Again, the Mighty Buffalo

The Buffalo returned to me in this picture found and sent to me from Jadon. It reminds us to be strong through this exceptional winter and to know that the Sun is reurning to bring its blessed warnth to us. Thank you God for the powerful and strong, may they be wise enough to help the weak and those with needs.

Dr.'s visit on Friday 2/5/2010

Friday was a great day, we went to M.D.Anderson to see my surgeon, Dr. Vaporciyan. One of his PA's, Sharon, went over my pathology report in detail with Denbie and myself and again we are so thankful for everyones thoughts and prayers on our behalf. The chemo & radiation had done their job pre-surgery and Dr. V was very successful in removing the cancer with the esophagectomy. He was able to remove my feeding tube and I am now a free man with no attachments on my body for the first time in several months, FREEDOM. Also, he removed any and all restrictions on my activity so am looking forward to returning to a more physical existence. My family and friends have been wonderful in inspiring and motivating me to get me through dealing with discovering that I had cancer , the treatment of it, and the healing that is now in process. I will be returning to M.D. Anderson every 6 months for the next two years for continuing tests to insure that I am to be called a "cancer survivor".

MORE GREAT NEWS!

Today (Monday) we went back to MDA for Steve's barium swallow tests and to meet with the dietician. I am so happy and relieved to report that the plumbing is all working! He can swallow well and there is no leaking at the new juncture site(esophagus to stomach). He started small bits of solid food already! This is so fantastic . I am just amazed. Thanks again for all your prayers, efforts and good energy to help get us to this point. He is a precious man. I know that he has been held up in prayer, love and light by so many to whom I am/we are most grateful. It will take some doing to get his return to eating coordinated and planned out. He is so excited that he wants to eat everything right now but noooo way is that a good idea. It will be a good challenge to eat healthy and in the right quantities. I guess that is the challenge for us all! So here's to a New Year of good health and happy eating. May 2010 be a good year for all of us. Denbie

Here he is!!!

Many Blessings!

Steve is home! I think most of you know now that Steve is home and doing well. We got home about 10:30 pm Monday night and were so glad to be here. Yesterday, besides resting up, we celebrated and welcomed to the world our first grandson! Dylan did a great job of setting the computer up for several perfect Skype sessions so we felt like we were there! Liam (we're pretty sure that will be it)is just precious weighing in at 7.3 lbs. and being long and lean like Madylan. He looked like a Nash boy with little Eskimo eyes and lots of dark hair. We got to watch as Mary's mother, Loislyn, and sister, Angelyn, brought Madylan to meet her new little brother for the very first time. It was sooooo precious. She giggled and smiled and wanted to see his feet, his back, knees and his butt (2X). She helped Dylan change his diaper and seemed to be totally enamored. Mary looked absolutely beautiful with that new mother glow. She was so patient and sweet talking to Mady and introducing her to her brother while Dylan held the computer for us to see and hear. What a thrill it was for us to witness these most precious events. So technology and tech savy kids are additional blessings for which we are so thankful. Scott and Donna, Steve's brother and sister are on their way from Oklahoma to see us today. Jadon & Mindi will stop over on their way to Lafayette tonight, Kacey and Julie as they travel back from Lafyette on the weekend. We will go over to Dylan and Mary's for Christmas dinner and will get to meet little Liam in person. What joy we have this special Christmas season. We hope you and yours are healthy, happy and filled with the peace, joy and wonder of this magical time of the year. Thanks again, so much for all your prayers, love and support during this time of Steve's journey to being cancer free. It has meant the world to us and as a result he is well on his way to healing. We love you all.

Progress

Steve is doing much better. He made a good turn while Kacey was here over the weekend. I got to go home for a night of rest (yea!) and Kacey stayed with Steve. They watched football, laughed and joked and Kacey got all the equipment working in sync....the nurses were as appreciative as Steve....he managed to stop some of the constant and questionable beeping. Thanks so much Kacey! Steve seemed to turn a corner and is making good progress. they are talking tube removals today and that means we are closer to going home! Still don't know when that will be. Appreciate your continued prayers, love, good thoughts and support. P.S. Still waiting on #2 grandson to make his appearance. Will keep you posted! Denbie

Surgery + 3 days

We spoke with Denbie yesterday afternoon and Steve is hurting quite a bit.  Doctors are very pleased with his progress but there is just no way around the pain after such a major surgery. 

Even through the intense pain, his spirit is incredible!