Elkhart ‘61 Blog
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        The following e-mail was sent to me by Jim Pettit and Jim  has given his permission to share it with classmates.     Jim can be contacted at jim@jpengraving.com         Ellen

Date: January 26, 2010

To: Friends and Business Associates:

From: Jim Pettit

Subject: Health Update

Dear Friends and Business Associates:

I have had 6 month check-ups for my previous bout with prostrate cancer for the last five years.

About 18 month ago a small spot was found on my spine as a result of the prostrate cancer spreading. It was pinpointed and through radiation, it was treated and I was given a clean bill of health. I have learned that once you have a cancer, it can and it often times comes back, thus the purpose of this health update.

I was scheduled the later part of November 2009 for my 6 month check-up only to find out my prostrate reading had jumped considerable from the previous six months. Both my regular doctor and my urologist thought I had possibly had an infection so treated their suspicions with Cipro for 30 days. After the 30 days of the antibiotic, I again had a blood test to find out my prostrate readings had doubled again. Upon reviewing the findings with my urologist on Jan 12, I was advised he was along with my regular doctor, referring me to a specialist on such issues, a doctor of hematology and oncology. In checking out the referral with others in the medical community, he is most respected in his knowledge and application of the latest findings in chemical treatment, chemotherapy.

I underwent a complete body scan last Monday, Jan 18^th along with a CT scan to pinpoint the issues. The findings were that I have numerous spots on the bone from my waist up. As of today, I am getting an infusion of Zometa, a drug to make the bone become harder and resistance to the prostrate cancer which it is now feeding on the bone. In addition, I will begin chemotherapy on Thursday, Feb. 4^th for 12 sessions. A session is getting chemo on day one and then again in 3 weeks. This equates to 36 weeks of treatment. I have a battle before me and I have made up my mind to fight like hell to beat this cancer again.

I am headed to FL tomorrow for 6 days to attend a board meeting of our condo association on Friday and our annual meeting and election of board members for the next 2 years. I am in high hopes of being re-elected for another 2 years. I feel my performance and contributions to our association over my last 8 years as a board member will be supported by the owners vote.

I will keep you posted as I progress down the road to recovery.

Your thoughts and prayers would be most appreciated!

Jim

       An article in People Magazine , December 21, 2009 issue,  tells the story of a young woman who just celebrated her 25th anniversary with a transplanted heart .   On October 8, 1984, Dr. Phil Oyer, as a member of Dr. Shumway’s heart transplant team at Stanford Hospital, placed a heart in the chest cavity of the two year and ten month old little girl named Lizzy Craze .  Lizzy made medical history as one of the first toddlers to undergo a successful heart transplant.  She is also the longest-surviving pediatric patient.  At the time, the surgical team was hoping that it might last 5 years.   Phil stated  , "Making it to 25?"  "It’s a bit of a miracle."   Phil is pictured with  Ms. Craze  in the list of contents.

       Phil was also given "kudos"  from Danelle Steele, the prolific author, in her book, "Change of Heart" , a few years ago.   

       Phil has certainly made  the class of 1961 proud !!!!     

     EHS 1961 alum Joan Trindle Stiver has written a book  for children entitled "A Door in the Floor : An Underground Railroad Adventure "   The story is based on local history about the Underground Railroad.   She debuted the book recently at  Authors and Artists Day at the Elkhart County Historical museum in Bristol.   On Saturday, March 15th,  The Elkhart Truth printed a picture and article which can be read online at www.eTruth.com  .  More information can also be found on Joan’s web site www.joanstiver.com  .

       Joan retired from the Northridge School System in 2005 where she taught 2nd and 4th grades.  She is married to another EHS ‘61 alum, Jim Stiver.  They make their home  in Middlebury, Indiana.

Bob Shemberger and his wife Bert enjoying Hawaii in 2003.  Bob , who retired at age 59 and Bert live inTrail Creek, Indiana near  Michigan City .

One of our classmates, Jim Pettit , has "thrown his hat in the ring " to run for the mayor of the City of Elkhart.  Jim ,  currently a Elkhart City Councilman , announced his plans to campaign for office  at a news conference on September 14th.     Click here for the full speech.

   Jim has a campaign web site set up  at   http://www.pettit4mayor.com     and anyone interested in contributing to his campaign fund should send  checks made payable to "Pettit for Mayor Committee"   to Don Ross, Treasurer, 1600 E. Jackson Blvd.. Elkhart, IN 46516

  Good Luck, Jim !!