Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Rain

Monday, June 6 had two momentous occasions....no relation yet everything to do with each other.

Dad started Radiation and Chemo treatment on Monday.  You're never quite sure how someone will react to the radiation and strong chemo drugs, but so far so GOOD.  He seems to be taking it all in stride with almost no adverse effects.  He had another round of friends coming to visit as well as the permanent presence of his wife, 3 kids, and 6 grand kids (often in one room!).  No doubt the joyful noise helps in some way.

They say rain symbolizes cleansing, not only of the physical forms but also of the mind. In addition, many people also see rain as a symbol denoting a way for the existence of a new life.  So, Texas is in the midst of the worst drought in the last two decades - no rain since March.  And wouldn't you know it, but around the time Dad was getting ready for his treatments, it began to rain - a lot!  As I said, the two are unrelated, but in my mind, have everything to do with each other. 

Another interesting note.  While venturing the halls of Texas Children's Hospital we came across the Living Wall.  The wall shows ceramic artwork made by children while a patient in the hospital.  They place the artwork along a winding road on the wall (a road that leads them home).  These two side-by-side pieces caught our eye.
Steve and Cindy on the Living Wall
Dad is reading the comments and it is amazing to see the reach of his supporters!  Ireland and Brazil are starting to creep up the list of countries with page views.  Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming.

Looks like Dad may be out of the hospital by Thursday and we continue the treatment on an outpatient basis.  General information on Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer from the National Institute of Health www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000352.htm

-Ryan
The head of hair in the bottom left of the picture is Steve watching the 6 grand kids...Cindy is in the background.

Kids are mesmerized by a movie on the computer.  Monica has her hands full!




17 comments:

  1. What a fantastic family you have! I absolutely love the picture with all of the grandchildren on the bed.

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  2. Stef Jon n Taylor...June 7, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    LOVE these pics...the kids are nothing but angels...how healing in itself.
    Hey Steve..Cindy..Y'all..from..your family in NC.
    Ryan..you are a wise spirit darlin..everything absolutely has to do with each other..and everything..we and all things are so connected.
    Y'all have a good night and Wed.
    keep on keeping on
    much love from NC

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  3. Wonderful insight and commentary, Ryan! Yes, rain = cleansing and new life! To begin chemo and radiation on a day when it's raining & hasn't done so for awhile ... wow! The choice is either depression and gloom, or refreshment and cleansing. By choosing the latter, we choose LIFE! Oh yeah..... ! :)

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  4. Ryan,

    Thank you so much for putting this together. You are a very talented writer, and I feel like I am there with all of you. Let your Dad know we are all pulling for him. This won't be an easy fight but he isn't alone!

    Love you all,
    Miesa

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  5. The pictures of the grandchildren all gathered around is marvelous. They may not know yet the great importance of the healing spirit.

    We rejoice in the progress to date. Blessings on your family and especially Steve and Cindy. May many more showers of blessings come your way.

    Neil & Carol - Tucson

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  6. Marcy + the McKnightsJune 8, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Great post Ryan! The pictures on the wall by children named Steve and Cindy gave me chills. It's impossible to deny that there's a greater power in the universe looking out for the Hansen family right now. We love you guys! ~Marcy

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  7. Hi Steve and Cindy
    First - great job to Ryan for keeping the information and photos flowing. You must be proud of how your children and grandchildren have rallied around you both.
    Hang in there Steve for the chemo and radio - a nasty "treat" for a nasty disease. Blast away!
    Take care, The Claverie's

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  8. Steve and Cindy,

    Deb and I just returned from 2 weeks in Russia - 1 week at SMR and a week of holiday in St. Petersburg. We are sad to hear the news about your health issues. However, we know your strong spirit and positive attitude will get you through this!!! You are amazing to us in this way.

    Ryan, thanks for the frequent and informative updates.

    Steve, you will be glad to know that I am working on the last chapter of the Reservoir Geology book. The end is in sight....

    Our thoughts are with you all, and we will keep in touch.

    Neil Hurley and Debra Nishida

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  9. I just talked with my folks. My dad wants to pass on a message that he has renamed Steve "Lance Hansen" after someone else who battled cancer and emerged stronger than before. They are driving to North Dakota now and are thinking about you guys and (in their words) wishing they could do something tangible to help. I plan to come to Houston this weekend for a quick visit. Can't wait to see you all soon. ~Marcy

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  10. Steve, despite the battle you are facing you are a blessed man in so many ways!
    We know you realize how fortunate you are to have such a wonderful, devoted and loving family. Every day of life there are miracles and blessings abound from our Lord. Grasp hold and fight this battle with the support and love of so many who are there with you. Stay strong and will see you soon. Our prayers from Ireland are with you daily.
    Tom & Brenda

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  11. Steve,
    I just published a post that includes some of your childhood pictures I dug out of my photo album. Go to: http://jonesfamilymatters.blogspot.com and check them out. Your family may enjoy seeing a couple of pictures from when you were a little kid.

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  12. Glad to hear you are in good hands of the Houston cancer specialists and your wonderful family. Sheri and I hope you get well soon.

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  13. Mr. Hansen,
    I don't want another country to outshine the U.S. in showing their affection for you, so I'm adding my name to the list. I probably have not known you as long as some of the others, but I know what an amazing person you are and I'm so excited that things are going well. You have an amazing family that loves you and amazing friends around the world that care for you. You health is in our payers continually.

    Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

    God Bless,
    Aaron

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  14. Hi Steve

    All the best for a speedy & complete recovery. Thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Stay positive!

    Lily Ngeau
    SLB Kuala Lumpur

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  15. Hi Hansens,

    So glad you have set this up. I love the photos of all the kids there. That is the perfect medicine for Steve! :-)

    We continue to send all our positive energies your way!

    Sanders Family

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  16. Dear The Hansens,

    This is Echo's friend, Naomi. This blog gave me a lot of things. Your family is giving me more energy.

    I also love to see the photo of the grandchildren on the bed and Bryden's art works :).

    Please give Echo & her kids a hug for me. We are believing Mr,Steven Hansen is "superman" as I told Echo.

    We stand by you always.


    I will post another comments soon.


    The Minamisonos

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  17. Ryan, pls check this link http://m.cbsnews.com/fullstory.rbml?feed_id=0&catid=20070716&videofeed=36
    Not sure if applicable to Steve's case but worth checking.

    Regards,
    Daniel

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