This was taken by Jen over the weekend. I bought three books this weekend. Thanks for all the great recommendations. I hope to get to them all at some point.I had my last chemo treatment today! There was debate about whether or not to do it and if we should use the 5-FU. We decided to just do a small dose of Cisplatin and forgo the 5-FU since they think that's what wrecked my lips and neck. Also I only have five more days of radiation, so I can count down the days on one hand.
Steve
25 comments:
It's the final countdown! Make sure that you watch Shaq's appearance as a Sun on Wednesday! I love you!
Good picture and a nice reading spot. It was tough going back to work today after being in Tucson for four days, but it makes for a short week and then back down. I thought you'd be feeling pretty wiped out today so was surprised to see the post. Might as well take advantage of this time to read since after this is over it'll be back to research and writing. Another reason to get that mosaic stepping stone done, so if you feel the calling start piecing out how you want it to look. I left it on the table. I love and miss you. Mudge
home stretch. i cant believe it.
love you.
linds
Steven -
A couple of quotes from Animal House:
Dean Wormer: "The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me."
Otter: "The issue here is not whether we broke a few rules, or took a few liberties with our female party guests - we did."
You're in the home stretch, son. Greg
Well, I have not posted yet because I am with Steve nearly every day and I have the pleasure of talking to him all the time and he has the pleasure of giving me the thumbs up or thumbs down in response. We have actually become very efficient at non-verbal communication. Steve has special hand signals for such things as when he wants to walk to the hospital and when it is ok to stop at Jamba Juice on the way back. Neither of us have ever been accused of talking for the sake of talking so I think we have been pretty much content with communication as it has developed.
However, there were two things that happened today that encouraged me to jump on the blog. The first was Steve's description of their living quarters at the Sacramento track meet. The second was that after a very difficult, full day of Dr's. appointments, Steve suggested that we go on a very long walk this evening in the Catalina foothills.
First to the acommodations at cross country and track meets: I didn't witness the acommodations in Sacramento, but I will never forget the motel the team stayed at in Eugene for the Oregon Invitational. My father and I were staying at a nice place and made arrangements to meet Steve and the Team the day before the Race. Steve told us that he was staying at "BJ's Comfort Inn" (not making that up) We followed Steve's directions, but were convinced that we were lost when we travelled through a very industrialized part of Eugene. BJ's was a run down 15 unit motel. The team had about 5 rooms and the others were rented by those paying by the week. The occupant of the room next to Steve's had his Chevelle up on jack stands and was talking about "pulling the tranney". My dad wanted Steve to come back and stay at our place, but Steve made the right decision to stay with the team. Without regard to the acommodations, Steve had a great 10,000 meter race on the same track that Prefontaine scorched in the 1970's. I believe that Steve's school record for that event still holds. If I'm wrong, don't tell me.
As for the walk: Today was a very difficult day. Steve started at 8:00 this morning and we expected that he would quickly return to the house and sleep until the afternoon's radiation. Instead, we went non-stop and didn't get back to the house until after 3:00. I really expected Steve to go to bed and get up sometime this evening. Steve actually read until about 5:30 and then suggested that we go for a walk. I thought that, given how Steve has felt, we would go for a block or two and return. A couple of times I asked Steve if he wanted to turn around and in response he gave me the hand sign to keep going. That small gesture really signifies how Steve has pursued his quest to get better. No matter what is asked of him, he has done that and more. Every day he amazes me with his combination of determination and kind and gentle heart. Every day is difficult and every day something seems to go wrong, yet Steve is always a pleasure to be around. Six months ago, I would have told you that it was not possible to love Steve more than I loved him, but I have found that my love for Steve and my family has grown greatly.
Thank all of you for all the things that you have done to help us get through this difficult time. We truly feel your love every day. - tom
Steve,
(Really Tom and Jean... I apologize, I too was mortified and yet Steve handled it so well.... including a post school record setting race bath that landed him in the parking lot).
Yes. I booked the rooms in Eugene, and yes, we did hear Ruben's commotion in Sacramento, and of course Guam Dave cannot hide a thing, but really was any accommodation better than Pine Street, Batavia, IL?????
Brian and I weren't suppose to start a track team so we just worked our way through the chaos and you managed to embrace the uncertainty and almost always stayed positive. You always ran your best when you didn't think too much about it.
Can't keep up with the movies, although I'm tempted to suggest "Hey Victor...."
Now back to books.... you and the Dude and Lydia and Kelly were the only ones interested in talking books on road trips. Your Dad's post keeps me returning to the Old Man and the Sea. While Hemingway certainty had his issues, Santiago's grace under pressure is what I've always observed in you.
After this is all done, and you are well beyond hospitals, I recommend what I am currently reading, "Better," by Atul Awande.
A few weeks ago when you had to take a break, I marked a passage that I meant to send to you. It's in a chapter called, On Fighting: "In the end, no guidelines can tell us what we have power over and what we don't. In the face of uncertainty, wisdom is to err on the side of pushing, to not give up."It seems as if you have found this balance. You're almost finished, and we can't wait to see you in Seattle!
Paula
Tom
Your post made me very emotional, it was simply great. Having the chance to get to know people of strong determination in facing challenges, supporting and loving others is, I think, a great part of what makes this life worth living. Through his experience and this blog Steve helped a lot of us getting to know him better, connecting with eachother, share love and hope, and yes, brighten our day with energy and a sense of purpose, if Steve can do it, I can do too whatever my mundane thing is and even more, the fight is worthwile. Thanks Steve! I can't wait to see you back in the department working hard as you always do.
Hi Steve, I am so happy that your treatments are about to end!! May this be the end to them and to your cancer. Before you know it you will be eating away to your heart's content. I sure do love you very much. God bless you. Love, Aunt Diane
Tombo: You had me laughing out load describing the "BJ's Confort Inn" and the weekly tenent who was talking 'bout pulling the tranney out of his Chavelle. I can just see it so vividly. What a great memory.
Hang in their Moke. Thinking about you all the time.
HI Baby,
Sorry for the "pause" of my blogging, but I was having a few medical probelms, and also helping Mary Beth and Danny finish the final steps in preparation for the newest member of our great family,
I have a book suggestion, it is "The Gold Coast" by Nelson Demille. I read it about 10 years ago, I don't remember much about the book or story, except laughing out loud while reading.
I think Billy came up with the movie quotes, so I would participate, which might stop me from quoting Mother Teresa. There is no way I could ever compete with Billy, Danny, but most importantly the Wackman in this activity. Patrick, I'm sure you could type for pages on this one.
I am so happy to hear that you are feeling somewhat better, and you can now see the finish line. You have brought together such a wonderful group of people. I feel like I know some of the folks, even though I may not have met them. But that's our Steven...kind, gentle, caring, strong, competive and smart. A winning combination for attracting so many friends.
I also commend and admire your dear soulmate Jenny. I never met anyone quite like her. When I say my prayers every night, I thank God that Jenny is in your life. So the movie quote that I have is "You had me at hello".
Jenny, thanks so much for being the love of Steven's life, and maintaining your humor, smile, loving manner through such difficult times. You have certainly made a huge difference in Steven's life.
I don't want to get too emotional here, but your Dad, my big brother, has hurt when your hurt, has cried when you cried, has pulled you up, and walked with you figurtively and literally. I see so much of Poppie in the way your Dad has displayed his unconditional love for you. I have prayed just as much for him as I have for you.
Mudge, what can I say about you mom? Working all week and going down to Tucson every weekend. Her faith and love for you and her family are something I so admire. Her upbeat attitude, when the rest of us are feeling down. Her working all day, picking up Breadie taking him to his Lacoste game, dropping him off ahd heading to every store looking for Valentine treats for Ryan, that she just found out she needed-with a smile on her face.
Amie and Rye Breadie, accepting a very different lifestyle, and doing it with such grace and poise-and always supporting, you, Jenny, your Dad, and Mom.
You have an amazing family....no doubt where you get so many of your attributes. I love you all so much, and admire you all for what you have done.
For all the support of your extended family, Moochie making sure your Mom, Dad, and Jenny have "a good dinner". Her Sundays are filled with cooking and baking, and what joy she has when your Dad calls and says that he and Jenny really enjoyed what she cooked.
I beleive that all bad things happen for a reason, and in the end bring, bring good things. I am so sorry, you have to go through all this, but sometime when your having a bad time, start from the beginning and read all the comments made on this blog-you have to feel good about all the people you've brought together and how much you are loved.
I'll love you forever. Jenny, Tom, Jean, Amie and Breadie, thanks so much for taking care of my sweet nephew.
P.S. The only negative thing about this whole ordeal, is the extended family may have to learn your own version of "body talking" in order to communicate with you Dad.
Where is wacky on the movie quotes?
So glad the end is in sight...
Love you
Patrick King present yourself!!!
Good one Lynn!!!!
Hi Baby Doll,
Just wanted to say good night and sleep tight. This is the first night in a long time that I am going to bed with a smile on my face....I'm sure my prayers will be easier tonight. Let's hope and pray for another good days....
Love you forever!
P.S. Patrick you are embarrassing the King family.....we certainly know you have it in you.....lol
Patrick redeemed himself on the other blog.....sorry honey, I knew you would pull through in a crunch...but how about Tommy Boy....the sailing trip, and room service....please????
No book suggestions from me because my literature these days consists of Parenting Magazine, What to Expect When you are Expecting, Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay and Other Things I Learned as a Mother, (thanks to Linds, it is actually quite entertaining) but regardless, I thought I would just send a little note to let you know we think about you all the time and are praying for this to be over for you. The end is in sight and that is comforting for all of us. Keep fighting the good fight and know how many are fighting with you!
Mary D.
Hey Baby,
Just getting ready to read a little before I fall asleep, but wanted to let you know I am counting down the days with you. I am so proud of you honey...you have no idea. Hope you feel like a great big Jamba Juice tomorrow.
Take care, love you forever!
Aunt Lynnie
Hi Baby,
Today's Friday and the finish line is within sight. Keep up....we are all pulling and cheering for you....
Love Aut Lynnie
Moke -
One of my favorite scenes from Kindpin is when Roy's landlady gives him a gallon of whiskey to thank him for supposedly thwarting a mugger saying, "Roy, I know how you like to drink . . ."
Hope you're feeling better, or will be soon. You're gettin there, senor. Greg
Hey Steven,
When this is over,where would you like to celebrate? Just two more days!! I've heard you have had a rough couple days, I just can't imagine what you are going through but my heart aches. I think about you all day, everyday and pray each day is better then the last. I feel so helpless. Please God, may the next two treatments be easier.
Hey Babe,
I know this has been an extremely difficult week for you. When I say I can relate to your feelings of frustrations and defeat, please know that I certainly realize that your situation is far more intense than mine, but I nontheless, had similiar reactions to the whole experience. I know the feeling of desperation at wondering how life could ever possibly be the same. I listened with reservations as friends and family urged me to fight on, but I knew that it was going to be up to me to dig down deep and come up with courage to convince myself that I was mentally stonger than this disease. It was at that point, that my struggle became a challenge. A challenge to see my treatment through, a challenge to understand that hair was just that...hair, and that the nausea and discomfort was going to pass.
I have shared a story with several people in the last several weeks,regarding the completion of my radiation. For 28 days at the end of each treatment, when I left, the staff had me pull the string on this bell that was situated just outside the treatment room. On the 29th day of treatment, which would be my last, I walked out of the radiation room to the halls lined with all the techs, nurses, doctors and other patients clapping. One of the techs approached me and said "Mary, today you get to ring the bell twice." I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment I felt that day.
We will be lined up, maybe not in a hallway at a Tucson medical center, but certainly down in Phoenix, and in many other cities with your supporters and those that that love you so very much,imagining you ringing that bell twice.
Challenge met...
Steve,
I am so happy your treatments are coming to an end.Congratulations on all your hard work and dedication, and to do what it took to cure your disease!!
Thanks again for creating your blog..I have laughed and I have cried..I feel I know your fmaily so mcuh better, and feel blessed to know so many of them.
I have learned what a special, bright, and talented young man you are.
You are indeed surrounded by wonderful people who love you so much.
Keep up the good work. Be happy, be healthy...and may God continue to bless you with all that is good.
L'Jeane
Prayers that you can continue to heal and that you have beat this... It has been a long fight and you have been a big inspiration to alot of us.
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