Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

This is from Caring Bridge, Frosty posted it tonight.
Sunday, November 9. 2008
Hi everyone. Last night and this morning did not go well. Steve was up most of the night and not feeling well at all. I tried to give him some meds and he was sick within minutes. I called the doctor and he instructed me to bring Steve back to the hospital. This time, Beech Grove, St. Francis for admission.
Steve has lost another 5 pounds since Friday. He cannot keep anything down and is in a lot of pain. For now, they are working on getting his system straightened out before they even attempt any nutrition. They currently have him down getting an ultrasound on his legs. There is some concern about blood clots.
We will be here a few days. He is very weak and in need of more medical assistance that Nurse Frosty has to offer, I'm afraid. We are in room 468.
Please continue to pray for us. I know that this is all part of God's plan, but I am so frightened at times.
I know that I scared alot of family members today. But really everyone....I AM OK. I just need for Steve to get better. Thank you all for you support. It looked liked Sunday afternoon at ORP in this hospital today, overloaded by Dillmans. I love you all.
Love, Frosty


Steve is a great guy and racer please send emails to him for support


His email is..steve.dillman@sbcglobal.net

Stay strong Steve and Frosty we are all thinking about you..

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Just read this on Caring Bridge right before checking this site.

Thanks for posting this Lee.

We are also keeping positive thoughts for Steve and Frosty. They are great people.

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Get Well Steve!

You're in our thoughts!

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Get well quickly, Steve! I want to see you in those staging lanes with me next season!!!

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Latest update from Caring Bridge

Monday, November 10, 2008
Hello everyone. First, the ultrasound came back negative for any blood clots. Good News!
Now we have a plan. They started a slow drip feed today. If that works for 24 hours, then they will go to the bolus feeding tomorrow for 24 hours. If he is able to tolerate that, then we may go home Wednesday.
Right now he is where he needs to be and where I need him to be. We will get this all under control soon.
Thank you all for all your help, support, notes, calls, love and prayers. It not only takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to care for those in need.
And, thank you Melissa, for reminding me to smile.
Love, Frosty

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Get well steve,you probably dont remember me but i was friends with your brother scott.it still bothers me when i see his vega at the div 2 races
scott fifield

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Latest update from Frosty,


Really hits home on what is important in Life.


Stay strong Steve and Frosty, you have lots of friends behind you two on this.





Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Good morning everyone. I was up and thought I would take this quiet time to update. Steve has slept three straight hours into this early morning. I just got him back into bed after a trip to the restroom.
There is something very intimate about physically caring for a loved one. Especially in these times when just he and I are in the room. A light kiss on the cheek or a tender pat on the back is as precious and personal in this hospital room with all the tubes and "beeps" as it is at home. He is already sleeping as I type. A more normal sleep than I have "heard" in a couple of weeks.
He is tolerating the feeding formula on a very slow drip of about an ounce an hour. Later tonight, they will try the bolus procedure. We will likely be here through Thursday, if all goes well.
I pray that each day brings it's small blessings and Steve is relieved of this burden he has been carrying for so long.
Thank you all for your support and love. Without it we would be lost. I appreciate every hug I got yesteday. Each and every person that came into this room has such a unique relationship with Steve. So many encouraging words were spoken, not only from the mouths, but the hearts of our wonderful family and friends.
The men give Steve the bonding strength that only men can give, the kids just lightened his heart and make him smile and, the women, well, you all know Steve....he loves pretty women. (which reminds me, all you pretty women; please don't wear your perfume) This is another pleasure Steve is currently robbed of. Normally, he welcomes the smell of a pretty woman, but now certain "aromas" bother him. Just bring in those beautiful faces, ok? (thanks)
Steve and I ask you all to say a prayer for a man named Paul, who was kind enough to bring his faithful dog into see Steve yesterday. His dog is not a "care" animal, she is just Paul's pet. I did not get Paul's last name, but God knows it. Please ask for Paul's comfort as he has been given a short time here in this world. We know his visit was a gift to us. Maybe a reminder that as difficult as our journey has been, this road's end will be a good one.
I will close for now and get back into bed. The morning light will surely bring improvements and certainly shorten our journey.
Love, Frosty

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Steve.

BB

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Steve get well soon, you and Frosty are in are thoughts and prayers.

Mike &Shari Ruff

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Hi Steve, me and Debbie are praying for you see you soon

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Frosty with a strong sounding women that you are, that's 90% of steve recovery.And bless paul for a man to take time and visted and being charisma at a time of your need,he is truly bless.

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

To Steve & Frosty....

I've yet to meet either of you, but I've been following Steve's battle here on Class Racer. I want you to know both of you are in my sincere thoughts and prayers. Although not nearly the magnitude, I fully understand and feel for you since I've lived through past medical issues with immediate family (both my daughter and my late sister).

On the up side I'd like to pass a note to Steve.. for the past 18 years that I've attended the Moroso 5 day race I always looked forward to seeing Steve's Nova and his "trademark" bumper dragging wheelstands. The next time you're down here in So Fla I'll make a point to introduce myself in person (Steve...you're gonna make it...stay strong!!).

Nowone knows God's plan, but he has provided a very special gift that gets us through trying times...great memories.

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Get well Steve thoughts & prayers are with you & Frosty , Jersey Pizza awaits you my friend!!!!!!!!!

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Good morning all. I hope you all had a good night's rest. But for Steve's kidneys working very well, we did.... Gotta love it when things are working well!
The pump feeding has been uneventful and Steve has not been nauseated. His potassium is low so the doctor ordered a drip to replenish that. His IV started burning. and ultimately they changed it out. His residual is low (which means the feeding tube is working well). We may try the bolus feeding later today.
I know I have said it many times before, but I have to say it again, your support for us is amazing. Steve is simply overwhelmed by it all and I am just so grateful. I wish you could hear how tenderly he talks about the friendships we have been blessed with. Having all our children and family be so supportive is the greatest of our blessings.
I want to give a special thanks to Dianne for your time and hard work. I am sure our home will be so inviting when we return. Thank you and Gerry for the loan of the recliner. Steve will rest much better when we do make it home. Note to me....every house needs at least one recliner...
So, for today, please pray that the switch from pump feeding to bolus, goes well and Steve can tolerate that change. We are grateful for all blessings, big and small.
Love, Frosty
P.S. I forgot something yesterday, I am ashamed to say. We want to say thank you to our Veterans, past and present as well as our current armed forces for your dedication and sacrifice in protecting our nation. We do all owe a great debt to you and praise you for all you do and have done.
Happy Veteran's Day.



thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Frosty and Family

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Hey Steve,
We have you & Frosty in our thoughts & prayers.

Pizza !!! More pizza >>>> for everybody and we will pitch in also.
(unless Rick is buying) LOL

Doug & Cindy Wesler
S/C 3703

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Our prayers are with Steve and Frosty...truely some of the best people out there! Can't wait to see you soon!

The Ellison's

Count us in on the PIZZA!

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Good News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve is going home today...

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Steve & Frosty, I don't know you guys, however I've seen you at the races. Just reading this thread and felt that I had to jump in and say that my family will be prying for you guys, for Steve to get well and for Frosty to keep the strenght that you have shown so far. Always remember god has always got a plan and he is always watching over us. He will never give us more than we can handle(even though sometimes it seems like it). God bless and you guys are in our prayers.

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Glad Steve loves pizza that much!!

Tommy - better overnight one ASAP!!!

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

I have no idea who Steve is, but I will make a deal with him. Get to the point where you are feeling better and you can eat a pizza, give me your address, and I will mail you one of the best pizzas in the country! It will come half cooked and air tight sealed with cooking instructions. Modern Pizza, New Haven Ct. Trust me, it does not get any better!

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

I tried last night to bring a pizza from Chicago and i got hungry and eat it!!!:D

Sorry Steve i will get one to ya very soon

I head to Pomona tomorrow morning and will surely come and see ya when i get back

Take care Steve and Frosty.. get a little better each day

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Steve get well soon. Your a good friend and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Jacksons
Bill & Mary Ann

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Steve ,,,
We need to see your smiling face at the track this spring ,,, so hurry and get well soon ,,,My prayers
are with you and your family for a speedy recovery !!!

Colorful

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Pizza party for steve at indy points race. Get well steve.
carl&Toni root

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Did someone say Pizza Party? Yea i'm with Carl on this one!!!! Get better steve!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to buy you a PIZZA!!! Our prayers are with you and your family!!!
Aaron Disinger

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Sounds like Indy is going to be a big pizza party with a little racing on the side.....So Steve, use this winter to get back to 100% and we'll see ya then. PS Bring your adult supervision with you.......

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Ok, I see what I started with the pizza ,but remember that it was JERSEY PIZZA ,I dont know if any pizza can match up I guess we will have to let Steve decide!! Then after the Pizza contest we will have to get Steve to WEIGHT WATCHERS! Get well Steve we need you to settle this PIZZA CONTEST .

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

For those that have asked for Steve and Frosty's home address and phone
here they are
Steve and Frosty
5687 Steven Drive
Greenwood, IN 46142

home 317 865-0198

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

last post by Frosty....Things are looking good
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Hello all. Just a quick update for the day. Steve continues to get stronger. He can even stand up by himself today. Amazing the difference a week will make!
We slept in our bed for the first time last night in over a week. It sure felt good to wake up this morning with my husband next to me. Reminded me of the days when he had been on duty and it was his first night back home from the firehouse. Waking up with him is my favorite time of day. Always has been. I have never taken one morning for granted and I never will.
Steve attempted to eat a piece of french toast this afternoon, but he could not do it. I was happy that he just wanted it. That means his appetite is returning. I can't wait for the first evening when we are sitting at the table together having a meal. What a sweet time that will be.
I know he will improve every day and soon this will all be a memory. Actually, more than just a memory, this has been on of those rare times in life when you learn what you are made of, who your friends are and how strong your faith is. We will not forget any of these things that have sustained us.
I return to work tomorrow. To be perfectly honest, I am having anxiety about it already. But, I do have to get back to my job. Jane and Sherry and the guys rely on me and they have all stepped up. I need to get back and relieve them of the burden of one less person in the office. We all know how difficult that is. I am forever grateful to you all at HH&M for allowing me to be with my husband and not have to worry about my job. I know it has been hard on all of you.
To those who are coming this week to be with Steve and take care of him in my absence, how will I every repay you? PJ, Lyndsay, Dianne and Rick. Thank you. I know he is in good hands.
Please continue to pray for us as we know your prayers have been answered over and over again. God is good.
Also, remember to tell those you love how important they are, kiss them every chance you get and forgive them when they have caused you pain. You will benefit by it.........
Love, Frosty

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Steve hope your feeling better you have a lot of supporters out here. And were all looking foward to seeing and talking with at the track next year.

RICK WATSON

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Steve, Get well soon! You are in our hearts and prayers.

Larry & Colleen Ericksmoen

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Latest post from Frosty and Steve

Thursday, November 20, 2008. Hello everyone. I decided to wait and update the journal until after we saw the doctors this morning. Steve is on the road to recovery, but the road in long.
This week has been very difficult for both of us.
For Steve, having others come in to care for him is difficult. As I am sure, it would be any man. While his heart is touched by the kindness of those giving of themselves to care for him, he has a hard time wrapping his mind around needing the help. As for his spirit, that too is suffering. He has been pretty depressed and Lord knows he has reason to be. While he is better than he was last week, he is still so weak and frail. He has not been able to drive a car for more than six weeks. He cannot eat let alone taste anything. He is simply weary.
For me, leaving him for any reason causes me great anixiety. It is hard for me to take the time to write on this journal. I cry every time I have to leave the house to go to the bank, store and especially to work for an entire day. For all of you who think I need a break. Honestly, don't worry about me. I need to be right here with him. My break will come when I see "my" husband return.
Now today comes along and we were anticipating it being a good one. While both doctors think he is coming along as expected, he has been throwing up all morning, which started at the hospital. At this point he is just wiped out! It was just too much to get ready and out of the house so early today. We scheduled a PET scan for the end of December along with follow up visits with the radiation and chemo doctors. They both assured us things will get better we just have to be patient. Steve may actaully be able to eat in a couple of weeks. We try to remember....small blessings.
Of course, I am not going into the office, even though PJ is here to help today. I do have to get some blood work done myself, so she is staying for a while. Once I see that Steve is able to take a feeding, then I will run out and do that. Steve insisted that I go ahead and get my blood work done while we were at the hospital, but I knew he felt bad and needed to come home, so I brought him home right away.
Cancer robs you of so much more than your health; it robs you of your dignity, your time, your confidence, your quality of life, your peace and I dare say, some days, it shakes your faith. But the saddest of all, it robs you of your laughter. Right now that is what we miss most, just simple joy.
I know things will be better and we have to be patient, but right now, today, we are just having a bad time.
Please pray that Steve is well enough to attend ORP's banquet on Saturday, if only for a while. It would lift his spirits to be with all our racing friends. He misses his life. You all know what a social guy he is....he knows every one in the free world! Ever try getting through an event with Steve? Pack a lunch, you're going to be there awhile!
Thank you all for your continued support for us, it means so much. We would be lost without it. Your encouragement lifts us and we are blessed to have so many faithful friends.
Again, I say to those who have helped us with the daily grind.....surely God will bless your service to us.
Love, Frosty

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Get Well Steve.......

CBS

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Latest Update from Frosty

Sunday, November 23, 2008
Hello everyone. I thought I would update while Steve naps. Today has been a good day. We needed it. Steve has had a hard time rebounding from being so sick on Thursday. His spirits have been pretty low and that step backward did not help much.
We were not able to go to ORP's banquet last night. He was just not well enough. I surely would have driven him out there, but he was afraid he would get sick there. Frankly, so was I. He would have loved to just visit with everyone. I understand Mike had a lot of nice things to say about him and I appreciate that. I don't know the details, but I know Mike's heart when it comes to Steve.
Today he seems a little happier. I am sure it is because he feels a little better. In fact at various times today, he has "tried" to eat cereal, oatmeal, drink milk, coffee, pepsi and also asked for a subway sandwich at lunch. He was not able to consume any of it, but he "tried" and that is a good sign. He had to settle for the feeding tube, but he is glad his body is tolerating it.
We are hoping he will be able to eat on Thanksgiving. But if not, he, Lyndsay and I will just spend the day together. If he can eat, I will prepare dinner, if not, we will just skip the "eating" part of Thanksgiving, and count our blessings. There are several people who have invited us to dinner and who knows, maybe we will even take someone up on that offer. We'll just see what the day brings. One day at a time... We are getting pretty good at that.
One thing is for sure, we will be thinking of all the wonderful people who have been on this journey with us; the caregivers, doctors, nurses, technicians, friends, family and all those people we have met. If I could I would prepare a feast for all of you in honor of the kindnesses you have all shown.
Steve is getting stronger each day and I see the light in his eyes clearer with each morning. I know that God will continue to lead us and carry us when the load is to heavy and I am comforted by that knowledge.
Thank you and God bless.
Love, Frosty



Sounds like things are going good Frosty.. To you and Steve and the Family have a great Thanksgiving and my thoughts and prayers are with you.


Hope to see you all soon

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Great news! Our thoughts and prayers are still with him for a speedy recovery.
BB

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Hang in there Steve...You'll be better in no time.

It's posts like these from Frosty that make me cherish the little things in life...

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Please read this..... Posted today by Frosty,

Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Steve is not doing well. He was very sick again yesterday. He started the morning throwing up and then the rest of the day and last night very nauseated. I called the doctor's office and by the time he called back I was down right mad.....
It seems like we just keep hitting a brick wall with this feeding tube. Steve has endured 71 radiation treatments in 6 months, numerous procedures and every side effect that comes with cancer treatment. He has been fighting this thing since March and this feeding tube business is simply kicking his butt! I would add, that it is kicking my butt too. We are simply weary.
Rick is taking Steve over for blood tests this morning and we are scheduled to see the doctor tomorrow morning. There has to be something else going on. And we need to find out what it is. We have come too far and we have fought every step of the way, for this to be happening!
Today I am asking you all to pray vigantly that Steve can hold down his nourishment and this day is uneventful. One day at a time......
I have to go to work, I have pretty much missed the month of November and after missing much of the summer as well, my desk is piled high. As you can imagine, by purse is not. So again, thank you to Rick and everyone else who have stepped up and volunteered to be with him while I am at work.
I am open to any suggestions on lifting Steve's spirits. But for now, I am asking that you can come and see him to help him pass the time and encourage him. There is no better medicine than friendship. Trust me, I know that my my cheer leading days are over. The look on his face assures me of that at times. He needs his friends and since he cannot come to you, I am asking you to come to him and help him continue this fight.
God Bless,
Love, Frosty





Steve and Frosty when i get back from Colorado I will call and get setup to come and see you.. Stay strong Steve and Frosty this will pass and your life will get back to normal. Keep your faith in each other and in God. You will get through this. Thinking of both of you. ;)

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Steve is back in the hospital again, what a lousy way to spend the holiday. We know you can shake this thing Steve so keep fighting........................

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

PLEASE READ

Hello everyone this is Steves son Ryan. Yes my dad is back in the hospital he was really doing good today he was in good spirits and kind of seemed like his old self. They started feeding him through the tube today again and are starting slow only giving him 30 mililiters per hour trying to get his stomach back to normal. They said that possibly his stomach wasnt woke up yet and was rejecting the food if that makes any sense. He had alot of visitors today which im sure he loved seeing and thank you all for all the wonderful things you have had to say on here it really means alot to him and us. This has been a long road for him but he is the strongest person i know and things will get better. We were talking today about racing and all he could say was he just wants to run super street and get back out with his friends again. Marlin Snyder has really helped dad through this and i want to thank him for being such a great friend to dad and the family. I will try to keep everyone updated everyday. Like Frosty says One day at a time.

Re: Steve Dillman back in the hospital
 

Thanks for the update Ryan...

I try to post all the update Frosty does on Caring Bridge
I will be down to see your dad as soon as i can
Here is the latest from Frosty


Friday, November 28, 2008
Good morning everyone. Happy belated Thanksgiving. Thank you all for your continued support and thank you "mini-me" for filling in.
Steve is getting much needed nourishment and rest here at the hospital. Wednesday was a bad day gone worse by late afternoon. Steve just could not keep anything down. It seemed we would take one step forward and two back. One day he would feel and look pretty good and the next, well, let's just say "not".
Short of evasive testing, the doctors have ruled out any kind of infection, displaced feeding tube, allergies, etc. They simply think his stomach has not fully "woke up" for lack of better words. While this does not happen often, it does happen. They decided to start from the beginning and at 3:00 pm yesterday, after letting his system calm down, they began a slow continuous feeding. So far, so good, He has not experienced any nausea. Hopefully, this is exactly what he needs.
Late last night the tube either became backed up or simply pulled apart. Whatever happened, the nurse swiftly took care of the problem. Which at this point, is exactly what "I" need.
On Wednesday, I had simply reached my wit's end. I am tired scared and worried beyond words. While we have all these wonderful friends and family helping us with Steve's care, at the end of the day, I am left alone to handle any emergency. In those moments the struggle between my mind and heart is devastating. Being here in the hospital, gives me emotional comfort and certainly gives Steve medical comfort. We are where we need to be.
As I said he is responding well, so far. Of course we have less than 24 hours on feeding, but slow is our course and hopefully we will just keep moving forward.
Although not our first choice for celebrating Thanksgiving, we had all the incredients needed to be a successful one.
We were nourished. Steve by his feeding tube, and me via a care package from Tom and Joyce, prepared by Mayme (Joyce's mother-thank you. it was delicious). delivered by Lyn.
We were surrounded by friends and family all day. The visitors started at 9:00 yesterday morning and ended at 8:00 last night. There was a steady stream of phone calls and I am sure, prayers. The love and fellowship that filled our room equalled any home setting with all the holiday trimmings. While the visits were tiring for Steve, his spirit was revived and as they say, "that is half the battle". He felt so connected and alive. Sleep came easy to him last night and I am grateful to all of you that took the time away from your own families to spend some time with us. I know all of your visits were God's messages of hope and faith.
This certainly was a Thanksgiving to remember and will always be special to us. Steve's turkey came through a tube, and mine good as it was, was from a paper plate and on the "cold side", but at the end of the day we were "stuffed".........with love.
Thank you all so much.
When you are finished with the Black Friday shopping and those left over turkey sandwiches, come see us, we are here for a while.
Love, Frosty and Steve.