Go Steve - Steve's Updates

Updates from Steve’s cancer-free life

January 2, 2008

plethora of emotions…

Filed under: post chemo — Tags: , , , , , — By steve @ 7:17 am

I’ll be giving a keynote address for the Blue Key Honor Society National Conference on Saturday, January 19th. It will be my first time giving a ‘real’ speech on my battle, and it’s brought back a plethora of emotions I haven’t had to deal with.

I am walking!! (since May) but I’m on my third socket, trying to stabilize the size of my limb so I can get back to therapy and maybe even get rid of my cane! I’m thinking about getting one with flames, what do you think?

NDSU commencement last December signaled the end to my undergraduate life…now can I just find a job?

February 2, 2007

I can start walking…at least that’s what they tell me!

Filed under: post chemo — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — By steve @ 7:13 am

On Monday, Feb 5th I was scheduled for my 1 year post chemo checkups. I had CT scans on my chest, a bone scan over my entire body and some x-rays taken of my stump. I also met with the prosthetist. The results came back better than I could have ever imagined.The CT was clear as was the bone scan-no sign of anything that shouldn’t be there! When Dr. Cheng looked at the x-rays of my stump, he also had good news. I heard the words I have been waiting 17 months to hear…you can start walking with your leg!!! I need to use a single crutch or cane for the first month, but as soon as my skill level is high enough I don’t need any extra support. He said the bone has healed, but is very weak. He compared what’s left of my femur to that of a 70 year old in strength. I was told that in time it would become strong enough again. I now need to find a therapist who not only has worked with above the knee (AK) amputees, but with the C-leg. The leg is so developed that it has tricks and quirks that I will need to be taught. I’ve only been more excited about one thing in my life, and that’s Libby (of course).

I’m on campus a lot this semester, as I have 16 credits. I achieved a 3.75 last semester, so I feel my brain has recovered from all the things they pumped into me over the last year. Now if only we had that wedding planned…

Look for updates in the future as I move ahead with rehab.

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.

September 3, 2005

(steve collins)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , — By steve @ 8:33 pm

Saw Steve this past weekend. He’s doing quite well. He gets sick from time to time from all the pills he’s taking. The chalky, pill taste builds up and doesn’t agree with him. His leg is healing, but he still has some phantom limb pain. He starts chemo again this coming Tuesday. His mom, sisters, and nieces were also down there visiting for the weekend.

Steve was his usual, witty self and is in great spirits. He’s very interested with what’s happening in Fargo with his friends at NDSU. Please call or email to keep him up-to-date with what’s going on. He’s also curious about the upcoming GO STEVE beanie caps.