Latest Update

Well I wish I had a good result to report, but the scan today turned out much as we expected. That being said I will go back and answer a few questions about what is going on. But first, don't forget to sign your comments if you are not logged onto the blog. The anonymous posting is the easy way to leave a comment, but it does not automatically leave a signature. All of your kind and encouraging words have touched us as usual and we truly feel the benefit of having you all on our side. And, to all the facebookers, you might pass along the blog site to your friends. It seems people are wondering what is going on. They see prayers, but don't know what for.

So, three weeks ago we were having a great time in Florida with our kids, Keith and Cindy, and their kids. We had been planning the trip since 2008 when Mark was originally diagnosed. Prior to our leaving, we knew that we would be looking at a 6 month scan and Mark decided it would wait until after Disney. God is always working! After returning, we called the cancer center and scheduled an appointment. This was strictly a routine follow up. You may remember his prior scan was in November 2009 and was all clear. He was having no complications or symptoms. The results were unbelievable. We were shocked to find that Mark's cancer had not only recurred, but had returned in as many as six different places. I just knew they had the wrong person. This absolutely could not be. I was about to call to have them make sure it was the right report when I read the result of his aneurysm measurement. Sure enough. It was for real. And so began another whirlwind of emotion, decisions, indecision, wondering and waiting. Now on the 5th day following those results, and with lots of help from Dr. Ho, Dr. Hudkins, Dr. Crim and all of the great people I work with, we think we are becoming more focused and getting prepared for what lies ahead. And now for the questions that seem to be most common....

Q. Where is the cancer?
A. Following today's confirmation by PET scan, we know that there are four lesions and several lymph nodes that are involved. There is a mass or nodule in each lung. A lesion on the liver and a fourth and largest lesion (tumor) that also appears to originate in the liver in the upper abdominal area. The apparent lymph nodes involved are in the abdomen on the right and left sides.

Q. How did this happen?
A. When Mark had his original tumor resected, Dr. Crim assured us he was working for a cure and also assured us that he removed all of the cancer in and around the affected area. We have no doubt that he indeed did so. What he had no control over was the cancer had already invaded the lymphatic system. While the nodes that were affected at that time were removed, there was no guarantee that there were not cancer cells circulating systemically. Hence the chemotherapy regimen following surgery. In theory, the chemo would have killed any remaining circulating cancer.

Q. What did the doctor say?
A. Good question! We haven't seen one yet. We got to visit with Mark's gastroenterologist shortly after getting the results. He is so good to us. He did tell us that due to the number of locations, surgery and radiation were not options. His treatment would include chemotherapy and possibly experimental treatment. He urged us to get things moving and to get a second opinion as well. A pathologist friend of Mark's was also so kind to take time to listen and offer his expertise as well. Of course nothing happened over the holiday weekend. We have decided to seek treatment at The Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Healthcare in Dallas. We will see Dr. Andrew McCullom on Friday of this week.

Q. Did you tell the kids and how are they?
A. We waited until the kids were out of school on Friday to tell them. They are doing well. Austin really struggled initially. He surprised me with his insight on the situation. Impulsively he was very angry (Praise God - he is normal!), but has since become very interested in the details and asks lots of grown up questions. He makes me very proud as do Abby and Landon. While they have not been very vocal, I know that it is on there mind frequently as they will come out of the blue with questions like, "Daddy, how long are you going to have the cancer this time?"

Q.How is Mark?
A. Mark is an amazing man. He has been somewhat quiet. I can't imagine what goes through his mind and how he can possibly concentrate on anything but what is going on inside of him. While the fear of the unknown about the treatment ahead is inevitable, he remains positive and is cautiously ready to get this thing started.

Q. What's next?
A. Thanks to Cynthia at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas We will be seeing Andrew McCullom, M.D. on Friday the 6th at 1:30 pm. This appointmet was originally going to be on June 21. Cynthia went to bat for us and made it possible for this week. Thank God for good people!

We repeatedly say that we have no idea what lies ahead of us. We know from where we've some that there isn't much of it that is any good, but we have no doubt that we are not walking alone. Mark will persevere as he has done before and he will do it with style I am absolutely certain.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you have done thus far.

PS. I am asking for extra prayers for Mark's family. I can't imagine having to watch a child of mine nor my own brother in the same situation. They are an amazingly loving and supportive family. I ask that they, like us are able to feel the presence of so many caring praying people.
Much love, Missy