Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Journey Begins

We were all shocked to hear the news of Steve's illness. I spoke to him Saturday evening and he sounds relieved to begin the process fighting this. He is set to have some scans done Monday where they will have a better idea of treatment options for him. He knows that he has a tremendous road ahead of him, but one that he and Annie are prepared to fight together. I thought this blog would be an opportunity to keep everyone informed about what was happening and also give everyone an opportunity to share with him your support.

Kathy

23 comments:

SJM said...

Thanks for everyone's kind comments and words of encouragement. They have been very helpful. Unfrotunately, I cannot respond to all of your notes due to limited access to e-mail in the hospital.

I am doing and resting in the hospial. The initial headaches have subsided with medication and steroids (don't be shocked when my name is the next guy to get suspended by MLB but of course rabid fans do not normally get 50 game suspensions). We will know more about surgery and teatments in the next few days

In the meantime, thanks for everyone's upport. You all have been an important part of my life and I am counting on seeing you all when we get through this journey.

SJM said...

Just finished Petscat (?) which makes me massively radioactive over the next four hours. Sort of like a visitor from Chernoybol.

Now waiting for Annie to show up with late lunch and dinner.

Kudy (Annie's sister) arrives this afternoon which will be good support. Jim and Winnie arrive in HK on Thursday and again we look forward to their support.

In the meantime, I keep busy with the Nuggets playoff run! Next is the Lakers. Not easy but sweet to see these guys playing in important games in May!.

Unknown said...

Steve,
My thoughts and heart are with you and if there is anyway I can help you, you know I will be there for you and Annie!!
Blake

Loito FM said...

Steve

Loito here mate. I just received this link and of course had no idea, so thank you so much for getting me in the loop. I don't know what to say except I know you're a fighter, and whatever it is, with perseverance and love from your friends & family, we'll be seeing you up and about again soon. Maybe with less hair, but we can deal with that :)

If there's anything we can do, just yell. Your friends are all around you, and you have plenty of them. Will see you soon. Best, David

anchana_01 said...

Okay, we met with the surgeon this evening. It was a positive meeting in that the Petscat did not show any other tumors. The surgeon met with the Oncologist and agreed the best course of action is to surgically remove the big tumor ASAP and then follow-up with a chemo and radiation treatment. He said this is a major sugery, but he thinks that I am fit and strong enough to survive the surgery which gives me the best chance to get through this disease. Surgery is to be scheduled but most likely for Monday or Tuesday of next week (HK time).

We are encouraged by today's meeting even if it means major surgery.

The headaches are less severe again today and we are hoping to go to steroids only by tomorrow. That means that I may be able to get back to my condo for a few days before surgery. That means that I get to spend the weekend with Mom and Dad

We also did our power of attorney and will today. I suggest that ALL of you get these done ASAP. This is one last worry now that I am at the hospital.

All things considered it was a good day. Mandarin stopped by during the day and spent time with Annie. Ralph and Norris stopped by this evening with Norris actually bringing beer into Adventist Hospital!

Kudy just arrived from Bangkok wiht lots of support from Annie's family including a video from Bang and Bell and respectful Buddha images from Annie's father. Thanks for everything! I feel well protected now!

Dude in Asia said...

Go Nuggets! ... and Go Steve. I am glad to hear that the headaches are not as bad.

Leave it to Norris to be the only person to get beer past the guard.

Have one with me guys. Hang in there Stevie!

E.

Kathy Maas said...

Steve and Annie,

News sounds good. Mom and Dad are busy getting ready for their visit and are looking forward to being a big support to you both. Wish we could be there to bring a beer into the hospital as well, but know that soon you will be enjoying one on the "outside".

Kathy

Anonymous said...

Steve and Annie,

Just trying to figure this blog thing out. Mom is having a tough time posting.

Kathy

Unknown said...

steve and annie,
the Hilty team in Colorado is sending a world of good thoughts to you in HK.
jill, bill, bailey,india,and maya

Anonymous said...

Just wanted you to know that you have been put on our church sponsored "Prayer Chain" and that our prayers are with you.
Say Hello to Annie for me.

Unknown said...

Our thoughts and energies are with you both and I am sure you are in good hands
Your maybe surprised to hear I am not altogether unfamiliar with this tumour business, I had one removed from my head when I was younger. This was some time ago when medicine on this was not that advanced as now.
But they did a great job and years later .... Well, you judge.... OK !! I loose concentration a little when I consume too much Vodka and my hangovers take way too long to drop off, but I hear that's a common problem.

This illness is more common than we like to think, my brother had a similar tumour removed just three years back, whilst we were with you in Thailand. This was also a very sudden shock and he didn't even tell me. He was in and out of hospital very quickly and obviously told me when we both returned. He then had a spell of having the Chernoybol experience. He is in his late 50's and is incredibly well now and surprised everyone in his fast return to good health. We your friends are with you on this journey.
Much love Richard & Minnie

Suzanne Kincaid said...

Thanks for creating this blog, Kathy; I'm sorry the subject has to be Steve's illness.

Steve, we are all in your corner, and I know you and Annie can deal with anything that comes your way. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Jim brought Scooter by today, so now I'm a pet-sitter. He thinks if he sits staring at the front door long enough that Jim will be back. I'll distract him with a walk a little later.

I hope you get sprung from the hospital for a few days of rest and visiting with Jim and Winnie.

All best, love and hugs,

Sue,

P.S. Anne and Liz send their concern and love.

Winnie and Jim said...

I am testing to see if I can figure out how to use this blog. So this will be brief!! Poor Kathy - she is having to lead her Mom through this process.

Winnie and Jim said...

It worked! Now I can tell my friends who sometimes are as computer savy as I am how to access this information.

We had a good talk with Steve this morning and are anxious to see him in person. So we are off to HK in the morning and will be there Thursday evening their time.

Thanks for all of the friends who are blogging him - emailing him - praying for him and Annie. Every little bit helps in so many ways.

Skinny Dennis said...

Spanky,

Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I know from your blog you have the strength and determination to come through with flying colors. Always thinking of you.

Skinny Dennis

Unknown said...

Steve and Annie,

Our thoughts are with you, we know you'll pull through this just fine, and I am kind of looking forward to having more hair than you, if even just for a little while!
Good luck with everything and we'll stop by to see you this week geiger counter in hand...
Reiko is trying to get Annie out for afternoon tea so make sure she accepts!
Ralph and I will hook you up with your WIFI fix so let us know what you need!

Scott (and Reiko)

Patsy said...

Hi Steve,
Good to hear that things are planned out well. I have heard some good words about Dr. Fan from my brother. Also, Adventist has the most advanced equipment. So you are definitely in good hands! Wise choice Steve (as always) ;)

Patsy

eric leddel said...

Steve,

I just received your email a few mins ago and will call you shortly. I am currently in New York.

Sharon and I send you and Annie love and positivity and although we are far away physically ...we are with you on this climb.

We know you will lead this charge like the Knight you are and will 'break down this mountain into simple steps and turn it into a mere 'sand trap'

You will need to get your fitness back as soon as possible as NOAH is planning his return to Hong Kong and his revenge on the Wii. This time he says, he will not "poop" his pants. :) LOL

speak shortly.

eL

Anonymous said...

Readers of the "social" website www.Answerbag.com are beginning to respond to my request for their prayers.
One person suggested that we all go to www.allaboutprayer.org/healing-prayers.htm.
The power of prayer is awesome! Let's all join in and ask God to give Steve the strength he will need.

Mary said...

I am glad Winnie and Jim got to Hong Kong and that
you can all have a relaxing weekend. Just know we
are sending prayers and thoughts your way. Think good thoughts and don't forget the ice cream.
You guys continue to amaze me. LOL Mary

Anonymous said...

We continue to send prayers your way Steve.

Sammy said...

dear steve & annie,
jonny & i are thinking of you at this time.. god knows it's not easy but it sounds like you are taking the bull by the horns. you will beat this! annie, i would love to catch up with you on the phone so do let me know if there is a good window to call. we're planning a trip over to hk early june & we count on seeing you both.
much love,
sammy & jonny & dylan

Anne-Grete said...

Thanks to you, Kathy for arranging this blog, so even his friends in Norway kan follow Steves story.
Annie and Steve, hang in there. I expect to see you both for a visit in Norway when this is all over.
Thinking of you !
Anne-Grete