A visit with my oncologists

Checking in, checking up, checking out!

I’ve been on the road a lot lately, and today is a day to do laundry and repack my bags for the next trip. We’re going to Pittsburgh for donor appreciation luncheons and I’m sure I’ll have a few good stories to tell after our return.

Last night, I returned from the Mayo Clinic after follow-up tests and visits with my oncologists. Thanks be to God, my cancer is still in remission, and I won’t have to return for another checkup for in six months.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Overall, I’ve generally been feeling good. Still, I had a touch of anxiety heading for the check ups because I didn’t feel ill when they discovered the cancer in the first place. As I drove into Rochester, instead of sickly feelings, my memories of people who visited me in the hospital and at Hope Lodge, places we ate and conversations we had. I recalled fellow patients who offered their support. As I walked through the halls for my appointments, I remembered the initial visits, not knowing my way around, not knowing quite what to expect. Through the grace of God I’ve come a long way.

Like many of us who hit middle age, the doctor did notice rising levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and told me to take it easy on the holiday sweets and treats. He said I need to adjust my eating habits, (and take to heart the healthy school lunch challenge that St. Joseph’s Indian School earned!) and eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and keep sugars and saturated fats to a minimum. He also said, the nerves in my leg have probably healed about as much as they’re going to. I’ll have to give up on fast breaks and stick to a set shot. But all in all, he was very happy with the progress I’ve made.

I enjoyed the gracious hospitality at St. John’s parish, which is literally across the street from the Mayo Clinic. Fr. Jerry and Fr. John have made it a home-away-from-home when I go for check-ups. At the 12:10 mass, I ran into a couple of St. Joseph’s donors who assured me of their continued prayers and a woman who herself was visiting the clinic for cancer treatments. We promised to keep each other in our prayers. My own brush with this illness has made me more aware of others struggling with health issues. I continue to hear from many people each day, requesting prayers and I am very mindful of all those in need of healing.

The drive is long, about 350 miles each way. But after the good news, I traveled back on eagles wings, with spirits soaring.

Back on St. Joseph’s Indian School’s campus, I noticed that three boys, in one family, have been checked out for an extended period of time, and asked if they were going to withdraw. Their home is two hours distant and their grandmother has been critically ill. They’ve gone back home to be of support to her. But they’ve done well at St. Joseph’s and definitely want to stay. They hope to be able to return after Christmas break. In the meantime, our teachers have been sending work home where an aunt is home schooling them for these weeks.

I thought that was a creative and compassionate solution that lets them be with family at such an important time.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

9 thoughts on “A visit with my oncologists”

  1. Awesome News!! Cancer remission is close to my heart. I begin my next round of followup visits with doctors on Dec 16th. That way I can celebrate the good news for Christmas!
    Am very excited to know that you will be here in Pittsburgh! Travel safely and I will see you soon.

  2. Father Steve,

    So happy to read that you continue on the road of healing.

    We continue to pray for you and know that every day it a “victory”.

  3. Hi Fr. Steve,

    That was a fair decision sending home work for the brothers so they could be with their dying grandmother. At least they won’r fall too far behind that way.

    Let them know that we have them in our prayers too. We continue to pray for you to stay in remission and get back to full energy. So glad you had a good trip to the Mayo Clinic.

    Hope all continues to go well for you at the school and in your private life. Good health, good home, good life, good friends, good food and good luck. 🙂

    Nancy & Kenny

    P.S. Joe, we hope you also have a good report that you are still in remission and will stay that way. We’ll add you to our prayer list too.

  4. What a FABULOUS Christmas Gift for ALL of US…; as you are here serving HIM,and teaching so many. I really am at loss of words, because of the happiness I am feeling. Thank You for up-dating everyone. My PRAYERS are and will continue at all times. I think it is wonderful that the children are able to do the home schooling, and is also a gift to their family. GOD BLESS ALL’- Cynthia MILLER’- skaggs

  5. Father Steve,

    So wonderful that you are in remission…. I have a friend who was treated at the Mayo Clinic years ago, and she is still plugging along. Another friend has just been diagnosed and is feeling that prayers are really making a difference.

    God bless you and the staff and the children. That gift to a grandmother will surely be rewarded..

  6. So glad to hear of the good report from the Mayo Clinic-may God continue to shower you with His care and blessings.You and your school family are in my prayers.
    Teddy annd Marty

  7. Praise God for the good checkup Fr. Steve. We keep you, the Lakota children and staff in our prayers daily.
    Merry Christmas! Christ Tunpi!

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