August update
Earlier this month Steve completed the prescribed 6 months/12 cycles of what is considered very aggressive chemotherapy (for those of you familiar with this stuff it was FOLFIRI + BEV). As is standard at the 6 month mark, the most toxic of the 4 drug mix was dropped in order to, among other things, give his body a break. This new regimen is known as “maintenance” therapy. He continues to go to the hospital every other week to be infused with two of the drugs, then he wears a pump home which infuses the third drug over the next 46 hours. So in essence his chemo schedule is the same, just minus one drug. He has already noticed fewer and less debilitating side effects on the new regimen and is very happy about that!
We were disappointed to learn today that yesterday’s CT scan showed no further reduction in either the colon mass or metastatic liver tumors from three months ago. Had there been significant reduction, surgery might have been an option for eradicating the remaining cancer, but as it is he’ll have to rely on chemo as his primary means of intervention. So the plan for now is to stay on maintenance therapy for as long as it works to inhibit tumor regrowth.
Meanwhile, Steve is feeling pretty good. To look at him, interact with him, you’d never guess what he’s dealing with. He is working full-time, is actively involved in environmental justice issues, is playing regular music gigs, and is staying physically active with projects around his home, including playing with his toddler grandchildren.
We continue to feel grateful for your ongoing care, love and support. Thank you!
Comments (16)
Love you Steve! Thanks for the updates ladies, he's blessed to have such a special crew surrounding him! Hugs from your Kentucky family!
Thanks for sharing this with us. Sitting here in the beautiful, golden, late summer light this morning, thinking about all of you and your love for each other. Sending my love too, and healing thoughts for Steve.
Thank you all for the update. Up here in the Boston area the nights have been a little cooler and the Carolina Wrens are singing their songs in the early morning sunlight. They call to me to think of Steve throughout the day and to send love and healing energy. I appreciate all the Carolina reminders and updates. craig
Thanks for the update ladies. Thinking of you Steve. I can picture you pounding on your drums at the recent gigs! I'm missing the whole Wing crew's smiles, laughter, and missing Chatham! Sending all our love from Africa and the southern hemisphere. Much love, Hailey & Zach
Steve and all: Sounds like you're doing well, Steve, given the circumstances. I admire your tenacity. Sorry to learn that the cancer isn't reduced, and hope that continuing the chemo proves helpful. I'm encouraged to learn that you're working away in the midst of all this. I think of you, even mention your name as one of the teachers about the difficult truth re. plutonium. By the way, if Bob Del Tredici is not on the list to receive these notices, I think he'd like to be. Good wishes to you and all, LeRoy
Ah finally, I have been waiting for an update..... thanks so much for sharing w/us..... Always our Love in the form of thought, prayer, meditation is coming Your way Steve and Wing Family.... Gratitude for life in all it's forms is a Great Healer.... Much Love, Gratitude, Healing....... Scotty & Diane
Hi Wings - Sorry to hear that there was no further reduction but on the bright side, it sounds like you've halted the tumors in their tracks, which is good news. Stay strong, Steve! See you guys at C. Grace on Tuesday.
Thanks so much for this update. So much to deal with. Steve's drive to continue work and music is inspiring. Only our best wishes to you all, A&M
The New England Zaumseils have been thinking about you all and hoping for positive news. Please know that we think of you often and are sending positive vibes your way! Love, Dorothy and Kristen
I, too, am thinking of all of you, and sending my love. Cat
So glad you are able to remain engaged with work, music and all Steve. NAACL is moving forward thanks to you and your peers. Best wishes to you and family.
Music, EJ, and twin toddlers are healing salves. I'm glad you have each other. You're always on our mind. Stephanie, Sampson, and Peter
Dear Wings, really good to have current news from you all- it sounds like you are definitely holding your own Steve, and your work and play spirit are in full swing ! one of our good family friends just started at American in DC in Environmental Justice, I told her you were "the man", maybe some day she can talk to you. Would love to see you all soon and sending love to the whole Wing clan, Jan, Benny and Sky.
I always feel grateful to hear how your family embraces your recovery giving me hope. Will be in Chatham more often this fall would love to see you and Betsy.
Hey Wing Family! Thanks for sharing this update (and all the updates!). DAMN that the tumor isn't ready to be taken out completely, but in time hopefully it will! Great to hear you're enjoying life, that's what it's all about !!!! We all have limited time on this Earth, and I am so motivated to see you, Steve, taking life by the horns. Love you all more than words can say. Keep up the good fight and let's boogie!!
Steve, You are blessed to have such a supportive family. I know I speak for all of your friends at the CLF when I send you best wishes for a good outcome with this shift to maintenance chemotherapy. Your work in NC on environmental justice issues continues to inspire us. Bob