Hope you will not mind - need prayers for my Wife.

retsio

Senior
Feb 18, 2003
263
699
93
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
 

Bwifan

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
2,559
4,494
113
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
Lifting you both up in prayer. It's a large part of my life and glad we have strong faith. As life moves along quickly its amazing how many people come back to church and faith. I am in the O.R. most days for cardiac surgery mostly as I sell medical devices. Your wife will be in good hands with the surgical team and post care. Praying that you both have peace during this emotional time and lean on our Lord. Keep us updated on the progress. 🙏
 

PSU Soupy 615

Sophomore
Aug 3, 2008
85
150
33
Best of luck to you Retsio and to Jenny. The support that she gave to you when you were battling issues and the support that you are giving to your wife is the benefit to being married. My advice: Go to the best hospital/Dr. that you can get to. Ask a lot of questions. Find the best surgeon to do the work. I hate to say that I know this from experience, but had a daughter in ICU for her first 7 months of life and my wife single handedly kept her alive with questions, with cross checking with other doctors. I had to do some of that same role as I lost my 53 year old wife to cancer 4 years ago. My wife and I flew every other week to Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia because that was the epicenter for research in her particular cancer.

The medical industry in US is excellent, but you have to work the system to increase your odds for success, if you go to the nearest hospital, the first doctor put forward you are not setting yourself up for success.

Will be praying for your wife. I will be praying for you to be strong, to stand up for your wife and to give her the best chance to survive and thrive going forward.

God is good.
 

Mrdibbs

Senior
Oct 12, 2021
173
450
63
Praying for Jenny, for retsio and all family for strength during this difficult time.

Also praying for the fine people who are and will be providing the surgical and pre/post operative care.

Retsio, we got your six.
 

Zenophile

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2001
1,292
4,091
113
I’m not known for excessive praying, but there will be emphatic ones sent for a successful procedure and Jenny’s speedy recovery. Best wishes to you both.
 

slwlion

Redshirt
Oct 14, 2021
21
26
2
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
May God bless you both and keep your wife in his capable hands.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fairgambit

84lion

All-Conference
Oct 7, 2021
786
1,348
93
Prayers and best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery, and many happy and trouble-free years to come.

I cannot replace my Wife

I couldn't agree more. How did I get along before she came along?
 

fairgambit

All-American
Aug 20, 2010
2,310
6,916
113
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
I've been off the Board for a while, and was not yet ready to return, but a friend who visits here, but does not post, saw your request and passed it on to me. Your post moved me to tears. I believe in the power of prayer, and Jenny Ann, and you, will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight, and in the days ahead. May God heal your dear wife, and grant you the strength, and wisdom, to help in that effort. All the best to you both.
 

LionJim

Heisman
Oct 12, 2021
13,730
19,183
113
Of course we don’t mind. I myself have reached out many times over my 26 years on the McAndrew Board. You need to find your solace and support wherever you can.

And, remember, fight with all your might. Life is hard enough without having to deal with one’s disappointments. Be the man people expect you to be and need you to be. Your entire life has come to this point. You owe it to yourself and your family to give it everything you have. God bless you.
 

Mdnit1

Redshirt
Aug 13, 2025
1
6
3
Our kids, grandkids, and myself lost a very important part of our family just over a year ago. My wife lost her battle to brain cancer. They had given her about about a year, but with a new surgery she made it to 5 years. The additional 4 years were not in a bed or rehab and she got to see 2 new grandkids. Like you said you can't replace them, and wouldn't want to. Even after a year the house is still as empty. The day she passed away i came home from hospice, the emptiness, not a sound. I turned the TV on it's been on since. Prayers from our family to you and your wife. We had been married half a century.
 

Bkmtnittany1

All-American
Jan 12, 2014
5,416
8,350
113
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
Godspeed … your family is in my prayers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fairgambit

Nits74

All-Conference
May 14, 2010
1,201
1,919
113
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
0000000000
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
Retsio, what you and your wife have gone, and are currently going through is awful to say the very least. It makes one put things in their proper perspective. What I can deem from your post is that you are one very strong individual. Let this advantage carry you and your family through this in the very best way possible. You will be in my thoughts, and know that the entire board will be with you. Take care and please keep us informed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fairgambit

DaytonRickster

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
2,382
2,832
113
In previous posts I have noted my heart attack, operations for stents, cancer and radiation sessions. As I am clear of this health stuff at the moment, my Wife's heart problems and open-heart operation has impacted us very quickly. Just two weeks ago a PET test, one week ago 'cath surgery' finding stents were not possible -- and now we are in the preparation process of cleaning everything for 5:30 AM Tuesday, 9-9-25 open-heart surgery. Her heart is good, but there are 2 arteries closed at 90% and a third that is complex.

Our 41st Anniversary is the 22nd and her birthday is in the middle of October - guess we will not have 'dinner out' but rather 'dinning in'. As you know, I am a bit old-er and life is coming at us too fast, but to me sustaining life with family and prayer is an important realization of an individual and their impact on another's life. I cannot replace my Wife, and really, I would not want to - so being positive with everyone with us and wishing for the best -- is the best outcome. I have seen my Father and our first grandson die, but my Wife - please no, that cannot happen even though I know we will not continue forever.

So .... please offer a prayer for my Wife, Jenny Ann Oister, as I will always say .... 'every sunrise and every sunset is a blessing'.
I will pray for her, the surgeons, and her full recovery, and for you as you minister to her after her surgery. The Lord is faithful.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: fairgambit

MaconNitt

All-Conference
Oct 18, 2016
1,130
2,084
113
@retsio, I also believe in the power of prayers and send them for your wife and family. Prayers and keeping a positive attitude go along way in recovery. I know from experience.

I've had 8 cardiac catheter surguries in 4 different hospitals in 2 different states resulting in 9 stents.

I'm a two time member of the zipper club. CABG times 5 in 2014 and most recently, CABG times 3 with TMR Laser surgery to get more blood flow to the bottom and back of my heart in 2023 at Thomas Jefferson hospital in Philadelphia.

Unfortunately in May of this year, during the 8th cardiac cath, it showed one of the 2023 bypasses to be totally blocked and too small for a stent. I had been popping Nitro pills like tictacs for chest pain for months. The good news is the laser surgery is working and in the process of making a natural bypass of the blocked artery. I went on a new medication to help with the chest pain and have not had to take any Nitro's for pain in nearly 3 months.

The miracles of modern medicine. Keep the faith 🙏
 

Marshall2323

All-Conference
Aug 7, 2024
3,619
4,388
113
You certainly have my most sincere prayers. I lost my wife of 37 years, 15 years, 10 months 25 days ago. I can testify with certainty, that growing old, even with failing health is better than 16 years alone, going through the motions.
I pray that you enjoy many more birthdays, holidays and anniversaries together. God bless you both.
 

Nickpsu80

Redshirt
Dec 27, 2005
7
7
3
You certainly have my most sincere prayers. I lost my wife of 37 years, 15 years, 10 months 25 days ago. I can testify with certainty, that growing old, even with failing health is better than 16 years alone, going through the motions.
I pray that you enjoy many more birthdays, holidays and anniversaries together. God bless you both.
Praying for the best results
 
  • Like
Reactions: fairgambit

Nittering Nabob

All-Conference
Sep 17, 2024
2,512
2,349
113
Prayers larger than the Powerball jackpot are being sent from my wife and me to you and yours.

Heart and arterial deplaquing surgery in the US is so advanced that I’m certain that Ms Jenny will be just fine.

No worries 👍
 
  • Like
Reactions: fairgambit

NittanyPirate

Junior
Feb 18, 2007
132
245
43
Echoing the thoughts of others. May God be with you, your wife, family, and those medical professionals that will be taking care of her.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fairgambit

CoachET

Freshman
Oct 12, 2021
58
91
18
Prayers for Jenny Ann, yourself and all your family. I’m so encouraged to see how many on this board have prayer and faith as deep parts of their lives. This board is like a family (dysfunctional at times), but always rallies for those in need. God Bless.
 

LionsAndBears

All-Conference
Dec 7, 2009
2,002
3,548
113
Father I lift up Jenny and her family in their time of need. I pray that her surgery and recovery be a complete success and that you provide comfort for her family in this time of stress. In Jesus name I pray. Amen