September Update
Steve's CT scan and lab work this week showed what we had begun to suspect, that the liver tumors have increased (significantly so) in size and number, so clearly the chemo he had been on was not working and thus it’s been discontinued. He has limited options at this point. The clinical trial we've been looking towards still has not opened, and even then Steve is #5 on the waiting list. There is another maintenance type oral chemo drug out there with a record of limited effectiveness and worse side effects than the one he just got off. Not a promising or appealing option, but he’s willing to give it a try if it will buy him enough time to get into the clinical trial. Meanwhile, it will be a few weeks until he can start on the new chemo, so Steve will be off treatment until later this month, and it could be several weeks before there’s any news regarding his eligibility for the trial.
In spite of his declining health and energy, Steve amazes and inspires all who witness him as he continues working, playing music and staying engaged in life with a spirit that keeps shining.
Comments (22)
Dear Steve, Betsy, Ann and Marion, thank you for sharing this disappointing news. Such news is hard to get and share. I'm sad for you all and all of us that the chemo is not working and hope the clinical trial will open and be a blockbuster treatment. i am moved by Steve's tenacity for impact. A few weeks ago, we walked across campus, and his commitment, willingness and doggedness in doing that were nothing short of inspirational, only matched by his tenacity in working for the values and outcomes he has worked and fought for over an impressive career. Thinking of you all. Barbara Rimer
Dear Steve, Betsy, Ann and Marion. Thank you for letting us know this news. The ineffectiveness of the chemo is such disturbing news. We are all hoping for the the next treatments to be effective. Reading of Steve's love for life and his joyful and dedicated engagement is not surprising - this is Steve, a wonderful man. And of course, the loving support he gets from Betsy, Ann, and Marion and the rest of the family helps him stay engaged. Sending hugs and love - Craig Slatin
Thank you for letting us know this disappointing news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are pulling for your inclusion in a clinical trial. Your strength inspires hope. Oceans of love to each of you. Kim and Lewie
I am so sorry to hear this news. It seems that this is one tough cancer that doesn't want to let go of Steve. I pray that you find a treatment that can turn it around, or the courage to continue to deal with this immense challenge. I love Barbara's comment and so agree with his contributions and tenacity. Love to all.
Dear Steve, Betsy, Ann, and Marion..... thanks for keeping us all in this really really hard loop. So sorry that the present chemo was not successful. Steve your MO is nothing short of Amazing, but that's your Love of Life and Family, Music and work... We Love You Brother, we wish you pain free comfort, and a chance to get into those Clinical Trials..... You have such a Loving and dedicated support team in your Family and Friends. So much Love to the whole crew.... Scotty and Diane
Go Steve, GO! I am in Rome at ISEE. We are rooting for you to keep doing all that you do! We do hope to welcome you back for next year in Sydney, Australia! Regardless, your example remains with us, but having you here to help keep us all on track would be most welcome! Thanks to your family and for these updates. With my very best wishes!
Hi Betsy and Wing family...this is so sad to know! I hope you all will get the strength to pass through this ordeal. Stand strong together! you know you can count on me always!
Hi Steve, Sorry about the failure of your recent drug therapy. Keep on trucking until you can become enrolled in the forthcoming trial. Glad your attitude is so great. Hope you can continue to enjoy your music and research. See you soon as we are returning to Chapel Hill from our vacation in Maine. Our thoughts are with you. Best wishes, John
Thank you for the post, Betsy! My associations with Steve over the last month have astounded me. He is as brilliant, savvy, and driven to bring justice to this world as ever. His music is moving and soothing. Clearly, he sources his energy through his strong and enduring spirit, and the loving care of his wonderful family. The circumstances of his physical body do not stop him! Carry on, Steve and family. We're holding out hope for the clinical trial!
Darn Steve! Your work and resolve is an inspiration to us all. I hope you're able to do whatever it takes to get into that clinical trial. But in the meantime, be sure to have fun!
Steve: I'm amazed at your stamina in the face of technical failures lie those described. That you continue with work and music and enjoying your life is remarkable. Know that I'm pulling for you. LeRoy
We are sending you all much love and hope! Thank you so much for the strength and courage you have all shown through Steve's illness! Aaron & Mary
Dear Steve, Betsy, Ann and Marion, Our thoughts and love are with you. Jim Smith and Susan Kelemen
So much love and hope pouring down upon you. So much inspiration pouring down on us! Love, Jo
Dear Steve, This latest news saddens me, and I hope you have an opportunity to participate in the trial of a new treatment. Your courage and tenacity inspire me and you are for all of us a model of grace and dignity in the face of adversity. With admiration and love, Bob
Dear Steve, Betsy, Ann and Marion: Thank you for keeping us updated. We continue to pray for you and send healing energy to you. You are an inspiration to us all, Steve. God bless you.
Dear Steve, It's hard to believe it has been about a year and a half since you got the news of this illness. What a miracle! May the love and prayers of your family and friends continue to support and strengthen you as you have supported us with your example and encouragement. We wish you comfort and health for as long as possible! With love, Kim, Sam, Timothy and Cecilia
Dearest Steve (and Wing fans) - I'm sure there is frustration and fatigue from the many months of doctor visits, treatments, waiting for 'news.' Thank you for using any extra reserves of energy to keep us informed and updated. We are moving through this together. Sending lots of love and admiration from Washington State. Stephanie, Peter, and Sampson
To Steve and family: Please keep playing music, enjoying life and your family to the fullest extent that you can and hopefully a new and useful treatment will be available for you soon. I am confident that you will devote all your energies to healing and send my best to all of you. A luta continua!!!! Eduardo
Steve and family so sorry to hear of this recent road block. Steve you are such a strong fighter and amazing person and have such a great loving family. I am praying that something will come along speedily for treatment. Keep smiling, enjoying your family and music, much love Lisa
Wings - So sorry to hear this disappointing news. We're thinking of you lots and hoping hoping hoping that Steve gets into the trial. Lots of love, Emily
Dear Steve and Family, We're thinking of you, sending positive vibes for this trial to open soon, and wishing you as much joy as possible with your family, friends and music in this incredibly difficult time. Love, Stephanie & Larry Engel