Tag: radiation

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today was my regular radiation and some blood work to see how my blood cell counts are holding up. I didn’t even need a jacket today as the temperatures climbed into the upper 70s. I walked for almost an hour after the doctors got done with me.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Today was my regular radiation and some blood work to see how my blood cell counts are holding up.

I didn’t even need a jacket today as the temperatures climbed into the upper 70s. I walked for almost an hour after the doctors got done with me.

As I walked by the radiation building, I heard “Hey, Steve!” and at first, I thought it must be someone else. But, it was Gail from my hometown who was on break and came out for fresh air. We walked a few blocks together before she had to get back.

I stopped to browse in a book store. When I do, I get both excited (thinking about all the subjects I would love to learn more about) and discouraged (so many books, so little time!). But I did come home and spend time with the books I already brought, reading some theology, history, child care journals and a work on improving my management skills.

It’s a big help to have a book going when I’m waiting on an appointment or just feeling bored. The drain for me right now is more emotional than physical. Going through treatments day after day takes a toll on your psyche, even when the body is feeling OK.

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

Radiation takes only 15 minutes a day. So far, I still feel good, and every day that I do, I count as a real blessing, helping me on the way to getting through the whole thing.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Radiation takes only 15 minutes a day. I did have another consultation with the doctor to check on how I’m holding up.

There’s not a whole lot to report yet. Other residents of the Lodge say that as time goes on the effects of radiation accumulate and you feel more drained and start to have stronger side effects.

So far, I still feel good, and every day that I do, I count as a real blessing, helping me on the way to getting through the whole thing.

Spring is trying to break out, and I took a long walk this afternoon. The warmth and sunshine felt invigorating.

This evening at supper another group volunteered to cook us dinner. I’m getting spoiled, and losing too much weight has not been a problem for me yet.

We also welcomed back the folks who returned from a weekend at home, and some of the new people who are just arriving and settling in to begin their treatments.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Jesus prayed those words on the cross, and they sound so full of agony. But, when you read the entire psalm, after deep and honest soul searching the psalmist comes to a deeper trust of God.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Palm Sunday, and the readings focused on the Passion. The 22nd  Psalm, used as a Response, stood out most for me – “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?”

Jesus prayed those words on the cross, and they sound so full of agony. But, when you read the entire psalm, after deep and honest soul searching the psalmist comes to a deeper trust of God.

When we’re sick or in trouble, it’s OK to bring our groaning and frustration before the Lord. And God can turn our cries into an experience of letting go and letting God.

God can turn our cries into an experience of letting go and letting God

Reflecting on the experience here, there is plenty of goodness, kindness and beauty, which helps. Yet, each day, I face the reality of the cancer and a serious surgery eventually coming up.

Like the passion, it’s ultimately about dying and rising. The cancerous part of me must die before new and healthy cells can be reborn.

On the spiritual side, Lent reminds us that we all have parts of ourselves that must die in order to produce new life – the self-centeredness and laziness, those areas where we are tempted and sin. That’s what I’ve been most aware of on this journey of 40 days and beyond.

Fr. Steve’s updates

This morning, I prayed and did a fair amount of spiritual reading. The challenge is to do that consistently, even on days when I don’t feel reflective, because it helps keep me going through the hard times.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Some days are very quiet and if I want, I can use the time almost like a retreat.

This morning, I prayed and did a fair amount of spiritual reading. The challenge is to do that consistently, even on days when I don’t feel reflective, because it helps keep me going through the hard times.

My dad’s cousin Julie lives just an hour and a half away. With no treatments, I hit the road and had no problems traveling.

After a delicious home-cooked meal, we spent time in their rec room with a CD of her nephew Neil singing Irish music in the background. Every nook and cranny of the walls are full of memorabilia leading to stories – the picture of her brother’s naval ship from the time everyone surprised him at port for his birthday, the trip to the Oslo Olympics to see our cousin speed skate, the autographed baseball from a visit to Chicago … many family stories are so good you want to regularly hear them again, and the laughter left me feeling wonderfully blessed.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.