Tag: God

Fr. Steve’s updates

But, especially as a parish priest, I found that every person has some unique and fascinating experiences of life and stories to tell.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Because this clinic and hospital is so well known for research and having the latest treatments available, many people arrive after surgeries or treatments elsewhere have not worked fully. Newcomers also arrive because they are in need of specialists. Some of my fellow residents have been battling cancer for many years.

I find myself grateful to my local doctor who found my cancer when he did before it started causing the major problems that so many others have had to deal with. From the beginning, my sarcoma has involved the specialists who frequently deal with that specific disease.

Tonight was pot luck and, just like in the parishes, the tables were filled with scrumptious dishes of great variety. But, the food is secondary to the interesting cast of characters the meal brings together.

One resident I talked to built a 14 ton sailboat by himself! He and his wife have spent several summers sailing to Europe and back – usually 3 weeks just crossing the Atlantic. There’s a man who loves adventure!

But, especially as a parish priest, I found that every person has some unique and fascinating experiences of life and stories to tell.

Fr. Steve’s updates

One week of radiation down and four to go! Getting well from this cancer is not a sprint, but more like a marathon that requires the discipline of a steady pace.

Friday, March 26, 2010

For lunch the local community of Franciscan Sisters invited me to their place.

Asissi Heights houses their retirement community, administration, retreat center and much more. I met one sister who was 102 and was so impressed thinking of all those years of dedicated service to God’s people by these women of faith.

I was impressed to learn of their history in helping found the Clinic and of the many great works they are involved in today to help serve God’s people.

The clinic schedules early appointments on Fridays for those who are heading home for the weekend. Since it’s a six hour trip for me, I won’t go home that often, so I didn’t have treatment until this afternoon.

One week of radiation down and four to go!

Fr. Bernie keeps reminding me to “hang tough.” Getting well from this cancer is not a sprint, but more like a marathon that requires the discipline of a steady pace.

A group of nursing students visited Hope Lodge and brought a tasty variety of breads and soups for supper. They volunteer once a month and brought good cheer to our space. Many residents have already gone home for the weekend and will return Monday. But there are plenty who stay because they live too far away or are too weak to comfortably travel.

Some folks have treatments throughout the weekend. Though our group at supper was small, the time with these generous volunteers was most appreciated.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Both areas have a tremendous beauty and speak to me of God’s greatness. I feel small when I’m part of the vast landscape, but also part of something much bigger than myself.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

After radiation today, I met with an oncologist R.N. who was very helpful coaching me in practical things – what kinds of foods to eat or avoid eating these next few weeks, what kind of soap and skin care lotions work best for avoiding drying effects of radiation, drinks that will help keep me hydrated etc. The staff continues to give us tools to help us get through the rough spots.

By 10, I was done with my medical appointments for the day, so Fr. Jerry and I took a short trip to get out of the city and enjoy some country sunshine. When traveling with a friend, the time passes so quickly.

We ended up in the town of Winona overlooking the mighty Mississippi  River. The bluffs are much higher than back home on the banks for the Missouri, and here the trees are thick and plentiful.

Both areas have a tremendous beauty and speak to me of God’s greatness. I feel small when I’m part of the vast landscape, but also part of something much bigger than myself.

Another place of beauty we found was the local Maritime Museum, with wonderful paintings and displays. The galleries featured nature scenes, impressionist paintings and some incredibly detailed paintings of historical ships.

While I never developed my own artistic skills, I appreciate the work of others. Beauty helps heal us – body and soul. I appreciated being absorbed in activities that completely took me away from thinking about medicine and doctors.

Beauty helps heal us – body and soul.