October 27th 2010

First I want to thank everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers, sometimes it is just what we need to hear to make it through a tough day!
  Mark had a port put in yesterday, so that every time he gets chemo they don't have to keep using the veins in his arms. He said he was a little sore, but it was better then getting poked with needles every time he goes in for Chemo! Mark is doing his first Chemo treatment of the week today and will do another one tomorrow. He seems to be taking everything in stride, he said he is tired and really doesn't feel like eating much after his Chemo treatments. He is also still going to do acupuncture and drinking his special tea! Will update you all soon with new info!!

October 22nd 2010

Mark and Carol have returned home from their trip to the Mayo Clinic. We were hoping for a miracle of course, but Mayo said the doctors here are right on the money! They said that Mark's blood counts and response to the chemo is amazing! Though we did not get a miracle cure, we received piece of mind, which is priceless. We now know for sure that Mark is getting the very best treatment option right here at home. We will continue to post updates as we get them. Mark is glad to be back home and will have a few days to rest up until his regular chemo treatments on Thursday and Friday of next week. Please keep him in your prayers, as that is the most positive healing there is!

October 14th 2010

 Mark's tumor has shrank by about 25% which we are very thankful for. Mark had a fever earlier this week, which the doctors say could just be from all the cancer cells being killed! Due to the fever his chemo was pushed off by a day. Mark had chemo today and will also receive a round tomorrow. Mark will have a couple of days to recover before his trip to Mayo. Mark will be leaving Monday for the Mayo clinic. Mark is going to get a second opinion and see if they can offer any more treatment options. If all goes as planned Mark will return home the following Monday with some options to discuss with his doctor here. We will keep everyone posted as new information comes in. As always thank you for all of your kind thoughts and prayers!

October 6th

Great news today! The tumor is shrinking!!!!! I will post more details as soon as I can!

October 5th

Great news! Mark will soon travel to the mayo clinic for a second opinion. He is going just to see if they can offer any more options then what he is receiving here. He will leave here on the 18th. The initial trip will last four days, if Mayo can offer some better treatment ideas, then Mark and Carol will decide to stay. Mark has been doing well and seems to be feeling better! We were at the property with him this weekend and had a great time. Mark and Brian worked on the tractor and the rest of us enjoyed some time with nature. He is responding well to chemo and had a PET scan done to see if that can give a clearer picture of the tumor's size. Though it is hard we have to keep in mind that it takes a while for chemo to get in his system and start working on the tumor. We are praying for wonderful things from Mayo, and looking forward to the next step!