June Update
Steve is now 6+ weeks post-surgery. Recovery has been slow, not unexpected considering how severely compromised he had become in the months leading up to the surgery. With a real concerted effort, he has finally regained a little weight! Thanks for the many suggestions for and contributions of appetizing and nutritious meals and snacks.
While the removal of the colon mass has brought relief and an improved quality of life, the tumors in his liver have increased in size and number. Since his initial diagnosis, the extent of his liver metastases has precluded any form of surgical or ablative intervention, so two weeks ago he started on a new chemo drug (new for him and new as in getting FDA approval just last year). The upside is that so far the side effects have been relatively tolerable (fatigue mostly, some GI discomfort); the downside is that it’s reputed not to be very effective, merely slowing tumor growth rather than stopping it. But at this point it is the only conventional pharmacological intervention available to him, so we decided it was worth trying while we look into options for enrolling in a clinical trial investigating immunotherapy efficacy.
Meanwhile, Steve has been working from home and plans to return to his office at the university a couple of days this week. He played a music gig in Raleigh earlier in the month and has another one scheduled next month. He has enjoyed numerous visits from friends, family, colleagues and students over the past few weeks.
Thanks as always for taking the time to convey your thoughtful well wishes and kind words of support.
Comments (22)
Steve, Betsy, Ann Marion, Glad you are getting out occaisionally to gig Steve. Sending Lots of Love the way of The Wing Family From Di and I !!!!
Thanks always for these updates - we're thinking of Steve and you all, so it's good to hear how he's doing. Glad the side effects of the new drug aren't too bad. I'll plan to bring another meal over soon. My love to you.
Yes, your updates mean so much! And, Steve, you and your besieged body ROCK! What's the date of the next gig? Love, Jo
Dear Betsy, Ann, Marion, and Steve - Many thanks for the update, and congratulations on the progress. I was at the Epidemiology Congress of the Americas in Miami last week. I recorded audio from some of the presentations, in case they are of interest. I'll look forward to seeing Steve back in the department.
So glad to hear Steve is making progress. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Have a cousin here fighting the fight, as well. you are all in my heart and I wish you progress, love and above all...hope. This can be beaten, and I am keeping you all in my thoughts each and every night.
Thank you so much for this update. Steve and your whole family are in our daily thoughts. Love to you all.
Your Houston family loves you very much, Steve. We are thinking about you all the time and hugging you, Betsy, Annie, and Marion tight. Thank you for this update. -Chad, Anat, Noa and Ella -Adelle and Lee
Wonderful to hear of your courage and determination, Steve, and as a family. Rooting for you and sending positive vibes your way! Colin Soskolne
Thanks for checking in with the update. We love you all, and hold you in our thoughts. Big hugs! ...Sue, Bruce, Carmen and Janine
Thanks so much for the update, Steve, Betsy, Ann and Marion! We are sending our love and positive energy your way. You are one special guy, Steve!!!!
Betsy, thanks for the update. The holding action seems to be holding, and that's progress in the strange cancer world. I've been at several meetings lately where there's real excitement about immunotherapy. It would be wonderful if one of those treatments could work for Steve's cancer. I assume the Lineberger physicians will know about those trials but will check in with Steve when Andy and I meet with him this week. i think of you all often. Barbara
Thank you all for posting this update. I continue to send healing thoughts and energy to Steve and family. Mary Anne McDonald
Steve: I'm thinking of you from out here in Colorado. Had the opportunity recently to share some of your work on plutonium with a journalist from Britain who is interested in Rocky Flats. Hang in there. LeRoy
Always, always appreciate these updates. Thinking of you all and sending love.
Dear Steve, Your courage and grit are an inspiration for all of your friends and admirers at the CLF. I hope you continue to put more weight on and gain in strength. Bob
thanks for continuing to post these updates! Thinking of you, Steve, and sending many healing thoughts your way!
Very grateful for the update and we love picturing you playing your music and going into work! You inspire us and are in our thoughts daily. Nancy Raine and Steve Stevick.
Thanks for the updates, Steve and family. You are the first thing I read when I (occasionally) open my email! You are an inspiration in commitment and strength , Steve, for us all. Sending care and all goodness your way. Judy
Sending good thoughts your way. Jim Smith and Susan Kelemen
Dear Steve and Wing Family, Thank you for keeping us informed as we have been wondering how things are going. Happy to hear you are able to do some of the things you love-work and music ( when/where?) We would be delighted to bring a meal , a few books and give a hug. We are streaming positive energy in your direction at all times. We love you all, Kim and Lewie
Thinking of all of you. If you can, would you let us know the date/place/time of Steve's next gig? Love, Sherryl
Sending warm and healing thoughts your way, Steve and Betsy -- and to your entire family. Looks like you also have lots of great community support which is so helpful. Please add me to that list of people cheering you on. And yes, please let us know if/when another gig is planned.