Healing Circle, please --

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: jeffp
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 01:57 PM

Good to hear that JU and Wanda are in a positive frame of mind. That can be a great help in the efficacy of treatment. Keep up the good work and squeeze in as much of a good time as you can in between treatments. It will certainly make them easier to take, although I don't know which is rougher, Chemo, radiation, or Chicago in winter. JU, you WILL overcome!

jeffp

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 10:13 AM

Tough times require tough friends and I think its obvious JU has some and gains strength in the knowledge. We continue to send whatever we can to JU, Wanda, and to you Kristi. I'm glad to have you as part of this community. Your prologue was excellent and I've enjoyed your other postings as well. Each in our own way, but also collectively in spirit, we send the best of thoughts to all of you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 01:56 AM

Kristi, thank you for continuing to let us know how he and Wanda are doing. Please continue to let us know and pass on our good wishes to them both and to your band. From all you and others have said, and by his own writing, he must be a very special person.

All the best,

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 01:25 AM

I realize there are people out here that don't support or accept this type of post on this site. I also didn't start it, but jumped right on board. One of my best friends is in one of the worst times I can imagine. Having been a part of the folk community for the past ten years in Florida, I have seen the support it can give. When one of my best friends, who happens to be an outstanding folk artist, was diagnosed with life threatening cancer, we decided to put the word out wherever possible in whatever way we can to try and help him. We just got this email from him to distribute to the people who want to know. If you don't, please move on to a different thread.

If you're interested:

hello from the balmy shores of chicago beach! temperatures today should reach 40 degrees! Friends and family (the lines begin to blur),Wanda and I are really grateful for all the good vibes and support from the Florida community! I know that we are the prime recipients of all this effort, but that also makes us the focal point. In other words, we see you all as one big powerful force, but you might not see, or know that you are part of one big whole. Take a moment to realize that you have a connection to all the others on this list and beyond. We are not alone (!), and it is a wonderful and comforting feeling. Know that you are a part of a very big, vibrant, and loving community! I had a great week, with few side effects from the treatment, and some free time to visit the Field Museum, and attend a local contra dance! New Years brought fireworks on the lake, and cryptic messages from the government about ignoring the man behind the screen. Sunday we go back in. Forward thru the fog. Treatment is 24hr chemo, and two rounds of radiation a day. Out the following Friday. All of the patients in my wing are cancer patients, and several are in the same program that I am in, so we prop each other up as best we can. I can't say enuff about all the good stuff happening on our behalf. Thanks to all, and we'll talk later... ju and wanda

I got this message while he was tuning his banjo and Wanda was changing her guitar strings. the rest of our band is trying to get ready to perform without them for the first time in years. The music will carry us through somehow. Kristi

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Danlbear
Date: 04 Jan 00 - 12:02 PM

My prayers go with you J.U.

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Paul G.
Date: 04 Jan 00 - 11:59 AM

The Geraldine Brush Cancer Research Institute at Cal Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco conducted a double blind study of "distant healing" in a matched population with advanced AIDS. 6 months out, the "treated" population had acquired statistically fewer AIDS defining illnesses, had illness of lower severity, required fewer doctor visits and fewer hospitalizations.

There are an increasing number of validated objective studies affirming the effect of this process. It certainly can't hurt...and if it helps, isn't it a joy to be a participant in this human/spiritual process?

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jan 00 - 03:28 AM

Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't, but if the health and recovery of an individual are at stake, what can it hurt to try? As with anything else that we cannot touch, see or feel, faith must be our guiding light. If one has such faith and can put it to good use for another, more power to them. If one does not believe or is skeptical, just ignore it! I was raised in the Lutheran faith, but I also think that there is some sort of metaphysical power at work when enough folks put their thoughts together. If this works for JU, let it be! If ever I encounter a hazard on the road of life, I hope there are as many caring folks in my corner. It may not do any physical good, but just the knowing they are rooting for me would boost the mental state!

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Jan 00 - 10:06 PM

Big Mick

We have disagreed in the past but at this time I must agree.

Gargoyle

You have been edited. Please message me and tell me why you write as you do.

All others: -

I feel mutual support is good but is this needful?

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 03 Jan 00 - 09:44 PM

Kat, I think posting here is fine. JU doesn't have onging access to a computer. He is using a community one at the hospital to periodically check his mail, etc. Kristi

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 02:33 PM

We're having a little song session at Herrick rehab center for Sally this afternoon: she's out of the woods as far as any threat to her life from the disease is concerned, but she's going to have a long, hard road toward rehabilitation after seven weeks of lying on her back--so we're going in to sing for her, and I'll ask the group to hold a good thought for J.U. as well.

--seed

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Faded Denim
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 09:20 AM

What a wonderful thread! This much positive energy won't be ignored - can't be! JU - you remain an integral part of the whole of our community. May you keep strength from all our wishes.

Blessed be. Reid

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 09:15 AM

Kristi, would you like them posted here or sent to him directly?

Personally, when I add someone to my list for healing work, I do a minimum of 30 days, unless they contact me sooner to let me know things have got better. This includes an early morning giving thanks and a late evening of same with additional visualisation.

JU, this place has had an incredible effect in times of great sorrow, strife, and challenges. With a collection of Mudcatters, plus your friends and family at your side, your highest good will come to you. Please know that we hold you in our hearts, thoguhts, and prayers. With friends like Kristi, you've won half the battle already.

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 02 Jan 00 - 02:53 AM

update: We just heard from JU. He and Wanda went out to see fireworks last night on the lake front in Chicago. The first week's over and he's doing fine, but starting to feel the effects of the treatment. Here in the Florida Folk community, we are working on keeping him close in our thoughts. He has at least another two months of treatments that will sap his strenth and spirit. I would love to see at least daily notes from people that have him in their thoughts and emotions to help keep him strong through this struggle. This is a fight worth fighting. I am new to mudcats, but have figured out that this is a community worth belonging to. JU and Wanda deserve all the support they can get. You can't find a better set of people anywhere. WE love them and want to help in every manner possible. With love, Kristi

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 31 Dec 99 - 01:26 AM

We heard from JU tonight. The first round is almost over. He gets out of the hospital tomorrow for a week of rest, sorta. It's hard to believe he went up the just 10 days ago for evaluation and is finishing the first week of treatment already. I really liked the football analogy. I mean, really. Thanks again Kristi

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Paul G.
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 09:40 AM

You people are incredible. Amazing. Awesome. Thank you for your continuing concern for a Florida treasure. I received an email from JU yeasterday...he is clearly trying to figure the northerners out. Can't understand why the Chicagoans are out trying to get a sun tan when the temperature is 45 degrees....

New years blessings to all.

Paul

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Micca
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 08:18 AM

Aine, you have a strange and twisted mind, the image of the undersigned as a cheerleader!!!(to get the full flavour look at the pic in the resources) and some of the other Mudcatters that I know!!! Liz the Squeak, get out them pom-poms!!!!. Healing by humour!!! Thanks, you have given us another image for stress situations. And a great healing thought for JU. Glad your "with the program" JU and I look forward to better and better bulletins, But why did we send Kendall to Florida? as a substitute? Naw, there aint no substitute!!!

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 12:21 AM

Spoken like a true Texan, Aine! I love it!

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Áine
Date: 29 Dec 99 - 10:20 PM

Dear J.U. and Wanda,

Here's a little visualization for y'all in the coming days:

Picture all the Mudcats and Mudkittens here, and all your friends and family, dressed up as cheerleaders, jumping up and down (yea, even the pot-bellied, bearded guys!), waving their pom-pons, screaming their heads off, tumbling and doing splits on the sidelines of a huge football field.

Now, there's Wanda at the 3 yard line, handing off the ball to J.U. for a field goal -- He takes a few steps forward, holds the ball in front him, sweeps back his leg for the kick of LIFEtime and plants a firm toe on the ball. It sails past the 20, it sails past the 50 -- ladies and gentlemen, it keep on going!! It's going, going, gone -- over the post at the other end of the field!! And that's the game, ladies and gentlemen -- J.U. and Wanda WIN!!!

Keeping you in our prayers and thoughts, Áine

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 28 Dec 99 - 06:39 PM

Here is an email I got from JU this afternoon that he asked that I spread wherever it needed to go. Thought everyone that has sent support on this list would be interested.hello world, ju speaking, got a port in my chest and a traveling iv companion but all is well in chicagoland.wanda and i have an apt. in hyde park, the adress is 5514 S. Blackstone Ave., Chicago, Il. 60637 #316. cards, letters and fan mail gladly accepted. I hate having to be so far from my Florida home, but this is about the only place on the planet that can do what needs to be done for me. This is my first chance to access the computer here at the hospital, but i hope to be able to check in often. Wanda and are are very grateful for the overwhelming support that our friends are giving us, and cannot say thank you enough for your kind thoughts and well wishes. we can also access our mail at [e-mail] and will make every effort to reply when we can. Thank the good lord for cyberspace, hope the y2k bug doesn't eat us up. We will be here for a while, but can't wait for white springs and a big ol' family reunion on the Swuannee!!! thinking positively,

j.u.

I am fund raising for JU and Wanda via our CD and cassette sales. More information about this can be found on our web page at: www.geocities.com/upsala1

thanks everyone Kristi

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: jeffp
Date: 28 Dec 99 - 11:13 AM

Hang in there, J.U.! With all these people pulling for you, you have an army on your side. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Marymac90
Date: 28 Dec 99 - 04:41 AM

JU, you're in my thoughts, and in the light.

Mary McCaffrey

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: refresh
Date: 27 Dec 99 - 10:59 PM

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 27 Dec 99 - 12:39 AM

J.U. You are too important to too many people to let this thing bother you. Get over it. We need you.

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 99 - 09:13 AM

Kristi, thank you for keeping us up to date. I hope this day finds your hives gone and you able to sleep. Those steroids are nasty; I've had quite a few bouts with allergic reactions to meds and the docs always trot out the prednisone. We had an excellent thread which discussed steroids. If you are interested it was called "cortisone for tendonitis?". If you type that in the Quick Search box at the top of the thread title, it should come up.

All the best,

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 26 Dec 99 - 01:20 AM

There is still a long road to hoe(Am I mixing my metaphors?). JU and Wanda are going to spend at least the next two months in Chicago, a long way from the sun in Flagler Beach, Florida. Their oldest daughter has moved back home to take care of their youngest, who is 16. Plus, there is Chemo and Radiation therapy to conquer. Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts. Happy Holidays and hope everyone was able to spend time with loved ones on this day. Kristi/Upsala

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 25 Dec 99 - 11:20 AM

Refresh this site, a shipmate needs our thoughts on this day of miracles, let one be born for him. Aye J.U. get up and walk home healed...Yours, Aye. Sincerely Dave

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: marcelloblues
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 11:53 AM

This little thing I can do, even if I'm not used to pray, is remember you in this magic night, always hold on. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 11:44 AM

I try to tell you folks not to even respond. But you continue to feed him. And he knows you will.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 01:45 AM

JU-- VERY happy that you are accepted into this experimental protocol! Is this what "getting with the program" means? Worried for you on several fronts, not the least of which is dealing with a Northern winter with very little practice. Don't worry, you'll learn fast! I am praying for you and for Wanda and also giving thanks that you have such good friends, in which company I am proud to count myself. Kristi-- I'll email you my various addresses separately. There was trouble with work email & a numbe of messages bounced that should not have. THANKS and please add me to the updates! LOVE PETE

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 12:29 AM

Geez, you make it hard to take your side sometimes, Gargoyle. This time I'm not even going to try. I will wish for you that you be relieved of whatever is the source of the hatefulness within you, that you make it into the light before you are consumed by your own spite.

--seed

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Áine
Date: 24 Dec 99 - 12:11 AM

I'm so glad to hear the good news about J.U. -- We're still keeping him and his family in our prayers.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 11:20 PM

Dear Kristi and Paul,

Just in case you don't know how, I've started a thread on editing postings before you print them out, so that loved ones like J.U. don't have to see crap like what was posted above. (Nor this posting, for that matter, no need for nuts and bolts, right?:-)

Kristi, that is wonderful news about the no surgery and startign the program, as well as less rent.

Paul, you are a good friend; J.U. is obviously well-loved and cared about. Thanks for letting us help.

kat

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 11:16 PM

Kristi, that is indeed wonderful news and we appreciate the update. Good news makes a lot of us double our efforts. Please pass on all our best to JU, friends, and family!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 11:09 PM

An adjunct. P Peterson. Hi and I got your email and couldn't email you back, the mailer stated the address was undeliverable. Mail me back so I can get you on the JU update email list. K

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 11:08 PM

We had good news tonight from JU. He is in the program. He is starting chemotherapy on Sunday. An additional mass that was biopsied today came out negative, to everyone's surprise. As a result, major surgery did not have to happen which would have delayed treatment for three weeks. They also got into an apartment today for reasonable rent.

Thank you, everyone Kristi Upsala www.geocties.com/upsala1 www.mp3.com/upsala

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 10:30 PM

There are times when

the only gift we can

give one another

is prayer.

My prayer is for you, J.U.
        ...Mary

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Paul G.
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 10:17 PM

Rick, Kat & Spaw:

Thank you.

Paul

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: MamaTamba
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 10:16 PM

I add all the... warm...fuzzy...musical...colorful...tender...passionate...flowing...fighting...caring... yada,yada,yada LOVE I have and am to our community prayer!

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 10:12 PM

I just saw this and once again Rick has put it far better than I would. When Gargoyle goes completely off as he has done here, mere words won't begin to express what I feel.

Kristi and all, especially JU...Believe what Kat says and know that the power of good thoughts DOES work...I am the living proof of it. Keep your spirits up in this time and know that those of us at the 'Cat are thinking of you and will continue to be behind you and send all the best we can muster.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 09:05 PM

Thank you, Rick, well put and deeply appreciated. Kristi, please know the majority of us are holding J.U. in the Light of Love and Healing and our vision of him is healthy and well on his way to recovery and making more music with all of you good folks.

All the best is what we expect for him.

kat

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 09:01 PM

Fellow Mudcatters. Don't allow this thread to end if you feel you have something to add to it.
If you're new at mudcat, be aware that in the year I've been here I've watched this man be in turn, informative, helpful, extremely funny, and cruel to a degree that words cannot describe. The direction of Mudcat is determined by the people who post. There are NO editorial boundries save good taste, and on occasion we have to deal with things like the above. We deal with it by continuing to post what we feel, and we try to ignore....no matter how difficult it seems at the time.

Rick Fielding

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: _gargoyle
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 12:37 AM

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi H
Date: 23 Dec 99 - 12:14 AM

Tomorrow, JU is undergoing tests that will decide if he is accepted into this program, which is the best chance he has of beating this thing. Please, everyone direct their best healing thoughts to him tonight and tomorrow. JU's banjo was lost by the airlines on the trip up to Chicago, but the airline found it and it was to be delivered tonight to him there. Thank you, Kristi Upsala

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Kristi/Upsala
Date: 21 Dec 99 - 10:41 PM

I would like to thank Paul for starting this thread. JU is one of the special people in this world. He and his wife, Wanda, have been close personal friends of minefor 10 years and for 30 years with my partner, Andy. We are all in the band together with our friend Billy. JU came through the first trial with this cancer with flying colors and went on to record our CD with us. This time it seems a bit more grim, but he and Wanda are strong individuals with a large network of friends and loved ones supporting them. I will get this thread to them when they are back in the vicinity of a computer. All proceeds from our CD are going directly to JU and Wanda. Thanks for your support, Kristi Upsala www.geocities.com/upsala1

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Paul G.
Date: 21 Dec 99 - 10:33 PM

Just received an update...JU saw the doctor in Chicago today. He is being evaluated for participation in a research protocol, which seems to hold the best hope for his particular disease process. Should hear in the next few days if he is accepted, and treatment may start as soon as next week...Thank you for keeping JU in your thoughts.

Paul

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: The Ancient Mariner Circle me in
Date: 21 Dec 99 - 08:46 PM

If you check out the location of "All Hands" on this thread it may very well be that we will circle (or circumnavigate) J.U. I pray we do, and that it will help. Yours Aye, Dave

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: bobby's girl
Date: 21 Dec 99 - 07:26 PM

Thinking of JU and his family at this time

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Escamillo
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 11:25 PM

All our thoughts with J.U. Andrés

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: harpgirl
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 11:24 PM

...JU and Wanda will be in Chicago for the winter! Maybe some Mudcatters can make them welcome! harpgirl

Subject: RE: Healing Circle, please --
From: Susan A-R
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 11:03 PM

I'll keep him in my thoughts.