Steve plugged in

This is a photo of Steve "plugged in" at the hospital receiving a chemo treatment. They connect a line to his "port" that is implanted in his chest and he sits there for about an hour while the medicine goes through his veins. They also give him a strong anti-nausea medicine that really helps Steve not have some of the usual side affects of this treatment.

Steve's blood count was very good this week; his white blood cells were up a little from last week, his hematicrit was up a little, and his plateletts were up from 24 when he went into the hospital in NY to 82 now.

Steve feels a little more tired when he does things, and his body is retaining water a little, but we are so thankful for all this technology that is helping his body get over this disease. Even more we are thankful for all of your faith and prayers in his behalf that are helping his body react well to the treatments.

Steve's Homecoming

Steve is having a Homecoming at our ward this Sunday . We look forward to hearing about his experiences in the New York North mission with the people he loves so much. Here is the info:

Sun. Aug. 16
12:45 p.m.
Yale Ward
1431 Gilmer Drive
SLC 84105

Great numbers!

We just got the news that the result of Steve's last bone marrow aspirate is 5%-meaning that there are only 5% cancer cells in his bone marrow now, as opposed to the approx. 80% that he started treatment with! That means that the chemo is working effectively. We are so thankful for that. It also means that Steve can skip one bone marrow aspirate test this week-something Steve is happy to do.

Steve's cousin Nate Evans showed up at the door sporting this popular new hairdo. Two great guys making a fashion statement!

Steve is back at the house

We went and saw Steve tonight at my parents' house. He is home from the hospital in the best of spirits. We had such a fun time eating Wendy's, making jokes, and playing with the kids. He has even updated his personal technology, but you'll have to ask him about that. I'm jealous.

08-04-09: More Excuses to Get Stuck In Front of a Mirror

I went in and visited Steve and had quite a shock. His hair is gone! In talking with him on Monday, he mentioned that his hair would fall victim to the chemo after about 3 and a half weeks, but he decided to expedite the whole process and chop it off today. When I came in after work, he looked like an over-grown East High Freshman, who had a patchy five o’clock shadow. All in all, he still looks normal, and now we’re just counting down the days till the brows and lashes go their separate ways, too.

So here’s the update on Steve’s condition. Today he had another dose of chemo therapy. This consisted of injecting four needles into his inner thighs. It’s a type of chemo that can’t be taken intravenously, so Steve can expect at least four more out-patient visits of about the same experience. Steve was also given a blood transfusion to give some clean juice, and then got his pelt skinned -- Says he just wants to get used to it while he can.

Many of us were expecting him to be home today, but he was given a window until Wednesday, and the doctors want to stick to it. When Leukemia cells die, they leave behind high levels of Phosphates and creatinine. It’s nothing too big or serious, but the doctors want those levels low, so they’re just waiting for Steve to get down to where they want, and he’ll be home to chill in the morning.

Steve’s spirits are still way high, and we get to joke around with each other all the time. It’s great news that Steve is dealing with the Leukemia in the prime of his life, when his body is in the best condition. His neighbors are all under 3 years old, and it’s sad to hear them from the next room over trying to understand what’s going on. The nurses are well-trained for helping these families, but it appears they’re not accustomed to handling 23-year olds. They congratulate Steve on a good job done every time he goes to the bathroom and make quite a big deal. He’s such a good little patient.

How Steve was on Sunday

We went and visited Steve at the Hospital yesterday. He is in such good spirits. It is fun to see him joking with the nurses, apologizing that he is making all of his buzzers and alarms go off. He will be in the hospital until tomorrow (Tuesday), and then he will go home to lie low at Mom and Dad's house.

We're trying to get him up to date on music, but he insists on his classic 80's music. Way to stay strong, Steve. I also think that he likes cruising around in his hospital gown.

I've noticed that Steve has a steady stream of visitors made up of family, friends, and friends of the family. I think that he cheers others up more than they cheer him up. Hopefully, Steve and my other family members who visit Steve on a daily basis will start posting updates here.

Steve's initial condition

Our family picked up Steve at the SLC airport late Thursday afternoon. He looked and felt very good. We had a precious family time at our home that evening.

Carolyn and I took Steve to the Primary Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) Friday morning. The preliminary diagnosis is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) pre-B. Dr. Michael Pulsipher, who is in our ward, is the head of the PCMC Hematology/Oncology Department and the expert in the region, and only deals with the most critical cases, but he requested to supervise Steve’s care. Steve’s direct care provider is Dr. Wright who is over the more typical ALL cases. Dr. Wright informed us that she has been also caring for my brother’s grandson, Carson (who has the same condition). Steve will be in treatment for about two-and-a-half years. We are convinced we have Steve in the right place receiving the right care. What are the chances Steve would contract this disease and have in his ward the expert in the region and live this close to the best venue for its treatment? Steve is doing great and is in good spirits and good humor.

Friday Steve was tested and was in the O.R. for an hour-and-a-half receiving a port, having a spinal tap and a marrow sample. He spent Friday night at our home, but will be back in the PCMC through Tuesday. Steve received his first full chemotherapy treatment Saturday afternoon. He was groggy Friday night and Saturday morning from the pain medicine, but is doing much better Saturday. He is in good spirits. When we checked him in Saturday morning, he was really pleased that immediately upon his request the nurses brought him a portable, Wi-Fi connected laptop to use for e-mails, and all the room service food he wants whenever he wants it (which may turn out to be not all that often). Nevertheless, he thinks it is great. He is getting incredible attention at PCMC because the staff in his area only deal with 2 or 3 patients at a time while at the other venues they have 7 or 8 patients at a time.

So far, all the reports have been on the better side of what we hope for: 1) the white cell count is low and there is no infection, 2) there is no leukemia in his spinal fluid, and 3) he is so far in the category of “Pre B” ALL, which is the one with the high rate of survival. We won’t know until after two weeks of treatment whether he will be in one of the high risk categories, but so far the likelihood of that is low. We continue to hope and pray that his body will deal well with the treatment. He is quite restricted on visitors.

All of the 160 missionaries in Steve’s mission together with many members and some investigators who know Steve fasted for Steve last Tuesday. Like Steve, they are hoping he will get well and, if possible, be able to return for his last four months. Now that it is clear that his treatment will take a long time, however, Steve will no longer be on medical leave from his mission in anticipation of returning for his last four months; President McConkie, extended Steve an honorable release from his mission Saturday morning. He had a very fulfilling and rewarding 20 months. Some of Steve’s mission companions who have been home for a few months visited Steve Friday night at our house. That was really great for Steve too.

Steve is doing very well. He is energized by the prayers and support of family and friends. Having just completed a long hike on his mission, Steve finds himself at the base of another mountain starting another long hike to the top, but Steve loves a good hike. And we love Steve.

From Steve and his entire family, thanks for all of your faith, prayers and love.