support – Page 6 – St. Joseph's Indian School

Fr. Steve’s updates

Another sleepy day. I have no weekend appointments, so it worked out well to rest. I did go out to an afternoon movie to laugh and let my mind wander to more relaxing things. Then I made a big dent in long overdue emails.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

It’s quiet around Hope Lodge. Many people who live within a shorter driving distance have gone home for the weekend. I washed a couple of loads of clothes , but didn’t see anyone else in the laundry the whole time.

At lunch I talked to a newcomer who just arrived for treatment for pancreatic cancer, which has one of the lowest cure rates. But he’s facing the disease with courage and faith. There’s not a whole lot of reason to feel sorry for yourself when you see so many other people suffering much more. At supper I sat with a woman who’s husband is still hospitalized, which makes for some very long days for her.

After the chemo, my appetite isn’t all that good. I have to force myself to eat because I know I need to, not because I want to or enjoy it. I know in a few days the taste buds will come back strong, and I’ll be back to munching all the time.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I’m in no pain, but the chemo/radiation combo has drained me of any get up and go. I pray those who leave will find continued healing and new life.

Friday, April 16, 2010

I’m in no pain, but the chemo/radiation combo has drained me of any get up and go. So I’m paying attention to my body. I took three naps to get though the day.

After treatment I read a little, prayed as I could, but didn’t accomplish much of anything else. While hard to accept at times, my main job right now is to rest and let the medicine take its course.

Being a Friday, a few more patients finished up their radiation, so I bid farewell to more folks today. In a short time here you become close, and I’ll know I’ll miss seeing the familiar faces around the kitchen table as we part. I pray those who leave will find continued healing and new life.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Today was my last cycle of chemotherapy. I continue to get so much support from many different folks and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. I’m calling it an early night tonight, hoping to sleep off some of the chemo effects.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Today was my last cycle of chemotherapy.

I spent the whole morning in the chair, reading for a while, then dozing off part of the time. When we were all finished, the nurse gave me a pin with the words “Celebrate Life” written around the circle to mark my “graduation”.

I probably won’t feel like celebrating too much for the next couple of days because the chemo wears me out more than the radiation. But, I know it’s another step closer to health and wholeness, and I do feel good about that.

As I left, I told the nurses they were wonderful people, but I hoped I didn’t have to come back and see them as a client again, just for a visit.

I had another visitor, Fr. George, a Jesuit priest from South Dakota. I filled him in on the sarcoma, then we shifted gears and talked about work, church, religious life and baseball. I welcomed the stimulating conversation as it took my mind off of everything medical for a while. We had supper and I was even able to eat some small portions without any troubles.

I continue to get so much support from many different folks and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. I’m calling it an early night tonight, hoping to sleep off some of the chemo effects.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Before hitting the road back to the hospital, I stopped at St. Joseph’s health care center to see staff who have been good support through my medical issues.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Before hitting the road back to the hospital, I stopped at St. Joseph’s health care center to see staff who have been good support through my medical issues.

Then, I dropped by the Business Office to say hello to folks there who were beginning their work week. I said hello and goodbye almost in the same breath, yet I wanted to reconnect with the staff who work day in and day out to keep St. Joseph’s going.

Seeing a grin as I walked into an office or work area was great affirmation. Folks are genuinely concerned and shared their prayers and best wishes.

I was tired, and the drive back took a lot more out of me. I was able to get in a quick nap before treatment, which helped. I am finally starting to feel the fatigue from the cumulative effects of the radiation.

This was the first weekend I’ve been away from Hope Lodge, and it was my turn to be welcomed back and have folks at Hope Lodge asking about life and health. For only being together a few short weeks, we share a lot with each other on this journey.

Fr. Steve’s updates

Fr. Anthony and catechists have been working with this group of students all year to prepare them. They were both ready and excited. Bolstered by the families of the children who received sacraments of initiation, the church was full.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Today, we had a joyful celebration at church – 11 baptisms and 21 first communions!

After the round of photos, I heard one youngster remark there were so many flashing bulbs they felt like a Hollywood star. Our dining hall staff prepared a delicious dinner for everyone to share afterwards.

It was my privilege to be at the baptismal font, scooping water over their heads with both hands. Besides making sure they clearly heard the words, I made sure they’d remember getting good and wet!

We hope the spiritual side of our programs helps give these young people an anchor for the future. When times get tough in life, I pray they will have God’s strength to call and draw upon.

Fisher & Stevens Homes had a cookout this evening and invited me to join them.

The constant South Dakota wind announced her presence by blowing our plates around as soon as hot dogs and BBQ were no longer there to weigh them down. Sitting around the picnic tables and talking with students and staff felt relaxing and familiar.

When I’m away, I miss those moments!

Fr. Steve’s updates

Back at St. Joseph’s for the weekend! I didn’t always find out a lot new because the conversation quickly turned to my treatments and prognosis. It would have been easier to share all at once, but in each home I repeated the process.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Back at St. Joseph’s for the weekend!

It’s been four weeks since I’ve been gone. It felt so good to sleep in my own bedroom.

Even better was the chance to enjoy the warm sunny day by walking around campus and stopping in at many of the homes to visit students and houseparents and find out how they’re doing.

I didn’t always find out a lot new because the conversation quickly turned to my treatments and prognosis. It would have been easier to share all at once, but in each home I repeated the process.

Staff have been concerned about me and praying for me and seemed relieved that I’m able to be out and about and still have energy and an upbeat spirit. And, God willing I’ll be back in a couple of weeks to make the rounds more regularly.

I only encountered four girls in the Summerlee Home, but saw a softball and gloves in the yard and quickly organized a little batting practice. When pitching to younger kids, the challenge of pitching is not to try to get it past them, but to try to figure out where they swing so the ball has a better chance of hitting the bat.

Since they started intramural games last week, a few of the girls looked like batting champs!

Fr. Steve’s updates

I passed the half-way point in my radiation treatments – 13 down and 12 to go. I met with my radiologist to review how things are going. I asked about the sun-burned look of some patients, but since my radiation is directed deep inside, that probably won’t happen with me.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Today, I passed the half-way point in my radiation treatments – 13 down and 12 to go.

I met with my radiologist to review how things are going. I asked about the sun-burned look of some patients, but since my radiation is directed deep inside, that probably won’t happen with me.

My side effects remain light and manageable, so the consultation was fairly short. While my doctors are pleased that it’s going well so far, I am thrilled.

We also have a date for surgery – May 25. The bad part is I’ll miss 8th grade graduation. But, I finish radiation April 23, and I get to be back on campus for a full month of all the end-of-the-year activities that fill up the last weeks of the school year.

Jim, another man from Chamberlain, is also here for treatments. We ran into each other in the halls of the hospital today. It was nice to see a familiar face and catch up on some news from back home!

Fr. Steve’s updates

This year’s Holy Week has been so different for me, not having to prepare any homilies or lead services. Instead, I con-celebrated mass this morning at the local parish, where there was uplifting music and a good spirit among the overflowing crowd.

Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter

The pastor introduced me and told folks that I was here for cancer treatments. Standing in the doorway afterward to shake hands and wish folks a happy Easter, countless folks came up and offered their prayers and support. Some told me briefly of their being survivors. All urged me to have faith and courage. And, the experience of prayer and community increased my faith and courage.

I’ve been told it’s important not to lose much weight before surgery, and having two Easter dinners probably has me looking to gain rather than lose over the weekend!

Right after church, Brother Clay and I went to a downtown hotel for a lovely Easter brunch. In the evening, some of the Franciscan sisters invited me over for dinner. One sister, who was in novitiate during World War II (she has just a few more years of religious life than me!) recalled how disappointing it was that they couldn’t initially receive their profession cross because silver was rationed at that time! But with 65+ years as a sister, I think her vows definitely took.

Fr. Steve’s updates

I grew up in Indiana, and seeing Butler’s improbable run to the championship game has been exciting. It continues the tradition and history we fondly call Hoosier Hysteria.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

I’m a person of many lists, and usually, before turning in each night, I make a list of what I want to accomplish the next day. I seldom get everything on the list done, but writing goals down helps me make progress and keep my eye on what is needed.

But, today was a wide open day, with no treatments or appointments, and no list. I took it easy, read quite a bit and went to a mall to buy a new pair of walking shoes. Then, proceeded to put a few miles on them.

I am noticing more tiredness from the radiation. Some days it’s hard to coax myself out of bed. Today, it was nice not to have to get out of bed until the tiredness was off of me.

I also got several phone calls from family and friends, knowing I’d be busy on Easter, and wanting to touch base and offer prayers and support, which means so much.

Tonight, the basketball fan in me had to watch the NCAA tournament with a few other sports fans who congregated around the common TV. I grew up in Indiana, and seeing Butler’s improbable run to the championship game has been exciting. It continues the tradition and history we fondly call Hoosier Hysteria.

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.