writing, pending arrangements with the DFW National Cemetery, where interment will be, probably on Wednesday.

Mary Harper's sister, Leatha Gordon, 83, is very ill with shingles. Her medicine has made her extremely nauseated.

Sylvia Hunter reports that her pain is much less and she is doing well after foot surgery.

Jack and Joette Liles ask continued prayers for their friends Cheryl Wheeler, who has breast cancer, and Georgia Goodrum, who is suffering from lung cancer.

Mary McFadden's nephew, Andy Andersson, who has acute myeloid leukemia, has just completed another round of chemo. Since they can find no match for a stem cell transplant, pray that Andy can grow healthy white blood cells.

George Nelson had surgery Monday, Sept. 18. A stint was placed in one of the main arteries to his heart. He said he is feeling better than he has in a long while and proved that by being in his place in The Dillard class this morning.

Norval Palmer was back in place in class this morning after return home last week.

Bill Passmore had an enhanced CAT scan that indicated some blockage in one artery to his stomach and in two arteries to his kidneys. His doctors aren't sure that he could survive surgery to remedy the condition. They've adopted a "wait-and-see" approach. On Saturday, Sue Passmore suffered stomach pain and nausea. The Passmore's daughter's father-in-law, Tom Cincott, has an inoperable brain tumor. Tuesday he will have a one-time radiation treatment.

friends Cheryl Wheeler (breast cancer) and Georgia Goodrum (lung cancer).

Carolyn Stiles is doing well after foot surgery on Friday.

Cloie Sutton's niece, Kelly Marsh, 46, has kidney cancer.

Byron Rippy has Alzheimer's disease, and Helen says it is getting progressively worse. She appreciates your calls, cards, and prayers.

Polly Pittman requests our prayers that she can find employment.

Prayer Updates Aug. 10, 2006

• Time-sensitive prayer request for our own! Early this morning, Thursday, Aug. 10, we woke to the horrendous news of a vicious terrorist plot to blow up multiple airplanes. The news was still sinking in when I got a call from Mary McFadden alerting me to the fact that John and Aggie Roark and Jack and Joette Liles were at that moment in flight from Germany to DFW, with arrival expected about 1:00 PM. Also, her granddaughter, Mary Sides, who has been on mission in Albania, is expected to fly home with other team members. This is a solemn reminder that every moment we live, it is by God's grace. We must be diligent in prayer for one another ... and for our troubled world.
• Doug Dillard's friend John "Bubba" Wood was scheduled to leave for Siberia Wednesday, Aug. 9, to equip a remote medical clinic on the Arctic Ocean in Siberia. A series of tests showed major blockage (three arteries at 95 percent, 85 percent, and 70 percent, plus three more ranging from 20 to 40 percent). He will have lab work this Friday, Aug. 11 and enter the hospital Monday for surgery expected to last up to six hours. If everything goes all right, he will require about six weeks to recover. He plans to reschedule his trip for Oct. 23. Wood is the point man making all the arrangements for a reunion of all those who were part of the Texas Youth Revival Movement that began at Baylor in 1945 and 1946. Doug is planning to be a part of that reunion from Oct. 18- 22 during Baylor's Homecoming week. A Heritage Room housing the history and memorabilia from those revivals will be dedicated as part of the festivities.
• John Thompson continues to improve from the cornea transplant. His eyesight is much improved.
• Peggy Thompson's sister, Aline, saw a specialist in Houston last Thursday. She has a hiatal hernia that has formed a pocket of acid that has affected her esophagus. The condition is serious, but can be corrected. She will have surgery August 21.
• Royce Britton is at home in hospice care. Betty, who was able to attend Sunday, July 30, said that except for Tuesday, when he had two sessions of chest pains. Morphine has been added to his medications to control his pain. The treat of the week was when members of our class took him for a ride. Royce and Betty appreciate your cards, calls and emails.
• Mary Ann Frederickson is experiencing discomfort from her chemotherapy treatments. Her malfunctioning air conditioner got a temporary fix, but she will need a new one before long. Her dog had successful cancer surgery. The Vet thought he was able to remove it all.
• Betty Clanton continues to do well after foot surgery. She hopes to be able to walk on her foot, not just her heel, after trips to her doctor this week. Betty attended the Ladies' Luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 9.
• Mary Sides, granddaughter of Ollie and Mary McFadden, is one a Christian mission to a children's home in Albania. Please pray for her ministry and her safety.
• George Nelson continues to improve. He continues therapy at home and plans no further surgery at this time.
• Bill Passmore has stopped taking oral chemo for a while to see if that will help his gastric problems. If it helps, he may consider changing the oral chemo. Their granddaughter Katy was to have kidney surgery Monday afternoon, Aug. 7. This might be the cause of her severe pain rather than the hip that was out of socket. She might not require hip surgery. Please pray that this might be the case. 
• Doris Sosebee's physical therapy has helped her knee. Continue to pray for Doris's daughter Marcey who shows some improvement over her postpartum depression.
• Cloie Sutton's brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer and will have surgery soon. Tests indicate it hasn't spread.
• Hal McCardell, continues physical therapy and is improving.
• Byron Rippy has Alzheimer's disease, and Helen says it is getting progressively worse. She appreciates your calls, cards, and prayers.
• Christina Pittman, daughter-in-law of Jack and Shirley Pittman, got the results of her MRI. The doctor told her that the tumor had shrunk another fifty percent. It is now only 12.5 to 14 percent of its original size. She says her spirits are buoyed every time her Prayer Pager goes off. (To let her know of your prayers, dial 1-800-245-0348, and after the tone, press 777#.)
• Polly Pittman requests our prayers that she can find employment.
• Andy Anderson, nephew of Mary McFadden, has acute myeloid leukemia. He just received another, stronger round of chemotherapy and is back home. At this time, they cannot proceed with a stem cell transplant until they find a match. Please continue to pray for Andy, his wife, and his medical team.
• Mary Sides, granddaughter of Ollie and Mary McFadden, will return home soon from mission service in an Albania children's home this summer. Pray that the seeds her team sowed while there will result in many coming to know Christ.
• Rylan Yowell, great nephew of Bob Wilgus, continues to improve. He and his mother are encouraged by your calls to his Prayer Pager. (To let him know of your prayers, dial 972-229-2042, and after the tone, press 777#.)
• Bob Fredrickson in VA Hospital in Bonham appreciates your cards:

Sam Rayburn
NHCU Wing C 3208A
1201 East Ninth St.
Bonham, TX 75418

Prayer Updates July 2, 2006

Royce Britton is at home in hospice care. Betty said he was thrilled to get out of the house Thursday when Doug Dillard and Ollie McFadden took him for a nice long ride. Other volunteers are waiting in line to repeat the rides each Thursday as long as Royce is able to go. Royce and Betty appreciate your cards, calls and emails.

Mary Ann Frederickson is scheduled for a CAT scan Friday, July 7 to determine how effective the chemotherapy has been. She always praises our class members for their love and prayer support.

Bill Passmore spent Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27, in the emergency room. Bill was given fluids and sent home Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday morning, he was too weak to walk without help, and his blood pressure was dangerously low. Bill now weighs 119 pounds. Thursday, June 29, his oncologist conferred with his pulmonologist and ordered a CAT scan. The scan showed nothing unusual. A PET scan will follow soon. Bill's next appointment with his gastroenterologist is scheduled for Friday, July 7. We need to lift them up constantly in prayer. UPDATE MONDAY: Leonard Passmore, brother of Bill Passmore, died in Austin. Services are set for Saturday, July 8, at 10:00 AM at Hyde Park Baptist Church Chapel in Austin. Bill cannot attend; Sue plans to fly down on Friday. Sue scheduled an attendant who has helped them on other occasions to stay with Bill Friday night and Saturday. Sue confided that Bill's condition is such that our previous offer of occasional food help would be appreciated now, for his care is getting to be somewhat overwhelming. Bill has no dietary restrictions. His only problems with eating is that it tires him so and "it sometimes feels like lead when it hits my stomach" and he is "tired of soup." Our Inreach Team is on it, and the class is responding. Volunteers may contact Mary McFadden to offer help.

Betty Clanton had foot surgery Monday, June 26, and is doing well. She kept her foot elevated this week and will wear a special shoe for six weeks.

Doris Sosebee's daughter Marcey suffers from postpartum depression. She is some better, but we must continue to support them with our prayers.

Helen Rippy always sounds in good spirits, but her task as caregiver for Byron, who has Alzheimer's, is not easy. Please remember her with calls, cards, and prayers.

Christina Pittman, daughter-in-law of Jack and Shirley Pittman, completed her final round of chemotherapy. She will have another scan to see if the tumors have shrunk enough to make the cyber-knife procedure possible. She says her spirits are buoyed every time her Prayer Pager goes off. (To let her know of your prayers, dial 1-800-245-0348, and after the tone, press 777#.) Christina's husband Perry Pittman was our guest in The Dillard Class Sunday and with the LunchBunch at Olive Garden after worship services.

Andy Anderson, nephew of Mary McFadden, has acute myeloid leukemia. He spent 42 days in Medical City but is home now. He will have five more chemotherapy sessions over the next week or so. He is a candidate for stem cell transplant. Please continue to pray for him to gain strength and not get any infections.

Rylan Yowell, great nephew of Bob Wilgus, will begin rehab treatments next week. He met with his doctor this week, who reported that the nerves that were under pressure continue to improve. Since his cancer was in his lymph nodes, the family asks you to pray that his cancer will not recur. He and his mother are encouraged by your calls to his Prayer Pager. (To let him know of your prayers, dial 972-229-2042, and after the tone, press 777#.)

Prayer Updates Feb. 7, 2006

BILL PASSMORE was admitted to the hospital Tuesday morning after waking at 3:00 with chills and a high fever. At this writing no one, including his doctor, knows whether it is pneumonia or something to do with his cancer. Sue Passmore promised to keep us posted.

THE LAWSONS are facing a serious visit with a surgeon on Wednesday, Feb. 8, to discuss treatment options for a small spot on her right lung. A biopsy showed that it is a return of cancer. Catherine's condition requires great care in discussing this with her "head-on," but your prayers are vital. It would be wise for us all to be especially attentive and cheerful in our contacts and conversations with Catherine. We will keep the class posted by email and the class website on the outcome of this week's conference with the surgeon. Call the number in our class directory to cheer Catherine; but if you want to talk to Lew, it would be best to call him on his cell phone.

ENCOURAGING NEWS ABOUT CHRISTINA PITTMAN! Recent test results showed no signs of tumor on the vena cava, and the tumor on her liver had shrunk thirty percent. She is in another round of chemo -- three to go. She has been told she is a candidate for cyber knife surgery, a non-invasive therapy designed to "zap" the remaining tumor. Keep her in your prayers. And remember she has a pager: Dial 1-800-245-0348 and after the tone, press 777# and hang up.

AGGIE ROARK saw a doctor Tuesday about "something that popped" as she started downstairs after out Bible study Sunday. She couldn't go up or down for a while. With help, she retreated to take the elevator instead. She reported after the examination that "nothing is broken." She will spend more time on her walker and take it a bit easier for a while. And "no stairs!"

POLLY MILLER has been released from Green Oaks after eight days' treatment. As she has shared with the class, she is fighting, successfully, one day at a time, a complex combination of problems including alcoholism and depression. She is determined to overcome. The Lord has brought her the perfect sponsor, according to Shirley Pittman -- a very handsome banker, well-dressed and self-assured. Her sponsor has been sober since 1998 after destroying her family and all she owned. It will be very difficult for Polly to find employment now after having been fired from her last four jobs.  She needs something to keep her busy, perhaps some kind of meaningful volunteer work. She has our prayers, but if any class member has a suggestion about a job, it would be most welcome.

MARAH DILLARD had successful cornea surgery Friday, Feb. 3. Her vision is better, but the rehabilitation has been slow and painful. Sleep has been spasmodic and fitful, leaving her weak and sore during the day. She eats little.