Tuesday, August 4, 2009

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.

15 comments:

  1. Lookin good Steve, all the boys in our family are going to follow suit pretty soon here when Carson's hair is no more. Soon hair will be so last year!

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  2. Thanks for the update and picture, John. Steve, your look great with a shaved head. It is so symmetric. Keep up the good work. I love pictures.

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  3. Steve,

    Leanne and I are super proud of you for serving the great people in NY and CT. I can't wait to catch up and talk about mutual friends.

    I like hearing that you are keeping the hospital staff on their toes. I have no doubt that you will get past this temporary setback and close this chapter in your life soon. The ladies are going to love your new rubber LIVESTRONG bracelet!

    You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday.

    Love, Jonathan, Leanne, Josh, and Jacqui Freedman

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  4. Your the man! Jake Marsh called me last night and with everything thats going on, we suggest a smash bro's tournamen :)

    <3

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  5. Steve. You're looking good. No signs of dry, itchy scalp. That's a good place to be. Hope you can get back to the house tonight and get some good rest. We love you and can't wait to see you at the end august.

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  6. Hello Elder Evans and family,

    President Ron Sasine, from your mission presidency, told me about your situation. If there's anything I can do to be helpful, please just let me know. It sounds like you've got wonderful care, lots of great support, and a positive attitude. Those are just the things you need.

    Those things combined to get me through a very similar diagnosis more than 20 years ago. I was diagnosed with leukemia while serving with Elder Sasine in Ecuador. I'm sure the treatment now is much better even than what was available to me.

    I don't want to intrude, but if it would be useful to talk to someone who has been through something similar, please just let me know. You can reach me at gmsumsion at hotmail dot com.

    Yours,

    Grant Sumsion

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  7. Sister Searle and I have been praying for your complete recovery since we heard the news. We know that the Lord knows exactly what he desires of you. We are impressed with your attitude, faith, and desires.

    We have missed you since we left the mission field. Your command of the scriptures always impressed us. You have a unique ability to lead and train others. I am sure the Lord will continue to use you in his work.

    You should feel confident that you serve as the Lord required. In D&C 124:49 the Lord indicates that you have fulfilled your calling as a missionary. You served well and should rejoice with all those you were able to share your testimony with and especially those who joined the Church.

    Your continued application of the principles you have so effectively learned and applied in the mission will serve you well in the future and bring many accomplishments and successes in your professional, church and personal life.

    Please keep us informed of your progress; our prayers are with you.

    Love, Richard and Wynnette Searle

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  8. Hey Steve! Britney should know she has some serious competition with that new look!

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  9. Steve,
    We are trying to take the well advised council not to just show up on your doorstep, but we do want you to know how much we love you and care about the progress of your treatment. You are such a wonderful example of goodness to the members of our ward and neighborhood and especially to those whom you served in the mission field. And now to that example of righteousness is added amazing courage and strength. But, not to be left out is your great sense of humor and ever present wit. Not everyone looks good with a shaved head you know, but wow you have a perfectly symmetrical head! How could you have known before you bared it. Looks so current!
    Oh Steve, how the Lord loves his missionaries, and you are one of His best. I know that He will guide you through this trial and you will be well again. Perhaps the hardest struggle as you travel this road will be letting others care for you, help you. . . "drive the car" so to speak. But we want to in anyway that we can. Know that you and your beautiful parents and family are in our constant prayers.
    We love you Steve and can't wait to see you and hear all about New York and Connecticut (two states with memories very close to our hearts).
    Take exceptional care of yourself and the Lord will do the rest!!!!!
    Love, The Schaubs

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  10. Love the new doo (wait..how on earth do you spell that? doo, du, due...uh) Anyway, I can't believe you are dealing with this but I am so happy to see your positivity and I know that you are going to get through this just fine. Love ya cuz!

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  11. Steve...you are one good lookin kid, shaved head and all!!
    I'm glad to see your spirits are high. i sure wish we could had come see you last week.

    Stay positive, love you lots!

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