Indian school – Page 38 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Fr. Steve’s updates

Surgery is still needed because of the size. My body can’t get rid of all of it without some major help. But, we are winning the initial battles.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

My radiologist met with me today to review what’s been happening with the tumor. She is very encouraged by last week’s MRI that is already showing shrinkage. It’s hoped the radiation will continue to kill off more of the cells.

Surgery is still needed because of the size. My body can’t get rid of all of it without some major help. But, we are winning the initial battles.

I see some residents frequently, especially the ones with whom I share a kitchen and section of dining room. As we get to know each other better, it’s relaxing to share a cup of tea or talk over a sandwich. We support and encourage one another.

A good friend from Chicago, Fr. Jerry, arrived this afternoon to spend a couple of days. I so look forward to having the chance to share the highs and lows with someone who has been part of my life journey for a long time and knows me well.

Fr. Steve’s updates

In this Lenten season, we continually hear the call to overcome temptation. Difficulties and setbacks can weigh us down and push us toward giving up hope and sinking low. But, blessing and good news are just a prayer away when we trust and ask for help when life starts to feel burdensome.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

After radiology, my technician spoke of some of the pitfalls of this treatment. You’re away from home and out of your normal routine. You don’t have your usual support system and familiar environment. At times, you get fatigued from the medicine and feel very bored.

My technician told me it’s important to acknowledge all that and ask for help when it starts to weigh you down.

Tonight, the Lodge held a pot luck, and I cooked up some chicken and vegetable soup that went over OK. The dinner provided a good excuse for everyone to come to the dining area at the same time to offer some support and get to know one another. Folks come from such a variety of backgrounds and from all over.

I’m a people person and enjoyed hearing so many different stories from all walks of life.

After supper, a group of young girls from a local Brownie troop stopped by to offer us Girl Scout Cookies and spend some time cheering everyone up.

Fr. Steve’s updates

At church today, two Gospel Readings from Lazarus struck me in a powerful new way, with a lot of hope.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

At church today, two Gospel Readings from Lazarus struck me in a powerful new way, with a lot of hope.

“This Illness is not to end in death; rather it is for God’s Glory.”

My constant prayer through this whole ordeal has been that the journey leads me closer to God and that each day of life God gives me on earth, be it one day or 50 years, serves to give God glory.

Today, I visited Kent and his family, former parishioners from my days in Dupree, SD. Kent had cancer surgery and is in recovery. We mutually encouraged one another. It was fun to catch up with his family and find out what many of the people I remember and think about are up to.

Tonight, the local pastor invited me over to supper where a group of 10 priests gathered for their monthly time of fellowship and faith sharing. I so appreciated the welcome and camaraderie.

Priests, as a whole, are an interesting lot. The writer Tim Unsworth describes us as having the training of a doctor or lawyer, but walking the streets with people like a beat cop – being there with folks during the high and low points of their life.

The men I was with tonight had a passion for their work and people. The main topic of conversation when priests get together these days is wondering who in the next generation will hear the call as priests, brothers and sisters and continue on this fulfilling work.

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 – 2^nd through the 8^th 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.