 
Welcome to the recovery update page for Steve Cooke.
3-08-04
Steve's celebration-of-life was a huge success. Thank you to all that turned out to help us pay tribute to a life well lived. We had over two hundred people attend. It was great to hear people commenting on the pictures and telling stories of their own.
The day before the celebration it rained like crazy. But Steve made sure it was beautiful for us on Tuesday. It was a little breezy, but that made it better for Steve to pull some pranks to let us know he was there with us. When the Chaplin was trying to do her sermon, pages kept blowing into the pool. After the sermon we had a time for anyone to say how they felt about Steve or to tell antidotes. It was great to hear the stories of our guy. There was a closing blessing and then family and close friends lit floating candles and set them into the pool to represent Steve's light of life. Then the same group let balloons (in Steve's favorite team colors) go as a release jesture. During this jesture a gust of wind blew a few of the balloons into a tree that Steve had always wanted to cut down. Oh, that guy is such a stinker still playing tricks from heaven.
I'm now packing things up to take down to Los Angeles. This will be the big celebration. We have several restrictions because of where we're holding the celebration. But that won't hold us back from celebrating. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and finding out some more of Steve's antics. Thirty-five years with a man and you still don't know everything.
The boys and I are doing as well as can be expected. Jarrett and I feel like Steve's just away on business. But every so often somethings pops up and we're brought back to reality. There is going to be a tremendous void in our lives and all that loved him. Many thank to everyone that came to help us celebrate and especially my good friends Kathleen, Roseann and Betty who I don't know what I would do without, you made everything possible.
2-24-04
We are having two celebrations-of-life for Steve. The first will be in Roseville at our home between 4 and 7 pm; Tuesday, March 2, 2004. The second will be held in Los Angeles on March 23, 2004, between noon and 6 pm at the Stephen O. Cooke Lodge 1932, 12109 Hawthorne Blvd. Hawthorne, CA.
In lieu of flower donations, please send monetary donations to: UCSF Brain Tumor Research Center, c/o Ira Lezano, Box 0520, 533 Parnassus Avenue, U-378, San Francisco, CA., 94143-0520 or First Responce Hospice, c/o Valley Ridge Foundation, 9852 Business Park Drive, SUite I, Sacramento, CA. 95827-1709.
Thank you again for your continued support of our family. All the cards, calls and flowers just renforce to us how much Steve was loved by all. Steve would not want his family or his friends sitting around mourning but rather remembering the good times they shared over the years. Steve is gone because God must have needed another great man in heaven.
2-17-04
What a day! There is so much to do. The boys and I appreciate call the cards, calls and e-mails and especially all the good food. We're still up in the air about a date for Steve's celebrations. Hopefully we'll get those straightened out by the end of the week.
I feel like I'm in a fog bank. All I want to do is sleep. I'm just so thankful that my family is here with me at this time. Nothing much to add I just need to keep busy. Will write again when things are decided.
2-16-04
It is with great sadness that I must tell you our valiant warrior Steve lost his battle with cancer Monday, February 16th. Steve went peacefully in his sleep around 4 o'clock in the afternoon, he was surrounded by his loving family. We are so greatful that his passing was without pain and that he went quickly. The love that our family shares and the support of friends will help us get through this difficult time. We will keep you posted when and where we plan to hold his "Celebration of Life".
2-15-04
We're getting close to the end of our journey. We're talking a matter of days now. Chris and my Dad arrive tomorrow, I hope they'll be able to say their good-byes to Steve. A close friend Dennis Estabrook and his girlfriend Barbara stopped by on Saturday. It was so comforting to see them again. Plus they brought goodies to eat. A friend of Barb's brought over a delicious Valentine's Day dinner, it was such a kind jesture. Thanks Oleta. Steve and I have always been so blessed when it comes to friends and all have been so supportive during our journey these past two years. I'll keep you posted on Steve's status. Love you all-
2-11-04
I've been putting off writing this update. The MRI results were not what we wanted to hear, but Jarrett and I knew in our hearts what was happening. We've been watching our Steve slip away; he sleeps more, is not as talkative and doesn't have that glimmer in his eyes. Every so often though the sparkle does shine through to help us get through our days and nights.
The tumor is back and growing all over, there are several new tumors growing in various places. So now Steve has growth in most areas of his brain. Our Oncologist, Dr. Burton thinks Steve's prognosis is a matter of weeks. But, our Steve is the Energizer Bunny and he is still in there fighting for every last second.
Next week Barb's Dad, Mike, Chris and little CHris are coming to visit. Steve's sister Micky and her friend Pat will be here March 1st for a weeklong visit.
Things are busy here with Hospice and all their help, so our days are busy and sometimes hectic. Steve has Sundowners Snydrome so he's awake during the night and sleeps most of the day. Barb is like a Zombie trying to catch a wink of sleep when she can.
We are very thankful that Steve is not in any pain. This is a true blessing for Steve and Us. Thank goodness we will be spared the ordeal of watching a loved one die in pain and not being able to help them. It's painful enough watching him now, I don't know how we'd do if we knew he was suffering.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we can really use them through this last leg of our journey.
2-05-04
We were hoping to have a current update for everyone, but things are moving slowly. Last Friday, January 29th Steve had an MRI. We had First Responce (ambulance service) take him to a local facility to have the MRI. The films will be sent to San Francisco to Dr. Burton to review and he will then let us know what Steve's prognosis will be.
Steve is not in pain and he naps several times during the day. He's very restless during the night. But ever the trooper, his smile and sense of humor still shine through. He flirts like crazy with Jarrett's girl friend Krystal. When she walks into the room he gets a silly school boy grin on his face. Men!!
We're still watching Steve's beloved Lakers, and he is still cheering them on even though it will take a real miracle for them to get their game together.
We'll let you know the latest as soon as we get Steve's MRI results. Thanks again for all your love and support.
1-16-04
Last week I hit the wall as the runners say. Everything finally caught up with me. Jarrett and I finally realized we can't do it all for Steve, we need help. This happens when you think emotionally (with your heart) and not with your head. We've tried to keep things as normal as possible for Steve and in the process we're killing ourselves. So we called Hospice to get help. It feels like a 244 pound (Steve's weight) weight has been lifted off our shoulders. I can't pick him up and move him by myself, Jarrett and I need to do it together and sometimes that's not possible.
We've met with a social worker, a physical therapist, our nurse (case manager) and Monday with a Chaplin. It's so comforting to know these people understand what we are going through and can help us. We will have an aide come three times a week to help me bath Steve. Our nurse, Al will come to the house to do Steve's blood draws (praise the lord). They have ordered a Hoyer lift to help us move Steve from bed to chair and vise versa. Tonight we have Steve on oxygen, hopefully this will help him sleep better (it's just for sleep).
I have always been under the impression that Hospice was the last step in a persons care, but that's not true. Steve is still doing his second cycle of chemo. Hospice is helping us keep him comfortable. It makes my job so much easier having people to discuss things with. Even Steve is relieved, he worries so about Jarrett and I. He was feeling guilty because we had to do everything to care for him and now he has some peace of mind.
Remember if you're up our way, stop by, the big guy loves company!
1-08-03
Did you watch the Rose Bowl? Everyone at the Cooke house was happy! What a game! USC whopped Michigan.
Our house is so quiet, our grandson, Christopher is back home with Dad. It's amazing what a child does to brighten your life. When your children are older you forget how great it is to have small ones that still believe in Santa to help you celebrate Christmas. I think the only one that is happy he is gone is the cat. Christopher almost loved him to death.
Wednesday we visited our oncologist in Roseville to get the prescription for Steve's chemo. We'll start the second cycle this evening when we pick up the prescription. Steve will take this for 21 days and then we're off to San Francisco for the MRI and a visit with Dr. Burton.
We feel so lucky to have been blessed with a good holiday season (even with the flu).
Before all of this we would have been upset with all that went on, but now we look at life so differently. We accept the little things that can be troublesome, so that we can endour and appreciate the big picture and all the little moments that make it happen. Life is so precious, enjoy all that you can.
I must admit I am exhausted with all that is going on and I have felt down lately. But, I received an e-mail that put everything back in perspective again for me. I'll quote a few lines that really hit home;
God said:
"When I made woman she had to be special.
I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.
I gave her hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining."
When I feel so overwhelmed one of my favorite sayings is: "I know God won't give me more than my shoulders can take, but I keep telling him they're not as big as my ass!"
Keep your calls, cards and prayers coming and if you're in the area, stop by for a visit. Steve may not remember your name but he never forgets a face or the sound of your voice. He's still calling me Micky (his sister's name) and everyone else is Bruce (his brother). But I must admit he's such a charmer he can get away with it and still be cute.
12-30-03
Well, Christmas came and went. Jarrett's birthday was Dec. 22nd, he got the flu, Barb got it on Christmas eve, we sent Little Chris to Nana's so he wouldn't get it, he did. Saturday night Steve came down with it, we had to take him to the ER, he was so weak he had to be transported by ambulance to and from. Big Chris came in Sunday morning and now he has the bug, even Nana caught it. What a way to end the year! Hopefully we all will be well enough to celebrate 2004.
We're also hoping to have a few friends over to watch the Rose Bowl. (USC vs. Michigan) We're a little worried we'll infect anyone who comes over, but that won't stop us from cheering on USC.
Friday, Steve will see his Oncologist in Roseville to start his second cycle of chemo. When the second cycle is finished we'll travel to San Francisco for an MRI and an appointment with Dr. Burton to see how things have progressed.
We would like to thank our circle of family and friends for their support and prayers over the past fourteen months. Your love and well wishes have given us the strength to go on even when we have felt weary inside and didn't think we had the strength to, you have touched our hearts and given us the courage. Steve and I wish you all a Happy New Year! Please make this resolution and keep it; enjoy life, embrace it and the ones you love, do what makes you happy, don't wait for tomorrow, you may miss out on a great life.
12-23-03
Hi all! Yes, we're still here. Barb's had trouble with the web page, but all is well again. So much has happend I'll try to bring you up to speed.
The end of November our Neuro Oncologist and Neuro Surgeon came up with an idea to evaluate if surgery was a viable option. Steve was hospitalized for one week in San Francisco and given a high dosage of steroids and mannitol. If Steve responded to these drugs the Doctors knew the surgery would be an option that would give him a better quality of life. Well, our boy bounced back and surgery was done on November 3rd. Dr. Kunwar was able to get 60% of the tumor and necrosis. The tumor is back and has spread to Steve's frontal lobe, because of the area removal is dangerous so we are doing chemo to hopefully stop the growth and kill what tumor isleft. The chemo is doing a number on Steve but hopefully he'll bounce back. We're off for two weeks and start the second dosage January 2nd, Steve will have an MRI and see the SF Doctor's the end of January.
We were in San Francisco for three weeks and returned home on November 18th, just in time for Thanksgiving. Last year Steve had his first surgery Thanksgiving week and we promised ourselves then to have a blow out in 2003, and we did. We had dinner with all the trimmings and were surrounded by family.
A few weeks ago, Dec. 6th, Steve and Barb drove down to LA to attend the USC vs. Oregon State game and see old friends. We rented a handicapped hotel suite and held open house. What a blast! The game was terrific and we got to see so many friends. Steve had a ball! Those of you who came by, it was great seeing you and those we didn't get to see, we're so sorry we missed you. Not to forget USC kicked Oregon's butt!
On December 2nd the Local Lodge of the IAM that Steve worked for dedicated the building to Steve. It is now called the Stephen O. Cooke Lodge. (Barb thinks it should be the Cookie Lodge) What an honor, so many people went to so much trouble to honor him. He was also given a very heart warming plaque. Last week, December 17th the Executive Board of the IAM had a retirement dinner for Steve in Sacramento. Wow, what a great group of people. Steve has been so blessed to have so many great friends and great people to work with. He will miss them greatly. Steve retired this December.
Our gandson has been with us since Thanksgiving. He is such a cute little guy and so full of energy. We forgot what it was like to have a three year old at home. Actually it was quite an awakening for Steve, because he wasn't home that much when our boys were three and couldn't believe all the action. Our son Jarrett can't believe he was ever like Chris, I hate to tell him he was worse. But Jarrett is crazy about the little guy and takes him with him everywhere he can.
Barb's off until the end of January and may need to extend her leave. Taking care of Steve is a 24 hour job, but well worth it. She's so glad that she is able to have the time to spend with him.
Well enough for now. We hope this finds you all well and in the holiday spirit.
Remember small things bring the greatest pleasures.
A smile from a stranger
A card that you send
A memory that is tender
A word from a friend
When you treasure
the small things
There is joy without end.
Merrry Christmas from our house to yours.
10-12-03
We've had a wild roller coaster ride the past ten days. Steve had to have his Decardon (steroid) dosage increased in order to help him function better and he has stopped going to Rehab, it was just too much for him. Our Oncologist Dr. Burton took Steve's case to the Tumor Board at UCSF on Thursday, October 2nd to see if there is anything that can be done to stop the necrosis from forming. Unfortunately there isn't, surgery is our only option. We could do the surgery and start out clean again, but the necrosis will come back, it has to stop on it's own. Surgery would be riskier than before and would not give Steve a better quality of life; and it would probably only give him an extra week or two. After Steve's surgery this summer the necrosis was back two weeks later. The Doctors feel Steve's prognosis is aproximately six months.
We talked about what we wanted to do next, and decided we didn't want to do another surgery; we'd stop treatment (chemo) and let things go naturally. Steve will still take his steroid dosage. But while Steve was feeling okay we'd travel down to LA to see old friends and go to our old haunts. We weren't telling anyone until we returned; it would be too hard on everyone if they knew. Barb didn't want anyone to treat Steve differently.
Friday, Barb took Steve to see his family physician, she thought he might have a touch of pneumonia, and he did. His right foot was swollen, his doctors felt it was caused by the Decadron and lowered his dosage. Over the weekend the swelling got worse and Barb was going to call Dr. Burton again on Monday morning.
Monday, Steve got up and brushed his teeth and started screaming for help, he was in terrible pain and couldn't catch his breath, he turned light gray and was sweating. Barb dialed 911 and the paramedics came and whisked him off to the hospital. Steve had a massive pulmonary embolism. He had several clots that traveled from his leg through his heart and into his left lung and were blocking his air passages.
Our problem was what to do, the medication that could break up the clots could kill him, he could bleed out because of the necrosis. If we didn't give him the medication he'd die anyway. We were between a rock and a hard spot. Barb had Father Gary come and give Steve his last rites while the Doctors gave him the medication. If he made it through the first 24 hours they could turn him around.
Barbara and Jarrett stayed by his side and prayed. In the evening he was taken up to ICU for observation.
We now truly believe in miracles, Monday night Steve and his family were watching Monday night football in the ICU. And yes, Steve was cursing like a sailor. The next day he was moved into the coronary care unit, where he was kept on oxygen and a heart monitor. Thursday he was moved to a regular hospital room, and he came home Saturday evening in time to watch the second half of the USC game.
Steve is on a blood thinner, Coumadin, and Barb has to give him injections of Lovenox twice a day in his stomach to prevent any new clots from forming. We will have a home health care nurse checking on his progress and doing blood tests until he is up to sitting up, walking and going out. Then we'll go to the Coumadin Clinic weekly to check his blood levels and determine his dosage. This is something Steve will need to do indefinately. He is now on a heart healthy diet, low salt and sugar.
Our guy is amazing; he isn't going to give up without a fight. We know all your thoughts and prayers played a big part in pulling him through this last episode.
Steve wants you all to know how much he appreciates all your care and concern. He also wants you all to know how much he loves you, and how much he cherishes all your friendships.
10-02-03
Things are rolling along here in Roseville. Steve will be retiring from his job with IAM on December 2nd. With the problems Steve is having with his speech it would be impossible for him to go back to work. Barb has decided to take some time off from her job for the next few months so they can do some traveling, visit friends and see some sights.
Steve has a birthday coming up on the 21st; he'll be a "Big 58" this year so we think that's a good excuse for a party. We've mentioned before our niece Julie gave Steve a magnum of great wine, what a great way to celebrate.
Steve's hair is getting so long it's doing the "Cooke Hair" thing. For those of you who haven't seen Steve when he first gets out of bed, his hair never looks the same, it's like he stuck his finger in a light socket. It's so long now we can comb it to the side. More good news for those of you who are jealous of his black hair, he's getting gray hair finally, but only on the sides above his ears. If any of you watch the Sopranos, he is starting to look like Pauly the character with the silver wings of hair. I don't know why he doesn't find this as funny as we do.
Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!
9-20-03
Our report from San Francisco is good news. Steve had his first MRI with a Spectroscopy and there is no new tumor growth! But, he still has live brain tissue dying, which forms necrosis. This gives him the same symptoms that the tumor would. For example, speech problems, tiredness, short-term memory loss and some physical problems like weakness. But we have to be grateful that we are fighting the necrosis not the tumor.
Our Oncologist, Dr. Burton can't say when the necrosis will stop. He has increased Steve's steroid dosage to help off set some of Steve's problems. This will help, but it's not good to be on such a high steroid dosage. We will contact Dr. Burton in three weeks to let him know how Steve is doing, sooner if he has any problems. If everything is going okay we will have another MRI and Spectroscopy in six weeks.
The MRI shows a mass that looks like the positive area of a negative, but you can't tell if it's tumor or necrosis, the Spectroscopy measures the levels of several chemicals in the brain and then graphs the area in a grid pattern. Each grid square has the levels of the chemicals they are measuring for and you can tell from these readings what is live brain, what is tumor or necrosis. It's really great, all Steve's grids showed dead tissue.
Hopefully the necrosis will stop in the next six weeks. If not we'll have to decide what to do to relieve Steve's symptoms and make his quality of life more comfortable. A third Crainotomy is not our first choice since Steve's had five major surgeries in the last eight months. There are other options like a hyperbaric chamber, but not to worry we'll cross that road when we come to it, and we're still thinking positively.
Steve will do his second round of chemo next week. We want to stay on top of this thing and make sure it doesn't come back. We're on our way to the winner's circle and we don't want any obstacles to get in our way.
9-11-03
Wow, what a weekend! Chris and Jarrett went to the USC vs. BYU game Saturday in Los Angeles and had a great time. Well of course USC won. Needless to say Steve was a very happy fan, he was back to his usual fanatic cheering and coaching. Chris and Chris arrived Sunday morning for a three-day visit. Little Chris is such a doll and is his Grandpa's favorite friend. Big Chris bought Steve a Traveler Horse (USC's mascot) when you squeeze his foot he plays the USC fight song, this now has a place next to the USC helmet.
It's funny what a big empty space such a little guy can leave. He gives the best hugs and kises. Now that the kids have left everything is so quiet. Steve and I miss all the action. Barb's purposely left some toys out to remind her of Chris' visit.
Speaking of action, Steve had Rehab Tuesday and Wednesday. All three therapies on Wednesday, Steve worked his bottome off and slept well last night. He needs to keep busy and work hard so he can regain some his functions and speech back.
Jarrett is home from LA so we'll see a little more action around here. He's back to school today. So things are getting back in place.
It's amazing how we miss the little things in life, like the laugh of a child the "stuff" we take for granted in life, we must remember these moments for they can be taken away at any time. One of the most important things Steve and I have learned this past year is perhaps this is God's way of telling us that we must make the most out of evey single day and not to take anyone or anything for granted.
9-04-03
Labor Day weekend was a nice relaxing weekend for us. We needed to catch up on our sleep and quiet time.
We're working on making a schedule of things that we need to do and a chart of things Steve needs to do each day. He needs to have a routine so he can do his rehab work, do his grooming routine, exercise, take medications, nap and do his chores. This is part of his occupational therapy to help him become more independent. Some one needs to be here with Steve just in case there are any problems like a fall or a seizure. He really can't answer the phone to well but he is getting better at it. We're working on his mobility so he can walk farther. Hopefully we will be able to do some little excursions, like taking the dog for a walk or shopping. This is where his physical therapy comes in to help get him back on track. The most frustrating therapy is speech. Steve has never been a very patient person, and this is the slowest moving of the therapies. Not that he's not doing well, it just takes time and lots of patience and practice. He's used to working hard and fast and can't understand why this doesn't work the same way, but he is doing better.
We're looking forward to the weekend, our son Chris and grandson Chris will be back for a short visit on their way home from LA. Steve can't wait to see them, especially the small one who will run with open arms, yell "Gampa" and give him the biggest hug and kisses.
Grandchildren are a gift from God, especially this one for Steve.
8-30-03
We're still in the slow lane on our road to recovery and that's good because we're making slow but positive progress. Now Steve on the other hand wants to change lanes and shift into a higher gear. This sounds great and is a positive sign, but we need to stay in the slow lane until we are a little stronger and ready to change lanes and then we can punch it.
Barb is back to work and is really enjoying being with her friends again. Jarrett will be starting back to school on September 11th. So we're getting into a routine with school, Doctor appointments and the rehab schedule.
This was a busy week for all. Chris, our gandson was here for the week. What a sweetheart, but Barb has decided she's too old to be a working Mom again. Luckily Great Grandma (Nana) was able to watch Chris while Barb was at work. Big Chris was moving and their day care provider was moving also, so it was off to Grandma and Grandpas. The little guy is now in Fullerton with Grandma and Grandpa Sanchez and Mom is coming in from Texas today. Another fun week for the kid! Grandpa Steve really misses the little guy, especially the hugs and kisses and Chris' favorite saying "Hey Buddy!"
Chris was learning to ride his bike while here, his feet finally reach the pedals. He's been watching Grandpa on his exercise bike and saw how to peddle. He has one problem though, turning. He picks up his bike and physically turns it. We finally figured out that Steve doesn't turn on the exercise bike so Chris figured this was the way to do it.
We'll be recuperating this Labor Day weekend and getting the house back to normal. We may take a drive or go to the movies, we'll see how Steve feels and if he's up to it. I do know we have lots of homework for rehab to keep our guy busy.
Remember it doesn't matter how fast we go in our lane the end result is the same, as long as we finish we're a winner.
8-21-03
Things were going fine for a while then we hit another rough spot. On Monday August 18th Steve was taken by ambulance to the ER with stroke like symptoms, a headache, fever and vomiting. He had swelling again and required a higher dosage of steroids, this is a side effect that happens with tumors like his. They did notice a drop in his oxygen levels and did an x-ray only to find that he had the starting of pneumonia. He was sent home that evening. Wednesday Steve had his first chemo treatment after surgery, this knocked him around a little but he'll be fine in a few days. He was checked today regarding his pneumonia and is doing well.
Chris and Co. are here. Steve really enjoys their company. The kid cracks him up with all his antics.
Barb was supposed to go back to work today, but that didn't happen.
Today Steve received a beautiful fruit basket from friends in Virginia. Oh by the way if Becky Brown from Denver is reading this page, please send us your address. We still have our thank you for the delicious chocolates you sent.
Remember most of the battles of life are won by looking beyond the clouds to the sun. And having the patience to wait for the day when the sun comes out and the clouds float away.
8-11-03
Steve is doing well with his Rehab program. We go several days a week and then we have homework. So far things are going well, except when Mr. Cooke decides he doesn't want to do his homework. I bet he was a stinker as a little boy. He comes up with so many excuses, now I know where our boys got their little tricks.
Barb goes back to work on the 22nd so hopefully we'll get a schedule down before then.
We may have a little houseguest next week. Chris is moving into a new apartment and it would help not having a "little helper" around. I think we can suffer through having a cutie pie here.
We've mentioned our friends Ron and Ginger from San Francisco several times, Ron and Steve had the same type of tumor. We sadly must say our warrior Ron lost his battle with cancer last week. Our toughts and prayers are with Ginger and Brett
(Ron's son) during this difficult time.
How nice it would be if we stopped to say the things we feel in our hearts each day. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and well wishes with us. Please don't miss a chance to let someone know you care.
8-04-03
Barb and Steve came home from San Francisco with such big smiles on their faces this morning. I'm surprised they don't have bugs in their teeth.
Our dear Dr. Burton had nothing but good news for us. What a great way to start out our week. Like we have said before we are so fortunate to have wonderful Doctors to care for Steve.
Dr. Burton is one of our favorites.
Steve had a few worries about his hearing and sight. Dr. Burton reassured us these are all normal things that come up after surgery. We're glad to know they'll go away in time.
Steve will start chemo again in a few weeks. He will take a drug he has taken previously, CeeNU. This is taken orally every six weeks. Steve will have an MRI and Spectroscopy at UCSF in 6-8 weeks, we will see Dr. B. the same day to find out if there are any changes. Hopefully the bugger will not be back. If all goes well we will do approximately 4 sessions of chemo and MRI's and see where this leads us.
We sometimes forget all that our guy Steve has been through the past eight months and how well he IS doing. This time it will take a little longer but we'll do it. Our road to recovery is looking better and better. Thanks for all the love and support you've given us along our way; we couldn't have done it without you all.
Our next step, Rehab!
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the
most of everything that comes along their way.
8-3-03
We're on a new leg in our journey. We'll drive to SF today to spend the night, meet up with friends Natalie and Al to have dinner. Tomorrow we'll see Dr. Burton to find out our next move.
Steve can't wait to get things moving into the fast lane with Rehab, but this is an area that needs time and you all know how patient Steve is, Ha, Ha. His attitude and outlook will keep things moving. We'll keep you posted on what our next steps will be.
It only takes a smile to make a dark day seem bright...thanks for all your smiles of love.
7-21-03
Wow! What a whirlwind 10 days in San Francisco! We went there with thoughts of a tumor still growing and find out the sucker is dead. Prayer really does work! We are so grateful for all your prayers and support. Thank you.
The Doctors and nursing staff at UCSF are the best. The Neurology nurses (Sandy & Sharon)and pharmacist (Lisa) from Steve's surgery in November remembered us. They see so many patients and families and they remembered us, I can't believe it. It was like seeing old friends again. They take such great care of all their patients. We made a very special attachment with one nurse in particular, Karen. Barb wanted to adopt her. What a sweetie. Love ya Babe.
Our Neuro-Oncoligist Dr. Burton is such a great guy. He was on vacation the second week we were in SF, but before he left he came over personally to tell us the good pathology news. What a class act.
Rehab is the next step for Steve. We can't wait to get this started. Steve will stay in an overnight facility for a week and then do outpatient therapy at home.
Remember to never give up,
there is always hope.
read previous updates
updated 8*2*03
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