11.30—Evening

Another good and productive day. Still much pain but his spirit is positive. This is day 30 in hospital...

—Ph/H

11.29—Morning

Thank you again for all the videos. He watched them all with the biggest smile on his face. His morale is very good and it amazes me that he is so positive. I think this is because of the love and support of his friends.

Today the leg is being exercised by a machine that lifts and bends his right leg for 6 hours at a time. Henry is eating better and taking in more protein calories which is a very good thing (as Martha Stewart would say...).

Be fierce and thrive...!
—Ph/H 

Trying to Comment? Do this...

Some folks are having trouble posting a comment. Here's what to do.

At the bottom left in tiny letters below my signature you will see a link that reads either: "No Comments" or "Comments" just move your cursor over that link and "click" on it. You will be taken to a page with a white box where you can write your comment. When you are finished "click" "Publish" and your comment will be available to everyone. 

I don't moderate this so do not leave any personal information like a phone number. I go through all the comments at the end of the day and read them out to Henry as needed. He loves hearing from you!

Be fierce and thrive!
—Philip

End of the Afternoon—16:50

Today is a lazy day (Henry says they must have given him blood from a lazy person yesterday!) I think it's the tranquilizer the doctors prescribed to help him manage the pain and stress.

He's had some calls and lots of videos from friends and family. The videos make him happy and reminds him about the many friends he has who wish him well. I, too, am thankful for all the love and support he's gotten these last four weeks. It's been 28 days since the accident that was nearly fatal and he is improved so much that even the trauma doctors are impressed. But we all know he is strong-willed.

Next week his (our) nephew, Quinton, will come out to help with his care and support. They are close and it will motivate further is recovery.

Be fierce and thrive, Henry West Foote!

—Ph/H

We are Thankful!

Be fierce and thrive

—Ph/H

Thanksgiving Day

We are thankful for our friends who have given us so much love. Henry is in good spirits today. His will is strong. 

Thank you for your loving support!

Be fierce and thrive...

—Ph/H

11.27 Update—07:30

Surgery went well! 
Yesterday Henry had surgery on his right knee/tibia and it went well. He is in a lot of pain but the doctors have a plan to help him manage. He also had a revision to his left leg: the doctors improved the area below the knee where the foot was amputated. He is doing very well and his spirits are very good.

I am not surprised by his positive attitude and that's what has gotten him this far. I am so grateful that he is alive!

Be fierce and thrive!

—Ph/H

11.26 Update—08:45

Henry will go into surgery between 11and 15hr today for a revision to the left leg amp. and to fix the right knee. He's in great spirits today and joked early this morning with doctors and his nurse, John. 

His pain levels go up and down and he's on three different pain medications to help him manage different pain sensations. He is eating more calories which is necessary to get the feeding tube removed and make him more comfortable. The next stage will be to check his neurology and make sure there is nothing else the needs the hospital. The various infections are being treated long term. There is no time frame when he will be released to rehab so today's operations will help give us some milestones.

Today I'm contacting the police and working on the insurance forms for EDD. 

Keep sending me videos for him to watch, he loves seeing all of you and it makes him smile. 

I'll update later with surgery status.

—Ph/H

11.25 Update—09:50

Henry had a good night sleeping but will probably sleep most of the day as well. The pain medicine is very strong and it knocks him out.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) doctors will work on his right knee. He won't be able to put weight on it for at least 6 weeks. 

This Thanksgiving please remember him and be thankful he's alive!

—Ph/H (Philip)

So Many Thanks...

Thank you so very much for all the great videos being sent to Henry. I showed him a batch today and he was smiling ear to ear and saying hi back and thank you!!

Thank you for your healing kindness!

Tomorrow is another day. Remember to say: Please and Thank you...

—Ph/H

Make a Video—15:45

Henry got to talk with his mom yesterday and it did both of them a lot of good to reassure each other of their love; today his great friend Kenya Winchell sent him a video greeting and expressed her love and support for him. His eyes were focused completely on her image and his smile was electric. 

I encourage you to make a short video to wish him well and speedy recovery until he can take more visitors . Tell him you love him. These messages are the most important part of his day and they are easy to make and send to me via WhatsApp or directly to my phone. This is preferable to a phone call right now as we can't control when he's ready to take a call but a video can be played anytime... 

—Ph/H (Philip)

23 November—10:00

Henry ate a little last evening and had some sips of Boost this morning. He had a difficult night due to the pain and today the doctors are increasing pain medication.

I'm hoping he gets a little more solid food today. No word on the next surgery on his right leg which is the cause of much of his pain.

This morning a nice young lady came by and played the violin for him and he enjoyed it. He also greatly enjoyed a video from his BFF Kenya in Ibiza...he smiled the whole time and watched it twice. He likes videos and you can send short ones to me and I'll show them to him.

—Ph/H

Evening Uodate—16:18

Tonight he will eat the first food and drink in 21 days! He will have to swallow and it's very difficult. The food will be chopped like hash so he can eat it. 

—Philip

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Update—11.22

Henry's surgery was successful. I won't go into details but it is certainly life changing for him and us. He is very positive and very strong...he smiles and engages with his medical team.

Today was speech therapy and swallow exercises. He's still in a great deal of discomfort to say the least.

Later updates as needed.

—Ph/H 

Short Update—09:40

He will go in for surgery on his left foot this afternoon probably around 14hr00. 

He resting in a new room and they are taking steps to relieve his delirium which comes and goes. This is the residue of ICU Delirium caused by medications, lack of daylight and night signals, as well as sleep deprivation caused by the many tests and wakeups in during the night and day. I always tell him what time it is and in the new room he has a window where he can see daylight and the night sky. The next big thing is to get him eating and drinking by mouth. The breathing tubes were down his throat for 14 days which causes issues with swallowing. 

I'll update after the surgery...

—Ph/H

Update—2019.11.20—08:50

Surgery went well on his right hip. Tomorrow is surgery on his left foot and maybe his right leg. Henry's spirit is very good and he's positive about his future. I don't see him depressed or worried and for that I am grateful—I doubt I would be as positive or strong.

—Ph/H

Surgery Update—14:55

Henry is coming out of surgery. They fixed the hip but the right knee was still too swollen for surgery. Hopefully on Thursday the swelling will be down. 

Doctor said he is doing fine.

—Ph/H

Morning Update before Surgery—09:15

The surgery yesterday was very successful and his temperature is down to 99 this morning. 

At 11 today he will go into surgery for his right knee and hip.

His spirits are good!

—Ph/H

Afternoon Update—14:15

The nursing staff and doctors spent most of today preparing him for the VAT surgery this afternoon. It should take about two hours I imagine. He's scheduled for 16:30 PST.

The professional medical staff at Cedars is far superior to any group of nurses and doctors I've experienced. They are giving him the best care possible. 

He asked today that I read some short stories to him and I picked the James Baldwin collection "Going to Meet the Man" which is a great set of stories.

—Ph/H

Update—08:45

Henry is doing much better. Doctor Bluen just told us the MRCA is cleared from his blood and they will mostly knock any Staph infection out with the pulmonary procedure today (though he will continue on his antibiotics for some time to come.

He's also taking charge of his care and I'm happy to see this because it means to me that he is back to managing his life. He's resting today to prepare for the surgery today and tomorrow; his temperature is down to 100-101.

I am greatly encouraged...

Today I'll read some of the many comments and messages he's received over the last 15 days. Thank you for commenting and caring for Henry. Please keep him top of mind until he fully recovers.

—Ph/H (Philip)

Update—12:30

It's past noon and he's sleeping easily. He's had the doctors visit and they are still ready to perform the pulmonary procedure tomorrow sometime which will hopefully reduce the fever by eliminating the infection.

Thank you to everyone for you continued loving support of Henry. As I've mentioned before he would prefer no visitors for the time being.

—Ph/H (Philip)

Morning Update—9:10

Henry is resting. He's a little listless today from the fever he had all day yesterday but it's down to 100 this morning. Later we will do some breathing exercises to strengthen his lungs.

All is well. 

—Ph/H

11.16 Quick Morning Update—09:50

Henry is resting and anxious to take control of things. But he's alert and has a sense of humor...He just said he wanted to see if he could walk and we had to show him what his legs look like. I had to laugh at his spunky attitude!

—Ph/H

Update—13:50

Henry is in very good spirits and can whisper/talk now that the breathing tube is gone. 

—Ph/H

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Update—12:37

The breathing tube was removed this morning. Henry is doing much better and is managing the pain. He still can't talk but he can whisper. His voice will come back soon.

He asks that you comment here as he's not ready to have visitors.

Thank you for your loving support of Henry...

—Ph/H (Philip)

Morning Update—09:25

Henry's surgery on his left leg and wrist went well yesterday. He'll go back to surgery next week on Tuesday for his right leg and hip. He's very alert and we are now waiting for the breathing tube to be removed from his throat which will help his morale. 

Once again, the staff here at Cedars is the best! He has great ICU doctors and nurses.

Updates as needed today...

—Ph/H

Update—19:00

Henry is out of surgery. Everything went well. Next surgery will be next week. 

—Ph/H

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Update—18:32

Henry went into surgery about two hours ago. So far all is well. 

—Ph/H

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Update: 14:05

Waiting for the surgeons to be ready. 

—Ph/H

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Afternoon Update: 15:30

Henry has slept all afternoon and continues to sleep. I'm sitting with him in his room reading a book. When he wants something he stares at me until I look up. 

Surgery is still on for tomorrow. 

I'll update if there is any change. 

—Ph/H

Update—11:15

Henry is awake and alert. He's resting today and getting weened off the respirator for surgery tomorrow. 

—Ph/H

Update: 15:08

He's resting and drifting in and out right now. I put my ear buds in his ears and I'm playing some Brian Eno ambient for him (Music for Installations—which  plays in my flat everyday)

His temperature is coming down as is he's blood pressure. 

—Ph/H

Morning Update—10:14 PST

Henry will not have surgery today after all. The doctor decided that there was too much congestion in the lungs. It is being rescheduled for Thursday.

Further updates will come this afternoon.

—Ph/H

Last Update for Tonight

Henry can't talk of course because he has breathing tubes down his throat but I talked with him for about 45 minutes and he reacted to me with surprised eyes, nodding and shaking head, and a shrug of the shoulders.

 I am so happy he's back and it appears he will soon be on the road to recovery.

Tomorrow he has surgery and hopefully the tubes will come out and after a fews hours he will be able to talk.

Our friend Maureen told me every morning she lefts her arms to the world and says, "Please" and every night she bows her head and puts her hands together and says, "Thank you." This is the attitude I've had for the last 10 days and will be the attitude for the rest of my life.

Tomorrow is another day, not promised but hoped for...

—Ph/H (Philip)

Update 11:58 PST

Henry is set for surgery on his legs and hip tomorrow if he can breathe on his own. Once the breathing apparatus comes out today (if) then they will schedule.

—Ph/H

Good Progress

Henry is alert and interacting with the staff and me. I talked with him several times and he could nod and shrug and shake his head to questions. I am greatly relieved.

Today he will have the breathing apparatus removed after making sure he can breathe on his own. Tomorrow we hope they will be able to do surgery on his legs and hip.

I'll have additional information and updates later this afternoon. 

—Ph/H

Morning Update

Henry had a restless morning and is agitated. There is a lot of stimulation in his brain with the pain and aftermath of the accident. I've left him alone and will go back in an hour or so to see if he's calmed down. 

Meanwhile our friend Carole sends these photographs from Paris and quartier Saint-Ambroise of the church of Saint Ambroise. She lighted candles for Henry and sends her love...

I'll post in a little while.

—Ph/H

Candles at Saint Ambroise

Window from Saint Ambroise

End of Day Status

Good day overall. Henry responded to my questions. But his pain and confusion is so great they put him back on pain killers. 

Tomorrow is another day...

—Ph/H

Afternoon Update:14:45

I saw with my own eyes Henry respond to my questions today. Dr. Hashim saw this as well and the team decided to put him back on Fentanyl in order to help him with the pain he experiences when we need to see him respond. So for another day he will be on a Fentanyl drip.

He's agitated when awake and it was explained to me this is from the extraordinary amount of brain activity: pain and restraint mostly. It's a lot for him to process and I can't even begin to understand what he's going through. I don't know if when I touch his head it just adds more confusion to his experience or not. Sometimes it seems to calm him but when I asked him if he wanted me to hold his hand he shook his head, no. 

It's OK. I'm used to being told no...

—Ph/H

Buddhist shrine with Gohonzon in Butsadon

Perpetual light and chants. 🕉

Prayers and Chants; Crystals and Meditations...

I receive lots of texts and e-mails everyday from Henry's friends who are part of a Chant Circle (thousands of them) or a Prayer Circle in a Church; their are friends who are meditating healing and loving kindness for him and there is at least one and perhaps many more healing crystals set up for Henry all over the world.

I'm not surprise by this response. I told his doctor that everyone who meets Henry comes to believe that they are his best friend. I don't mind this because it's why I fell in love with him 30 years ago. In our travels and his associations we've met hundreds of people we consider friends and I welcome everyone to continue whatever they feel the Cosmos needs to heal him. 

His family is being updated regularly outside this website and they are actively involved with me to make sure he recovers. His employer, The Dorchester Group and the Hotel Beverly Hills are simply the best and I am grateful for their support.

Please feel free to write to him here and I will read your comments and poems to him.

Thank you again for your loving and kind support.

—Philip

Saturday Morning Update

Henry rested last night and this morning his doctor (Dr Hashim) decided to reduce and eventually take him off Fentanyl altogether. This will allow the medical staff to test his ability to interact with their requests. With his pelvis fixed and healing he will be in a little less pain. 

The white hairs of his beard are growing in and he would hate for anyone to see his grey hair!

I'll have another update in a few hours. Meanwhile here is a photo from his great friend/sister Kenya Belle from Ibiza...

A crystal alter in Ibiza—Kenya Belle

—Ph/H

Surgery Update

He's in the ICU. Robin and I saw him and the doctor explained that they fixed his pelvis with a platinum mesh. The legs will have to wait for another surgery perhaps next week. He has a fever after surgery and they are giving him meds for that and weaning him off the pain meds so we can wake him. I'll have a better update later. But this is big step forward. 

—Ph/H 

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Posting Rules

All posts to Henry are welcome. I will read them to him when he is able to comprehend...Please don't post other folk's e-mail or phone number on this blog. The site gets thousands of visitors and I certainly don't want family and friends spammed with calls. My number can be found in some posts and that's OK. I want you to text me if that makes you feel comforted. I know everything you do is out of love for Henry and I assure you everything is being done for his benefit. 

I encourage you to post here first!

—Philip

Update

Henry is going into surgery now for his broken legs, pelvis, and hip. It will take about 5 maybe 6 hours. 

—PH/H

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Thank You!

Grateful thanks to Henry's and my beloved friends Kenya Belle, August Costa, Michael Costa, Eva Winchell, Pirco Pirco, Jean Kim, Liam Gaffney, Tim Calton, and his wonderful sisters, Robin, Tiajuana, Tanya, Demitria, his mother BI and his many nephews and nieces and a special thanks to Quinton who helped me today and loving thanks to Karen Roth who knows us and loves us (and to Theo for his room). 

Prayers, Chants, and Crystals are all welcome...This old man thanks you with tears of gratitude. In my eyes you all are so precious.

—Ph/H

Last UpDate Today...

Henry had several CT scans. He's resting comfortably now but not awake.

Tomorrow is bone surgery on his pelvis, hip, as well as right and left leg to put pins and plates in place. It will be an operation of about 4-6 hours if all goes well.

I will do more updates tomorrow. 

As always please comment; I read them to him even if he can't hear me (though I think he does). Also please remember there is a restricted visitors list and you should never call the ICU to ask for his condition as it pulls the nurses away from his care. You can find my number on this website or comment. Also, no flowers or fruit baskets please as they are not allowed on ICU. 

Love to all
—Ph/H (Philip)

Henry is a Master Pastry Chef...

Here are some great photos of Henry and his co-workers sent to us by one of them. I always loved the joy he has when baking and I am amazed that he never ate any of it. When we would go out for dinner to a new restaurant he would order three of four desserts but only have a tiny spoonful of each and I would have to eat most of it or tear it apart so the Chef wouldn't think we didn't like it. Frankly Henry mostly thinks everything in the US is too sweet...

Henry studied with a Master Baker, George LeGrand, in Atlanta while he attended Morehouse where he got a degree in Computer Science and Dance (!!). He's been baking for nearly 40 years...

Morning Update

Status: He had a restless night and the doctor increased the pain med so he would be more comfortable. They are going to perform another CT scan to see if there are any blood clots.

I'll update this site in a little while once I have more information. I know Henry appreciates your love and support as do I.

Please don't just show up and expect to visit. We aren't allowing visitors outside of family at this time. He's not awake and the activity is stressful. I'll let you know here when visiting is possible and helpful.

with love,
—Ph/H

Evening Update and Request...

Henry is resting. The doctor put him back on full ventilator so he can have a rest breathing (he was getting tired). As soon as tomorrow the orthopedic surgeons will have a go on his legs, pelvis, and hip and try to secure everything internally. I'll speak with them later today. 

That's about all I have for now. I'm sitting with him now and giving love. 

BTW, please don't call the hospital for updates as they won't give you any information. Some folks have called and lied that they were his sister, or even brother (he has no brother). Its unfair to the hospital staff to have to deal with strangers calling constantly. 

—Ph/H

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Morning Status...

He had a good evening and has had two additional CT scans on his left are and hip. He was off the respirator (he's back on it now) and they fed him via a tube.

The next step is to perform an MRI of his head to determine if there are any problems there. He can move his right arm and turn his head and some movement in his legs but they are strapped down to keep them straight.

I'll have more information after we know they can perform the MRI.

—Ph/H

Final update today...

Good day overall.

Henry was taken off Propofol and is being prepared to breathe on his own; tonight they will feed him for the first time through a feeding tube. I only hope it's confit de canard with potatoes fried in duck fat along with a good red—but I doubt it.

At 2030hrs they will take him in for another CT scan of his arm to access the damage (his wrist is broken) and that should be the end of the procedures tonight.

I don't encourage visiting right now and so I've made a visitors list with family and a few close friends who are supporting Henry and me during this time. Too many visitors is stressing him out and frankly getting in the way of the medical professionals. Henry has hundreds of friends all over the world and I am sensitive to your need to see him but I ask for some patience and I'll make sure folks know when he is ready. Please feel free to text me or leave a comment and I'll address your concerns and answer your questions. Please do not call the hospital and ask for his status: they won't give it to you. 

Thank you to everybody for your loving kindness and support. 
—Ph/H (Philip)

Happy pix...

While we're waiting for another update, here are some happy photos I took of Henry this September...

Ibiza 2019—With one of his oldest and best friends/sister, Kenya Belle at
Ses Roques Restaurant

Paris 2019—All you can eat Chinese Food...We did not partake!

Minor update...

Good News: Henry is resting and not awake much. The scans last night did not show any new bleeding on the brain and no other changes. 

The X-Rays, however, did reveal a small fracture to his left wrist and they put it into a temporary cast to stabilize it. He looks good and when they wake him his eyes track to whoever is talking.

When I get more details I'll post another update in a few hours or sooner. As always if you have questions please ask either in the comments or text me directly.

—Ph/H

Henry being happy...

Henry in Paris this September 2019

Status Pending...

I'll have an update in about an hour. I saw him and he looks good.

—Ph/H

Evening Update

We all got to see Henry. He was not awake fully but probably could hear us. He was moving around too much so the nurse increased his pain meds. 

Later tonight they will do a scan to see if there is any internal bleeding in the head or body. 

I'm hopeful he can rest for the remaining week and the doctors can resume surgery next week. 

Updates to follow tomorrow morning PT. 

—Ph/H

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Latest Update

Good news: Henry is now out of surgery and in the ICU! We will be able to see him in the next hour. All reports are that he did really well and all they need to do today is take final X-Rays...

—Ph/H

Healing Crystals from Kenya in Ibiza

Healing Crystals

Great memory...

Henry in Paris Dancing in the Street

Surgery Update

Good News

Henry went into surgery at 8 this morning. at 1300hrs his doctor called me and said Henry was going great and that they were able to get external stabilization on all the broken bones. He is being cleaned up now and will come back to ICU in about an hour.

This surgery not only stabilized his legs, hip, and pelvis but cleaned up the infected wounds to the legs. 

The staff at Cedars is the best in the world and the level of care he is getting is amazing. Much love to these people!

Update in an hour or so...

—Ph/H

Paris—2017

Paris—2017

Love from Ibiza

Non stop candle vigil on the alter in Ibiza

Our Sister, Kenya Belle, in Ibiza is praying and meditating for Henry constantly and sent me these photos of a candle vigil there. 

I am so grateful and I know Henry will be too for all the loving kindness meditation and thoughts going up for him. Henry is a spiritual person (we are opposites) and believes we are all connected. He prays and meditates for all his friends all the time and I know he will appreciate all your positive thoughts.

Robin, T and I are sitting in the lobby and waiting for updates and as soon as I get any status I'll update here.

Once again, you can leave comments here for Henry and I'll pass them on to him when he's able to read them. Thanks for all your love...

Non stop candle vigil on the alter in Ibiza

Update

Surgery  is going well.

—Ph/H 

--

Text or call +1 323 578 4366

Update November 4

8:30 Update:

The good news...This morning at 8:00 Henry was taken into surgery for his legs, hip, foot, and pelvis. This is great and means that his system is stable enough for the four or five hours he will be in the OR. 

I'll keep this site posted as I get new information.

Get well wishes:

Art by Theo

This came via WhatsApp from the Roth family: Theo, Hank, Issac, and Karen. Henry made a cake for Theo's birthday dinner at the Hotel Beverly Hills. He will love it when I show it to him.

On Friday 1 November 2019 Henry was involved in a serious accident on his Vespa. He was rushed to Cedars-Sinai where he was cared for my the triage team and is now in very serious condition. There are many broken bones and crushed organs. He has been on a respirator since Friday to help him breathe and he is heavily sedated.

I will update as needed multiple times a day.

Please feel free to leave a comment and I will read or show them all to Henry.
—Ph/H  

Status To Date

Es Vedra

Sunday:
Since Friday Henry has been restless and agitated due to the pain from the accident on Friday. The doctors and nurses have raised the amount of pain medicine and have sedated him so he is less restless. The nurses check on him multiple times an hour. I sit in the chair near his bed and every so often get up and talk to him and kiss his forehead.

We hoped today he could get surgery to repair his broken legs but his blood pressure remains unstable and the doctors don't want to risk what will most certainly be a four hour operation. His systems are not strong enough at this point and his legs, while serious, are the least of the problems. Hopefully tomorrow will be more successful.

The good news for today: the scan of his head indicates there is no serious injury to his brain. He is also breathing better and the nurses are reducing the respirator slowly making sure he is breathing on his own and getting enough oxygen.

Ed Vedra from Ibiza

Henry's sisters, Robin and Tiajuana are both in town and along with our good friends Pirco Pirco and Jean Kim and Liam Gaffney and Tim Calton and today our dear Eva Winchell have all been constant companions with me in the Lobby on the CC floor of the Saperstein Tower at Cedars and I've talked with many of you via text. 

Also there are people world-wide praying and chanting for Henry and I thank August Costa for his chant circle as well as Michael Costa for his deep love for Henry and his prayers and Kenya Belle for her beautiful tribute in Ibiza (one of our favorite places on Earth) and all the people Henry calls his prayer warriors who pray and meditate whether believers or not.

Tomorrow we hope he will be in a stable condition to take care of his legs. This is prelude to the bigger surgeries to come for him to fix the internal damage to his pelvis, hip, and organs.

We never take our friends and family for granted but this wonderful display of loving kindness and support moves me every time I see anyone show their love for Henry (is that too cringey?).

Please feel free to leave a comment below. I'll post in time some instructions for visits but I'll make sure Henry sees all your comments.

There will be updates daily...
—Ph/H
Text me at 1+323.578.4366