Subject: John Roberts surgery From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 27 Jun 05 - 11:03 PM This note was just posted on the Folk-DJ list, an e-mail from Cindy Mangsen - < Serious blockages in several big arteries. It's a good thing they got him in when they did. I talked to Robyn Boyd [John's agent], and she says the prognosis is very good. He's probably had some small heart attacks and not realized it. Apparently one artery is totally blocked, another is 80% blocked ... so when he comes through this, he's probably going to feel a WHOLE lot better than he's feltin years. And (this is the REALLY good news) he just got insurance (for the first time) last year, so he's covered. Whew. We could not have held enough benefits to cover the costs, I'm sure!>> I'm sure it goes without saying that all of our thoughts and prayers are with John. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 27 Jun 05 - 11:15 PM Ron, You beat me to it! I just got an e-mail from Emily Friedman telling me the same thing. It's not dangerous---and it's great that this ought to be resolved for the better. I do hope it's a quick recovery. All the best to you, John. Art and Carol Thieme |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: katlaughing Date: 27 Jun 05 - 11:20 PM I'm in my seventh week of recovery from open heart and went to my first rehab exercise class, today. It felt great but I know I am going to be a "good" sore, tomorrow. Lot's better than the pain right after surgery. Lots of people kept reminding me that it WOULD get better and they were right. If he gets down or discouraged, please remind him of that. It really will get better. All the best with good thoughts and thanks-givings for a safe and speedy recovery. Kat & Rog |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Peter Kasin Date: 27 Jun 05 - 11:54 PM All the best to John! I saw him at Mystic, and wouldn't have guessed he was in need of surgery. He's a treasure.....and so are you, Kat. Chanteyranger |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: georgeward Date: 28 Jun 05 - 12:48 AM To clarify just a bit, John's surgery will be Thursday or Friday. I'm not sure that's settled yet. I've heard both dates from hospital personnel. If Robin has the Thursday date directly from John, it is probably from the cardiologist and certain. I'll check later today. A triple bypass is planned. Two arteries were totally blocked, and the third 80 percent so. John's spirits are good, as good as can be when you've three days in hospital to wait for major surgery. Saw him about 5:30 pm Monday. I was going to ask him today whether he'd object to a Mudcat thread. Doesn't really matter, does it ? Any good wishes or wise words you want to post, I'll print out and take in to him. As far as getting him when they did, we can thank Bill Spence (another cardio patient) who recognized the symptoms at the Old Songs Festival and got John to the medical tent immediately. - George |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 28 Jun 05 - 01:03 AM To the surgeon's morgage holders, no doubt this is GOOD news....like cross-posted to the MC we ALL become contributing members.,P. Sincerely, Gargoyle |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 28 Jun 05 - 01:07 AM As you felt in the worst coming-out...so you will feel at the best going back in.
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Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Charley Noble Date: 28 Jun 05 - 08:30 AM John was looking perfectly fine at Mystic. He may not have been feeling that way and Lord knows how long he's been ignoring loss of energy. Again, special thanks to Bill Spence for being assertive about John's health. This reinforces my belief that we (I) often do need second opinions when we'd (I'd) rather not consider the consequences ourselves (myself). Note: banner ads offer non-surgical drugs to unblock arteries... Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Abby Sale Date: 28 Jun 05 - 08:39 AM My fondness & best wishes, too. One of the Good Guys. I trust the hospital has no problem if he sings a murder ballad or so while he's being prepped. It can focus the doctors' minds, you know. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 28 Jun 05 - 08:46 AM John is one of the good guys. Many blessings on a swift recovery! I for one am glad you got there in time! Allison |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: radriano Date: 28 Jun 05 - 11:03 AM One of my favorite English singers and a nice guy to boot. Here's hoping all goes smoothly. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: katlaughing Date: 28 Jun 05 - 11:07 AM The hospital I went to let me listen to my walkman up until I went under...I had Jean Ritchie's sister's voice and sweet dulcimer in my head as I went to sleep. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Big Jim from Jackson Date: 28 Jun 05 - 11:19 AM I've never had the privilege of meeting John in person, but I have corresponded with him and talked to him on the phone several times. He has been as accomodating and nice as anyone could be. He and Tony are two of my favorite performers, and it is such a nice feeling to know that that they are good guys as well. My dad went through a tripple by-pass, so I know what he's in for. I wish him the very best and a speedy recovery. The procedures used these days are so much better than they were just a few years ago that I'm sure he has an excellent prognosis. Hang in there, John! Jim Hickam |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Dave Ruch Date: 28 Jun 05 - 03:16 PM I have only met John at a festival or two, and only in passing, but have been a big fan of his singing (and scholarship), both solo & with Tony Barrand, for years. I called him out of the blue last fall when I was travelling in the Schenectady area - at the recommendation of friend "Pamela from Ithaca" - to ask about any pub/restaurant spots in the area that might be fun for dinner. He was gracious on the phone, recommending one place with the caveat that he hadnt been there more than once or twice. When I emailed the next week or so to say "thanks, it worked out well", he came right back with "geez, I was kicking myself after I hung up the phone - I should have asked what you look like so I could have met up with you down there for a little while". Very nice guy! |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: thejohnsongirls Date: 28 Jun 05 - 05:23 PM Spoke with John this afternoon. Surgery is Friday morning and if all goes as planned, he will be going home on Tuesday. he is in great spirits. He does not mind if we spread the word. No flowers please (he won't be able to have them in the ICU anyway). Keep him in your thoughts and prayers on friday (and always) Love and peace, Joy Bennett |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: KathWestra Date: 28 Jun 05 - 05:57 PM Thinking of you, John. All the best. And thank you, Bill, for your intervention. Whew! Lots of love, and will be specially thinking of you on Friday a.m. Kathy |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Judy Cook Date: 28 Jun 05 - 06:31 PM Best Wishes, too, from Judy & Dennis Cook We are thinking lots of you. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Jeri Date: 28 Jun 05 - 07:14 PM Thanks to all those who keep passing on news. Many, MANY thanks to Bill Spence for his intervention. I have the John Roberts and Tony Barrand album "Spencer the Rover is Alive and Living in Ithaca," and as far as I can remember, it was the first trad folk album I bought. I'd heard cuts in Vaughn Ward's "Folk Culture and Oral Tradition" class at Niskayuna High School, and thought "That's the weirdest harmony I've ever heard!" Vaughn explained, I bought the album from Andy's Front Hall, and I was hooked. John, please get through this easily, heal fast and completely, feel much better, and come back to Old Songs next year. For now, you're in my thoughts. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Nancy King at work Date: 28 Jun 05 - 08:01 PM Lots of positive thoughts winging to John from here! May all go smoothly, may you mend quickly, and feel WAAAAYY better! Nancy |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Desert Dancer Date: 28 Jun 05 - 09:30 PM A very great relief to know John finally has some insurance for the medical costs, but he will have to cancel the rest of his summer gigs and will probably be out of commission for a while for his day job doing free-lance music engraving (tab transcription and book layouts for Stephan Grossman's Guitar Workshop, Homespun Tapes, and MelBay). If anyone organizes anything that can use long-distance assistance (web design...?) let me know! ~ Becky in Tucson with fond memories of my introduction via "Mellow with Ale from the Horn" in college days, Pinewoods, and some Arizona concerts. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Guy Wolff Date: 28 Jun 05 - 10:21 PM THanks for the thread: All the very best to John and all he has given to us all. Singing in that room at NOMAD was the best thing this year ! Hope he is back this year !!! All the best , Guy |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Padre Date: 28 Jun 05 - 11:03 PM Healing prayers for you, John. Padre |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Danny Spooner Date: 29 Jun 05 - 06:54 AM John as always enjoyed a good sing with you at Old Song, we'll get the next one going as soon as possible. Good on, be well mate and Cheers Danny s |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: bbc Date: 29 Jun 05 - 08:11 AM Danny, nice to see you on Mudcat. I really enjoyed your music this weekend! bbc |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Lynn Noel Date: 29 Jun 05 - 08:36 PM I'm glad to see this turning into a community Get Well card ;-). John, we missed you at High Tea at Old Songs, and were dismayed to learn why. On behalf of the Pavilion Tea Brigade, we send you a nice cup of tea. Thoughts and prayers from all of us for a speedy recovery, and we trust you are enjoying the hospital air conditioning. Lynn Noel |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: curmudgeon Date: 29 Jun 05 - 08:58 PM John -- Welcome to the Mudcat Bypass Society. There are quite a few of us here, perhaps more than I can name. You will be fine; you will ultimately feel better than you have in years. And I warrant that you'll be recovering in a lot less time than was predicted at another site. I was at Indian Neck two weeks after my surgery, albeit not very active, nor driving, but in good condition. Deal with the "elephant ride" and be well -- Tom |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: georgeward Date: 30 Jun 05 - 01:08 AM Quickie update. John's surgery is to be at 7:15 Friday morning. Lisa will be there, with support. And for anyone wondering, yes, I'm printing out your posts and taking them in to him. - G |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,The Copper Family Date: 30 Jun 05 - 01:29 AM If someone is indeed taking these posts into John, please include our very best wishes for a successful op and speedy recovery. We think often with pleasure of our time spent together on our trips 'over the pond'. A gentleman in every sense of the word. Good luck! |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,David Jones Date: 30 Jun 05 - 06:07 AM Well. here I am in Cambridge. England, wondering what to do with myself, when I hear that my dear friend John is having heart attacks. We recently did a gig together at The Ark in Ann Arbor, in which John was in splendid form. Heres wishing John all the best and looking forward to seeing him when I get back. David |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Bob Dupre Date: 30 Jun 05 - 09:38 AM John, I am sorry that we kept you up all night at Marlboro, but I wouldn't trade singing with you for the world. I hope you are up and around soon. Get well! Bob |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: DonMeixner Date: 30 Jun 05 - 09:54 AM Wish him my best George. Don |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: georgeward Date: 01 Jul 05 - 03:22 PM This will be short. Big storm bearing down. John made it through surgery very well, by all the signs so far. In the end, they did a quadruple bypass, not a triple. We have no remarks from the surgeon yet about the change. He is in ICU, still unconscious, slowly being warmed up and showing good numbers. The present plan will have him back on the cardiac unit, sitting up and moving tomorrow. Lisa will be seeing him again in a couple of hours, by which time he'll likely be (somewhat) awake. By then, there may be more word from the doctors as well. Good news, though. We've seen him. He looks as good as a thoroughly entubed fellow can look. More later, - George |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 01 Jul 05 - 03:25 PM Our thoughts and prayers are continuing. Thank you so much for keeping us updated George, John has been on my mind all morning. I don't think it is unusual for bypass operations to go from triple to quadruple. It happened to my dad as well. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Dave Swan Date: 01 Jul 05 - 03:53 PM All best wishes to John who, with Tony, gave us so many songs as we started out. Heal swiftly and have a good time doing it. The boys at Oak Ash & Thorn and Pam (pj) |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: katlaughing Date: 01 Jul 05 - 04:10 PM Thanks for the update, George. All good thoughts and thanks-givings to John and family, Kat & Rog |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Guest Johnny Collins THE PEDLAR OF SONGS Date: 01 Jul 05 - 04:32 PM Hey John Long time no see. My bypass was in 1983 and I'm still up and singing as you very well know. Very best wishes for a speedy and relatively pain free convalescence. JC |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 02 Jul 05 - 06:31 AM You're right, Dave- John and Tony started it all for a lot of us (or in my case, added to what the Patons had started...) George, it's wonderful that you're able to keep us posted like this. John, just keep healing. We care for you. Allison |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: karen k Date: 02 Jul 05 - 08:03 AM Thanks for the update George. John, I wish you a speedy recovery. They say you shouldn't cough or sneeze for as long as you can put it off. I look forward to seeing you up and about again real soon. karen kobela |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Jeri Date: 02 Jul 05 - 09:23 AM Oh, they're gonna MAKE him cough! I may go into the bum-cover-with-fake-tail business for those who must wander down the halls with the wind upon their cheeks. My best wishes to Lisa, and my thanks to George. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Joe_F Date: 02 Jul 05 - 09:38 AM I saw to it, at Wednesday's midweek sing of the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, that we sang "Eat Bertha's Mussels" with him in mind. I presume that daily shipments are being flown in from Baltimore. --- Joe Fineman joe_f@verizon.net ||: Our memories may go back to the time we were fools, but not to the fact. :|| |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Big Jim from Jackson Date: 02 Jul 05 - 10:38 AM Way to go, John! I would have added to this thread earlier, but it took me this long to get my fingers and toes uncrossed so I could type. :-D (hooooooray!) |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: georgeward Date: 03 Jul 05 - 12:18 AM I was on the road all day and evening, but talked to Lisa just as she got home tonight (sat). John has indeed been sent packing from the ICU and is back on the cardiac floor as of this afternoon. His attitude is good. He's tolerating the discomfort well. He's done four laps of the wing he's on - two singles and a double - and wanted to do more. The staff person walking with him said "enough!" He does, of course, tire easily, but all the signs seem to be really good. What I know of his address is that he is now in room A-501 (bed A). Lisa says it is a double room, and that there's a ninety-three-year-old guy in the other bed who seemed to be making a fair amount of noise. Hope that doesn't go on at night. More tomorrow, - George PS: Jeri, John+bum-cover-with-fake-tail ? What kind of tail ? |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 03 Jul 05 - 12:54 AM John---We're glad to hear the good news. Keep on getting better and better. Here's an idea to help with the boredom Emily tells me you were experiencing: Take that round plastic bag that is probably tethered to you---the one that fills slowly with yellow fluid, and ask your nurse if you can borrow a black permanent magic marker. Then put one of the stupid smiley faces on the outside of the plastic bag! You will get some intersting looks/reactions/comments from all you encounter as you traverse the halls --- as it fills---!! At least I got some fascinating reactions when I did that up at Mayo Clinic a few years ago! All the best to you from all of us here in Peru (Illinois) !!! Art Thieme |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Larry K Date: 03 Jul 05 - 01:02 AM John is a great guy. Several years ago John played a festival and did a workshop called 1000 years of British History. My mom is a British history buff and attended the Sunday afternoon concert. I introduced the two of them together and they discussed British history for over an hour. It was the best Mothers Day gift I could have given her. Afterwards, John came over to me and said "your mom really knows her British history" Here's to a speedy recovery. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: georgeward Date: 03 Jul 05 - 11:46 AM Oops! John's room number is 519 (not 501). Mea culpa. - G |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: GUEST,Knitpick@starpower.net Date: 03 Jul 05 - 01:31 PM Just sending good thoughts and best wishes to a great guy! We've been prayin' for ya -- even if you don't believe! Much love jennifer w. & Bob Clayton |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: kendall Date: 03 Jul 05 - 02:48 PM Hang in there Mate, it does get better. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Kaleea Date: 03 Jul 05 - 04:52 PM John, you are hereby informed that you will be up and jumping in no time at all. We 'Catters only allow our friends to heal up better than ever! Open heart, shmopen heart, it's just a bit of a "procedure" these days, and the Dr's can do them in their sleep with one scalpel tied behind their backs. Sing all the pub songs you know as loud as you can & you'll be in the pink before you know it. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: Susan A-R Date: 03 Jul 05 - 06:05 PM Glad to hear all's well. I know that the convivial songs workshop was rousing, but . . . Best wishes for a speedy, relatively comfortable recovery. |
Subject: RE: John Roberts surgery From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 03 Jul 05 - 07:19 PM Great news, George, thanks! John, keep on strolling those halls. You'll need to breathe through that "breathalizer" (when it's safe to laugh I'll tell you my favorite breathalizer joke...)- so why not pump up the lungs and sing for the folks on the floor? Ok, ok, when you're ready and not a minute sooner. We're all thinking of you! Allison |
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