2010 is upon us. My thoughts today are of hope and joy AND the future. 2 days ago, I celebrated 2years of survival post original diagnosis and surgery of Glioblastoma Multiforme. I have survived 2 surgeries and have begun treatment post 2nd surgery. Treatment is going well. We will get an idea how successful it is in Late January at my next MRI.
So what is in the picture for me in 2010? As Jimmy Buffett put it best in 2008, it's "THE YEAR OF STILL HERE!" I am feeling great and I am anxious to get back to work! I am sick and tired of thinking about Cancer! I am looking forward to a year free of hospital stays!
2009 What a year! The year began with a bang in business, with Jeff and I commuting back and forth to Minneapolis for a big project. From there, we decided to add another consulting practice to our company. It got to be a little challenging as we ended the year, from my tumor recurrence, surgery and recovery, to my brother's Prostate Cancer surgery and reovery.
It was a crazy end to the year, but oh do I have alot to be thankful for.
1. I am still here and feeling great! The fight continues.
2. My brother Kevin is doing fantastic and all the tests have been clear!God Bless!
3. Business is looking up significantly after a slow end of 2009.
As I look into 2010 I am excited for what tomorrow brings. No matter what comes, I know that with the support of my amazing family and friends I will get through it, but most importantly I will continue to live life!
I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous 2010. Make it a great year!
Peace & Love
Steve
PEACE OUT for 2009!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Released from Rehab
Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Yesterday I was completely discharged from Outpatient rehab. I was slated to have to do 8 weeks, but did so well, (and I whined a lot) that they officially discharged me from therapy yesterday. I had been going 2 times per week to Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy.
I need to thank my team at Van Matre Rehab hospital in Rockford. They were honestly fantastic. From my Core team during my two weeks of inpatient therapy; Fran who helped me get out of bed and relearn balance in Occupational Therapy to Donna who kept me laughing in Physical Therapy to Emily who helped me think straight again. Thank you. Without them, I would still be the blubbering mess I was after surgery. I also want to thank my outpatient team for challenging me and helping me reach the recovery goals! Thanks go out to Marla, whose weekly homework kept my brain firing neurons, Becky in PT for making PT fun, to everyone else I worked with Bev, Aaron, etc. You are all fantastic!
Now I am able to focus on the joy of the Christmas season. I am excited to spend tomorrow and Friday with family!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support and prayers over the last 2 years.
YEP THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS. Sunday, I reach my own mini holiday miracle 2 years post diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme! Still alive and kicking!! I must have been a good boy this year! Santa gave me everything I wanted...My health and a wife, Kim, who has been there through everything, done everything for me and been more supportive than I deserve. It is truly a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Peace to you and your families this holiday season!
I need to thank my team at Van Matre Rehab hospital in Rockford. They were honestly fantastic. From my Core team during my two weeks of inpatient therapy; Fran who helped me get out of bed and relearn balance in Occupational Therapy to Donna who kept me laughing in Physical Therapy to Emily who helped me think straight again. Thank you. Without them, I would still be the blubbering mess I was after surgery. I also want to thank my outpatient team for challenging me and helping me reach the recovery goals! Thanks go out to Marla, whose weekly homework kept my brain firing neurons, Becky in PT for making PT fun, to everyone else I worked with Bev, Aaron, etc. You are all fantastic!
Now I am able to focus on the joy of the Christmas season. I am excited to spend tomorrow and Friday with family!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support and prayers over the last 2 years.
YEP THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS. Sunday, I reach my own mini holiday miracle 2 years post diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme! Still alive and kicking!! I must have been a good boy this year! Santa gave me everything I wanted...My health and a wife, Kim, who has been there through everything, done everything for me and been more supportive than I deserve. It is truly a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Peace to you and your families this holiday season!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Treatment SUCCESS!
Ok, so Wednesday we headed back up to the Great White North aka UW Madison. Got blood checked as usual and met with Dr. Robins. The new treatment is Avastin. It is not a "Chemo" Cancer fighting but a Cancer fighting drug that goes after the tumors ability to grow blood vessels. Without blood vessels to feed the Cancer, it Dies. Avastin has been around for awhile and has been proven to extend GBM patients life longer than Avastin with a Chemo agent together. Kim and I are happy with the choice of treatment. The first treatment was an infusion via IV over 90 minutes. It is now Sunday and I have had absolutely NO bad side effects! YAH! My schedule is set. I have to go up to Madison ever other Wednesday for an infusion, but in the future the infusion will only take 60 minutes or less. In addition, I will have MRIs every 8 weeks.
Now, for the good stuff. Kim and I are officially on our annual vacation with our good friends. Kim and I and the Schindlers and Drectrahs landed in SAN JUAN yesterday bound for Royal Carribbean "Adventure of the Seas" for 7 days of relaxation and LAUGHTER! Left Chicago 23 degrees and landed to 90 degrees. Life is Good!
PEACE
Now, for the good stuff. Kim and I are officially on our annual vacation with our good friends. Kim and I and the Schindlers and Drectrahs landed in SAN JUAN yesterday bound for Royal Carribbean "Adventure of the Seas" for 7 days of relaxation and LAUGHTER! Left Chicago 23 degrees and landed to 90 degrees. Life is Good!
PEACE
Friday, November 27, 2009
I'm Baaaaack!
I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving day and ate entirely too much like I did. I also hope that you were able to share thanks for all of the good things in our lives. As you saw with my last post, I had even more than normal to be thankful for this year. The unbelievable emergency response team from UW who literally saved my life on Wednesday was obviously on the top of my list. :) Those nurses and doctors were amazing and they definitely showed up in force. How do you thank people who literally saved your life? Thanks doesn't really seem to be enough! But THANK YOU! :) Now it may seem like I am lingering on this issue/event but it has had a profound impact on me. I have had 2 Crainiotomies and have not been that scared nor that close to death in my life. To say it scared the s....t out of me would be an understatement of the century. It has reignited more than ever the fire in me to BEAT THIS DAMN DISEASE!
So, I am eating like a horse and gaining back the weight that I lost in the hospital. I feel fantastic and am recovering from the post surgery impairments quickly!
We have a new plan as Kim wrote in the last post. We go up on Wednesday to see Dr. Ian. The plan is to begin a different course of treatment, Avastin. I will learn more about it on Wednesday, but it is an established treatment for GBM Recurrences. To say that I am not scared of receiving a new drug after my last reaction would be a lie, but with the help of my AWESOME WIFE, I have decided to "MAN UP" and go get this damn disease.I hope you all have a fabulous rest of this holiday weekend. As always, I welcome your thoughts and embrace your prayers as I KNOW they are working.
Peace Out!
Steve
So, I am eating like a horse and gaining back the weight that I lost in the hospital. I feel fantastic and am recovering from the post surgery impairments quickly!
We have a new plan as Kim wrote in the last post. We go up on Wednesday to see Dr. Ian. The plan is to begin a different course of treatment, Avastin. I will learn more about it on Wednesday, but it is an established treatment for GBM Recurrences. To say that I am not scared of receiving a new drug after my last reaction would be a lie, but with the help of my AWESOME WIFE, I have decided to "MAN UP" and go get this damn disease.I hope you all have a fabulous rest of this holiday weekend. As always, I welcome your thoughts and embrace your prayers as I KNOW they are working.
Peace Out!
Steve
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Treatment begins....kinda
How did treatment go you ask, oh if only you knew? Its Kim writing on Steve's behalf, he is okay just tired.
So we got up early this morning and headed up North, thankfully the car knows the way so she just heads the right direction. Things started out smoothly, had a quick quality of life questionnaire, did some final prep tests etc. I think Steve is tired of the ECG process and the stick on things.
The plan was to get the CP322, 100 mL over one hour via IV infusion. Sounds easy enough. Start time was 11:01...End time was 11:03. Not quite an hour. Just after starting the infusion Steve coughed a bit and said he wasn't feeling so good, the fabulous nurse, Tamara, and I just thought he was going to hurl no big deal. She shut off the IV pretty close to immediately, thank God. Steve got quite red and warm, one thing led to another and his blood pressure dropped. The worst set of numbers I heard was 54/31, it was hard to keep up as they called a "medical response team" and there were pretty close to 2 dozen really good medical people tending to Steve, and in true Steve fashion, in the midst of all of it, he looks up and asks "do you think we could get a few more people in here?"
After a couple giant bags of saline were speedily put in via IV and a total of 4 (2 were put in for the treatment, 2 additional ones were put in in case of need) IV ports put in him, things improved. Original plan was he was going to stay in the hospital overnight as they wanted to monitor him. They ran another ECG to see if it showed anything and everyone went off to discuss labs, tests, the new plan etc.
Well, a chest x-ray and CT scan came back normal (some good news), and Ian found out that this particular medication has had this reaction in other trial members. It was decided that Steve didn't need to stay overnight in the hospital so he came back to the hotel w/ me. Yeah.
So what's next? We will not be trying this medication again, not worth the risk. We are going to go with a medication Steve had read about a while back, Avastin. This will start on Wednesday next week. We are hopeful things will go well. This is a drug that has been used previously so it has a track record and they kind of know what to expect from it.
At this point, we don't know really how to feel. It is crazy scary to start this next treatment as it is similar in nature to the one we started/tried to start today. But it is crazy scary to put off treatment. But, today’s team of medical professionals reacted beautifully to the crisis and that makes me feel better. At least if something goes funky I know they know what to do.
All in all, believe it or not, things aren't that bad. We definitely have reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving!! We are super grateful to the doctors and nurses in Madison and those we have in Rockford. As well, neither of us knows how we would get through all of this without the love and support of all of you. Thank you so very much for all of the good thoughts and prayers you have sent this way, they really did their thing today.
This Thanksgiving, know that we give double thanks for all of you and wish you all time to enjoy your families and relax!!
So we got up early this morning and headed up North, thankfully the car knows the way so she just heads the right direction. Things started out smoothly, had a quick quality of life questionnaire, did some final prep tests etc. I think Steve is tired of the ECG process and the stick on things.
The plan was to get the CP322, 100 mL over one hour via IV infusion. Sounds easy enough. Start time was 11:01...End time was 11:03. Not quite an hour. Just after starting the infusion Steve coughed a bit and said he wasn't feeling so good, the fabulous nurse, Tamara, and I just thought he was going to hurl no big deal. She shut off the IV pretty close to immediately, thank God. Steve got quite red and warm, one thing led to another and his blood pressure dropped. The worst set of numbers I heard was 54/31, it was hard to keep up as they called a "medical response team" and there were pretty close to 2 dozen really good medical people tending to Steve, and in true Steve fashion, in the midst of all of it, he looks up and asks "do you think we could get a few more people in here?"
After a couple giant bags of saline were speedily put in via IV and a total of 4 (2 were put in for the treatment, 2 additional ones were put in in case of need) IV ports put in him, things improved. Original plan was he was going to stay in the hospital overnight as they wanted to monitor him. They ran another ECG to see if it showed anything and everyone went off to discuss labs, tests, the new plan etc.
Well, a chest x-ray and CT scan came back normal (some good news), and Ian found out that this particular medication has had this reaction in other trial members. It was decided that Steve didn't need to stay overnight in the hospital so he came back to the hotel w/ me. Yeah.
So what's next? We will not be trying this medication again, not worth the risk. We are going to go with a medication Steve had read about a while back, Avastin. This will start on Wednesday next week. We are hopeful things will go well. This is a drug that has been used previously so it has a track record and they kind of know what to expect from it.
At this point, we don't know really how to feel. It is crazy scary to start this next treatment as it is similar in nature to the one we started/tried to start today. But it is crazy scary to put off treatment. But, today’s team of medical professionals reacted beautifully to the crisis and that makes me feel better. At least if something goes funky I know they know what to do.
All in all, believe it or not, things aren't that bad. We definitely have reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving!! We are super grateful to the doctors and nurses in Madison and those we have in Rockford. As well, neither of us knows how we would get through all of this without the love and support of all of you. Thank you so very much for all of the good thoughts and prayers you have sent this way, they really did their thing today.
This Thanksgiving, know that we give double thanks for all of you and wish you all time to enjoy your families and relax!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
treatment planned
Ok, so I apologize for taking so long to post, but recovery from surgery has been a little more difficult than planned. After leaving the hospital, I spent two weeks at Van Matre Rehabilitation Hospital for Physical and Occupational Therapy. They kept me hopping with 3 hours of therapy per day. It was tough, but I made it through and was released last Friday to come home! Yeah.
So yesterday we went up to visit dem smart doctors in Madison. After another MRI, by the way, I only need one more to fill up my punch card :,) had a nice lunch with Kim and then we met with Dr. Robbins, the Neuro-oncologist. Had a great talk with him and decided on a plan of attack for treatment.
Because of the type and aggressiveness of the tumor (Glioblastoma Multiforme), we chose an aggressive course of treatment. What we chose was to join another clinical trial for "Veg F Inhibitors" - a type of Chemotherapy . I will be getting IV Infusion treatment once a week in Madison. The treatment will take 4-6 hours for the first "cycle" each "cycle" is four weeks. This will continue for as long as it is working, up to 12 months and they will monitor it constantly. We are hoping to start this within the next two weeks.
Although this is not our ideal choice, it fits with our motto "It is what it is' and that we will continue to fight this disease with everything I have! So even though I am scared of the new treatment, I truly believe in my doctors and KNOW we have made the best decision possible.
On a side, yet fun note, being in the clinical trial will save my insurance company more than a Million $. Do you think I will get a thank you card from them? Me either. I will update the blog more often once the treatments start.
Thank you fo your thoughts and prayers and as always...
PEACE OUT!!
So yesterday we went up to visit dem smart doctors in Madison. After another MRI, by the way, I only need one more to fill up my punch card :,) had a nice lunch with Kim and then we met with Dr. Robbins, the Neuro-oncologist. Had a great talk with him and decided on a plan of attack for treatment.
Because of the type and aggressiveness of the tumor (Glioblastoma Multiforme), we chose an aggressive course of treatment. What we chose was to join another clinical trial for "Veg F Inhibitors" - a type of Chemotherapy . I will be getting IV Infusion treatment once a week in Madison. The treatment will take 4-6 hours for the first "cycle" each "cycle" is four weeks. This will continue for as long as it is working, up to 12 months and they will monitor it constantly. We are hoping to start this within the next two weeks.
Although this is not our ideal choice, it fits with our motto "It is what it is' and that we will continue to fight this disease with everything I have! So even though I am scared of the new treatment, I truly believe in my doctors and KNOW we have made the best decision possible.
On a side, yet fun note, being in the clinical trial will save my insurance company more than a Million $. Do you think I will get a thank you card from them? Me either. I will update the blog more often once the treatments start.
Thank you fo your thoughts and prayers and as always...
PEACE OUT!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Boyz from Texas!!!
What a great surprise!!! Steve got a visit from the Texas boyz tonight, they have a meeting coming up in Chicago and made the drive from O'Hare to the rehab joint to visit. What a great treat!! I finally got to meet the two guys that I have heard so much about but best of all, their arrival brought about one of the famous Steve smiles. I'm sure you have seen one or two of them.
Other than Steve apparently spending the majority of the day trying to negotiate his release things have been going well. He has been working on Sudoku puzzles the past couple days. I have been somewhat hooked on them for the past several months and Steve tried a couple prior to the surgery, it is a really good brain workout. He brought a couple puzzle books with him and he and the speech therapist have been doing them. I blame my friend Jo for getting me hooked on them but if it helps Steve with his "executive function" that's great. He is still a bit focused on that. I do believe it is getting better each day.
We didn't see Dr. Crute on Monday, apparently she is in Honduras. But we did get to see the next best thing, her nurse practitioner, Michelle. We love her too so it was all good. She was pleased with Steve's progress so far. If the neurosurgery people are pleased, we are pleased.
We touched base with the crew in Madison and will be going there Tuesday next week for an MRI and then to see Ian. Keep you posted on the outcome of that. They aren't sure what the next step will be in terms of treatment but will have a better idea once they see Steve.
Steve's doc at rehab said maybe home on Friday, no promises. They have the weekly meeting tomorrow at which time they will discuss his progress and potential discharge date, will know more about that tomorrow.
Following discharge, there will be outpatient therapy, OT/PT and speech. Plus whatever they decide in Madison.
I think that is about everything. It is only Tuesday but a lot has happened this week already. It is somewhat of a whirlwind. Hoping once Steve is home it gets a bit more "normal" guess we wait and see.
As always, thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers and support.
A special heartfelt thanks to Scott and Derrick, your visit meant a lot!! It was also nice to put faces to the names. :)
Peace and Love,
Kim & Steve
Other than Steve apparently spending the majority of the day trying to negotiate his release things have been going well. He has been working on Sudoku puzzles the past couple days. I have been somewhat hooked on them for the past several months and Steve tried a couple prior to the surgery, it is a really good brain workout. He brought a couple puzzle books with him and he and the speech therapist have been doing them. I blame my friend Jo for getting me hooked on them but if it helps Steve with his "executive function" that's great. He is still a bit focused on that. I do believe it is getting better each day.
We didn't see Dr. Crute on Monday, apparently she is in Honduras. But we did get to see the next best thing, her nurse practitioner, Michelle. We love her too so it was all good. She was pleased with Steve's progress so far. If the neurosurgery people are pleased, we are pleased.
We touched base with the crew in Madison and will be going there Tuesday next week for an MRI and then to see Ian. Keep you posted on the outcome of that. They aren't sure what the next step will be in terms of treatment but will have a better idea once they see Steve.
Steve's doc at rehab said maybe home on Friday, no promises. They have the weekly meeting tomorrow at which time they will discuss his progress and potential discharge date, will know more about that tomorrow.
Following discharge, there will be outpatient therapy, OT/PT and speech. Plus whatever they decide in Madison.
I think that is about everything. It is only Tuesday but a lot has happened this week already. It is somewhat of a whirlwind. Hoping once Steve is home it gets a bit more "normal" guess we wait and see.
As always, thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers and support.
A special heartfelt thanks to Scott and Derrick, your visit meant a lot!! It was also nice to put faces to the names. :)
Peace and Love,
Kim & Steve
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Steve's Day Out X2!!
Hello, hope everyone enjoyed Halloween!
Steve had a great Halloween weekend, as did I and the dogs. Both Saturday and Sunday Steve was able to come home!!!
Day passes only he had to go back each night but we made the most of it. Saturday was a trip to the local coffee shop for his favorite sandwich and to touch base with our friends Rocco and Jan, then home for some time with the boys and a nap. Ordered in dinner and on the way back to the hospital went to the local ice cream shop to see Steve's "ice cream girlfriend" for the infamous medium vanilla with twinkle cone.
Sunday was a regular old Sunday for us...breakfast at the cafe, nap and football. Did I mentioned the bears won!! Steve got to log on to his computer at his desk in his office and nap on his "resting couch", all in all a great weekend!
Things are going well in regards to the rehab. Balance is getting better and he is walking pretty well, the left foot gives him some trouble once he starts getting tired but other than that he is doing well. Still focusing on improving the "executive function" they spoke of after one eval but that is coming back too.
His staples came out Friday night, a bit of a surprise to both of us, we thought that was happening on Monday but the order came through and one of the nurses took them out Friday night. I think they wanted them out before he went out on a pass.
Steve is having some pain in his jaw on the left side, he continues to stick with the story that one of the nurses came in at night and popped him in the jaw. I told him if he wouldn't mouth off and if he would just do what they say that wouldn't have happened. It is better than it was just two days ago so, that is a good thing.
We go to Dr. Crute tomorrow morning for a follow up appointment, don't know what she will have to say but we are both eager to talk to her. Also going to contact Madison to see what the next step is with them. Always something.
Overall, things are going pretty well, yeah, I really said that. Given that Steve has been in the hospital (regular or rehab) for over 2 weeks, and has at least a few more days to go, things are going pretty well.
Each day Steve gets stronger and is able to do a little more. We have fantastic friends that call, email, drop in etc. and we have Jeff. Seriously everyone needs a Jeff. I really recommend one. :) Sometime in my life I will find a way to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do during this whole thing. Sometime. While being the rock that keeps Steve in tune with the business and keeps the business rolling, he also keeps me "sane" or as sane as I can be. No small feat there. While doing all this he manages to coach a local football team which just so happened to win their first ever playoff game Saturday!! Way to go Coach!!
Well, I think you are caught up on the happenings of the weekend, overall it was great. I anticipate Steve coming home fairly soon. If we get any funky info from Dr. Crute, I'll let you know. I'll also keep you posted on Steve's homecoming date.
Thanks again for all the love, support, prayers and warm thoughts you have sent our way, they are appreciated and they are working.
Peace and Love,
Kim & Steve
Steve had a great Halloween weekend, as did I and the dogs. Both Saturday and Sunday Steve was able to come home!!!
Day passes only he had to go back each night but we made the most of it. Saturday was a trip to the local coffee shop for his favorite sandwich and to touch base with our friends Rocco and Jan, then home for some time with the boys and a nap. Ordered in dinner and on the way back to the hospital went to the local ice cream shop to see Steve's "ice cream girlfriend" for the infamous medium vanilla with twinkle cone.
Sunday was a regular old Sunday for us...breakfast at the cafe, nap and football. Did I mentioned the bears won!! Steve got to log on to his computer at his desk in his office and nap on his "resting couch", all in all a great weekend!
Things are going well in regards to the rehab. Balance is getting better and he is walking pretty well, the left foot gives him some trouble once he starts getting tired but other than that he is doing well. Still focusing on improving the "executive function" they spoke of after one eval but that is coming back too.
His staples came out Friday night, a bit of a surprise to both of us, we thought that was happening on Monday but the order came through and one of the nurses took them out Friday night. I think they wanted them out before he went out on a pass.
Steve is having some pain in his jaw on the left side, he continues to stick with the story that one of the nurses came in at night and popped him in the jaw. I told him if he wouldn't mouth off and if he would just do what they say that wouldn't have happened. It is better than it was just two days ago so, that is a good thing.
We go to Dr. Crute tomorrow morning for a follow up appointment, don't know what she will have to say but we are both eager to talk to her. Also going to contact Madison to see what the next step is with them. Always something.
Overall, things are going pretty well, yeah, I really said that. Given that Steve has been in the hospital (regular or rehab) for over 2 weeks, and has at least a few more days to go, things are going pretty well.
Each day Steve gets stronger and is able to do a little more. We have fantastic friends that call, email, drop in etc. and we have Jeff. Seriously everyone needs a Jeff. I really recommend one. :) Sometime in my life I will find a way to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do during this whole thing. Sometime. While being the rock that keeps Steve in tune with the business and keeps the business rolling, he also keeps me "sane" or as sane as I can be. No small feat there. While doing all this he manages to coach a local football team which just so happened to win their first ever playoff game Saturday!! Way to go Coach!!
Well, I think you are caught up on the happenings of the weekend, overall it was great. I anticipate Steve coming home fairly soon. If we get any funky info from Dr. Crute, I'll let you know. I'll also keep you posted on Steve's homecoming date.
Thanks again for all the love, support, prayers and warm thoughts you have sent our way, they are appreciated and they are working.
Peace and Love,
Kim & Steve
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Steve's Status
Sorry for the delay on updating, it has been a hectic week.
Steve is doing okay and has transferred to a rehab facility to work on regaining some strength and motor skills. When he heard it may be for two weeks, that didn't sit so well with him, he wants to be back to work, the gym etc. He has gotten his head around it and is waiting to get things started.
The rehab plan is pretty much a full time job. Steve will be having occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. Both OT & PT will be twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Speech is once daily.
This has been quite a bit different from the recovery from the first surgery. We have been told this is much more typical. As we heard following the first surgery, Steve's recovery and handling of the major surgery was somewhat "freakish", actually they just said it was not the typical response. What we are seeing now is much more typical. Typical or not, it doesn't make it any easier. Since Steve and I both thought his recovery would be like the other one, we are coming to terms with the reality of this time.
He is still focused on regaining his strength and getting back to his routine day-to-day business. He is doing better each day and is super motivated.
Monday is day one of therapy, I'll blog either Monday or Tuesday to let you know how it is going.
Your thoughts, prayers and support mean a great deal to both of us. Keep them coming and know that we appreciate it.
Peace,
Kim
Steve is doing okay and has transferred to a rehab facility to work on regaining some strength and motor skills. When he heard it may be for two weeks, that didn't sit so well with him, he wants to be back to work, the gym etc. He has gotten his head around it and is waiting to get things started.
The rehab plan is pretty much a full time job. Steve will be having occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. Both OT & PT will be twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Speech is once daily.
This has been quite a bit different from the recovery from the first surgery. We have been told this is much more typical. As we heard following the first surgery, Steve's recovery and handling of the major surgery was somewhat "freakish", actually they just said it was not the typical response. What we are seeing now is much more typical. Typical or not, it doesn't make it any easier. Since Steve and I both thought his recovery would be like the other one, we are coming to terms with the reality of this time.
He is still focused on regaining his strength and getting back to his routine day-to-day business. He is doing better each day and is super motivated.
Monday is day one of therapy, I'll blog either Monday or Tuesday to let you know how it is going.
Your thoughts, prayers and support mean a great deal to both of us. Keep them coming and know that we appreciate it.
Peace,
Kim
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Post Op update
You'll have to excuse the lack of Steve's witty comments and quips, you've got me "filling in" while he is recouping. But, I wanted to update everyone so you knew what was happening on this end.
First, I just read Steve's blog post from this morning, can I just say he is remarkable and quite honestly he makes me a better person. That being said let me catch you up.
Dr. Crute is as we thought a remarkable surgeon but most of all remarkable person. Again she took the time to explain things prior to the surgery as well as after. It truly helps a lot to have someone explain what they are doing so you can understand, I am immensely grateful to her for her honesty and don't know how we would have made it this far without her.
The surgery went well, the enhancing "thing" had grown from the time of the scan, it ended up being 1.7 cm but Dr. Crute got it as well as some other "residual" matter. She removed the aneurysm clips from the previous surgery and things went well.
I left the hospital a little before 10:00 p.m. and Steve was resting. He has been struggling a bit with coming out of the anesthesia, Dr. Crute did a CT scan it came back ok, she is planning an MRI in the morning.
I am hopeful that tomorrow morning he will be more alert and less groggy. He did talk with me a bit before I left so that was nice.
Those of you who know Steve know, he is a fighter and doesn't stay down long. With the tremendous amount of love and support he has coming from all of you, he'll be back to blogging himself in no time.
So...keep the good thoughts and prayers coming, they are appreciated more than words can say. I'll do my best to keep the blog updated w/ progress. Thanks again for all of the love and support through this challenging time, it has helped us weather the storm thus far.
Peace and Much Love,
Kim & Steve
First, I just read Steve's blog post from this morning, can I just say he is remarkable and quite honestly he makes me a better person. That being said let me catch you up.
Dr. Crute is as we thought a remarkable surgeon but most of all remarkable person. Again she took the time to explain things prior to the surgery as well as after. It truly helps a lot to have someone explain what they are doing so you can understand, I am immensely grateful to her for her honesty and don't know how we would have made it this far without her.
The surgery went well, the enhancing "thing" had grown from the time of the scan, it ended up being 1.7 cm but Dr. Crute got it as well as some other "residual" matter. She removed the aneurysm clips from the previous surgery and things went well.
I left the hospital a little before 10:00 p.m. and Steve was resting. He has been struggling a bit with coming out of the anesthesia, Dr. Crute did a CT scan it came back ok, she is planning an MRI in the morning.
I am hopeful that tomorrow morning he will be more alert and less groggy. He did talk with me a bit before I left so that was nice.
Those of you who know Steve know, he is a fighter and doesn't stay down long. With the tremendous amount of love and support he has coming from all of you, he'll be back to blogging himself in no time.
So...keep the good thoughts and prayers coming, they are appreciated more than words can say. I'll do my best to keep the blog updated w/ progress. Thanks again for all of the love and support through this challenging time, it has helped us weather the storm thus far.
Peace and Much Love,
Kim & Steve
Surgery Redux
Okay, I did pretty damn good yesterday!
Kept my mind off of the surgery and even made it to the gym. Even got a couple hours sleep last night.
So to keep with this Blog's theme, I thought I would share the mindset that I am in now 4:30am...just a couple hours before my surgery.
Feeling overwhelmed in a really good way by all of the thoughts and prayers sent my way this week. Thank you all! It has really helped keep my head right.
I am not fearing this surgery...I know in my heart its the right thing.
The most prevalent thought running through my head is that I can't wait to wake up from Surgery later this morning and see Kim my beautiful wife smiling back at me! Then I know all my prayers have been answered - in more ways than one.
Peace Out
Kept my mind off of the surgery and even made it to the gym. Even got a couple hours sleep last night.
So to keep with this Blog's theme, I thought I would share the mindset that I am in now 4:30am...just a couple hours before my surgery.
Feeling overwhelmed in a really good way by all of the thoughts and prayers sent my way this week. Thank you all! It has really helped keep my head right.
I am not fearing this surgery...I know in my heart its the right thing.
The most prevalent thought running through my head is that I can't wait to wake up from Surgery later this morning and see Kim my beautiful wife smiling back at me! Then I know all my prayers have been answered - in more ways than one.
Peace Out
Monday, October 5, 2009
A slight change in plans
Well, my latest plan was to get a new MRI on 10/20 and evaluate the 'peculiar' spot at that time. Well, after a visit with Dr. Crute, my Neurosurgeon today, we have decided to change the plans.
Next Thursday, I will be going in for Stereotactic Neurosurgery or in the words of my rockstar neurosurgeon...."A Chip Shot" for her. Two years ago it was the size of a tennis ball, this time the tumor is only slightly larger than a pea. It is in the resection cavity, aka, the hole in the temporal side of my head that the first tumor was in. So to stick with the golfisms...this round of golf will be pretty much mini putting. However, it definitely needs to be MULLIGAN Free. :)
Now this surgery should be pretty simple...I mean really, all she needs to do is cut where my other incision was and use a simple little CRAFTSMAN PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER to unscrew the plate from last time and use a common spoon to dig the tumor out...NO PROBLEM! A CHIP SHOT!
Now thankfully, Dr. Crute is the Tiger Woods of Neurosurgical golf so this should not be a problem. However, if she had the golf skills of my business partner Jeff "SHANKAPOTTOMUS" Carpenter...we would have issues.
As you can tell, I have a pretty good attitude about this. I believe strongly that this is the right decision. Removing the tumor is ALWAYS the best case option when Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors are involved. These thing are nasty as hell and can quadruple in size in weeks not months. I have a great team of doctors and an even better support team.
I will only be in the hospital for a couple days, and be recovering for about 2 weeks before I am back to work and 6 weeks until I am back to my new normal. The benefit this time is that I have the opportunity to manage my schedule which makes me feel better from a business standpoint.
All is good! If this is all we have to do every couple years, then so be it! I feel great and "Damn It Feels Good to be me!" (If you don't know the reference...check this link out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFLIxnbmO5E ) Quickly becoming my new theme song.
I will keep you all informed! Thank you for your Prayers!
PEACE OUT!
Next Thursday, I will be going in for Stereotactic Neurosurgery or in the words of my rockstar neurosurgeon...."A Chip Shot" for her. Two years ago it was the size of a tennis ball, this time the tumor is only slightly larger than a pea. It is in the resection cavity, aka, the hole in the temporal side of my head that the first tumor was in. So to stick with the golfisms...this round of golf will be pretty much mini putting. However, it definitely needs to be MULLIGAN Free. :)
Now this surgery should be pretty simple...I mean really, all she needs to do is cut where my other incision was and use a simple little CRAFTSMAN PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER to unscrew the plate from last time and use a common spoon to dig the tumor out...NO PROBLEM! A CHIP SHOT!
Now thankfully, Dr. Crute is the Tiger Woods of Neurosurgical golf so this should not be a problem. However, if she had the golf skills of my business partner Jeff "SHANKAPOTTOMUS" Carpenter...we would have issues.
As you can tell, I have a pretty good attitude about this. I believe strongly that this is the right decision. Removing the tumor is ALWAYS the best case option when Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors are involved. These thing are nasty as hell and can quadruple in size in weeks not months. I have a great team of doctors and an even better support team.
I will only be in the hospital for a couple days, and be recovering for about 2 weeks before I am back to work and 6 weeks until I am back to my new normal. The benefit this time is that I have the opportunity to manage my schedule which makes me feel better from a business standpoint.
All is good! If this is all we have to do every couple years, then so be it! I feel great and "Damn It Feels Good to be me!" (If you don't know the reference...check this link out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFLIxnbmO5E ) Quickly becoming my new theme song.
I will keep you all informed! Thank you for your Prayers!
PEACE OUT!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
It looks a little Peculiar...
Well, when two of Dem Smart Docs look at your MRI and tell you that it looks a little peculiar, it may sound a little alarming, but when they let you go home and tell you that we will look at it in 6 weeks, it feels a little more like tooth decay than tumor recurrence. :)
So they found a little spot in my MRI yesterday. According to Dr. Robbins and Dr. Mehta, it looks a little peculiar. Peculiar because it doesn't seem to act or look like tumor recurrence, but they don't know what it is. It could be Necrotic "dead" tissue, or what the hell...maybe a fly flew through the MRI field when they took the picture.
So, I go back in six weeks for another MRI Check.
So, here is the deal....I am not worried....you shouldn't worry! I feel great and am probably in better shape than I have been in years! We have been going at this all along as a chronic disease that we treat as needed. We have no idea what this is, but worst case scenario, we treat it.
This little speck on an MRI can't be nearly as difficult to fight as that tennis ball they took out a couple years ago! :)
So thank you as always for your prayers and thoughts, life is good and I am not going anywhere....except for a Sales Call later today! :)
Peace Out!
So they found a little spot in my MRI yesterday. According to Dr. Robbins and Dr. Mehta, it looks a little peculiar. Peculiar because it doesn't seem to act or look like tumor recurrence, but they don't know what it is. It could be Necrotic "dead" tissue, or what the hell...maybe a fly flew through the MRI field when they took the picture.
So, I go back in six weeks for another MRI Check.
So, here is the deal....I am not worried....you shouldn't worry! I feel great and am probably in better shape than I have been in years! We have been going at this all along as a chronic disease that we treat as needed. We have no idea what this is, but worst case scenario, we treat it.
This little speck on an MRI can't be nearly as difficult to fight as that tennis ball they took out a couple years ago! :)
So thank you as always for your prayers and thoughts, life is good and I am not going anywhere....except for a Sales Call later today! :)
Peace Out!
Friday, August 28, 2009
On a Day Like Today
Been a hard couple of weeks with the passing of Robert Novak and most recently Ted Kennedy. Both were diagnosed with brain tumors last spring, while I was undergoing treatment.
Hearing of their passing flipped that funny little switch again...you know the one...the "oh yeah I have brain cancer" switch. :)
Instead of wallowing this time, I did a bit of reflecting on all the things great in my life, the things that make it all worthwhile...family, friends, children playing, and Nature. (most specifically the Caribbean) :)
I put together a video of some of those things that make me smile...Not complete by any means...but it helped me flip that damn switch off again! I put it up on youtube.
I hope you enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zBBc_7kCTE
Next MRI September 8th - I will update with results!
Peace Out!
Hearing of their passing flipped that funny little switch again...you know the one...the "oh yeah I have brain cancer" switch. :)
Instead of wallowing this time, I did a bit of reflecting on all the things great in my life, the things that make it all worthwhile...family, friends, children playing, and Nature. (most specifically the Caribbean) :)
I put together a video of some of those things that make me smile...Not complete by any means...but it helped me flip that damn switch off again! I put it up on youtube.
I hope you enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zBBc_7kCTE
Next MRI September 8th - I will update with results!
Peace Out!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
"One More Day"
It has been a while since I posted, so quick health update -
Now that I am post-treatment, I only have to go up to Madison once every three months for MRI & Check-up. I had another MRI in early June and they continue to be clean! I am feeling great and am probably in the best shape that I have been in 20 years. Kim is good, business is good...Life is groovy.
This morning, I woke up early and while enjoying my coffee, I started thinking....
2 days ago (6/29/09) marked 18 months post surgery for me. Doesn't seem like a big anniversary or anything, but deep down it has always been something that I thought about.
Let me explain...A couple days after my surgery, the doctor from the floor and I had a conversation about my Tumor...not one of my main doctors, just one covering the floor at the hospital. I can't remember his name, but I will never forget what he said when I asked "How long do I have - really"?
His reply, "6-18 months at most, I recommend that you get your stuff in order" - I guess I kind of deserved that for asking such a dumb question don't ya think? :)
However, 18 months and 2 days is here and my stuff is still a mess. :)
18 months and 2 days later and I still wake up every morning and smile cause I have "one more day".
I hope you all have a beautiful & blessed day today...I know I will.
Now that I am post-treatment, I only have to go up to Madison once every three months for MRI & Check-up. I had another MRI in early June and they continue to be clean! I am feeling great and am probably in the best shape that I have been in 20 years. Kim is good, business is good...Life is groovy.
This morning, I woke up early and while enjoying my coffee, I started thinking....
2 days ago (6/29/09) marked 18 months post surgery for me. Doesn't seem like a big anniversary or anything, but deep down it has always been something that I thought about.
Let me explain...A couple days after my surgery, the doctor from the floor and I had a conversation about my Tumor...not one of my main doctors, just one covering the floor at the hospital. I can't remember his name, but I will never forget what he said when I asked "How long do I have - really"?
His reply, "6-18 months at most, I recommend that you get your stuff in order" - I guess I kind of deserved that for asking such a dumb question don't ya think? :)
However, 18 months and 2 days is here and my stuff is still a mess. :)
18 months and 2 days later and I still wake up every morning and smile cause I have "one more day".
I hope you all have a beautiful & blessed day today...I know I will.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Brain Tumor Walk 2009
Today, I joined 5000 others in the 4th annual American Brain Tumor Association 5K Run/Walk for brain tumor research. I did it as a SURVIVOR! It was an amazing day, with emotions that ran the spectrum. I don't even know where to start to explain the emotion.
So instead of trying to put the emotions into words, I built a little video montage. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tarW-emqRcM
So instead of trying to put the emotions into words, I built a little video montage. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tarW-emqRcM
Friday, March 27, 2009
ABTA Walk as a SURVIVOR!!!
As you all know, 2008 was a trying year for me both mentally and physically. With your amazing support, I have made a remarkable recovery from a Glioblastoma IV Cancerous Brain Tumor surgery and treatment.
On March 7th, I celebrated the end of my Chemo Journey and my OFFICIAL post treatment Cancer Survivor status. On April 25th, I will participate in the 4th Annual Path to Progress 5K Run/Walk to raise money for the American Brain Tumor Association's research and patient/family education and support programs.
As you can imagine, this event and organization is very near and dear to my heart. To even be here today is amazing, but to think that I will walk with thousands of others as a Survivor...brings tears to my eyes.
I realize that the economic situation is not ideal to ask for donations, and I will understand if you are unable to give. I have set my fundraising goal at $5,000 and ask you to support my efforts with a donation of whatever amount you are comfortable with. You can do this easily by clicking the link at the bottom of this message. Just select my name from the list of Fundraisers. There is a link to my personal page below. Just click on the link or copy it into your browser.
I appreciate any donation you give!
Thank you.
PEACE OUT!
Steve
Founded in Chicago in 1973, ABTA was the first national, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to brain tumors. Today, ABTA is a leader in research, education and support. In 2008, ABTA awarded more than $2.6 million to brain tumor researchers searching for better treatments, and ultimately, a cure, and more than 1.3 million services and resources to brain tumor patients and their families.
To learn more about ABTA, please visit www.abta.org.
Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://hope.abta.org/site/TR/ABTAEvent/PathtoProgress?px=1783251&pg=personal&fr_id=1290&et=63mbVB5z5C1J8W-ehpjR8g..&s_tafId=6291
On March 7th, I celebrated the end of my Chemo Journey and my OFFICIAL post treatment Cancer Survivor status. On April 25th, I will participate in the 4th Annual Path to Progress 5K Run/Walk to raise money for the American Brain Tumor Association's research and patient/family education and support programs.
As you can imagine, this event and organization is very near and dear to my heart. To even be here today is amazing, but to think that I will walk with thousands of others as a Survivor...brings tears to my eyes.
I realize that the economic situation is not ideal to ask for donations, and I will understand if you are unable to give. I have set my fundraising goal at $5,000 and ask you to support my efforts with a donation of whatever amount you are comfortable with. You can do this easily by clicking the link at the bottom of this message. Just select my name from the list of Fundraisers. There is a link to my personal page below. Just click on the link or copy it into your browser.
I appreciate any donation you give!
Thank you.
PEACE OUT!
Steve
Founded in Chicago in 1973, ABTA was the first national, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to brain tumors. Today, ABTA is a leader in research, education and support. In 2008, ABTA awarded more than $2.6 million to brain tumor researchers searching for better treatments, and ultimately, a cure, and more than 1.3 million services and resources to brain tumor patients and their families.
To learn more about ABTA, please visit www.abta.org.
Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://hope.abta.org/site/TR/ABTAEvent/PathtoProgress?px=1783251&pg=personal&fr_id=1290&et=63mbVB5z5C1J8W-ehpjR8g..&s_tafId=6291
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Latest MRI...40...and the future.
Happy New Year everyone!
Been a crazy month already...GOOD, but crazy!
1. My latest MRI was on the 6th of this month. No change. Two words that I have come to love. Had a chance to talk with Dr. Robbins about the future. Feb 3rd, I go to Madison to pick up my LAST round of Temodar (Chemo)!! 12 months of treatment complete! After that round, I will only have to go up to Madison every 2 months for MRIs...no change continues to be what we want to see!
Doc wanted to assure me not to get worried about regrowth when I stop treatment. He says I am doing remarkably and I have received Temodar twice as long as it was originally prescribed. So I am going to take Dem Smart Docs advise and focus on the positive....I will be officially OUT OF TREATMENT and A CANCER SURVIVOR. I can deal with that!
2. I turned 40 last week! I can not tell you how good it felt to turn 40! I feel younger and better than I have for years! I am looking forward to turning 70!!!
To celebrate the occasion, my wife created a fabulous day for me! She started the day by taking me for a suprise Massage at a local spa, followed by a nice lunch. To top the day off, she set up dinner with Jeff and Mendy. She told me about the dinner, but omitted that she had set up a limo to come and pick us up and take us into Wildfire in Schaumburg, one of my favorite restaurants!! We had a great night, a great meal, great company, and a styling ride to and from!
Just to prove to me that my body was 40 and I was officially an OLD Man, I fell asleep on the drive home!! :) Would have slept all the way, but my Snoring was bothering our companions. :) I would use my standard...."it sucks to get old", but IT REALLY DOESN'T!!!
3. On the business front, things are getting crazy as well! Our business is helping companies do more with less, which tends to fit well in this economy. To show for it, Jeff and I are "On the Road Again" doing training for a big client of ours is keeping us gone all week during the last two weeks of January and most of February and March! Business is staying steady, but, I can honestly say that I am excited about the change that has come to our Country. I will leave politics out of this blog, but our economy can use all the help it can get right now.
Talk about life getting back to normal...I am in better shape physically, and in a better place mentally than I have been in a really long time! When I lose sleep now a days, it is over business issues, and not "the Cancer Switch", and most of you know by now that me losing sleep over business issues is who I am and my minds way of telling me that life is truly back to normal.
To that end, I will keep this blog open and will post when the wave strikes me, but it will only be occassionally. The purpose of this blog was to chronical the journey that was my Brain Tumor surgery and treatment process. Now that I am entering the "Post Treatment" phase, I have chosen to focus on living every minute. I have found a new outlet in Facebook, and anyone that wants to stay in touch is free to look me up!
Thank you to everyone who has followed this blog and me during the past year. I truly believe that it is in your thoughts and prayers that I found much of the strength that helped me make it through the last year. Thank you.
Just to stay true to this blog and darling Miss Ava...
PEACE OUT!!
Been a crazy month already...GOOD, but crazy!
1. My latest MRI was on the 6th of this month. No change. Two words that I have come to love. Had a chance to talk with Dr. Robbins about the future. Feb 3rd, I go to Madison to pick up my LAST round of Temodar (Chemo)!! 12 months of treatment complete! After that round, I will only have to go up to Madison every 2 months for MRIs...no change continues to be what we want to see!
Doc wanted to assure me not to get worried about regrowth when I stop treatment. He says I am doing remarkably and I have received Temodar twice as long as it was originally prescribed. So I am going to take Dem Smart Docs advise and focus on the positive....I will be officially OUT OF TREATMENT and A CANCER SURVIVOR. I can deal with that!
2. I turned 40 last week! I can not tell you how good it felt to turn 40! I feel younger and better than I have for years! I am looking forward to turning 70!!!
To celebrate the occasion, my wife created a fabulous day for me! She started the day by taking me for a suprise Massage at a local spa, followed by a nice lunch. To top the day off, she set up dinner with Jeff and Mendy. She told me about the dinner, but omitted that she had set up a limo to come and pick us up and take us into Wildfire in Schaumburg, one of my favorite restaurants!! We had a great night, a great meal, great company, and a styling ride to and from!
Just to prove to me that my body was 40 and I was officially an OLD Man, I fell asleep on the drive home!! :) Would have slept all the way, but my Snoring was bothering our companions. :) I would use my standard...."it sucks to get old", but IT REALLY DOESN'T!!!
3. On the business front, things are getting crazy as well! Our business is helping companies do more with less, which tends to fit well in this economy. To show for it, Jeff and I are "On the Road Again" doing training for a big client of ours is keeping us gone all week during the last two weeks of January and most of February and March! Business is staying steady, but, I can honestly say that I am excited about the change that has come to our Country. I will leave politics out of this blog, but our economy can use all the help it can get right now.
Talk about life getting back to normal...I am in better shape physically, and in a better place mentally than I have been in a really long time! When I lose sleep now a days, it is over business issues, and not "the Cancer Switch", and most of you know by now that me losing sleep over business issues is who I am and my minds way of telling me that life is truly back to normal.
To that end, I will keep this blog open and will post when the wave strikes me, but it will only be occassionally. The purpose of this blog was to chronical the journey that was my Brain Tumor surgery and treatment process. Now that I am entering the "Post Treatment" phase, I have chosen to focus on living every minute. I have found a new outlet in Facebook, and anyone that wants to stay in touch is free to look me up!
Thank you to everyone who has followed this blog and me during the past year. I truly believe that it is in your thoughts and prayers that I found much of the strength that helped me make it through the last year. Thank you.
Just to stay true to this blog and darling Miss Ava...
PEACE OUT!!
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