radiation – Page 2 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Fr. Steve’s updates

The oncologist called today with last week’s MRI results. The tumor has been steadily shrinking, which is such encouraging news. It will also make the surgeon’s job that much easier next week.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The oncologist called today with last week’s MRI results. The tumor has been steadily shrinking, which is such encouraging news. It will also make the surgeon’s job that much easier next week.

First diagnosis – 12 x 11 x 10 centimeters

After chemotherapy – 11.8 x 8.9 x 8.5 cm

After radiation – 9.5 x 7.7 x 6.9 cm

Since it’s shrinking in all 3 directions, the size is significantly smaller – 1320 cubic cm at first, and now under 500! The combination of good medical care and so many prayers is apparently working!

After school we gathered in the Rec Center to say farewell to the seven Child Services staff who will moving on to other adventures in their lives. Some staff serve at St. Joseph’s for a limited time.

Three of the departing houseparents have been here between one and two years, and have contributed a lot in a short time. The other four, two teachers and two houseparents, have been on staff for between 15 and 25 years! We will surely miss each of their gifts. Yet I’m confident that new people will step in and bring new gifts, abilities and talents. They will become the characters, and the rock, that St. Joseph’s is built on.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I’m growing impatient with the waiting and am ready to get on with surgery, which is one week from today. The sooner the tumor is removed, the sooner I can allow for healing and let the recovery begin.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

At this point it has become harder to focus on work. I’m growing impatient with the waiting and am ready to get on with surgery, which is one week from today. The sooner the tumor is removed, the sooner I can allow for healing and let the recovery begin.

Today was a day full of meetings to sit through that helped me focus on the tasks at hand. The meetings also took on a festive air as staff are starting to celebrate my birthday a few weeks early since I’ll be in the hospital then.

At the morning management meeting we had some tasty muffins complete with a lit birthday candle and song. At the afternoon Child Services Team meeting Karla brought a pizza sized sugar cookie from the local bakery that we could all share.

If there is one thing we do well around St. Joseph’s, it’s taking time to celebrate.

Dr. Mitchell, Chamberlain’s public school superintendent, is moving on to another job next month. I dropped by the open house to wish well. I especially wanted to say thanks for how he’s collaborated with our St. Joseph’s staff and students over the years.

There are times we need special accommodations – like at parent-teacher conferences when a houseparent has to meet with the teachers of all ten of their kids! The superintendent has initiated some productive discussions on how to provide good transitions and experiences for our students.

The new superintendent worked at St. Joseph’s some years back, and then became the high school principal. Because Dr. Johnson also knows our students and programs well, we look forward to keeping that collaborative relationship strong.

Fr. Steve’s updates

My SCJ community starts each day with morning prayer a little before seven.

Monday, May 17, 2010

My SCJ community starts each day with morning prayer a little before seven.

As I walked down the hill to the chapel, I noticed how the days are getting a little brighter each morning; today, the sun was already peaking over the hill when I left the house.

There was dew on the grass … birds chirping in many harmonies. Campus is quiet before the day starts, and you never know what each day will bring. But, having a serious illness gives you a perspective that life is fragile and precious, and each new day is a gift.

Before prayer, I prayed I will continue to use my time wisely in a way that benefits others.

Besides office work and a trip to the business office, I got to enjoy our 8th graders giving their PowerPoint presentations on figures in history.

I was running late, and they actually finished early. But, the students were really enthusiastic, and had a little class time left, so Cody and Jackie asked if they could do theirs again – a repeat performance. I learned a few new things about John Adams and JFK.

I also learned to appreciated the enthusiasm of a young person who’s put in a lot of work and wants to share.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today at church, we honored and prayed for our graduates. We’ll have 26 eighth graders walking up the aisle in two weeks, the biggest group in some years.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Today at church, we honored and prayed for our graduates. We’ll have 26 eighth graders walking up the aisle in two weeks, the biggest group in some years.

We honored Tammy LaRoche-Wagaman, who graduated eighth grade from St. Joseph’s in 1984, with our Distinguished Alumni Award. Tammy was recognized for her outstanding work in the nursing field.

We hope her example inspires our current students to persevere with their education. We may not have any famous alumni, but we are blessed with many who go about their work and make a great contribution to their tribes and communities.

We had a dinner after church for two seniors who have stayed on with St. Joseph’s High School program and graduate from Chamberlain High School next Sunday.

In the past, we’ve had trouble trying to get the seniors to say a few words, but Kelsey and Stefen each talked for about 20 minutes, with lots of memories to share. Stefen has been her for four years, and Kelsey has been here all 12. Their recollections were filled with both laughter and the emotional tears of saying goodbye. Maija put together a slide show that helped us remember them through the years.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Tonight, I got back from a “quick” trip to the hospital for pre-surgery tests and appointments. The drive is long, 375 miles each way, but I’m feeling well enough to do that by myself.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Tonight, I got back from a “quick” trip to the hospital for pre-surgery tests and appointments. The drive is long, 375 miles each way, but I’m feeling well enough to do that by myself.

I drove out Wednesday and back today. Driving on the prairie isn’t all that stressful when the weather is good. There’s little traffic, and I just put the cruise control on and use the time to pray, think or listen to music or a ball game.

The doctors packed in a lot of tests, and results I have back so far are encouraging. My blood work shows that my counts have climbed back to normal, which is especially good news for my immune system.

The CT scan of my chest shows the cancer has not affected my lungs. The EKG told the doctors my heart is strong (maybe part of my charisma as a Priest of the Sacred Heart?) and able to handle surgery.

I had two tests that the results are still pending from. The vascular surgeon ordered an ultrasound of the veins in my abdomen and legs, to look at the blood flow, and help them determine how much the blood vessels have been affected by the tumor. If some of the veins need to be resected or replaced that will be one of the more complicated parts of the surgery.

I had another MRI to see what effect the chemo and radiation has had on the tumor, but those results were not back by the time I met with the oncologist. When he looked over the other results, he was quite pleased. He doesn’t’ expect me to need any more chemotherapy, which is definitely good news.

With a little over a week to go before surgery, I’m feeling pretty good going in. I tell folks I’m about 85% of normal. The doctors expect 6 – 12 weeks of recovery, and I’ll just have to let the medicines and my body take the time to heal.

I came back home to another pile of cards and letters with lots of prayers and encouragement. I have certainly felt blessed and loved through this whole process!

Fr. Steve’s updates

The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was May 1.

Monday, May 3, 2010

The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was May 1.

Since that fell on a Saturday, we waited until today to have a prayer service at the start of the school day in honor of our Patron Saint.

The students surprised me at their gusto in their responses to the litany.

We also used this occasion to announce our Leo John Dehon (founder of the SCJs) Circle of Courage award. The Circle of Courage emphasizes the Lakota values of Generosity, Independence, Mastery and, Belonging.

This year, Leahanna, a seventh grader, was recognized for best exemplifying those values in school and in her home.

Our junior high students had a track meet here in Chamberlain, which was a perfect opportunity to cheer on their efforts.

Track meets alternate between short periods of intense and exciting competition and lots of waiting around, which makes for a good chance to wander around and check on staff and students.

Several of our staff had their own children taking part; I also I ran into kids from other area schools that I know from parish work.

I stayed for the field events and several heats of hurdles and sprints. But, after a couple hours, I played out.

I wanted to see all our students compete, but I had to listen when my body said “enough,” and I went home for a nap. People remind me that the battle against cancer is not a sprint but a marathon.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The illness has really forced me to take one day at a time. I don’t know how long it will take for me to bounce back from surgery or how much I will – or won’t – be able to do over the summer months.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

At our monthly SCJ meeting, this afternoon we shared our summer plans.

My family teases me about being the great planner and lining up dates and activities many months ahead of time.

But, I will do what it takes to get in shape, bounce back and be active again.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I filled my new prescriptions downtown at Casey’s drugstore, and met with Jim, the pharmacist, to learn more about possible side effects. Like so many other townsfolk, he asked for the latest update and assured me of his ongoing prayers.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

First time I’ve blogged in a few days.

My digestive system is in a bit of disarray, but other than that I’m feeling pretty good.

I’ve gone back to my regular schedule of meetings. Finances are in good shape for now. Child Services are busy planning for graduation and all the end of the year activities that makes May one busy month. In Human Resources, we hired one new houseparent for next year and are checking references for others we’re interested in interviewing.

In between meetings, I’ve tried to make up for time away by making campus rounds and checking up on people and projects.

I ran across the 4th and 5th grade girls taking part in their Red Path group. The program tries to address the stresses of drug and alcohol abuse within their lives.

We have two new staff since I’ve been gone. Becky helps in the production room with sending out mail. Amanda is our new Family Service Counselor and will be working with our older girls and their families. I looked them both up and welcomed them.

On a rainy Monday, the Maintenance crew was looking for a fourth person to play a quick game of pitch during break. I never played before, but they quickly ran through the rules and gave me my cards. Through sheer luck Roger and I won, which drew both teasing and praise.

Then, we caught up on all that’s in the works on campus. I checked the progress of the Carola Home remodeling. The demolition is finished and workers are now dry walling.

A group of High School Junior ROTC Thunderbirds Drill Team from Flandreau Indian School paid us a visit and did an after lunch performance for our student body. Their program emphasized discipline to achieve goals in life, and living by a creed which makes you and the creator proud.

Our mentor program had the last group event of the year – Bingo and finger food supper at the Dining Hall.

I’ve never really liked Bingo ( I must not be a good Catholic!) but enjoyed the company of those around me as we played for prizes. I never came close to winning, but our team made sure everyone got at least a consolation prize. I took home a new dish towel since you can always use those upgrades in the kitchen.

On my way to the business office, I came across a group of staff enjoying lovely spring weather during break. Jean carried a lovely bundle of lilac blossoms from our trees. She was planning to arrange them in a vase in the work room. Little touches of beauty and thoughtfulness add a lot to a workplace.

Yes, it feels great to be back.

Yes, it feels great to be back.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Jesus was noted for his companionship with people at table, and that’s often part of my “work” at St. Joseph’s.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Jesus was noted for his companionship with people at table, and that’s often part of my “work” at St. Joseph’s.

After mass, I visited the Speyer Home for brunch. The 6th – 8th grade boys were most welcoming. They filled me in on how the track team is doing, made predictions about their upcoming home run derby.

We talked NBA playoffs over scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy. Eighth grader Sean helped his houseparent with most of the cooking, and it turned out great.

Then for supper, I was off to a pot luck shared by the six homes that make up our middle school grades. We had a lull in the rains, and sitting across from each other on the picnic tables was great fun.

Campus comes more alive when we can be outside in the warmer weather.

Fr. Steve’s updates

During the prayer service, one of our counselors read some prayer reflections on what people got out of the weekend – mostly the chance to more deeply appreciate one another.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Home in Chamberlain!

Fr. Hendrick from Lower Brule helped with the driving, and we made it back last night. While cliché, there really is no place like home.

Today was a settling back in day, doing laundry and starting to dive into the piles of mail and paperwork surrounding my desk. It was also a day to start reconnecting with students and staff.

I feel a great sense of relief and will be happy to return to as much of a normal routine as I can over the next month.

This morning we had the graduation for our FAST (Families And Schools Together) program.

Ten families took part over four weekends; they appreciated the structured activities our program offered to help them improve parent/child communication and relationships.

During the prayer service, one of our counselors read some prayer reflections on what people got out of the weekend – mostly the chance to more deeply appreciate one another.

After certificates and an honor song on the drum, we gathered in the school assembly room for a meal. Rain squashed plans of an outdoor picnic, but the grilled food tasted almost as good inside.