Marian Button's health (singer from Kent

Subject: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 May 11 - 03:42 PM

Another update on Marian's health. I have spoken to her several times over the last few weeks. Many of her friends will know that she has been having ongoing medical problems since her collapse at Sidmouth Folk Festival last August. She has been yo-yo-ing in and out of hospitals in Ashford and London over the last 9 months, and in the last few months it was thought that a diagnosis had been 99.9% achieved. (The diagnosis in itself was not particularly good news, but it did at least appear to be a diagnosis). However, tests undertaken at the Royal Brompton Hospital last week took matters back to square one, and the hospital advised her that they were still unable to say what was causing her blood pressure and extreme breathing problems.

This morning she collapsed again while undergoing a routine blood test at her doctor's surgery, and, as a result is in Ashford Hospital at least until tomorrow when she will be seeing yet another specialist.

In the meantime she said that it was OK for me to put a message up here to let her friends know what was going on, and also to let them know that she had decided that she would not be singing in the foreseeable future, so will not be going to any festivals or singing events later on in the year.Obviously she is hoping that a diagnosis may be made sooner rather than later, and that, hopefully, when that happens she may be able to receive some treatment which can get her back on track. In the meantime she sends her regards to all.

Obviously as soon as I have any other news I will post it up here.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 May 11 - 03:45 PM

Irene - thanks for the update. I wish it was better news but am keeping fingers crossed....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 May 11 - 03:52 PM

Hi Kitty - as you can imagine she is quite frustrated - probably more at the lack of a diagnosis after all this time (trust her to be a mystery case) ... and knowing Marian I'm sure that you can imagine that her health is none too good if she has decided to give up singing and ,as she put it, "draw the line".

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 May 11 - 04:13 PM

That is most disappointing news.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 May 11 - 04:16 PM

PS - I should say that I don't think anyone, not even very famous professional singers, could draw the cold finger down your spine on the bloodier (what am I saying? bloodiest!) traditional songs as Marian could. I really do hope she will be well enough to sing and prepared to sing at Pigs Ear in the near future.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 May 11 - 05:10 PM

I think that it's very unlikely that she will be able to sing in the immediate future Richard unless there is a suddent miracle intervention (which I doubt). I went to the Lewes Saturday Folk club Ballad Workshop with the Claque with her four weeks ago, and she was having breathing difficulties with one of her songs there. Things have got somewhat worse in the last couple of weeks. Knowing Marian it would take a lot for her to give up singing, but it has got to the stage where she realises she has to be sensible.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Willa
Date: 12 May 11 - 05:32 PM

I'd just like to add my good wishes to those already posted. I realise what a great blow it must be to Marian to give up singing, but hope that she will soon get some answers to the problems she is having.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 May 11 - 05:52 PM

Thanks Willa - I'll pass it on when I next speak to her.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 May 11 - 04:18 AM

I'm so sorry that Marian is still struggling, it must be so frustrating for her. Am hoping that there will be a breakthrough with the diagnosis soon so that she can get back on the path to full health and delight us all with her singing once again. Sending positive thoughts!

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: GUEST,Diva
Date: 13 May 11 - 04:24 AM

Thanks for the update Irene. Our paths cross but seldom but it is always a joy to be in Marian's company.....take it easy. Sending all best wishes
Kathy

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 13 May 11 - 04:42 AM

All the best to Marian, and to you, too, Irene, as I know you are battling with health problems yourself. Many thanks for keeping us up to date.

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Brian Peters
Date: 13 May 11 - 04:50 AM

That is a great shame. I will miss Marian's contributions to my ballad workshops in Lewes (her 'Child Owlet' was truly chilling). The first time I heard Marian sing, at the old National Festival, I was stunned - it was almost as if May Bradley had casually dropped into the session and offered a song. Please pass on my best.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: The Barden of England
Date: 13 May 11 - 05:09 AM

I was talking just last night about Marian to my wife letting her know that I'd seen a photo on facebook of Marian at a recent festival and said it was good to see her out and about again, and now this shocking news. Our best wishes go out to Marian and let's hope that a diagnosis and some cheer comes for her - she deserves it.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Liberty Boy
Date: 13 May 11 - 05:10 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this. I was talking to her last Sunday at the Keith Summers Festival and she was so concerned at how I was doing, not talking about her own health problems. Both yourself and Marian are two people who Anne and myself always looked forward to meeting when we went over to various events. Please give her my very best wishes. I hope that things are ok with yourself Irene!

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: GUEST,The Claque
Date: 13 May 11 - 05:50 AM

As always,in our thoughts,Marian.

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: GUEST,Wee Jock
Date: 13 May 11 - 06:27 AM

like everybody else i am very sorry to hear the latest on Marian's health, and hope that they can diagnose what is causing Marians' problems very soon. All at the Good Intent Rochester send their kindest regards and get well sooon Marian,Your singing of the big ballads have certainly been missed.

Regards

John S. Matthews

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: SylviaN
Date: 13 May 11 - 06:33 AM

Can't really add to what people have said above, just to send Keith and my best to Marian and our hopes that they find a diagnosis very soon.
xxx
Sylvia

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: growler
Date: 13 May 11 - 04:47 PM

Marian is the reason for me being on the folk scene. I heard her in the early 90s, singing 'She moved through the fair'. She is her own person and if anyone can beat this, she can

Subject: RE: Marian Button's health (singer from Kent
From: Surreysinger
Date: 16 May 11 - 07:26 AM

Latest regarding Marian today (Monday 16 May), after speaking to her husband yesterday, is that she is still in hospital, and that they will be conducting more tests etc.