Made it Home

We made it home yesterday afternoon. I am convinced we would still be sitting there if we hadn't lit a fire under our nurse! Nonetheless, home is awesome. We got there with a little time to go through the mail and then pick kids up and just fall right back into routine. The kids were glad to see us as well. We did a lot of talking as I could tell the questions at school were many. I reminded them how fortunate they are to have so many people that care about them and their family. I have said it more than once, that God brought us to this community for a reason. We are surrounded by good people everyday.

Mark is doing fairly well. We are hoping a few days of quiet and rest will get all of his systems back in order.

Hope you enjoy the picture. There can't be a more peaceful place for us to get to go home to. Just a few notes: The flagpole was put up while Mark was at the hospital. He LOVES it! And check out the flowers around the house. You might remember my friends planted those for us back in the spring and they are thriving still. We have much to be thankful for.

Missy

Going Home

WooHoo. Gonna blow this joint. Hemoglobin is stable today and no fever. Due for pain pills at 0930 and would like to get on the road then. We will see. Mark had a restless night and little sleep, so he is up and clean and fresh and napping. Looking forward to being home. Love you all, Missy.

Still at the hospital.

Can you believe we are still sitting in a hospital room? We had plans to be at home for several hours by now. But that is what we get for thinking we are going to make plans. The night was not bad. Mark was awake more than normal, but more because he just couldn't sleep than for any particular reason. During the night he spiked a little fever. This probably added an element of stress over not getting to go home.

This morning the doctor came. He said that his white count was stable, so there was no obvious reason for the fever. And his hemoglobin had dropped in the last 24 hours for an unknown reason. He felt like he was okay to go, but figured with the drive and all, it would be better to continue to be monitored and have labs drawn in the morning. Planning for all to be good!

Mark took the new plan pretty hard. He was so set on getting home. So, instead, we worked on getting the kids to come today. Uncle Danny is bringing Abby and Landon from Scotland, and Teresa McAfee is picking Austin up at six flags to bring him. Mark is really excited and mama is tickled too.

So, we try again tomorrow. Love to all, Missy

Nap time.

67 and raining in big "D". He already has a head start! Missy

Tired of me yet?

Now that I have time I can just do all the posting good! I am just so excited I had to get back on here. You just can't imagine how things work in our lives. Just this morning Mark and I were having a clergy discussion. He was commenting on how nice it was that Grandmother and Grandaddy's preacher had called and kept up with them while they were here during Mark's surgery. And, of course, we had our own personal preacher, Uncle Donny working overtime with us here as well. We both agreed that we are so blessed by the spiritual leaders that God has put so close to us and our needs are continually being met by them.

And in walks Father Postel. Many of you may not know him, but you can't imagine our hearts delight when he walked through that door. Father Postel is a family friend (Thanks Uncle David). He has done many family masses for us at family reunions and anniversaries and such. We were touched by his visit. It's gonna be a great day.

WooHoo! Rangers Win.

That's right. It's my blog so I can woohoo about whatever I want to! We struggled to stay awake through the whole thing, so I am glad they were winning pretty convincingly. You can imagine how excited Mark is. Austin has already asked if we could bring him some Ranger shirts "since we're down here. I thought that was cute. And all Mark has talked about is claw and antler shirts. Can you imagine the rush for those this morning? Shopping nightmare! Oh well, it's a sure sign he is feeling better

He is doing real well and doesn't look like he belongs here today. It should be a good restful day.I know we will be ready to get home first thing in the morning. Pain is controlled, incision looks great, bowels are getting back to normal and he he'll probably come home on a full liquid diet and start cheating here and there to make sure he tolerates it all.

Duty calls.

Batting 1000.

We got 2 doctors within the same 30 min. They were on the unit at the same time and I think they even visited with each other! We had a good visit with each of them. The surgeon didn't change a whole lot. He is going to give some extra toradol in an effort to keep his pain level
more constant. Pain pills are working fairly well, but the toradol will help with any inflammatory discomfort. He will change his diet up a little tomorrow and foresees him going home on Sunday.

Dr. McCollum visited with us at length. He says that now that we are looking at longterm chemo that the regimen will have to change. One cannot tolerate aggressive chemo indefinitely. Because of this he will alternate aggressive treatment,( treatments Mark has been receiving up to this time) with a maintenance chemo. That will keep everything in check with fewer side effects to the patient. The maintenance will be in the pill form (Xeloda), and will be combined with the Avastin to enhance it's effectiveness. He plans to start in 3 weeks. Mark has taken the Xeloda before with very few side effects.


I asked if we could go straight to the latest and greatest instead of messing with what we have already done and has been around a while. He said that all of the drugs Mark has received have just come out in the last 3-5 years. There were 5-10 drugs that came onto the scene about the same time. There was a lot of money and time put into researching the right dosing and combinations of these drugs. During that time, less emphasis was put on the next generation of drugs. The new drugs are in the first phase of study. This means there is little known about their effects. He is not prepared to go with the unknown just yet. This would only become an option if the planned regimen proved to be inneffective.

Mark and I had a good visit today during which he learned all the details as we received them the other day from the surgeon. As you might have guessed, his attitude was positive as always. He reminded me that God didn't promise that there was going to be a miracle in the operating room the other day, but that didn't mean that we weren't going to see one." All true, but I sure did have my hopes up. Oh well, now we wait......

We love you all. GO RANGERS!!!!!!

How 'bout that?

A picture is worth 1000 words. I figured this might do everyone some good!

We have had a busy morning! Mark got clean up (unfortunately by the old stand by nurse. He didn't even get the cute young one from last night!) So after bathing and shaving he was a new man. God bless those pain pills that allowed him to do it all. That is the ticket. We shouldn't have to worry to much about his pain now. We even made a round in the hall. He did real well and even picked up a cup of coffee on the way back!

Since this picture he has gotten his central line out also and a lunch tray has come. Yuummmm. Strained chicken soup, jello, milk and tea. I know he will fill his belly and be ready for a little siesta. Love you all, Missy

By the way, no oncologist. And yes, I have already called his office to make sure he didn't forget us! :)

Good Morning Everyone.

Mark had a descent night, but not great. The whole pain thing has not been optimal for rest. He has been getting the poopy kind of medicated sleep. Get drugs-slepp right away and wake up hurting quite a bit because you havent been awake to give yourself more drugs. Every 2 hours they would give bolus which provided even better sleep, but on the off hour would come in to wake him up for something else and he would be hurting. Imagine that. Another roller coaster. I, on the other hand rested pretty well. He even had to call my name to awaken me which is pretty unusual.

A doctor came in for Dr. Lamont and gave new orders. He started pain pills. I am really glad because I know this will keep his pain a little more evenly controlled. His catheter is out and they are going to put an IV in his arm and take his central line out.

He is anxious to get cleaned up and headed out of the bed. Duty Calls!!!
Love you all, and missing everyone. So good to hear from so many.

Bedtime

Well, we waited and we waited.....and we waited. But no doctor. I know that is because he is just doing his homework to figure out what is best for Mark. Or...he forgot! Mark has done well this afternoon. Pain is pretty well controlled unless he falls asleep. He got his ng tube out and is loving that. He has rested and visited most of the time. Nothing else to report. Rest Well, Missy

We are finally in a room.

We are finally in room #1425 where we can be together. After surgery yesterday, I made sure that he would be going to a room as opposed to ICU, so that we could be with him. The best laid plans......He was very sedated and they felt it was better to keep in in recovery all night. And.... then he was gonna get a room at midnight, but - that didnt happen either. Long story short. The recovery room stinks. There was no communication unless we initiated it, we didn't get to see him unless we initiated it (and not at all depending on which person you got ahold of). It was very loud and there was not any resting. He spent the enitre night there and would have spent part of the day as well. Let's just say that I have learned patience, but I do have a threshhold! The good news is Mark remembers very little of it. (a positive) He was pretty out of it yesterday. At any rate, things have turned around in the way of care. This room is so peaceful and we have a fabulous view of the Dallas skyline. (Another positive. Funny how those pop up every now and then)

Mark is just now beginning to process everything in very tiny bits at a time. We have talked, but not in a lot of depth. He is aware of the basics, but because of the busy recovery and pain and getting rest. Hopefully we will have some quality time in the hours to come. We are still waiting to see Dr. McCollum as well.

Thank you so much to everyone here yesterday. It was a challenging day to say the least. But even still, I know that God was a part of it all. He was in that room full of speechless people who waited to hear the dreaded news. I even believe he was so close he whispered in Uncle Donny's ear to remind us of a time 10 years ago when most of us were gathered together to hear a report of Grandaddy's surgery and we witnessed a miracle when they resuscitated him. We were as close as can be to losing him then, and look where we are now. Not a day or year go by that we and he are not eternally gracious for the time we have been given.

In the preop area, the anesthesiologist visited with us. he said a couple of things that were dead on for us. After hearing Mark's history and visiting a while he said, "Well, all I can say is you must be a pretty good guy. This is the kind of stuff that only happens to good people."

You all are so wonderful and your kind words are so touching. You don't know how much love we feel from all of you. Once again, we are blessed by you. Missy

Still in recovery

I got to see Mark. Only briefly. He was very sleepy. He did know I was there but was too sleepy to communicate much. Don't know if he will be going to a room or spend the night in recovery. Guess I will have to go back again!

Much love, Missy

Okay.....

Mark is still in recovery. He got there about 3:05. They told us we would get to see him by four, but that hasn't happened. When I went back at 430, I did get to talk to his recovery nurse who said that he was still very sedated and had not been awake. He did respond to her, but she was very worried about his sleep apnea. She said she will be keeping him in recovery for quite some time to monitor him. She assured me that if he started to arouse she would call me. That means I will go back in just a few when she doesn't call!

So the surgeon came out after approximately 2 hours to talk with us. We were all able to be in the room for this. Basically, things were more complex upon visualization than the CT indicated. There are more lesions than could be seen on the CT scan and more than could be operated on. So, the liver was not resected, and the lymph nodes were not removed. multiple areas were biopsied and all were cancerous.

These findings excluded him from being a candidate for a surgical cure. He did proceed to remove the gallbladder and reported that it will inevitably cause trouble down the road. Also, the largest tumor is compressing his upper intestine (duodenum). He is concerned that this could later cause a blockage. He did another procedure to reroute the small intestine to empty in another part of the stomach. By doing so, if the compressed intestine did become blocked, then it would divert to the reconstruction.

Tomorrow we will see the oncologist again who will dicuss any medical treatment available.

Dr. Lamont Here.

Dr. Lamont came out to talk with us. He was unable to do all that he had planned to do. I will have the details after I get to visit with the kids. Please keep praying. Our miracle did not come today, but I know there is still one waiting for us. We just are not in control of when or where. Our God is good and he has had a hand in Mark's care every step of the way, so the good will come in His time.
Love you all, Please send prayers for all of Mark's family here.

They have taken him away.

We got back to the prep and holding area and saw a multitude very nice and professional people. The operating room nurse, Courtney, was very young and sweet and Mark didn't have any trouble making jokes with her. She asked about his tattoos and piercings. He asked if she wanted to see. She replied "No, that is okay?" Then she paused and sort of under her breath said, "I will get to check them out in a minute!" He met his match! The anesthesiologist was very thourough and professional and has a very good understanding of Mark's history. We are in the waiting room. It is not real conducive to large numbers! Oh well, we can take shifts. Well, at least they can! hehe - I have to have some pull.

Dr. LamonLt came in too see us and we were very pleased with our visit. He answered all of our questions and when finished he was agreeable to letting us pray with him. Our personal preacher Uncle Donny - (He works CHEAP) Did a phenomenal job of asking God to give this man all the tools he needs to do what is best for Mark. We are confident that, while the plan during Mark's case may change from minute to minute, he definitely has Mark's best interest at heart. He said that the goal in this type of surgery is to work on a cure and he plan's on hitting a home run. We have to appreciate his optimism.

Today could be very long. We were blessed last time to get regular updates. They will attempt the same, but would not promise. We will see. I will update as I know more. Keep 'em coming. Missy

Just got word...

Plan to start at 1030 to 1045.

We're here.

We have made it through initial check in. We still have no idea when this is supposed to take place. Thanks to everyone for the multiple thoughts and prayers going up from all over. We feel and love you all.
God, please hear us and all of our friends and family today. We need your healing grace more than ever today for Mark.
Just called back for vital signs. Getting closer!!!!!

2 Years

Can you believe it has been just over 2 years since that horrible day we learned of Mark's cancer. I remember it like it was yesterday. I will never forget making that first phone call to tell that first person. A truly horrible feeling. And unfortunately, one that just refuses to go away! Fortunately, however, neither does our faith. No doubt we can keep this up as long as God sees fit for us. (Don't get me wrong. I have never been interested in marathons! I am more of the sprinter type. You know what I mean. It might hurt, but it will be over soon! ) So, how about a sprint to a victorious finish line giving God the glory the entire way.

We had a decent weekend here. Lots of football. A bittersweet (at least in my opinion) victory for the Trojans on Friday night as they defeated rival Archer City. Our kids played a heck of a game, but the scene from the AC sidelines was overwhelming for me. A whole side of students and fans who were seemingly staring into another world and in disbelief of the reality at hand. My heart was very heavy for them. Archer City is in dire need of prayers for one of their students. A tragic accident has sent Adam Smith (Coach Smith's son) to Cook's Childrens in Ft. Worth. He collapsed at football practice last week as a result of a stroke in his cerebellum that has also affected his brainstem. As a parent, that is very hard for me to grasp. Just another reminder that we all will face trials.

Adam has a carepage being kept up by his mother and his father. If anyone needs a little inspiration, I encourage you to check out that website. You can't help but be uplifted by the amazing good that can happen through sharing with others.

Mark hasn't had the greatest weekend. He hasn't felt 100% and has slept poorly. Needless to say he is ready to get yet one more milestone behind him. To date we are still on for the 20th at Baylor Dallas. He has his preadmission interview tomorrow, has had his preop lab completed and has been getting his preop injections of Lovenox (Which he looooovvveeesss!!!!!)

Thanks to everyone for your outpouring of support. I am working real hard to be organized and get it all together, but who am I kidding? I will fly by the seat of my pants right up until we get there! Good intentions though.

Hope everyone is well
Love to all, Missy

Surgery Scheduled

Sorry for my delinquency! I can't believe no one brought it to my attention earlier, but I absolutely forgot to post the surgery confirmation. I wasn't able to post from work at the hospital, and then I just let it go! The 20th of October is confirmed. As of now, he does not have to check in until 9am. Sorry so short. Trying to be productive this am!

Tentative Date Set

We made a second call today after not hearing from Baylor. I called this am and was supposed to get a return call that never came, so Mark called this afternoon. The scheduler said the first thing that Dr. Lamont had was on October 20th. She penciled him in there, but would have to check with the hospital and guess what? your guessed it - she will call back! If I had a dollar for every one of those we were supposed to get!

Dr. Lamont did say that he would need to block a whole day for Mark's surgery due to the uncertainty of what he will actually do. This does make for some scheduling difficulty, but hopefully it will not be moved any further out. Should have confirmation tomorrow. Thanks for checking in. Missy

NO CHEMO TODAY!

Mark is thrilled that he does not have to go back today and he is looking forward to putting several good days together. Our trip to Dallas didn't offer a whole lot of anything new. There is a plan for surgery, but the extent of the surgery is yet to be determined, as is the date of the surgery. At this point, there are still a lot of unknowns. I guess really, the only thing we do know is no chemo today.

The surgery will begin as exploratory. The plan is to head for an area of lymph nodes in the epigastric area (upper abdomen), remove them and have the pathologist in the room to determine if they are cancerous. If they are, the options become fewer. If they are not cancerous then he will proceed to evaluate what he can do with the liver. It appears, as before, that one lesion will be no problem. The other could be no problem or big problem. We are hoping that lesion will lift right out as well. If it does not, then proceed to plan C or D, whichever we are on by that point. The next option would be an ablation of that tumor which could be done in surgery. If that can't be done, he could place markers for radiation to be done at a later time. So, you see it is not cut and dry. Oops, gotta get kids to school. I'll be back.

Okay, I'm back now. Back to surgery. While everyone wants the particulars, we will have to be PATIENT and let the answers come to us as God works through the experts to pave the path for what is best for Mark. The long and short of it is that you have to believe in miracles to be on Mark's team. If you believe that He can - He will. Remember, CANCER is bad, but GOD IS GOOD, and He is definitely on our team!

As always, I am open for any questions, here are a few you might already have thought of.

Q. How long in the hospital?
A. Provided everything is routine, the expected stay is 4-5 days. the majority of the hospital stay is to watch the incision, watch for bleeding or infection, and wait for return of normal bowel function. Historically we have seen Mark recover quite well, so routine recovery will be just what we order!!!!

Q. What happens when you only have part of your liver?
A. If things work as they should, the remaining liver will continue to function normally and the removed area will regenerate and be able to function normally following a recovery period.

Q. I thought they already said the lymph nodes were cancerous?
A. This is true, but is based solely on pictures that have been viewed through scanning. However, lymph nodes can, and often are enlarged for many reasons, especially when someone is ill or fighting infection. The oncologist has assured us that those nodes could go either way and the only way to know is to biopsy them.

Q. If the lymph nodes are cancerous, can they remove them?
A. That poses a little more complicated problem. The number of enlarged lymph nodes would make it very, difficult if not impossible, to attack by cutting them out. That would lead them to plans C and D as described earlier.

Q. What is the plan after surgery?
A. Mark will have to fully recover from surgery before resuming any other treatment. That will be at least 4 and possibly 6 weeks. It is likely that it will not be the same medication. Dr. McCollum informed us that it is common for the effectiveness of chemotherapy to level off after 3 to 4 months. Typically you see the majority of the "good", ie shrinkage, during that time. He was not surprised then that the last scan did not show any more improvement. Ultimately, this could result in a change of medication following surgery - but, first things first.

We will let you know as soon as we have a date (hopefully today)
Love to all, Missy

Plan tomorrow.

At least that is our understanding. Mark is scheduled with both the surgeon and the oncologist tomorrow. We are presuming that they will let us in on the plan. I am pretty certain that it better not include chemo this week, because Mark doesn't have any intention of getting any on Wednesday. He had a good weekend. Six ballgames in two days, work, football party, a little mowing, church twice in three hours, 4H meeting, visit with Grandma and Grandpa (where he got to enjoy lunch compliments of Aunt Carol and Grandma, visit with Jerry and Janelle from Elk City, and supper with my mom and dad. Whew! He was able to keep up all weekend and seems to be feeling good. The only thing we missed was our anticipated last trip to the lake. A little too chilly for me!!! Guess we will have to give it up for this summer. Might have to get in a camping trip. Sure is great whether for that!!! Hope everyone is well. Missy