Go Steve - Steve's Updates

Updates from Steve’s cancer-free life

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.

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.

July 19, 2005

(mom [carla])

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , , , , — By steve @ 8:17 pm

The spica cast was removed–but only for a day!! Bone scans, MRIs, CT scans, and x-rays were done and a new spica cast applied. There was some concern about activity on the ankle area that showed up on the bone scan, but the MRI revealed that it was NOT a tumor. Steve was able to start his methotrexate again and that finishes his second complete round of chemotherapy.

July 18, 2005

(drew paris)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , , — By steve @ 8:15 pm

Well, I Eric Jerke and I were able to see Steve for his birthday last weekend and he seemed pretty decent. Un and Bree also showed up to wish Steve a happy 22nd. Members of Steve and Libby’s families were there also. The cake and pop were enjoyed by all.

Steve felt pretty good, he is back to where he was before he left the hospital. Feeling pretty good, eating well, etc. The most annoying thing to him is the cast he is in. It is really uncomfortable. It’s kind of bent and form-fitted so that he can sit up easier during the day, but that means he can’t really lay down flat on his back. He has to sleep sitting up.

When Steve was out of the hospital for those few days, his family was able to get a hosptial style bed for the hotel room. Well, apparently that bed sucked. It was an old 50’s style hospital bed that had a very uncomfotrable mattress. And since he has to sleep sitting up, he was kind of screwed. Everything was manual, no remote-control or anything. I guess the one in the hospital is better.

Anyway, he said he would rather be back in traction than be in that cast an longer. Unfortunately there’s not much he can do about it.

But, he still has high spirits. Eric and I got him the computer game “Battlefield Vietnam” and he seemed to enjoy it. That computer he has is awesome, and it can play any game out there. Hopefully when Steve gets back out of the hospital, he can get some high speed internet to make it more usefull.

Well, as always, call/visit/send stuff to Steve, he’s doing great and we just need to be there for him.

June 30, 2005

(lib)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , , — By steve @ 8:07 pm

Steve is currently out of the hospital, and staying at the Town Place Suites in downtown Minneapolis. His second round of chemo went LOADS better than the last one. He got sick a few times and didn’t eat for a few days, but now he is eatin like normal (almost). His cast is pissing him off, but overall things are right on schedule. The only downfall about not being in the hospital is someone has to be with him 24-7. Hopefully this weekend Steve’s mom will take some time off and go up to their cabin on Ottertail lake: she deserves a good relaxation.

The new address for Steve is: Steve “Billy-Ray” Symons Town Place Suites, Room 131 525 North Second Street Minneapolis, MN 55401

June 21, 2005

(lib)

Filed under: chemotherapy — Tags: , , — By steve @ 8:01 pm

a few days ago, steve was informed that his broken leg has healed. (which is by all means good, they didn’t think it would happen, with cancer and all.) he was put into a ’spika’ cast, which is his whole left leg (minus the toes and heel) all the way up to his mid-section and accross, sumo style. at first it was pretty lame. he was crabby; it’s apparently hard to not sit up with a protruding object diggin into your back. on a side note steve especially liked when they took the 1/4″ dia. pin out of his bone. his exact words were “libby, look how much it bled.” gross.

but things have turned around a little. on saturday steve walked. it was good to see him taller than me again. he’s got his own sweet walker, and wheelchair. so we took a joy ride down by the river. after chemo this week they are sending him home.

‘home’ tho, is a problem. we’ve got no where to stay. (my house certainly isn’t handicap accessible) we’ve leased an apartment for august on, but till then we’re homeless. so while we’re working that out here’s an address for me and steve permanently:

Libby & Steve 763 Nebraska Ave. W. Saint Paul, MN 55117