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Staff update on Fr. Steve

Fr. Steve and his family are so grateful for the many prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. I’m sure he will be happy to see his brother and his family when they visit from Chicago this weekend.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Fr. Bill here again …

Fr. Steve’s recovery continues to go well … praise be to the Lord. This morning he was up for the first time, took a few steps and was able to sit in a chair for a short while. He still cannot eat anything but ice chips and drink a little water. Needless to say he is not talking much because of his dry mouth.

Prayers and blessings to you for your interest in Fr. Steve’s recovery.

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!

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

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.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today at mass I received the sacrament of anointing of the sick, as the students and staff prayed for me before I got ready to head off to the hospital.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Today at mass I received the sacrament of anointing of the sick, as the students and staff prayed for me before I got ready to head off to the hospital.

I actually feel fairly calm and confident about the doctors’ ability to handle the tumor, and my body and the Good Lord’s abilities to heal.

The surgery doesn’t scare me. It’s the unknown period of rehab and limitation afterward that I won’t know how to handle until I’m in the midst of it. Yet, it’s in the tough times of life I have to trust God to carry me through.

Maria, a third grader, brought me up a beautifully wrapped present from the students – a liturgical stole with images of Old Testament characters sewn upon it. The base color was green – ordinary time, which we return to after today’s Feast of Pentecost.

I’m looking forward to the time when I feel ordinary and life gets back to its regular routine. The gesture was a nice and fitting send off.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I mostly answered cards and letters and got my desk cleared off as much as possible. I really don’t know how long I’ll be gone for medical leave.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

I spent most of the day in the office, with no one else around.

I mostly answered cards and letters and got my desk cleared off as much as possible. I really don’t know how long I’ll be gone for medical leave.

Rather than feeling like a chore, each letter gave me a sense of blessing and being cared for. I also fielded several phone calls from friends and relatives checking up on me and offering their encouragement.

Fr. Steve’s updates

It’s no secret that the present and birthday wish I’m asking for is to be in good health and cleared to come home after the surgery.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

A day of many celebrations!

For morning break the Development office had scrumptious cake and Marina’s famous homemade strawberry ice cream to celebrate my birthday a little early.

For lunch my management team treated me to a sandwich and conversation at the downtown bistro. It’s no secret that the present and birthday wish I’m asking for is to be in good health and cleared to come home after the surgery.

This afternoon we had a reception for one of our teacher’s aides that completed her student teaching this semester. Congratulations to Michelle, we know that your training will help you reach the students in new ways.

I’ve been helping Nate, one of our houseparents, learn how to play guitar. After working on some liturgical music he’ll use for church, we went into Rock and Roll mode and had fun jamming to Cat Steven’s “Peace Train”, which took me way back to my high school days.

Brenton and Bryan from the Rec Center gave me a tour of an area in the hills behind the main campus where they are considering putting in an obstacle/team building course designed to teach our youth how to cooperate and build self confidence. Quality recreation is always important. Because students live here, we look for ways the fun times can also reinforce values and learning.

Fr. Steve’s updates

The oncologist called today with last week’s MRI results. The tumor has been steadily shrinking, which is such encouraging news. It will also make the surgeon’s job that much easier next week.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The oncologist called today with last week’s MRI results. The tumor has been steadily shrinking, which is such encouraging news. It will also make the surgeon’s job that much easier next week.

First diagnosis – 12 x 11 x 10 centimeters

After chemotherapy – 11.8 x 8.9 x 8.5 cm

After radiation – 9.5 x 7.7 x 6.9 cm

Since it’s shrinking in all 3 directions, the size is significantly smaller – 1320 cubic cm at first, and now under 500! The combination of good medical care and so many prayers is apparently working!

After school we gathered in the Rec Center to say farewell to the seven Child Services staff who will moving on to other adventures in their lives. Some staff serve at St. Joseph’s for a limited time.

Three of the departing houseparents have been here between one and two years, and have contributed a lot in a short time. The other four, two teachers and two houseparents, have been on staff for between 15 and 25 years! We will surely miss each of their gifts. Yet I’m confident that new people will step in and bring new gifts, abilities and talents. They will become the characters, and the rock, that St. Joseph’s is built on.

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

I’m glad when students can see the faith of their peers. We all prayed the Holy Spirit be strong with these young people throughout their life journey.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

This evening, six of our high school students celebrated the sacrament of confirmation at St. James church here in Chamberlain. They joined with the confirmandi from two nearby parishes.

All the students are classmates at Chamberlain High School, so there was already a familiarity and comfort with one another. Jesse, from our program, was asked to stand up and thank the bishop on behalf of the class. I enjoyed catching up with all the family members present at the dinner afterward.

Their choice of sponsors was an interesting mix. One picked someone from home, but the others chose St. Joseph’s personnel as someone they look up to as an example of faithful witness. One counselor sponsored two sisters. A houseparent and the college prep coordinator were also involved.

Just last year, one of our other high school students, Erin, finished her own preparation and was baptized and fully initiated. One of her classmates asked Erin to be her sponsor.

I’m glad when students can see the faith of their peers. We all prayed the Holy Spirit be strong with these young people throughout their life journey.

I saw the bishop for the first time since my diagnosis. He offered his prayers and support and got the latest update. Lots of parishioners also came up and offered support and kind words. My name is listed on many church bulletins, prayer groups and mass intentions, not just here in the area, but far and wide.