As for the treatment things are going ok, and I got some good news today. Yesterday I had an MRI to investigate the reasons I have been having bad headaches for the past month. There was a very slight worry that the cancer could have spread to the brain, but the results today seemed to have ruled that out. I will have to talk with the medical oncologist soon to fully understand everything though. But it was a relief to finally get some good news, especially when every test up until now has come back negative! I feel like now we got the ball going from downhill to uphill.
Of course we still need to find out what is causing the headaches. My three leading causes are:
- Valley Fever, Tuberculosis, or Cancer
- Turning on the tv and listening to any discussion on economics or the economy
- The fierce debate over the merits of humidifiers that ensued in the radiation oncology waiting room today.
The treatments are going fine. I am starting to get tenderness in my neck from the radiation and it hurts to swallow. Also, I am bleeding a lot more. Last night it was from my nose and this morning it was actually around the toenail. Apparently that is a common reaction to the chemo therapy.
My mission is to keep the weight on though, so I have been trying to eat a lot. If I lose too much weight then they will have to pause treatment, which would be really bad. Today one of the radiation techs told my I was looking thin, which was a real shock because I am used to people saying how big and ripped I am. So, I guess I better go eat.
12 comments:
Steve,
I've been thinking about you a lot since I found out about what you're going through. I'm praying for you and even got a class of 7th graders to wish you well today. I know we haven't been in touch for a handful of years, but just know that there's one more person and a group of students wishing you a full and speedy recovery. Congrats on the positive news today!
Love,
Reese
Steve,
As for the headaches I have a thought on the cause. I recall a particular trip to Chicago to race at Notre Dame when we stayed with Mama and Papa Montgomery. If you search back in your memory you will probably remember a XC team shower in the backyard with a garden hose when a Greco Roman wrestling match broke out. Your headaches are probably the result of some forgotten head trauma from said event.
Go Hawks!
Kevin
i cant repeat exactly what i said when i heard the great news today because it contains some words not blog appropriate but to say it made my day is the understatement of the century. i love you.
That is wonderful news to hear that you finally got good news.
Keep up the positive attitude.
Great news!!
In terms of the headache, I would go with #2, at least I am definitely having headaches from reading econ news.
I saw you post a quote so I thought of sending you some more:
"Adversity is the first path to truth." - Lord Byron
"Act the way you'd like to be and soon you'll be the way you act." - Leonard Cohen
"Adventure is not outside man; it is within." - George Eliot
And this is for all the wonderful people who are with you during these times:
"What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?" - George Eliot
Adrian
PS: I guess it's hard to find a book about how to GAIN weight, all bookstores are full of diet books, maybe you're going to write one? But I guess it would make a bestseller only in North Korea:-)
Sweet T: I think Our Lady of Guadalupe finally picked up her phone. My entire department came in when they heard me scream with exitement at the news of the scan. Sagapo.
Hi Steve,
I am happy to see the "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" quote on your blog...I have that poster hanging in my office at work and it means even more to me now! As always, I (as well as the whole gilbaugh family and duane) have you in our thoughts and prayers. I shared your blog with the Cross Country coach at USC who has passed it on to his runners...you are truly inspirational!
Oh, my all time favorite pump up song is Britney Spear's "Stronger" for sure! :)
-Mary G.
Hi Steve,
Well, this is really embarrassing. I wrote my comment and tried to send it, like six times, and it just kept bringing up the word verification again and password. Then, I decided to register, duh! I just hope you haven't received the same comment five or six times!
OK, now I'm ready to do this again.
For all the bloggers out there, I am Jenny's Mom. I know you are surprised because she is so smart and I don't even know how to do a blog! Anyway, the first time I ever met Steve, I immediately liked him. Since then, we have had the opportunity to visit several times and he came with us on a family vacation last year. I don't know of a finer young man. He is so kind and considerate. I know all of you already know that. I mean, he does my dishes!
I already sent you a song, Steve, that I thought of when this all first came about. It is a song from our Church, and basically says that even though we suffer trials in our life, we have to remember the good things and "count our blessings". Knowing you has been a blessing in our life.
I love your comments and your wonderful sense of humor. I know what you are going through is not easy. You are a great example of courage to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
Love,
Joan
Kevin passed along the news to me just yesterday and all I can say is that it's a tough situation--very much like leaving for a run with two socks and returning with zero. Marisa and I have been thinking about and praying for you a lot. Keep the good news flowing.
I can neither confirm nor deny the alleged backyard shower incident.
John C.
My name may seem strange, but I have a blogger account for the randylions run blog...so bare with me. If you haven't seen Chad Vader go to youtube and look it up...it will definitely brighten your day or night! I just like to say my vote for a song is "The pointer sisters - I'm so excited"...you use to sing that before races! I also vote Econ news for the Headaches because they give me headaches everyday...when will our dollar not suck? maybe you can tell me when I come visit. That is great news you got! I like the idea now they can focus on the problem area! Gaining weight...hmmm....well I can tell you running a butt load of miles for a marathon doesn't make you look like my Govenator! maybe an alberto's burrito diet is what would work? My prayers are with you!
-Carlos
Hey Steve,
My thoughts and prayers have been with youu since I heard of your situation. Like my mom, I too liked you from the time I met you. Your a wonderful person, very genuine. Ever since I can remember I've been told that god will put no task before you that you can't handle. I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but keep your head up, stay strong and don't ever give up. In the meantime I'll put together a cd that can hopefully help you through this. If you need anything call me and I'll help you.
Love,
Chuck
Steve-O!!!
Los dropped me a line to check out your blog today and I was a bit taken back, but I know you'll make it through it.
You're a tough guy who could always endure more pain and pressure than most people I have ever met-- even these Rangers I serve with in the Army.
I would love to throw in some typical profane and inappropriate comments on your blog, but I fear that Brian and Paula might scold me or Kev will give me that look of superiority I remember. Additionally, I am not sure how it will be received on the blog, just like Frags and his awesome choice of music at Mikey's wedding—remember “I’ll make love to you”. Last time he ever gets the mic in my presence at a wedding.
Drop me a line sometime when you are feeling better, I would like to catch up. As “the Cavalry” always knew, I have never been very religious, but I feel the need to say a prayer for you tonight. Stay strong!!!
GD
“Guamdave, Dave Neilsen”
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