Ossian man battles stomach cancer

Steve Henning of Ossian, age 40, learned last August that he has stage 4 gastric cancer, a rare cancer ranking 14th among the most common cancers in the United States. Henning visited the doctor last June when he was experiencing difficulty swallowing, which resulted in rapid weight loss. After his initial visit to his doctor, Henning continued to work on the road, even though it required him to leave home early Monday morning and not return until late Friday evening.
In August, a general surgeon ordered an examination in which a small scope is inserted down the patient's throat in order to view the lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper intestine. One week later, Henning received the diagnosis that would completely change his life.
The National Cancer institute defines gastric cancer as "stomach cancer." Malignant cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach and often times affect the esophageal area connected to the stomach by tissue and muscle. Because of the importance of these areas in digestion, often results in either weight loss, as it did in Henning's case, or weight gain.
Henning has been unable to work since his diagnosis.
Henning's initial treatment plan included eight set of chemotherapy - one treatment every three weeks in addition to six pills per day. The side effects of the treatments are debilitating and last for a week to ten days.
December 14, Henning had  scan to determine the success of his treatment, which revealed that while the stomach cancer looked better, it had metastasized to his lymph and adrenal glands. Henning will continue with the chemotherapy treatments, but will no longer be taking the daily pills.

Henning, a 1989 graduate of South Winneshiek High School, has been a member of his local community for most of his life. He has the support of his family, including Stacy, his wife of 17 years and their five children, all students in the South Winneshiek School District. His oldest daughter, Judith, is a senior; Erica a sophomore; Joseph is an eighth grader; Steven is a first grader; and their youngest, Megan is in the Jump Start program. Henning is also supported by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Henning of Ossian, along with his eight siblings and their families.
As a member of Ossian's volunteer fire department for a number of years, Henning also has a strong brotherhood of supporters in the department. The brotherhood of firefighters has been described as a small fire that continues to burn inside firefighters - it cannot be contained and it cannot be taken away. Hopefully, The empowering spiritual strength of that brotherhood will support and guide Henning through the darkness of a battle worth winning.
The Ossian Fire Department and the Ossian Lutheran Church will host a benefit event for the Henning family Friday, January 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ossian. Members of the Ossian and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend this event, the proceeds of which will help to defray Henning's medical expenses. A meal consisting of Mike Reick's Famous Chicken, chips, coleslaw, beans, bars, milk and coffee will be served. A silent auction will also be held, during which items generously donated by businesses and anonymous donors will be sold. A free-will offering will be accepted at the door. In case of inclement weather, the even will be held January 13. The Winneshiek County Chapter for Thrivent will be supplementing funds for this event. Donations are being accepted at Luana Savings Bank, 123 East Main Street, Ossian.

Throughout his ordeal, Henning continues to build on a guiding principle from his youth - to make the most of what you have and be willing to extend a helping hand to others in need. While the many sacrifices he has made for his family over the years caused him to miss his children's school events, he cherishes each day with his children and says that Stacy is "the love of his life; as a mother she is great, trying to do everything she can, with little or nothing; trying to manage the bills, the children and their schedules, her job and everyday life."
"Our family, friends, community, school and church family have been very helpful and supportive in so many ways, and we are grateful for everything that everyone has done," said Stacy. "Although I am not sure why God is taking our family on this journey, I continue to look to Him for strength and hope."