 
Welcome to the recovery update page for Steve Cooke.
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 familites 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.
7-25-03
It feels so good to be back home. Steve is so glad to be out of the hospital and rehab. We're trying to get our lives back on a normal schedule. Our dog Hosier is the happiest to see us she really missed her Dad and vice versa.
Our next step is outpatient rehab for Steve. We're so lucky to have a great facility here in Roseville. Hopefully we can get started this week.
Steve did very well in rehab this past week. We met dedicated people who will make a difference in our lives. They have started us on the next leg of our journey and road to recovery. Thank you. A special thank you to Ingrid and Jennifer who our son Jarrett was especially impressed with.
7-26-03
Steve is a happy camper. He has cable again to watch ESPN and CNN. He was going through withdrawal in Rehab without it. He has his sidekick, Hosier an all his favorite foods. Plus he can sleep in his own bed!
On Friday before Steve was discharged from Rehab and old friend Rob Fowler came to visit. Steve was so glad to see Rob. Rob is the friend who initiated the USC helmet for Steve.
When Steve came home there was a banner across the garage door "Welcome Home Steve" two sets of balloons on the outside lights, one purple and yellow (Lakers) and one cardinal and gold (USC), and one very happy wife,son and dog.
We plan to take it easy this weekend catch up on things and get things back in order. Steve will probably start his outpatient rehab on Wednesday. On August 4th we will travel back to SF to see Dr. Burton and see what we can do to keep this bugger from coming back.
We'll soon be ready for visitors. Please don't hesitate to call: Steve is ready to reconnect with family and friends.
7-19-03
We're back! As you can tell from the last up date we've been in San Francisco for 10 days. The surgery went well. There was no live tumor, it was all dead tissue from the radiation! This goes to prove that prayer does work.
Steve will be in a rehab facility for a while to help him with his speech problem. Otherwise he is doing well.
The boys from Vancouver are here this weekend, well the small one is, his Dad is in Tahoe with his old high school buddies. So Grandma has the little guy all to her self. That's a laugh Uncle Jarrett and Nana will want their fair share of time with Chris. I'll write again next week.
7-07-03
Barb's running around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to get ready for the San Francisco trip tomorrow. We did want to update before we run out of town.
We must leave early Tuesday morning, Steve has his MRI scheduled for 9:30 a.m., we'll then have his blood work done and meet with the Neurosurgeon. Then we're free for the day.
Barb will be spending the week in San Francisco. She'll be at the Sheraton Four Points by the Airport. There will be no updates until we get home. Sorry.
Yesterday was fun day. We had a visit from one of Steve's old fraternity brothers Dennis Esterbrook and his girlfriend Barbara. They are a really cute couple. Barbara lives here in Roseville and Dennis lives in the South Bay. We'd all like to get Dennis away from his beloved beach and move up here. We could all get into a lot of trouble together.
Dennis is a big UCLA fan, but he bit the bullet and brought Steve two USC shirts and a USC baseball cap, too cool. Dennis also brought Steve a sign with an old Rho Delta Delta saying:
I'll drink to the girls who do
And I'll drink to girls who don't
But I'll never drink to the girl
Who says she will
And later decides she won't
Barb's wondering if she should hang this sign in Steve's hospital room. Probably not, it could scare the nurses away or with Steve's animal magnetism it could attract more.
Keep up the prayers and good thoughts. We're feeling positive and can't wait to take this bugger on again. Steve is doing well with the new chemo so everything is a go!
7-03-03
Happy Birthday Pops! Barb's father is 85 today, and still going strong. Mike is an amazing guy.
Amazing must run in this family, Steve is still amazing friends and family with his improvement.
Tuesday we were in San Francisco firming up surgery dates, finishing tests, picking up ZD 1839 and getting scheduled for appointments and chemo after surgery.
Barb and Steve will go to SF on the 8th; Steve will have lab work and an MRI on Tuesday. They will spend the night and surgery will be on Wednesday, the 9th. Steve will be hospitalized for 5 to 7 days; Barb will stay in a hotel in SF during that time. What a way to get a few days away from home.
Steve started taking the ZD 1839 on Wednesday, 7-2-03. So far so good. He will take this new chemo drug for 7 days, have surgery and while he's recuperating he will be off the drug for 7 days then begin it again on day eight.
So everything is in place for the next leg of our journey. Let's get ready to rock'n roll!
6-27-03
The last seven days have been so crazy! We saw our Oncologist in Roseville on Monday and received the MRI results. The results were not what we wanted to hear, the tumor is still growing. There is so much swelling on the left side of Steve's brain that it's crowding into the right side. That is why Steve had motor skill problems and it intensified his speech problems.
On Wednesday we took the MRI films and went to UCSF to see our Neuro Oncologist, Dr. Burton. He suggests we do another surgery to take out the tumor and any scar tissue to reduce the swelling. He also suggested we take part in a clinical trial. He presented our case to the Tumor Board on Thursday to see if they agreed and thought Steve was a good candidate for the surgery and the clinical trial.
Yesterday we got the go ahead for both. We are so excited to start this new protocol. So today Barb was busy making appointments and getting authorizations etc. for the surgery.
Steve will be in a clinical trial for the new drug ZD 1839. This is a drug designed to block a signal from the molecule called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which drives brain tumor cells to divide uncontrollably. In order to participate in this trial Steve needs several tests and lab work before he can start the ZD 1839.
We will drive to San Francisco on Tuesday for additional tests and to pick up the ZD 1839. Steve will take this for seven days, he will have surgery on July 9th, he will stop the chemo while recovering from the surgery (approx 7 days). He will then start it up again.
Steve's sister Micky is here from Arizona for a visit. It's great having the whole Cooke clan here.
We'll fill in more next week. This weekend we're going to enjoy being with family. We hope you do too.
6-20-03
What a difference a week can make in our lives. I have so many great things to share I don't know where to begin.
Steve is doing so well, he is so determined to win his battle. He will not take any knock out punches. He may need a few days to rest, but then he's back in there fighting.
Today he got back on his exercise bike. Cursing himself to keep pumping. I took pictures but I wish I could have recorded what he was saying. Oh my! But it works for him.
Tuesday evening we received another phone call from our past. Don and Wendy Swanson called from Sumner Washington. It was good to hear their voices. We usually catch up with each other's lives through the annual Christmas letters.
Wendnesday was off the charts! Steve received a package from USC. We know how this boy loves USC Football. Inside the box was a USC football helmet signed by Pete Carrol their coach. The inscription read: To Steve, The Trojans love you. Fight On! Pete Carrol. Steve was overwhelmed. Robbie Fowler an old friend who we went to USC games with many, many years ago purchased the helmet on e-bay, then contacted Pete Carrol and asked him to autograph it for Steve. He gladly agreed to do it. What a great guy. We have it on top of our entertainment unit in the front room.
That same day another friend, Bill Piercy sent Steve a poster of the USC game schedule. Bill attended a dinner where Pete Carrol spoke. Small world huh?
Thursday Steve, Barbara and Pops (Barb's Dad) went to the movies. Things are looking great!
Steve's speech hasn't improved yet, but we're working on it. So things are on the recovery road.
One sad note though, we sold our boat Wednesday. That was really hard on us. But like Barb told Steve, in two years we can buy a bigger, better boat.
Thanks for all your positive thoughts this gives us the strength and courage to fight on.
6-17-03
Good news, Steve is starting to perk up. He is able to walk by himself around the house. We watch him carefully though since he can't see on his right side, he has a hard time with right corners. He's able to use his right side a little bit better too. We feel the Dexamethasone is helping with the swelling in his brain. He always likes to make a liar out of me. This time I'm glad.
Steve went out into the backyard and took a jacuzzi last night. Probably so he wouldn't have to take a shower. Our son Jarrett used to wash that way when he was younger. He'd say I'll just jump in the pool Mom. At least Steve soaked for about 30 minutes and moved his legs and arms around exercising. He's such a show off, he went in naked. I should have taken pictures and put those on the web page.
Barb's Dad is up from LA this week, he arrived last night. This is the first time he's seen Steve since he was diagnosed with his brain tumor. It is really good to see Pops as he was nick named by the kids. Hopefully we'll be able to do a few things while he's here.
Steve received another call from the past yesterday. Mark Sullivan, who started Placid Harbor in Maryland with Steve called to wish him well. It's been about 16 years since we last saw him and his wife Carmen. We love these kind of calls. It brings back so many great memories.
6-15-03
Happy Father's Day! It's been a while since we updated our recovery page. A lot has been happening at the Cooke household. Steve has gone down hill very rapidly since his second chemo infusion on June 2nd. His right side is weak and he has no coordination. He can't hold a spoon to feed himself or walk without help. It's as if he had a stroke. Luckily he's pretty good with his left hand, so he does everything with it.
We have a wheelchair for Steve and some other orthopedic devices to help make everyday things easier. We moved the date for the MRI up. Steve had his MRI on Wednesday, June 11th. We won't know the results until the week of the 23rd. Dr. Burton from San Francisco doubled his steriod medication dosage to help with any swelling he is having. We started the higher dosage Wednesday evening. We've seen a slight improvement over the past few days. Hopefully the increase in medication will help.
Steve's speech is getting worse, but he can still curse like a trooper. Barb says at least he still remembers her name. He can yell at the dog to stop scratching and still curse with the best of them. He gets frustrated trying to remember the names for things and talking in general, but he hasn't lost his sence of humor. I can't even imagine how frusting it is for him to be unable to express what he wants or needs. Talking is how he made his living. Early in the morning he does better, his speech worsens as the day goes on. Some of you who have called can better understand why he doesn't want to talk on the phone.
We're still hoping for the best for Steve. We hope the results will show that it's scar tissue making his brain swell and causing all of Steve's latest problems. Keep up your prayers and good thoughts. Remember the journey of healing is traveled one step at a time.
6-3-03
Our road to recovery is in a valley. We'll be happy when we start up hill again. Steve had his second infusion of Carboplatin yesterday and went back on the nightly Thalidomide. Today was not a good day for him. He's nauseated, light headed, weak, tired and grouchy. He also broke out in a rash all over his body. Our Oncologist suggested we drop the Thalidomide again to see if the rash disappears. Hopefully he'll be feeling better in a few days.
We had a great week with Big and Little Chris. Steve especially enjoyed their visit. How perfect, someone knowledgeable to talk sports with, and who wants to watch Sports Center. The little guy was a laugh riot. Boy, does he love his Gampa. It was great to see Steve smile and laugh so much. Their visit really did cheer him up. Grandma and Uncle Jarrett also enjoyed seeing the Chris'. Uncle Jarrett is already teaching his nephew some of his bad habits, they both like to flirt with blondes.
Let's all keep a positive attitude. Remember we control how we embrace our day.
5-31-03
Chris and the little guy arrived Monday. When little Chris ran up to Steve, called him Gampa and gave him a big hug and kiss, it made his day. It's been a difficult week for Steve. His doctor took him off the Thalomide for a few days to see if that was the culprit. Hopefully he'll bounce back. On Monday Steve will have his second chemo infusion and the doctor will decide if he'll go back on the Thalomide.
While the kids are here we're celebrating the little guys third birthday. We also thought we'd do an early Father's Day for Steve and Chris since the whole Cooke gang will be present. We'll let you know how things turn out after Monday.
There's nothing like the smile, kiss and hug of a grandchild to brighten your world. Grandpa Steve is glowing.
5-25-03
Our fighter has really taken his lumps this week, but you know Steve he's always back for the next round. We had a visit from a long time friend Bob Gebel on Friday. It was great to see Bob and catch up on things. Especially their fraternity reunion held last month that Steve couldn't make. Boys will be boys forever.
The weather has finally cooled down from the hundreds to the eighties. Thank goodness, because Chris and the baby are coming this week for a visit. We shouldn't say the baby anymore, he was three on the 22nd of this month. Of course we'll be having a birthday party for little Chris. Barb thought it would also be a perfect time to celebrate an early Father's Day. Three generations of fathers together, how great.
We're still depositing in our bank account of memories, thanks for your part. Keep the cards, calls and prayers coming it definitley helps Steve's attitude.
5-20-03
It's been rough riding the past week or so. The chemo and Thalomide are powerful drugs and are taking a toll on Steve. But he's still in there fighting and being as positive as ever.
We had a few visitors this weekend. Steve's cousin Linda,from San Diego came up to go to that other team's play off game on Thursday (Kings). Linda asked Barbara and Steve to join her. Steve wasn't up to going out so Barbara and Steve's brother Bruce went. Barbara picked Linda up at the airport and they went directly to Arco Arena, and met Bruce at the arena. Linda had terrific tickets! Eleven rows up from the floor. Guess what? Barbara was cheering for the Kings! Well not all of them. Not Vladie, she can't stand that flopper! Barb ran into friends at the game and was given a bad time at school on Monday.
Unfortunately, Steve and Jarrett had to watch the Lakers loose that night at home.
Linda's husband Curtis is a Laker fan also, he was at the Laker game in LA Thursday night and then flew up up to Sacramento on Friday. They were up here to attend their son's graduation at UOP last weekend.
Linda works for the San Diego Chargers, she brought Steve a Seau jersey (because he played for USC) and a cool baseball hat.
Linda's parents Fran and Al stopped by on their drive up to Reno this morning. It's been great seeing everyone. Steve loved the company. It's been quite a few years since we all touched bases. It's amazing how people pass through our lives and how fast we loose contact with our busy schedules. One thing Steve and I have learned from all that we're going through is to renew those contacts and treasure our family and friends.
5-8-03
Steve's tired and slightly nauseated most of the day, but that doesn't stop his magentic charm from shinning through. This man has women from all over spoiling him. For example a dear friend from Hawaii, Patti Burns came yesterday to see him. Then there's Kathleen Dippel here in Roseville who brings him treats like cake and ice cream. Doreen Diederich who is traveling around the country sending him cards and calling taunting him with promises of hugs when she sees him again in December. Nancy Junk in Long Beach sending him cards and things like candles that spell out "kick ass" Steve's motto. Over on the east coast we have Margaret Brawley calling to "hear" his voice. Then there's Connie Gibson back at Placid Harbor where Steve worked in Maryland sending him tons of cards. Even married women, best friends wives like Emma Baker, she's so bold she calls him her sweetie and right to Barbs face! Of course you know he has to collect hugs and kisses whenever he sees them. But as the Doctors say a little TLC never hurts. What a racket this man has going.
We're holding our own for now. Keep us in your prayers and thoughts. Remember life is what your thoughts are...think happy!
5-6-03
Steve started his new chemo yesterday, the Carboplatin IV went well. He's nauseated today and not his usual chipper self. But this is to be expected. He was able to watch his beloved Lakers last night, that's what he was most worried about. Men! We will start the Thalidomide this week, hopefully Steve will be able to tolerate that as well as the Carboplatin IV.
Barbara works with a friend named Bonnie Redding. Last summer Bonnie's husband was also diagnosed with cancer. Barbara and Bonnie have been supporting each other during these difficult times. Bonnie's husband Bob had blood transfussions. This brought about the idea of a blood drive sponsored by the Roseville School District where Bonnie and Kim (Bonnie & Bob's daughter) and Barb work. Last Wednesday was the first annual blood drive in Bob and Steve's names. But, it is with great sadness I must add that Bob, another brave warrior lost his battle with cancer this March. Bonnie, Kim and Jennifer (other daughter) are going to make this an annual blood drive in Bob's honor.
We feel very positive about our new protocal. We are inspired by a fortune cookie Steve was given last week by a friend. His fortune read; Your road to glory will be rocky, but fulfilling. We are taking this as a good sign for our road trip.
4-24-03
We feel like we've been on a roller coaster ride. Going from here to there and all the testing with nothing good to come from all of it. The tumor is a persistant bugger and as strong willed as Steve. If you see Steve you would never know what a devil he is fighting inside. The Doctors are astounded at his physical capabilities and strength. Most patients have seizures (he's never had one) have poor muscle function, sleep a lot and have severe headaches. Not our Steve, he still walks, works out and swims. He has a few off days but on the whole he is physically strong and is as cute as ever. Even his hair is coming back!
UCSF offered us a clinical trail (phase I) to try or another chemotherapy drug program. We chose the traditional protocal. Steve will be given Carboplatin intravenously once every four weeks, and daily oral does of Thalidomide. Thalidomide is a drug given to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels. Blood supply is a key component to tumor growth, hopefully this will inhibit it's new growth and the chemo will kill the present tumor. We will do this program for two months and then go back to UCSF for an MRI and see how well we fared. Unless we notice any changes in Steve's health. Steve will receive the chemo in the Sacramento area and be followed by an Oncologist under the direction of UCSF Doctors. He needs to be checked weekly and have his blood tested. We see the new Doctor on May 1st and should start the program soon after.
We did not choose the clinical trial beacause it is in the first phase. There are three stages to clinical trials before medications are approved by the FDA. The first phase determines the correct dosage to give a patient and it's side effects. After much discussion and information gathering on this particular trial we decided it wasn't what we wanted at this time, it was too early in the study. We also looked into many other studies going on around the country at different clinics and hopsitals. One that looked especially promising was the scorpion venom. After researching this promising program, we realized it wouldn't be useful to us. The scorpion venom is used to transport a radioisotope into the tumor to kill it. The venom itself doesn't kill the tumor. Steve has had radiation and the Gamma Knife (intense radiation) and those didn't phase this bugger. So Steve would not be a good candidate for this therapy. Barb knows more than she ever wanted about brain tumors and their treatment.
Thank you for all your cards, calls and prayers. Remember...it's the little things that mean the most.
4-18-03
Today is Good Friday, but not for us. Dr. Burton called with the news we didn't want to hear. The tumor is still growing. Monday, we have an appointment in SF to meet with the Doctors and find out about a new clinical trial UCSF is doing. We'll let you know what we decide to do after our visit to UCSF on Monday.
Steve and I are thinking of all of you and wish you all the joys of Easter and the happiness of spring. Thank you again for your support and prayers. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Happy Easter.
4-11-03
News flash!!! The PET scan is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16th. High Ho! It's off to San Francisco we go. Hopefully we'll have the "good" news by next weekend. We can then get back on this road to recovery.
Steve is in a fantastic mood this morning. The Lakers kicked butt last night. Jarrett, Barb and Steve went wild watching the game. Go LA! Sorry if you're not a Laker fan, but we need to focus on all the positive things in our life, and their winning is one. Living in the midle of King country makes it hard to show our true loyalities, but we do. Especially Jarrett, he's obnoxious about the Lakers. He wears his jersies all around town and has Laker flags on his car. Some day he's going to get stomped on by some King fans, it's bad enough with his friends giving him flack all the time. But, it just makes Jarrett and Steve's bond stronger than ever. They sure could use the support of big brother Chris if he were in town.
Have a fantastic weekend, we plan to.
4-09-03
Today's visit to SF wasn't bad news nor was it exactly the answer we were hoping for. Monday's MRI showed swelling and an area that looks like new growth. Dr. Burton feels the swelling and the growth shown in the MRI is necrosis (dead tissue) from the Gamma Knife radiation. So to be safe, he is scheduling a PET scan. A radioactive dye will be injected into Steve's system, this will be absorbed by the living tissue, the darkened area of the MRI where the tumor was radiated should not absorb the radioactive dye if it is dead. We're doing this to be sure and so we can continue with the second round of chemo to keep the "sucker" at bay. We'll keep you posted on anything else when we find out.
Life is like a bank account, you withdraw from what you've put in...so, our advice to all of you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in your bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling our Memory bank. We are still depositing.
4-8-03
There is never a dull moment here at the Cooke House. Steve had a reaction to all the different medications he is taking and we wound up in the ER Sunday evening. Things are back to normal today. Steve had his MRI yesterday and we'll get the results tomorrow when we go to UCSF. Steve and I viewed the films but we couldn't tell if there was new growth. We did notice lots of swelling, which we did expect. So the experts will tell us what's going on in that head of his. Steve's spirits are improving each day and he is feeling more like himself.
4-4-03
Before the weekend is here Steve and I thought we should give you an update. Steve will have an MRI in Sacramento on Monday, we will hand carry the x-rays to SF on Wednesday, where we will see our Oncologist Dr. Burton. Steve's dexamethasone (steroid) dosage has been tripled. Hopefully this will help with the swelling he is having. By Wednesday we'll know what's going on and what our next steps will be.
Last evening we attended our monthly brain tumor support group meeting. A guest speaker, a pharmasist from UC Davis spoke about different chemo and anti-seizure drugs. This was a timely discussion for us since we are going through the process of finding the "right" drug to suspend the growth of Steve's tumor. Listening to all the people tell their stories of getting to the "right" treatment gave us hope of finding ours. It was very enlightening to discuss with Dr. Gill all the treatments we've read and heard about. Steve and I both left the meeting feeling hopeful we're still on the right track.
Luckily, Barb started her partial leave of absence this week (work 3 days, off 2)and is off for the next two weeks due to spring break and her library being used for a book fair. Having this time off has made us flexible in making arrangements. We feel this is just another sign the "Big Guy" is looking out for us again.
Enjoy all the things that renew your strength, soothe your soul, and brighten the world around you.
4-02-03
For crying out loud, when are they going to pave this road? It's been a difficult past few days. The second chemo medication Steve is taking daily has been playing havick with him. He's been very tired and sleeps most of the day. He also has become very depressed and disoriented. His Doctor had him stop the medication. Patients on this particular medication have become so depressed that they have committed suicide. Steve was not at that point! Anyone who has talked to him knows how positive his attitude has been all along, this stuff was really messing with his head. Steve wasn't even up to working out or taking his walks. He's been off of the meds for 48 hours now. He looks and feels better. Hopefully he'll be back to his normal cheerful, positive self as soon as this medication is out of his system.
We were planning a trip to Southern California this coming week, but it looks like we'll need to put that on hold until Steve is feeling better and fit to travel.
One of Barb's cousins is coming in from New Jersey to visit this weekend. That will be a nice diversion, and lots of fun.
Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear or the smallest act of caring. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally! And...thanks for touching our lives!
3-29-03
Well, spring has sprung and all is well at the Cooke household. We had great news on thursday from the eye specialist at UC Davis. Steve can drive! Barb could barely hold the boy back. Steve is one happy camper. We're still working on his reading issues and will be seeing a specialist in several weeks. But, for the time being he is cruising Roseville with a great big smile.
Steve will have an MRI within the next few weeks and we'll see Dr. Burton at UCSF to find out if this new chemo is working. Which we know this one is, remember always positive thoughts.
Steve's favorite basketball team (LA Lakers)is driving us all crazy. The Cooke's are avid Laker fans. After watching the Lakers get beat by Houston this week we were all exausted. Our son Jarrett if not with us when watching the game calls Steve a million times to make comments and discuss the game, players and plays. If we don't get a game televised and Jarrett is somewhere where they do he calls Steve to tell him the score and plays. No wonder they call it March madness. It really should be called just madness according to Barb.
Our grandson is turning three in May, so Steve and Jarrett came up with idea that they should get little Chris a Laker jersey. Oh my, it had to be a real one not a knock off. So now they have a jersey and matching shorts for him, the next move is a basketball. Here's to a fourth generation Cooke Laker fan!
Remember life is what you make of it...kinda like Play-Doh.
read previous updates
updated 8*2*03
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