Go Steve - Steve's Updates

Updates from Steve’s cancer-free life

October 21, 2009

The Art of the Possible

Filed under: Video, living life — Tags: , , , , , , — By Libby @ 4:31 pm

Cancer is a diagnosis feared by many, its treatment understood by few.

The Art of the Possible invites audiences into the worlds of five families living with cancer, its treatment, and what remains in the aftermath. At once humorous and haunting, producers Hayward and Harter present a narrative portrayal of families trying to create “a new normal” in the midst of cancer, and the care providers that serve them. The Art of the Possible offers the public and medical community-at-large a glimpse of cancer care that couples conventional therapies with humanizing communication practices.

Art of the Possible Demo from Casey Hayward on Vimeo.

April 18, 2008

on a positive note!

Filed under: lung scare — Tags: , , , , , , , — By steve @ 10:46 am

I thought I’d throw in some positive news so people don’t wreck their keyboards with tears :) It’s now been 10 days [I repeat TEN DAYS] that I’ve been without a cane, crutch or other assistance!! I’m building up the muscles I need to so I can walk as free as my cat Persy when he runs past us out the door to eat the grass!

I can’t tell you how liberating it is to almost have normal mobility again. I WANT to go outside, I WANT to go to the grocery store, I WANT to go to the mall with lib…well, maybe not the mall…

Despite the recurrence I’m in amazing spirits. I love my wife, my family and my friends so the positives pummel the negatives!

:.:T-minus-5 days until I’m cancer free again:.:

onward!
SDS

November 16, 2006

(mom [carla])

Since so many of you continue with love and support concerning Steve, I felt the need to update. Steve participated in the Relay for Life both at NDSU and hometown Langdon. How exciting to see the support for the American Cancer Society.

Steve continues to doctor in Minneapolis with frequent visits there. He looks like Steve again with good color in his cheeks and a full head of hair (no-it did not grow back curly-we will leave the curls to Libby!!) His last scans shows that he is a NERD! And that is a good thing-NERD stands for no evidence of recurrent disease! Steve does experience nausea and vomiting some days, but as his digestive system continues to heal hopefully that will keep improving. His heart function at his last test was within normal readings.

Steve is taking 12 credits at NDSU this semester and is participating in some Blue Key, ATO fraternity, and GOB activities. He is tired but it takes a lot of effort to maneuver those crutches!! He does have his prosthetic leg but can’t really use it yet until he has the OK for full weight bearing. His stump causes considerable pain as it is still healing.

We are so proud of Steve and his willingness to get back to classes. He has already fought many battles and won! More exciting news is that Steve and our angel Libby set their wedding date for next summer!

We have GoSteve beanies available as well as a new shipment of GoSteve shirts. The beanies are in both Fargo and Langdon and the shirts are all in Fargo but we will have some in Langdon next week.

Words cannot express how much your caring means to all of us. We are so grateful it is NOW and look forward to even better days ahead.

August 18, 2005

(mom [carla])

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , — By steve @ 8:28 pm

Went to the clinic to see the orthopedic surgeon and had a very good check-up. Some stitches were removed and the residual limb (stump) seems to be healing well with no signs of infection. We were given instructions on wrapping the stump and Steve was fitted with crutches for future use as well as shown how to balance using the walker.

July 30, 2005

(mom [carla])

After careful consideration, a team of doctors have decided the best option for surgery is to totally remove Steve’s left leg all the way up to the hip (called disarticulation). We were told that Steve may possibly be able to have a prosthesis for cosmetic purposes but not functional–so he will walk with crutches. This is hard news to take but the emphasis is on SAVING HIS LIFE. His courageous attitude through this whole ordeal has been unbelievable–all those months in traction and spica casts.

On another note, they have removed the spica cast, so his back spasms are getting better. He is doing occupational and physical therapy to build up for surgery and also having respiratory therapy treatments.

Surgery is scheduled for Friday, August 5.