Thursday, September 2, 2010

Doctor's visit

We met with the surgeon today. Man, it sure makes you feel old when you start getting doctors that are younger than you are! He was very friendly and helpful and concerned for doing what is best for Mark. Unfortunately, having just been gathering information today, he was not 100% certain of what the best thing is. We took him Mark's latest scan. He reviewed them with us. He has several concerns and questions. He feels that some things are an easy fix, ie: the lung nodules and the smallest spot on the liver. He questions the lymph node involvement. He has not seen Mark's PET scan and would like to do so to have more information about the lymph nodes. Seemingly of greatest concern was the involvement of the largest spot on the liver. He was interested in finding out more about how it is growing, ie: wrapped around or attached to anything other than the liver.

He advised that the surgery is huge and he feels that in order to undertake something of this sort, he needs to be clear on how he would attack all areas, possibly including lymph nodes.

So, he will visit with Dr. McCollum, view more scans, review scans with the radiology team at Baylor, and possibly order more test to clear up some of what is not real visible on the CT, He said he will call us back to let us know what they have come up with.

So we didn't get the plan we were expecting, but at least we did find another physician that God is going to work through to bring Mark through all of this. That in itself brings a great deal of peace of mind.

Mark is doing fair. I think that is my pat answer when he really feels like cow poop, but he wouldn't let too many people know that. His mouth is full of ulcers and his bowel function very difficult to deal with and his rest at night is hit and miss. He feels very tired and just run down, but keeps on going. He works so hard to keep everything going as normally as possible.

We are looking forward to the long weekend and are hoping for some rest, relaxation, and great memory making at Quartz Mountain. I already know the trip will be far too short!

Love to all and please pray for God to embrace all of these physicians and work through them to rid Mark of this horrible disease and restore him to good health. Missy

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

God be with you Melissa, and Mark, and may He Embrace you and your family in His Almighty Warmth.
He is an Awesome God and will lead THE WAY ! Always know that I love you guys and will do anything in the world for you.
As always , my many thoughts and prayers,
love Auntie N

Anonymous said...

God be with you Melissa, and Mark, and may He Embrace you and your family in His Almighty Warmth.
He is an Awesome God and will lead THE WAY ! Always know that I love you guys and will do anything in the world for you.
As always , my many thoughts and prayers,
love Auntie N

Anonymous said...

We pray that you feel God's peace and enjoy a wonderful family weekend.
Our prayers are with you always!
love, Uncle Larry & Aunt Peggy

Anonymous said...

God bless you Mark, Missy and kids. Have a fun weekend!!
Lorrie and Jim

Anonymous said...

I know you must be SO tired of it all! Praying for God to give Mark physical comfort and both of you patience and peace. Hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend together! Keep the faith; you're loved by so many!
janet

Anonymous said...

Mark and Missy, If I could give Mark part of my liver so that Mark could have good health, I would give Mark my liver today.
You and the children are always in my prayers.
Have a safe weekend.
Always in my heart
Sandy C

Anonymous said...

I know this was not the answer you were looking for.I know you wanted surgery right away and get rid of that ugly word,but I pray for the dr.as he considers what is best to achieve that goal.
My love and prayers always,
Aunt Donna

Anonymous said...

We Love You so very much.
xxoo

Anonymous said...

I know it is hard to not have relief now. I know Missy when you are in the business of making people feel better and you can't help and don't know what to do it hurts. I do know that God is in control and His plan is so much more perfect than anything we can imagine. So many people are praying and lifting Mark and you and the kids up. Life stinks sometimes. Love you guys so much. I pray for comfort, relief and full healing.
Lil Sis

Anonymous said...

I know it is hard to not have relief now. I know Missy when you are in the business of making people feel better and you can't help and don't know what to do it hurts. I do know that God is in control and His plan is so much more perfect than anything we can imagine. So many people are praying and lifting Mark and you and the kids up. Life stinks sometimes. Love you guys so much. I pray for comfort, relief and full healing.
Lil Sis

Anonymous said...

Praying for the doctors as they determine the best option for you, Mark! Praying for you, that you will be able to rest at night, and that your discomfort will be minimal. We love you all and wish we could take this all away for you, but know that we are praying and are here if you need us. We're not that far from Baylor, so always remember, if you need a place to stay, we've got a room for y'all! Hugs from the McAfee's!