Tag: Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve’s updates

A patient at Hope Lodge spoke of how people most appreciate the financial savings staying here allows. But the far more important part, he explained, is the sense of community and support.

Monday, March 22, 2010

My first radiation treatment was easy and uneventful. I’m told it usually takes a couple of weeks for the more irritating side effects to start to kick in.

The nurses put some relaxing music on the speaker as I laid still in the forms molded to keep me from moving around. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out the door to enjoy a sunny spring day, not feeling in any way different.

I was talking to Bob, one of the other patients here at Hope Lodge. He spoke of how, at first, people most appreciate the financial savings staying here allows. But the far more important part, he explained, is the sense of community and support.

“On your good days you can help others through, and on your bad days, no matter what you’re going through, you can find somebody that can identify, advise or help.”

So needed over the long haul!

I’m so used to helping others. It’s different when I’m the recipient.

A group came in tonight and prepared a huge meal for all the residents here. Different church groups and charities do that regularly. The festive food and atmosphere gave the dining hall a party atmosphere and helped people mingle and get to know one another.

Fr. Steve’s updates

One said that though everyone here is dealing with cancer, there’s a very positive attitude in this place with lots of caring and, of course, HOPE.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

I got the call from the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge today! After a referral from my radiologist and some waiting, a room opened up for me. I moved my belongings over and began to settle in to my home for the next five weeks. It does feel quite homey, even if there are 60 guest rooms in the facility!

Each of us has a comfortable room and space in the kitchen to store our food supplies. Many people travel home on weekends, so it’s been a little quiet, but I started to get to know some of the other residents. One said that though everyone here is dealing with cancer, there’s a very positive attitude in this place with lots of caring and, of course, HOPE.

I’ve known Gail, my aunt’s sister, since I could walk, and she now lives near the hospital. Gail invited me over for a home-cooked meal and some long overdue catching up conversation. The best part was chatting with everyone over the kitchen counter while many hands went into preparing a delightful meal.

Food always tastes best when shared with people you care about.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today is The Feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. With the students on spring break at this time, we’ll have a prayer service to celebrate his other feast day, St. Joseph the Worker.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Today is The Feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. With the students on spring break at this time, we’ll have a prayer service to celebrate his other feast day – St. Joseph the Worker – on May 1. By then, I hope to be done with radiation and back at school before I get ready for my surgery.

St. Joseph our Protector, Pray for us.

I went to the local parish for Mass, and of course prayed for all the staff and students back at St. Joseph’s.

I’ve spent most of my time in small rural parishes, but it’s nice to be in a bigger city where there is more activity. A good number of people gathered ahead of time to pray the rosary. When the noon bells went off and folks rose to pray the Angelus, it reminded me of doing the same when the noon whistle rang in the small Indiana town I grew up in.

Tonight, the parish had a fish bake; besides tasty food and hospitable table companions, a group of local dulcimer players came in to serenade us with some lovely tunes. When you’re sick, little touches of beauty and art are helpful and enriching.

St. Joseph our Protector, Pray for us.

Fr. Steve’s updates

This most recent type of chemo leaves me feeling tired but not nearly as nauseous or wiped out as the last medicine did. Though I feel better, I still have to be aware that my immunity is down.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

This most recent type of chemo leaves me feeling tired but not nearly as nauseous or wiped out as the last medicine did. Though I feel better, I still have to be aware that my immunity is down. I have to be careful not to catch something that will get me too feeling bad.

In the afternoon, I was able to get out in the sunshine and walk around on a sunny spring day.

Though I’m away from school, I still get all the emails and reports to keep up.

Our high school students who participate in Chamberlain’s Native American Club are off to Denver this weekend for their big annual powwow.

The students who spoke at our donor luncheon in New Orleans had a most memorable time, including getting mud splashed on them by a big gator on their boat ride through the bayou.

March is also the time we mail to many new people, hoping they will be interested in being part of our St. Joseph’s family. We’ve had encouraging results that are keeping the office staff busy so far.

And, congratulations to John Beheler, a former student and staff member who last year moved on to take a principal’s job in Lower Brule. One of our accrediting agencies, CORE (Coalition of Residential Educators) just named him Alumnus of the Year for his work.

Since I like basketball, March Madness gives me an excuse to slow down and relax! I enjoy when the underdogs pull and upset, but I got more than I bargained for when the first upset was Notre Dame, my hometown team!!

Fr. Steve’s updates

The medical news was very encouraging. The first two cycles of chemotherapy have been eating away at the tumor, and it’s shrunk perhaps 15%, and in one spot, it’s decreased in size by almost an inch.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

My sister Anne asked if on St. Patrick’s Day the chemotherapy medicine might have a hint of green in it, but no such luck!

But, the medical news was very encouraging. The first two cycles of chemotherapy have been eating away at the tumor, and it’s shrunk perhaps 15%, and in one spot, it’s decreased in size by almost an inch.

Now, we’re changing to some different chemotherapy medicines that aren’t quite as intense, and I’ll only have one more of those in about 4 weeks.

The CT scan of my chest and lungs came back clear, so nothing has spread. All indications are that we’re heading toward a successful surgery sometime in May.

I’ll have lots of time on my hands but primarily need to rest. As I get my energy back, I’ll try to walk more, exercise and enjoy the good things spring has to offer.

I brought a good pile of books with me (both spiritual and fun ones), a stack of letters to answer and a computer to keep in touch with family, friends and, of course, the folks at school.

Since it’s spring break, things are quieter around campus this week. But many staff are still on the job, working hard to do the behind-the-scenes tasks that make St. Joseph’s successful.

Fr. Steve’s updates

As I got closer to the hospital, the dreary, gray fog gave way to bright sunshine, and the temperature neared 60 degrees. It felt like spring and lifted my spirits.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Yesterday (Monday) was a travel day.

As I got closer to the hospital, the dreary, gray fog gave way to bright sunshine, and the temperature neared 60 degrees. It felt like spring and lifted my spirits.

I took advantage of the weather and washed the layers of mud and grime off the car. I also did some grocery shopping and settled in.

I brought lots of staples from home, but got perishables like milk, lunch meat and – my post chemo staple when nothing else tastes good – cottage cheese!

Today, the battery of tests began first thing in the morning with blood work. Then, I met with the radiologist who very caringly explained the process over the next six weeks.

Next, they molded forms for my legs and head so I’ll be in the same position every day, and using tiny bits of India Ink, they tattooed freckle-sized dots in three places on my stomach to guide the equipment.

The medical team needs a few days to work out dosage and where they’ll concentrate the radiation, and I won’t actually start all that until next Monday.

I took a CT scan of my chest area to make sure nothing is spreading, and after lunch spent 90 minutes in the MRI room for another scan of the tumor. We’ll go over the results tomorrow.

While none of the procedures are especially comfortable, I’ve been handling them OK.

The local parish had a noon Mass, and I dropped by to feel God’s love and grace. Today’s gospel was appropriately about healing.

I looked around at many other patients and caregivers, and included them in my prayers, as well as all the folks back home and all over who are praying for me.

I also got about an hour’s walk in. The doctors said if I keep up my exercises now, it will help me bounce back more quickly after surgery. It’s also a nice stress relief after a day of being poked and prodded.

The local parish had a noon Mass,
and I dropped by to feel God’s love and grace.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Steve reminds himself the need for patience as he prepares for five weeks of radiation.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

During school vacations, we keep one or two homes open for the students whose family situations make it better for them to stay here.

I had Mass for the 14 students and three staff – a more intimate gathering than usual. Later, I joined them for dinner.

Break Home is a lot more like family because you have boys and girls, and the age range is wider – 2nd through the 8th grade.

A lot of activities can be shared by kids of all ages – playing Uno or Guitar Hero, taking walks, reading a good book or helping out with chores around the house.

Tomorrow, I take off for five weeks of radiation, so I did laundry, packed and tried to tidy up my office as best I could.

What I think I’ll need more than anything is patience – to let the doctors and medicine and process unfold and take its course.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Steve shares the benefits of small-town living when his high school friend, Patrick, stops by for a visit and attends a fund-raising event for two local men with illnesses.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Patrick, a good friend from high school, was in the area for his work and stopped by for a delightful visit.

This evening I dragged him along to the small town of Reliance, 15 miles west of Chamberlain, where a fundraising dinner was held for two men in the community who have serious health problems and large medical bills.

I figured the event would give Patrick a taste of local color, and he was not disappointed. Tables were set up in the volunteer fire hall, and the line stretched out the door and down the block. For a free will donation, you could try all the mountain oysters, local wild game and side dishes you cared to eat.

Our part of South Dakota is known mostly for pheasants, but they also had venison, antelope, goose, wild turkey and turtle soup, which I’d never had but found very tasty. A big pot of chili awaited those who were not feeling so adventurous.

I used to be pastor at the parish in Reliance and enjoyed reconnecting with folks. But, in a small town, no one is really a stranger, and people made Patrick feel at home and animatedly told stories of life on the prairie weathering blizzards, helping birth calves and being good neighbors.

I know the families of the two men dealing with illness were inspired by their neighbors’ generosity.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Steve reflects on his parish days on the reservations of South Dakota as he says goodbye to staff and children as they head out for Spring Break.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Spring Break started today!

With the cold and gray weather we’ve had most of the winter, I’m not sure if it was students or staff who were most anxious to have a week off.

I had lunch in the dining hall where many of the families who came to pick up their children joined us for lunch. Some are folks I know well from my parish days on the rez. Others I’m meeting for the first time. I made the rounds and said hello and wished everyone a safe and fun break.

Our high school students go to the public school and have a different schedule, so they’re still around campus. While school may be out of session, our maintenance staff and business office are going full speed ahead, as the activity around campus never totally stops.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The Priests of Sacred Heart sponsor the Sacred Heart Center in Eagle Butte, SD. It includes a shelter for victims of domestic violence and a wide range of social outreach programs – so needed on the Cheyenne River Reservation.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Priests of the Sacred Heart sponsor the Sacred Heart Center in Eagle Butte. It includes a shelter for victims of domestic violence and a wide range of social outreach programs – so needed on the Cheyenne River Reservation.

I’m on the Board of Directors and was scheduled to spend a good chunk of the day attending the board meeting via telephone. But, the cold rain we got today turned into a winter storm further north, and the meeting had to be postponed.

It gave me some extra time to catch up on things in the office.

Most of our 4th and 5th grade girls signed up for a two-week gymnastics camp after school. It was sponsored by the Chamberlain High School gymnastics coach and team to give the youngsters an introduction to the different apparatuses and pique their interest for the future.

My favorite was watching our girls on the uneven parallel bars, reaching on tip toes for the high bar (with two spotters to help of course) and learning to do a stomach roll. They were scared at first, but giggling with delight after the flip and ready to come back for more.

One of our high school girls was on the gymnastics team this year. It’s good to introduce our students to a variety of sports and activities they may never have tried before in case they find a passion for it.