Go Steve - Steve's Updates

Updates from Steve’s cancer-free life

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.

January 13, 2006

(mom [carla])

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , , — By steve @ 6:36 am

Glen and Steve returned to Fargo around suppertime, but by around 10 pm Steve and Libby were in the Meritcare ER. Steve was running a temperature, nausea, vomiting, headache, etc. He was admitted to the 7th floor at Meritcare Hospital. The Minneapolis doctors were in close contact with the Fargo medical personnel so Steve was able to follow the same protocol–more antibiotics, more blood, & many lab tests! He was discharged Tuesday noon–hopefully he can have some quality days before starting chemo again next Monday in Minneapolis. We are looking forward to some tasty fish at the benefit to be held Sunday January 22 from 11-2 at the Masonic Center in Langdon.

October 7, 2005

(lib)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , , , , — By steve @ 6:20 am

The past two weeks have gone by with hardly a problem. The chemo drug Steve received in mid-September (called Cisplatin) knocked him out, but the last two weeks Steve has gotten Methotrexate, which is pretty easy for him to take – the only side-effect being possible mouth sores and a little nausea. After Cisplatin Steve stared losing the bit of hair he got back after surgery, so his mom got the honor of shaving his head! Not an easy task, let me tell you.

Steve got to spend about 5 days at home, where he got to know our new cat, Persnickity aka Percy. He is the friendliest cat he’s ever seen, and he even likes to play fetch! He likes Llibby best tho. We ate pizza, tacos and ice cream: Steve has been steadily gaining weight back, however he is still 30 lbs less than when he came to the hospital in April.

We’re currently in the hospital awaiting discharge, and hope to spend the weekend relaxing before Cisplatin starts again Monday. We’ve been on a different floor than usual, 7D. This is a change of scenery from bright colors and crying babies that we had before on the Children’s floor. We even had a quiet roomate up here.

Every day seems to be getting more normal, but we still have a long road to go. We’re both excited for the GoSteve fundraiser this weekend and will be with you in spirit on that day. We listened to the radio spot on Froggy 99.com and were impressed that the event is getting such good coverage. Thanks Brandon, Stacy and Liz! And thanks to all those who helped out!

July 22, 2005

(mom [carla])

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , , , — By steve @ 8:20 pm

This whole last month Steve has had up and down days with fevers, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, electrolyte imbalances, infections, cramping, and pains. Once your body has these “poison” chemotherapy drugs–it seems that you are prone to catching everything since you have a suppressed immune system. We are awaiting the official word regarding Steve’s surgery which is scheduled for August 5th. At present he is unbearably uncomfortable with his second spica cast.

May 28, 2005

(from Ben Crockett)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , , — By steve @ 4:02 pm

Wednesday, May 25th – Saturday, May 28th:

When I got there Wednesday Steve was feeling pretty much normal, aside from being stuck in his bed that is. On Thursday, Steve’s mom had to go back home. That night he started chemo again. He was warned about the posibility of developing mouth and throat sores with this batch. He has to take good care of his mouth and brush his teeth often. They also have him drink some not so tasty medicines to coat his throat every four hours. He felt a little queazy when they initially started the chemo but didn’t have much trouble sleeping. On Friday, he still felt really good. He felt very little mouth or throat irritation, and hasn’t thrown up for several days. They are starting to cut back on his IV and he is regaining his appetite. He had some pizza and chicken yesterday. When I left today (Saturday), he was still feeling good. So, things are looking up for now. He will have chemo again next Thursday and that will complete his first “round”.

May 18, 2005

(from Josh Malnourie)

The endoscopy showed what appears to be some fungal growth right above his stomach in the lower part of his throat. This seems to explain the constant vomiting and soreness that Steve has been experiencing. This also means that the Chemo treatment has been delayed at least one week. Steve is on anti-fungal medication right now for this, and it will be monitored to ensure it goes away.

Sounds like Steve will be moving rooms soon, as they are remodeling the section of rooms that Steve is in now. More info to come in the next week.

Timberwolves cheerleaders were visiting folks in the hospital today. However, they were not able to stop in and visit Steve in his room. This didn’t really bother Steve at all, but Glenn and I were pretty disappointed as Glenn had his camera ready

Today for the first time certain food smells were pretty bothersome to Steve. So if you can help it, don’t bring in a juicy steak to eat in front of him, as that smell (or others) could make him feel ill. (not to mention it’s mean as Steve has not been able to eat anything for over 2 weeks!

no vomiting today (so far – yesterday he vomited right around midnight)

4 weeks down ~30 to go!

May 10, 2005

(from Josh Malnourie)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , , , — By steve @ 3:42 pm

The endoscopy did not happen today. The doctor felt that Steve’s blood count was not as high as it should be for such a procedure. So we will be holding out for this procedure for a later date.

Steve was looking pretty good today, but still isn’t able to speak much

The doctors are working on administering some different types of pain medication to help the nausea issue.

Steve’s family heard about the radio appearance. Great job to D-Jo and Oyester, as it seems they were responsible for getting this done. Constantly communicating with people outside of ATO/NDSU/Family will do nothing but good things for our cause!

There is a benefit feed for Steve back in Langdon on Sunday, May 15th. If you aren’t already busy, and feel like showing up, do so!

I have just received word that a mini-triathlon that I participate in every year in Spicer (Tim’s sister puts it on) will now be donating this year’s proceeds to Steve!!! This mini-tri occurs in August, so make sure that you are available to come have a great time, and support Steve(tell your friends!). More info to come with details in the next few weeks.

Remember: No task is too small to help out Steve. Nor is any project too large! If it will benefit him, we will find a way to do it, just ask for a little help or guidance from your fellow neighbors! Go Steve!

May 7, 2005

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , — By steve @ 3:35 pm

Steve was again unable to see people, as the nausea and fatigue continues. At this point, the nausea has continued too long, and there are plans to tweak the medication that Steve is on to help relieve this problem.

May 3, 2005

(from Josh Malnourie)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , — By steve @ 3:27 pm

Steve was doing pretty good today, but there are a couple of notes:

Nausea continues to be a problem, and Steve’s throat isn’t feeling any better due to the amount of throwing up that he is experiencing. A doctor came in and suggested to keep the food consumption to a slower “grazing” pace throughout the day. Also, he suggested starting off with more broth-like food first to get the stomach back into the habit of digesting stuff.

Today Steve found out that one of the anti-nausea drugs that he is taking is actually a medicinal-use type of marijuana. Interesting.

Other than that, pretty much the same as yesterday, Steve is just passing the time away sleeping and hanging out. If anyone can think of even the littlest thing to send to him (email) that can brighten his day, that would be great! Keep up the positive attitudes and contact with Steve, it makes a BIG difference!