Paul’s Story

Site created on October 25, 2020

This site is to provide updated information about Paul's lung cancer diagnosis, and more recently, positive COVID-19 diagnosis as well.  

On behalf of my family, we thank you, in advance, for visiting this site and keeping my Dad, Mom (Bette) and our entire family, in your thoughts and prayers.  (Rachel Hennies - author/admin). 

BACKGROUND:

In fall of 2019, Paul had a follow up  doctor's appointment to check on the neuropathy (general numbness and tingling sensations) in his feet.  (He has had neuropathy for about 10 yrs due to compression in his spine.)  A scan of his spine was performed and it was confirmed that his neuropathy had not progressed.  However, the scan detected some lesions in other areas of his body.  In order to assess what the lesions were, it would require a fairly invasive biopsy procedure.  Therefore, after further discussion, it was recommended that Paul come back in 6 months and be re-scanned. 

6 months later......everything was on lockdown due to the coronavirus.  A subsequent scan was then performed about 9 months later, at the end of August 2020.  It showed new lesions, but this time, in his lungs.  Long story shorter, Paul traveled from his home in Hudson, WI,  to Duluth, MN, where his son, Dan (a pathologist), could help coordinate and centralize Paul's evaluation at Essentia Health.  This was preferable versus consulting various physicians across the Twin Cities.  

September 14, 2020, he was officially diagnosed with lung cancer (the most common form of lung cancer for non-smokers).  While it was initially thought to be stage 1, as it has not traveled to other organs (the other lesions were deemed benign), it was later determined to be stage 4, as it is in both lung lobes.  The cancer is aggressive as it has grown between scans.  Despite the somber news of the cancer being stage 4, we are thankful it was caught before Paul started feeling any effects.  

October 16, 2020, Paul's first round of chemo was administered in Duluth, MN (subsequent treatments are expected to follow in the Cities).  Paul's initial side effects were mild and manageable.  However, he later developed a mild fever and difficulty breathing.  It was unclear if his symptoms were related to chemo or something else....

October 19, 2020, Paul and Bette both went to urgent care in Hudson, WI.  Paul had a low grade temp and Bette cold symptoms.  They received COVID tests and were sent back home to await results.  Later that night, Paul was ambulanced to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, due to labored breathing.  On Tuesday, it was confirmed he has COVID-19.  Bette has been quarantining at home.  Her test results just came back yesterday, 10/24/20, confirming that she, too, has COVID-19. 

Going forward, I will be posting updates in the "Journal" section of this CB site.  

Thank you to so many folks for extending your support, care, concern and love for my parents and our entire family.  We have the BEST friends and family!  You are amazing!!

Rachel Hennies (daughter) and my brothers, Dave, Dan and Pete Vandersteen 



Newest Update

Memorial Service and Burial

Journal entry by Rachel Hennies —

On June 17, 2022 we held Dad’s memorial service.  For those that were not able to attend, here is the link to the streamed service at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson, WI. 

 
Via Facebook:

Via YouTube:

Also, if you have not seen Dad’s obituary, here is the link below. (It was captured in the Fargo, Hudson and St. Paul newspapers.)
 
 
While the memorial service was of course difficult, it was a beautiful service on a beautiful day. It was wonderful to see many family and friends.  To know that so many people loved Dad, and that he made an impact on many lives, is very touching. We thank everyone that was able to attend. It was heartwarming to see folks from all over: dear friends from the neighborhoods we grew up in, colleagues from various states, former classmates, and family from across the country. We also know that many wanted to attend in person that were not able to.  Thank you for reaching out and sending your love and support to our family. 
 
A private family burial was held for Dad the following day at Roselawn Cemetery in Roseville, MN, on Saturday, June 18, 2022.  It was another beautiful day. It was surreal knowing that this is literally Dad’s final resting place. While it will take awhile for us to fully absorb the fact that he is no longer here with us, on earth, the gravity of the burial was felt. Each step along this process is another realization that he’s not coming back.  At the end of the service, we released butterflies. It was a sweet moment watching Annika Hennies (Dad’s granddaughter) gently urge the butterflies to fly on and be free. We wish the same for Dad.  
 
Mom is doing okay. Considering everything, she is doing well. Of course, the adjustment is a continual process. Seeing “Dad’s chair” where he would “set up shop”, so-to-speak, and sit everyday, is a constant reminder of his absence. She has slowly embraced sitting in that chair….partly so she doesn’t have to “look” at it, partly so she can feel closer to him, and partly because it is in fact the most comfy spot in the family room. 😍.  
 
June 16 was a particularly hard day as it would have been Mom and Dad’s 59th wedding anniversary.  Each day can bring a new challenge, or emotional trigger, and that was especially difficult. 
 
While many former routines are missed, there is also reprieve in knowing that Mom can rest, and that she does not have to continually play the caregiver role. She’s fantastic at it. The BEST. But, she needs rest, too. When things settle down more, and she has had a chance to really catch her breath, she is looking forward to traveling again, amongst many things.  She is so fun and able! We’re excited to see her spread her wings, too. 
 
Thank you, all, for supporting us along Dad’s journey and following updates via this Caringbridge site.  Your support makes THE difference. We need our village. Thank you for being ours. We love and appreciate you. 
 
In Dad’s Norwegian words 😁 (or my novice Norwegian), jeg elsker deg veldig mye. Venner for alltid! (I love you very much. Pals forever!)
 
Tusen takk! (1,000 thanks) 
 
Rachel and family
 
 
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