hope – Page 22 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Fr. Steve’s updates

I arrived home from Mayo after two days of tests and consultations. On the cancer front, everything looks good. I don’t need any more treatments for now.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

I arrived home from the hospital after two days of tests and consultations.

On the cancer front, everything looks good. I don’t need any more treatments for now, and I’ll just go on their regular 3 month checkup interval for this first year.

They were very pleased with how the incision is healing up, and how things look inside after the surgery. They think they were able to get all the cancer.

The nerves in my foot are still in a lot of pain. The doctor said that will take a while to heal, several months or even as long as a year … you just never know with the nerves.

I’m on some pain meds to manage that, but the down side is the medication make me sleepy.

The doctor said I can start pushing myself – doing a little more exercise and activity every day – and try to get back to a normal routine. But, I still may need more rest for a while and have to pay attention to my body.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The Sunday before surgery the good parishioners had their mass said for the intention of my healing, and I got a whole bunch of get well cards that I’ve not yet answered.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Friday and Saturday the other priests and brothers were gone, and with no meetings I soaked up the quiet. I got in lots of much needed sleep, with reading and TV in between.

Today Juan Carlos – our seminarian helping this summer – drove me to church in Kennebec, 30 miles west of St. Joseph’s. I used to be pastor there.

The Sunday before surgery the good parishioners had their mass said for the intention of my healing, and I received a bunch of get well cards that I’ve not yet answered. I wanted to thank them and join them for this week’s mass.

The day was a nice reunion, with some catching up time. Folks have been genuinely worried about the seriousness of my cancer, and were relieved to see me up and about.

I still have trouble standing for a long time, but with Fr. Joe leading mass, I was able to make it through.

After lunch I took another nap, packed my bags for a few days, and now await Fr. Bill. We’ll journey back to the clinic where I have post surgery appointments Monday and Tuesday. I’ll have several tests and scans, and have appointments with the radiologist, oncologist and surgeon to check up on how the recovery is going.

Hopefully the good news and results will continue.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I had my first hair cut in about four months! There wasn’t much hair to cut since it all fell out during chemo, but my neck and around my ears was getting fuzzy.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I had my first hair cut in about four months! There wasn’t much hair to cut since it all fell out during chemo, but my neck and around my ears was getting fuzzy. So, off to the barber shop I went.

Dad was a part-time barber, and we even had a barber chair in our rec room. I feel so calm and relaxed when I get my hair cut, and it’s nice to feel clean cut.

Since I was downtown, I stopped in at our Thrift Store to say hi to the staff there. Besides the regulars, one of our high school girls is also working there for the summer, gaining some pocket money, and just as importantly, experience working with people and handling responsibilities. She was using her creativity to design a new window display.

Later, I stopped by our museum to say hi to staff there, and again saw one of our high school girls working there. She said she likes getting to meet the visitors that come from all over, answer their questions and show them around.

Since there aren’t always a lot of jobs for youth back home on the Indian reservations, we have several high school students who stay for the summer and work.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I love to read and have lots of time on my hands, but until now, reading has put me right to sleep. This evening, I read for a couple of hours. It felt good to exercise my mind in that way.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

When you’re recovering from surgery, you have to enjoy the small progress you see each day.

I love to read and have lots of time on my hands, but until now, reading has put me right to sleep. This evening, I read for a couple of hours. It felt good to exercise my mind in that way. While I still sleep a lot, I hope more and more to be able to do a little work and the things I enjoy.

I have been going into the office for two hours or so each day, just to look at mail and messages. With mail, I’ve mostly opened it and put it in an ever-growing pile. Today, I answered everything that came in and knocked a few older cards off my to do list.

Again, a small thing, but if I can do that each day, slow and steady will win the race.

I had lunch in the dining hall with our eighth graders. They’ve been taking high school transition classes for three weeks and are finishing up their program. We have some good students going into our high school program and hope this extra time prepares them for going off campus for their studies at Chamberlain High School.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The nerves in my right leg and foot are very sore and sensitive, which makes it hard to walk or stand for very long.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

I’m starting to get out and about a bit, even if only for a couple of hours. The nerves in my right leg and foot are very sore and sensitive, which makes it hard to walk or stand for very long. But, that’s what the doctors expected after the surgery. With time, they also expect the pain to diminish.

In the morning, I dropped by the business office to see folks. I’ve been back on campus for some 10 days now, yet there are so many folks I haven’t seen, so I did a lot of catching up.

Our summer day camps are in full swing, and I stopped by the dining hall for lunch. For these next two weeks, the camp is for children from Lower Brule.

They ride our bus in each day for arts and crafts, cultural activities, recreation and a couple of good square meals. Several of the children are St. Joseph’s students, so I got lots of hugs as I worked my way through the tables.

In between activities, I took a few naps and didn’t do a whole lot else.

I’m still very tired and pay attention to my body when it needs rest. I’m learning to cope with the limitations. A simple task like getting dressed takes lots of extra time and effort, especially putting on my socks.

The first time I was back in chapel I genuflected out of habit but found it very difficult to get back up without the pew to lean on. My foot doesn’t work so well on the brake or gas pedal of the car, so I’m grounded for now.

Yet, I count my blessings every day, grateful they found the cancer in time to successfully remove it. This healing time just takes patience and time.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Steve arrived home Friday evening (June 4), and the folks at school had two placards – complete with balloons and ribbons – welcoming me back to campus.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Thanks to Fr. Bill for keeping everyone posted while I was in the hospital!

I arrived home Friday evening (June 4), and the folks at school had two placards – complete with balloons and ribbons – welcoming me back to campus. One sign was posted at the first stop sign on campus, and the other was at our house.

When we stopped to take a picture, 7th grader Erin was walking by the Rec Center and came up and gave me a big hug. It is so good to be back.

My main ailment right now is my right leg. The nerves are very sore and sensitive after the surgery. The doctors are hopeful the pain will diminish and I’ll get a little stronger each day. I just know I’m not going to be kicking soccer balls or field goals any time soon. I get around very slowly, but I am able to get around.

I woke up last night and had some discomfort. I went to find the nurse call button and realized I was home in my own bed and just had to manage myself. During my 11 days in the hospital I received wonderful care, but it is still a bit disorienting.

One of the hospital chaplains pointed out that we talk a lot about “One day at a time” but when you are seriously ill, you really have to live it.

Last night, I went to supper at the Sheehy Home and caught up on the activities of our eighth grade boys who are now spending three weeks in extra classes as they transition into the high school program. Nate grilled pork chops outside, and I at the biggest meal I’ve had in two weeks. It’s a good sign that my appetite is coming back.

Today was low key.

Fr. Anthony and I celebrated mass in the house chapel. It’s still hard to stand for long periods of time, and I have to build up to it.

This afternoon, I went to the office just to work on thank you cards. So many people have offered support and inspiration and helped see me through this rough period.

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve continues to recover from his surgery with the usual and expected side effects. He was up a few times yesterday. Today, he is taking things easier.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Greetings once again from Fr. Bill!

While I am planning to return to Chamberlain later today or tomorrow morning, Fr. Steve’s parents will remain with him until Tuesday or so. He has more family arriving tomorrow to spend the weekend with him. One of us from his SCJ family will return on Tuesday.

Fr. Steve continues to recover from his surgery with the usual and expected side effects. He was up a few times yesterday. Today, he is taking things easier. His doctors want him to have more rest before doing too much walking.

Pre-op, Fr. Steve hoped to be in the hospital 5-7 days, but the doctor told him yesterday it would be more like 7-10 days. We know how our plans change when we are in the hospital, etc!

At times, it is easy to forget Fr. Steve has had very major surgery and requires more recovery time. He is very willing to do whatever the doctors, nurses and others ask him to do.

All of us deeply appreciate your prayers and thoughts for his recovery. Please continue to pray for him, his parents and his care team during this special time of recovery.

Fr. Steve and I were with you – students and staff – in prayer during this morning’s graduation ceremonies!

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, please remember all those who have, or currently are, serving our country.

Staff update on Fr. Steve

There will still be another hour before Fr. Steve will be finished with surgery; then, there’s recovery time before being moved to the critical care unit.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Fr. Bill here …

It is just about 11 PM. We just finished speaking with Fr. Steve’s main surgeon.

There will still be another hour before Fr. Steve will be finished with surgery; then, there’s recovery time before being moved to the critical care unit.

His doctor was pleased with the surgery and indicated that the mass took quite a bit longer to remove than expected. She was confident that they were able to remove it all without removing any bones, major arteries or nerves.

We thank God that there are no major complications with his surgery. As his doctor mentioned, Fr. Steve is going to be quite sore for a time after this surgery.

Due to the lateness of the hour, Fr. Steve will be transferred to the recovery hospital around midday tomorrow. He will remain in critical care until he is ready to move to a regular surgical recovery unit. We will keep you posted regarding his recovery progress.

Fr. Steve’s dad and mom continue to express their gratitude to God for the capable hands during his surgery and for the prayers of so many who have been praying for him over these past several months, especially during this very long day for us all.

On their behalf, we thank you for all your support, love and prayers. We can go home now, tired from the day and rest well with grateful hearts that all has gone as well as possible for Fr. Steve’s surgery. THANKS BE TO GOD!

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

When someone finishes the last of their radiation treatments they are invited to give the bell a ring – a sign of celebration, hope, and probably also relief!

Friday, April 9, 2010

On the wall of the radiation waiting room is a bell.

When someone finishes the last of their radiation treatments they are invited to give the bell a ring – a sign of celebration, hope, and probably also relief!

When I first started radiation I was in a waiting room full of strangers, but as the weeks go on, I know more and more of the faces here. Several of the folks reside with me at Hope Lodge, and the time waiting passes quickly as we chat and catch up with each other.

Today, Gene from Oklahoma and Tony from Illinois finished their treatments and a group of us showed up in support as they rang the bell.

Tony had his wife on the cell phone so she could hear the joyful peals. Gene let out a loud YIPPEE! It sounded like a cook calling the cowpokes in for dinner!

We took pictures and had hugs and handshakes all around. I’m impressed by the spirit of camaraderie, and seeing others finish up gives all the rest of us hope.

I’m impressed by the spirit of camaraderie,
and seeing others finish up gives all the rest of us hope.