Tag: students

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Joe invited me to stay for lunch afterwards and over a bowl of chili we caught up on doings on the Indian reservations and in our SCJ province.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The weekend was slow in one way because I slept a lot. The doctors said I would need extra rest as my body continues to heal.

Saturday night we said goodbye to Juan Carlos, our SCJ seminarian who worked at the day camp and took part in other activities this past month. After some vacation time he’ll begin his novitiate at the end of July.

We had supper at Charley’s restaurant, and there were plenty of towns folk I hadn’t seen since the surgery. My trip to the salad bar took 20 minutes as folks came up to me and got the update on how I’m doing. When we went to pay the bill, it had already been picked up, courtesy of Doc Holland, the retired physician who for many years took care of all the St. Joseph’s students and staff.

Today I did my first driving of any distance, a half hour to Lower Brule where I concelebrated the 11:00 mass. I’ve been on many prayer lists, and I got to thank the parishioners and tell them the good news that so far I’m cancer free.

Fr. Joe invited me to stay for lunch afterwards and over a bowl of chili we caught up on doings on the Indian reservations and in our SCJ province.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Anthony, two of our high school girls, a houseparent and two staff from Planned Giving took off for New Jersey, where they’ll have a couple of appreciation luncheons for our donors.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Fr. Anthony, two of our high school girls, a houseparent and two staff from Planned Giving took off for New Jersey, where they’ll have a couple of appreciation luncheons for our donors.

I’m usually the MC at those, but I still need to get a little stronger before I start traveling.

Before the crew left I went over to the high school house to wish the girls well. Talia said she was a bit nervous, so I had her practice with me the things she planned to say.

I didn’t see Shay until just before they were ready to leave, but I sent her off with a hug and load of good wishes.

I find that our students have a lot to say about life on Indian reservations and hopes and dreams for a better future. It just takes a lot of encouragement to get them to believe in themselves and know that so many people are interested in what they have to say.

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

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.

Staff update on Fr. Steve

I just received a call from Fr. Steve telling me his doctors want him to stay in the hospital until Friday. They want to adjust his blood clotting medications.

Hi all – quick change of plans!

I just received a call from Fr. Steve telling me his doctors want him to stay in the hospital until Friday. They want to adjust his blood clotting medications.

So, we will be staying here a couple extra days to make sure things are well and steady for Fr. Steve to come home. He is very ok with staying to make sure things are ok before we leave.

There’s another Chamberlain man here receiving treatments, and since we’ll be staying, I plan to visit with Jim as well.

Please keep Fr. Steve and all who are battling or healing from cancer in your prayers and thoughts.

As ever,
Fr. Bill

Staff update on Fr. Steve

I arrived back at the hospital last evening to find Fr. Steve doing quite well and looking forward to heading home today! There will be a few final things to put in order before we leave.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Good day from Fr. Bill!

I arrived back at the hospital last evening to find Fr. Steve doing quite well and looking forward to heading home today! There will be a few final things to put in order before we leave.

Gratefully, Fr. Steve is now “tube free” after a week.  We reflected on these past days and the many feelings and thoughts we have all been feeling during Fr. Steve’s experience. I am sure this has been one of the longest weeks for Fr. Steve, but he mentioned he will write more on all of this when he settles back at home … what great, normal news!

Fr. Steve has been meeting with his doctors and therapist to plan his therapy and exercise routine. One routine will focus on working his right leg in an effort to regain strength in it since some of the nerves were effected during surgery. I know he is committed to doing all he must in order to heal completely.

We are not sure when we will leave today, but we’re anxious to head home. Normally, the trip takes about six hours; however, it may take longer today since we need more stops than usual. In the end, it will be good to get home … no matter how long it takes.

Thanks continue from Fr. Steve for your prayers and thoughts. Your support has been a real source of strength for him. I know he will continue to count on your prayers as he returns home to continue his recovery.

I believe Fr. Steve will be writing you all in the near future!

Staff update on Fr. Steve

Many of us know when one has major surgery there can be up and down days. Thursday night and Friday were some of those down days for Fr. Steve.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Many of us know when one has major surgery there can be up and down days. Thursday night and Friday were some of those down days for Fr. Steve.

After some adjustments with his medications, etc., Fr. Steve was feeling much better. He told me he felt he had passed some difficult hurdles. I am certain having his family by his side and all the prayers being sent up for him have been a real help during his recovery.

As of today, Fr. Steve has been able to walk more; he began to eat soft foods and, quite simply, feels so much better. Having some of “the tubes” removed has certainly been a most welcome relief!

Fr. Steve has been told he may be ready to come home by Thursday if his healing continues well. I will return to the hospital on Tuesday and stay with him until we’re given the green light to head home. What a joyous day that will be for so many!

Today, Fr. Steve celebrated his birthday with two Twinkies and two candles. It seems a good enough celebration when you are in the hospital and just beginning a soft diet! We can celebrate more after he returns home.

Once again, on behalf of Fr. Steve and his family, I thank you for your Masses, prayers and thoughts for him, especially during this past week. You are all sincerely appreciated. I know he remains so grateful to you … Your prayers not only help, they work!

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

Fr. Steve entered surgery at 3:15 this afternoon. Although an unexpected and lengthy wait for the operating room caused Fr. Steve and his family a bit of restlessness, the family is now waiting patiently for an update from the surgical team.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Fr. Steve entered surgery at 3:15 this afternoon. Although an unexpected and lengthy wait for the operating room caused Fr. Steve and his family a bit of restlessness, the family is now waiting patiently for an update from the surgical team.

At this point, it is not known how long surgery will take; there may be no news for up to eight hours.

Be assured we’ll share news of Fr. Steve’s progress as quickly as we’re able. In the meantime, thank you for keeping Fr. Steve, his medical team, his family and all at St. Joseph’s in your prayers.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I met with four of the doctors on the surgical team. My test results show no further problems, but it’s still going to be a complicated surgery.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Fr. Bill and I arrived at the hospital last night.

Mom and dad arrived today to be extra support for the duration of the time I’m here. They’ve been there so many times in the past for me in so many ways, but this will be my first surgery.

I met with four of the doctors on the surgical team. My test results show no further problems, but it’s still going to be a complicated surgery.

The biggest area of concern is what they’ll need to do to the blood vessels in my leg and nerve endings on my spine once they remove the tumor and see how much damage has been done.

They still can’t say if the surgery will take a few hours or all day. They just won’t know until they go in, and I won’t know until I come out!

While roaming the halls in between appointments, I ran into two of the couples I got to know from Hope Lodge.

Bill was in for a follow-up check up, and Robin in for a surgery of her own. I again experienced the caring bond of support that saw me through the weeks of chemotherapy and radiation.

This will be the last time I write for a while, but staff will provide an occasional update here until I’m able to speak for myself.

Thanks for all the prayers and support. It’s been awesome, and I’m confident that, with God’s help, we’re going to come through this OK.