Sick Parade

Sick Parade - Laurie Case - Update Dear All, Good news. There was no evidence of cancer when I was scanned on Monday. Seems the chemo did the job, but I will be re-scanned in three months as this will be a crucial time four months after the completion of chemo. Reconnection of the oesophagus is not on the radar and could be as far as twelve months away. As you would understand we are very happy with the finding and we intend to do some travelling during the next three months. Thanks for your ongoing support. Laurie

Sick Parade  - Bill Sheehan Bill Sheehan had a fall recently and broke his pelvis.  He is currently a patient of the Bowral Private Hospital but can be contacted on (02) 4681-9112. Ern Trotter

Sick Parade - Jenny Hilson Jenny Hilson, currently Army Band Perth and ex Army Band Sydney with about 20 years dedicated and good service has a well developed glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour. Jenny  underwent surgery on 1st June and will soon commence courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to reduce / control this nasty and aggressive level 4 tumour. Jen is in good spirits and is making good progress from the surgery and looking forward to returning to work shortly, (Librarian) and returning to the Army Band fulfilling her part-time work as Music Librarian and french horn player.  Jenny would love to hear from those members who have worked with her over the years. Her home phone number is 08 95711921. Bob Keatch

Sick Parade - Dave Newdick (Jnr) Dave Newdick (Jnr) has had 2 massive heart attacks while in Hong Kong. We have been advised that Dave's family are flying to Hong Kong and he is gravely ill. Since leaving the Army bands Dave has earned a reputation as one of the finest and most exciting lead trumpet players in Australia. He is also a great soloist having fronted his own small groups. David was with the "Hey Hey Band" for many years and is very busy in the theatre having just completed “Singing in the rain”. He has also toured South East Asia with the production of “Cats”. David was seen recently performing with James Morrison’s new band “Scream Machine”. (http://www.entertainoz.com.au/Entertainers/Corporate/Daryl-Mckenzie-Band) Update: Facebook updates indicate Dave has had a successful operation. No other news at this time - Editor

Sick Parade - Steve Button Good afternoon all, Just thought we’d send out a quick note to let you know that Steve’s doctor has just rung through with the pathology results.  It has been confirmed that Steve has seminoma. The treatment for seminoma normally requires a surgical and chemotherapy response.  As far as we understand, he has had all of the surgical procedures, but now needs the follow up chemotherapy to rid the body of any further traces of cancer through the lymph system. We don’t know yet what level of chemo or for how long his treatment will be – this sort of detail will be known once he has seen the oncologist some time soon. There’s probably a lot more questions to which we don’t yet have the answers, including what happens for Steve in 2010.  So, the journey continues!  Your support to this point has been fantastic and we have been blessed many times throughout this process. We thank you all and ask that you continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers ... we’ll let you know when we have more information to answer all those outstanding questions! Regards, Merrin and Steve

Sick Parade - Jeff (Kermit) Walker I have just received news that Jeff Walker had undergone major lower back surgery last Wednesday on the Gold Coast. His Wife Deb says that the surgery, whilst quite invasive, was a complete success and Jeff is now on a slow road to recovery and a better golf swing he hopes. He will be in hospital for several day and then should return home to Caloundra later next week to recover. He can be contacted on Mob:0412114253.  Scotty Laycock 2-11

Sick Parade - Kevin Furness - Updated Ex AABC band member Captain Kevin Furness had a burst aorta to his heart last weekend and is in St Vincents hospital intensive care unit. I believe he has been kept in a medical coma but they are going to take the sedation off today (23/10/09) and hopefully he will wake and all will be well in the next few days. UPDATE: Just finished talking to Kevin, who was happy for me to pass on his mobile number to anyone who may want to call him.  He said that he's never sure just how capable he is of concentrating in the mornings, so  afternoons are going to be better for him. His number is 0408 067 288. He is now able to walk several steps alone, and says that the doctors are so pleased with his progress that, following his stent repair operation next Thursday, he may be able to go home and attend rehabilitation as an outpatient from his Bendigo home. 2-11 / 24-11

Sick Parade - Bill Sheehan - Updated Bill has been in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, undergoing skin grafts in an effort to cure ulcers on his lower extremities.  He has since been transferred to a Repat Hospital at Bowral and is currently learning how to walk once again. Knowing him as I do, it wont take him long to be up and about.  Get well soon . . . . . 'Old Son!' UPDATE: Yesterday, 30 Oct 09, I received a call from Bill to notify his discharge from hospital.  They took a large area of skin off his buttock to affect the skin-grafts, all of which were successful.  He is experiencing some difficulty in walking but is manging to perambulate with the aid of a 4 wheel walker.  From his conversation he appeared as irascible as ever challenging his partner Mabel (who also has a walker), to a race up the main street of Tahmoor.  Bill turns 87 years of age about the 20th Dec 09. Ern Trotter 7-10 / 2-11

Sick Parade - Bob & Sylvia Hore - Updated Dave Walker in Singleton called to report that Bob and Sylvia Hore are both in the local hospital. They are both very frail. Dave reports that Bob will take calls, the hospital number is 02 6571 9222. Tony Sillcock Update – Bob and Sylvia Hore As you may be aware Bob and Sylvia were admitted to Singleton Hospital last month.  I’m not sure what the diagnosis was, but both of them were in no condition to look after each other at home and this move to hospital has resulted in both being given the opportunity to rest, recuperate and re-charge their batteries. When I contacted Bob today (Thursday) he seemed upbeat, in fine spirits and said as each day passed he was feeling a lot better and was going to stay in hospital as long as it took to get fully well again.  I tend to think he loves all the nurses' attention.  He advised that Sylvia had now been placed into a special home/village for her care, but he still contacted her each day.  Bob said after he leaves hospital he was hoping that a vacancy is available at the same place so both could be together.  He dismissed the possibility of going back home as each would struggle trying to look after each other and that the home was the perfect solution to each having the facilities and the care they both need….. and nothing to do. I passed on my good wishes and those of the Association and wished them both a speedy recovery.   If you wish to contact Bob at the hospital the number to ring is: 02 6571 9222.  I know he would appreciate the call. Kevin Noon 1-10

Sick Parade - Laurie Case HI everyone, Well as we feared the PET scan results confirmed further lymph node activity in Laurie’s chest and abdomen. It was recommended that Chemo be started in the next three weeks- so we have decided to get back to Brissie before commencing any treatment. The uplift of our furniture and effects is scheduled for 7-8 Dec and we fly out to Brisbane on 9 Dec 09. The Army moves both swiftly and with precision – so we will begin packing personal items and folding up loose ends down here in the next week – will be good for us both to have something to focus on. The Oncology Unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital will administer the treatment which is expected to start as soon as we get home. Of course we are sad to be leaving our  beloved Victoria and the wonderful friendships we have made over the past six years  – will certainly be spending many holidays down this way. Thank you to all for your emails and phone calls of support. Our home phone number is 03 5258 5107 which will be in place until 8 Dec 09. Best wishes to you all, Lesley

Sick Parade - Scott Gourlay A long serving member of the AABC and currently serving as a GRES member of Queensland University Regiment Band has been diagnosed with throat cancer. Scott reports his was an early diagnosis and following surgery and radiation treatment the prognosis is good.

Sick Parade - Update on Claude Hale Just a further update regarding the sick parade info on your site regarding Claude Hale. Dad is now in the Clayton Nursing Home on Main North Road at Prospect.  The carpark to the nursing home is part of the eastern entrance  to Prospect Oval on Main North Road, so easy to find. As I said in the last update, Dad is still sharp as a tack mentally but the body is failing. If anyone wants any further info they can contact me on 0428 972 870. Regards Jeff Hale Sick Parade - Claude Hale Although there have been a few new faces at Unley Band, there are many who still remember and ask about Dad since he took a leave of absence from the trom section 18 months ago due to illness.  Dad has not had a happy 18 months. Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for  lymphoma of the pancreas and other areas followed by another dose of Radiotherapy for a brain tumour in the last couple of months.  Although the lymphoma is under control at the moment, his general health has deteriorated.   His most recent MRI has revealed that Dad now has Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy ( PML for short) which is a rare viral disease that effects the white matter of the brain in multiple locations. This condition tends to occur when the immune system is very low such as after chemotherapy. There is not a cure for this.  Over the last 6 weeks dad has lost a large portion of mobility in his legs to the extent that he now cannot walk or stand on his own.   His eyesight has deteriorated and now finds it hard to see a spoon or fork to eat with.  He can make out shapes and colours but only recognises people when they speak.  His speech is slightly impaired but still OK The specialist has told us that all these issues will get worse over a short time.   He mind is still sharp as a tack. He is at his best when talking about music and is always interested in hearing about the latest with Unley Band. Visits from his old Army Band mates certainly make his day. He always asks me to pass on his regards to Unley band.  2 months ago he was asking about borrowing a clarinet because he knew playing the trombone was now out of the question. Things have changed since then. He is currently at St Andrews Hospital but is being transferred  to the Walkerville Nursing Home tomorrow ( Tuesday) for at least 3 weeks convalescing with the hope of getting a permanent bed after that period.  I'll keep the Band posted.   Jeff Hale

Sick Parade - Jim Harper -  Further Update no.2 Jim Harper is home now and attending the necessary sessions to help with his recuperation.  Jim says he’s feeling much better now, lost a bit of weight and keeping it off and getting around quite well.  Still a bit of pain in the rib cage area.

Sick Parade - Claude Hale Please find an update from Jeff Hale in relation to the health of his father and former player Claude Hale, former 2nd trombone of UCB. Claude was admitted to Memorial Hospital last week and has had new scans and MRI's.  The specalists have assessed that the tumor deep within his brain has grown very recently and is the reason for his severe balance disorder and general downward spiral in his physical being. He will most likely be transferred to St.Andrew's Hospital for radio therapy which they hope may shrink the tumor. The doctors are unsure of the nature of the tumor and are not willing to carry out a biopsy because of it being so deep. The doctors are also unsure if the radio therapy will help but they are willing to at least try.  He will need a radio therapy session each day for 5 days. Dad at this stage needs a walking frame and even then is very unsteady on his feet.  He has had a considerable weight loss and corresponding loss of strength.  He is still very mentally alert and active and is always glad to hear news of Unley Band - especially the France trip which he wishes he could be part of. As usual he is very interested in the progress of the marching band and gives very relevant advice when asked. Please keep Claude in your thoughts. Jeff Hale

Sick Parade - Erna Silk (Wife of Jack Silk) Erna Silk has been admitted to the Mountain View Aged Care Service at Leahy Street, Narrabundah, ACT. She is in the High Care area as her memory is failing her. Erna is not directly contactable, however if any AABCA members wish to get in touch with Erna, please contact Graeme Silk (son) on (02)6292 4878 or mobile 0411 033 992. Graeme would be more than happy to pass on any information.