December 31

Mark had another good day today. Normally this would be chemo day, but he got postponed until Jan 2nd this week. At least we can celebrate the New Year with Mark feeling like his old self. We visited with Eugenie and Mike today and the kids all played. It was a pretty day for outside play finally (no rain). Eugenie and I re-upholstered the dining room chairs.

We heard from Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in New York City. This is another large cancer center like MD Anderson. They are happy to accept Mark as a patient. We faxed his records there today to our contact person. They want to wait until chemo round number 6 and the repeat CT scan before we go up to New York as this will help them determine which doctor Mark will see.

We plan to have a quiet evening at home with snacks and fondu for the kids. We will stay up to midnight to celebrate the New Year and hope for healing and recovery. Happy New Year to all!!!!

December 30

Mark is doing well. He has had a great few days. We have been visiting with family. Mike made it in from Austin, TX on Friday night and we spent Saturday in Columbus taking the kids to Hollywood Connection and out to eat pizza for Ryan's birthday. We had an adult night out later that evening and 6 of us went to eat sushi and later to play pool. It was a great evening and I think we all had fun. Mark was back to his old self. We are truly enjoying these days that he feels good.

Again we were told no from MD Anderson. They will not take Mark as a patient unless he is considered a treatment failure or decides to relocate there for all of his treatment. We were hoping for a second opinion. We may be going to Sloan Kettering or another large cancer center to do this.

Continue to pray for Mark's healing and strength. We feel truly blessed to have such great friends and family. We're praying for healing in the New Year and an Oklahoma Sooner win over West Virginia would also be nice. God bless you all!!

December 27

Hi to all. We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Ours was good. We went to Christmas Eve vigil mass and then spent Christmas day at home with the kids. They actually slept until 7am. It was great watching the excitement in the kids eyes and faces as they opened gifts and saw what Santa brought them. We really enjoyed the morning and Mark was feeling good. We had a small dinner (Tur duk hen) and some side dishes mid afternoon. Mark was worn out and had some tummy issues in the afternoon, so he spent the rest of Christmas in bed.

Matt and Angie drove down from Oklahoma (Mark's twin and fiance') yesterday and late yesterday evening Eugenie, Ryan and Kaylie flew in from Austin. Mark, Matt and Calen drove to Birmingham to pick them up and didn't get home until after midnight. They were up until 2:30 visiting. Mark woke today not feeling so good and is resting in bed now. Hopefully he will rebound so that he can spend some time visitng with the family while they're here.

Mark's next chemo was postponed to mid week, so he'll go in Wednesday Jan 2nd and finish Jan 4th. That will be round number 5. After round number 6, we will have the repeat CT scan in Birmingham. I am also working on the MD Anderson referral now. Hopefully by the end of the day, we'll know something about our travel plans for Houston.

Take care and God bless!!

December 21, Mark's birthday

Mark had a great day today. He slept in and woke feeling pretty good and actually had an appetite. We took him out to Starbucks for a muffin and coffee and he was in heaven. He drank the coffee slowly to savor each sip. Emily got a coffee cup with milk in it so she looked like a "big girl" while she played with her princess figurines. We ran around a little in Tiger Town after the breakfast outing and came home for a bit. We had birthday gifts for Mark when we returned.

Mark spent the afternoon playing 9 holes of golf with Duane Brandon at the AU club. He really enjoyed the golf. By the last 2 holes, his hands were hurting some from the cool air, but overall Mark enjoyed the day. He said it was like old times cutting up with Duane. They didn't really even keep score. Just playing for fun.

This evening we took Mark out to the Outback for dinner. Mark chose fish (I think the kids talked him into the restaurant because steak is their favorite). Dinner was great. Calen is spending the night with a friend and Colton has a friend over for the night. We plan to watch a movie this evening before bed.

This is definitely the best day Mark has had in quite a while. I don't know if it was because of his birthday or if he's just starting to feel better, but it was great having a day like today. His next chemo was scheduled for New Year's Eve and would end on Jan 2nd. Mark's infusion nurse asked if we wanted to switch days that week, so we're going in Jan 2nd through the 4th so that he will be feeling good through New Years.

Take care everyone and to all of you travelling through the holidays, be safe. God bless!!!!!

December 20

Mark got quite a bit of rest today. The boys spent all day at the Brooks' house while Ronda was at work. Emily went to daycare and had cupcakes and party favors for her birthday. This afternoon, Mark had a visit from Janine Babbitt from St. Michael's. She brought over a HUGE card signed by many of the CFF children and families. We spent this evening reading the well wishes and signatures. It was great. They also sent over a gift basket of goodies and some food. Thanks so much!!!

Mark also got a visit from Beverly Marshall who baked a wonderful lasagna and some mac and cheese for the kids. It was great not having to think about dinner tonight. After dinner, we had Emily's cake and ice cream. She enjoyed opening her gifts for her birthday as well.

Mark hasn't been out much to socialize with the family. He is just feeling too puny, but did come out for Emily's birthday gathering and we took pictures. It is certainly hard on him as he wants so much to feel good. Tomorrow is Mark's birthday and we're hoping he is feeling like getting out and doing something. We'll just play it by ear. We may decide to take Emily in to daycare to help diminish the activity around the house if Mark isn't feeling well.

Take care everyone and God bless!!!

December 19

Today marked the end of chemo round number 4. I feel as if we're in a boxing match. Mark is doing as well as can be expected. He is having some GI issues, but they don't seem as bad as with the last round. He can't seem to drink much because of the way fluids taste to him, but he feels thirsty all the time. The appetite is not great, but he's trying to get a few things down and is trying to remain strong. He is certainly keeping his head up through all of this.

Today marked the end of school for the boys until Jan 7th. In some ways it will be quieter, but in others it will be busier. Tonight they are both spending the night at the Brooks' house. Tomorrow is Emily's birthday, so we'll do presents and cake (hopefully since I forgot to order one and will be calling around in the morning trying to get one) after I get off work.

We are anxiously awaiting news on an appointment at MD Anderson. We will also be visiting with the Birmingham surgeon again in January and repeating the full body CT scan as well. Our appointment with the genetics department at UAB got moved to Jan 24th. They will be studying Mark's case because he is so young at diagnosis. Our children may be at risk for this disease and may need to start screening in their teens. They will go through an in depth family history and probably do blood work.

Continue to pray for Mark. The prayers and support have gotten us through to this point. We are truly blessed to have such great friends and family. God bless you all!!

December 18, Chemo

Mark is more than half way through this chemo infusion and is glad of that. We are counting down the hours until he is unhooked. This is the first day he was left by himself on chemo. Ronda is back at work and Mark's parents are back home. He did really well. Ronda came home at lunch to check on him and make sure he had something to eat and drink. He didn't get up much today which isn't unusual. He did insist on taking Calen to basketball practice this evening.

We are gearing up for the birthdays at the end of the week. Emily is getting excited. She has been good about leaving the presents alone so far, but can't wait to tear into the birthday stuff on Thursday.

Thanks again to everyone for your continued love and support during this time. We appreciate it more than you know. Take care and God bless!!

December 17, Chemo treatment number 4

Mark received chemo number 4 today. This is the second chemo regimen with the added Avastin. He is doing well. Of course he came home with the infusion pump and will get the continuous chemo until Wednesday afternoon. The last chemo really wiped him out, so we're hoping and praying that this one is better. We at least are learning what to expect by now. His blood counts have remained good. They will redraw his cancer marker (CEA) and do more extensive blood work with the next chemo.

Ronda has been doing more reading and digging into Mark's type of cancer. The metastatic disease to the peritoneum is definitely posing the biggest concern for Mark. We have found some articles and are anxious to revisit with the surgeon at UAB to discuss our plan and make sure we're on the right track. We are also getting anxious to get the MD Anderson referral going to have another set of eyes looking at the data as well as Mark.

Emily will celebrate her 3rd birthday on Thursday. She will have cupcakes with the kids at Bonnie's Kids and we will just have family for presents in the evening. We planned a party for her friends on January 5th after the Christmas holiday is over. Mark's 36th birthday is Friday and I keep teasing him that I will take him out for a Milky Way and a cup of Starbucks coffee. That is what he is craving now and isn't supposed to have. We will definitely splurge for his special day.

We won't be travelling back to Oklahoma this year for Christmas. This will be our first year ever not to do that. I think we will enjoy the quiet time with the children though, although we'll miss everyone back home.

God bless you all!!!

December 14

We made our trip to Callaway Garden's Fantasy of Lights tonight along with Duane, Stacy and David Brandon. The weather was perfect and we all had a great time. We went early to avoid the big crowd, so we were all starving after the trolley ride and went to Logan's in Opelika for a late dinner. Mark enjoyed the evening. We were certainly blessed with Mark feeling well and great weather, so we couldn't have been happier. Thanks to the Brandons for the wonderful evening.

Mark and I got a little Christmas shopping done earlier today since it is the last day I am off when the kids will be in school and we can get away without them. We didn't finish, but got quite a bit done.

Brent and Kathy made it back to Oklahoma safely. They were relieved to find their house intact. They had power and no trees down from the ice storm.

Mark will go in Monday for his 4th round of chemo. This will be the second time with Avastin. He didn't feel so great after the last infusion, so we hope this one will be better. I've been doing more reading on Mark's type of cancer which only brings more questions. We will meet with the surgeon at UAB again in January so we will have a lot of questions for him. We will also have a repeat CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis at that time.

Continue to pray for Mark's healing and strength. God bless!!

American Cancer Society Breakfast

The American Cancer Society Breakfast fundraiser will be Saturday, December 15th between 8am and 10am at Longhorns. I think it's just come and go as you want. Tickets are available at the door and it's $5 per person. Just FYI if anyone local is interested in attending.

December 13

Mark is starting to feel better. The new medicine is definitely helping, but makes him very tired as well. He just wears out much quicker which is frustrating for him. He is excited about the upcoming annual viewing of Christmas Vacation at the Yost's house on Saturday night. Tomorrow will be our Callaway Garden trip.

I have gotten his medical records gathered together to send to MD Anderson. Mark's cousin, Michael, has a connection that will hopefully get us in for a second opinion. Mark's oncology office tried to set up the appointment, but they were told MD Anderson wouldn't accept Mark for a third opinion unless we agreed to do all treatments there or he was considered a treatment failure.

Saturday morning is the fundraiser breakfast for the American Cancer Society if anyone local is interested in attending. I will try to get all the details and post it tomorrow.

Take care everyone and God Bless!!!

December 12

Mark had a good day today. He got a new medicine from the doctor for the diarrhea symptoms and it seems to be helping some. We will keep our fingers crossed. The good news is his appetite is still good and he hasn't lost any weight. Today was busy for him with his office's Dirty Santa party. He enjoyed seeing everyone and getting back into the office. This evening, he took Colton to basketball practice and then we had a quiet evening with the kids before bed. This was the first night that Kathy and Brent have been gone, so it seemed we were missing something. I think the kids are really going to miss having their grandparents here. Hopefully they find that everything in Bartlesville (OK) is still in good shape and they don't have any catastrophes like frozen pipes or fallen trees.
We feel a little guilty enjoying the upper 70 degree weather and up to 80 yesterday. The kids have been outside in shorts.

We are still planning our trip to Callaway Gardens for the Festival of Lights Friday night. The weather should be nice and I don't think it will be too cold for Mark. The cold is definitely starting to bother him some-touching cold objects out of the refridgerator can be painful and of course he is becoming a pro at requesting "no ice" in his drinks. By the time he can tolerate a little cold, it is time for chemo again and we start all over. He is thankful for the days he can order drinks with ice, but they aren't happening very often.

Thanks for all the prayers, support, cards, and phone calls to check on Mark. We really appreciate the outpouring of support. God bless!!!

December 11

Mark went out today for a few outings with his parents. He is still limited in his outings because of the diarrhea. If it weren't for that, he would be feeling pretty good. His activity level the last week and a half has been diminished quite a bit.

Mark's parents are leaving for home tomorrow morning. They have been with us for 2 months now since Mark's diagnosis. As many of you know, Oklahoma is under a pretty severe ice storm and a large part of the state is without power. They feel the need to go home and check on things to make sure pipes aren't frozen and trees aren't down, etc. They have been a big help to us and we will miss them.

The kids continue to stay busy with homework and basketball practice. It seems that it never ends with sports and homework.

Continue to pray for Mark. We appreciate all the support more than you know!!

December 9

Mark has had the roughest week yet since starting chemo. He feels a little better now, but the diarrhea which is pretty unpredictable keeps him from leaving the house. He missed mass this morning and really hasn't been out of the house much all weekend. Hopefully it won't keep us from the Callaway Garden Festival of Lights this weekend or our annual viewing of Christmas Vacation at the Yost's house.

Mark helped with making Christmas cookies tonight. The kids enjoyed cutting out sugar cookies and decorating them. Emily had her own stash of cookies and icing since she ended up licking the knife (which really grosses Colton out) and reusing it on the cookies. Calen and Colton had some pretty and creative designs. Colton even ended up with on OU on one cookie. Go figure!!

The boys had a fun weekend playing at the Brooks' house. Thanks Debbie and Richy for having them. Emily enjoyed the warm weather outside jumping on the trampoline, riding her tricycle and playing with the neighbor kids.

We appreciate everyone's continued support and prayers. God bless you all!!

December 8

Mark is continuing to recover from this round of chemo. It has definitely been the worst so far. He has developed the diarrhea and frequently gets nauseated with vomiting. He seems to have the nausea and vomiting more when he doesn't eat frequently. It hasn't been a fun week for him, but he is keeping his head up. He made it in to the office on Friday and spent most of the day up there. Today he has been able to rest some.

It is 76 degrees here in Auburn and beautiful today. The kids have been outside playing which helps with Mark not feeling well.

Take care everyone!!

December 6

Mark had a rough day today. He didn't bounce back from the chemo like in previous weeks and felt very tired and sick all day. He did get out and about a little with his parents in the afternoon, but overall spent most of the day lying around. We are hoping tomorrow will be better.

The kids are staying busy with school and basketball. Mark didn't feel up to taking Calen to practice tonight, so Brent (Mark's father) took Calen to practice. Emily stayed home and helped rub her daddy's back. She gave him a kiss to make him feel better. It was really sweet.

Continue to keep Mark in your prayers. God bless!!

December 5

Mark finished the third round of chemo today and was unhooked from his infusion around 1 this afternoon. He is still pretty weak and fatigued, but glad to be finished. He insisted on going out tonight for my birthday, so we had dinner with the kids and Mark's parents at Provino's. Dinner was great and we all left feeling very full.

We plan to attend a fund raising breakfast for the American Cancer Society next Saturday (Dec 15th) at Longhorn's. Mark's oncologist and infusion nurses are cooking the meal. Tickets will be $5 per person and are available at the door if anyone local is interested in attending. I think breakfast starts at 9am.

We are hoping Mark is feeling like going in to the office some this week as he enjoys getting back into the routine. We will see how he feels in the morning. He becomes fatigued much easier now, even on his good days.

God bless!!!!

December 4

Mark had one of his down days on the chemo. He has been tired and not feeling well, but has managed to eat some. Food still has taste during the chemo, but drinks don't taste right to him (even water). Mark says it's really not something you can describe, so I'll take his word for it. He had a quiet day at home and managed to take Calen out for basketball practice this evening which wiped him out.

We now have to plan everything around chemo week and chemo free week. We are planning to go to Callaway Garden's festival of lights, but will do it next weekend so Mark should be at the top of his game.

Again, thanks to all of you for your prayers, well wishes, calls, cards, and visits. We appreciate everyone's support more than you know. God bless!!!

December 3, Chemo number 3

Hi to all!! We are still at the infusion center finishing up Mark's third round of chemo. He gained back the lost weight and everyone was pleased. The other GREAT news was the CEA fell to 4.8 (it was 29 at it's peak). They consider normal to be <3. In addition to the great CEA number, they also added Avastin this round. This is the forth agent and should strangle the blood supply to the tumor and metastatic disease and enable the chemo to work better.

In preparaton for Mark's down time, we had a busy weekend with getting ready for Christmas. We put together the gingerbread choo choo and also decorated the Christmas tree. Mark was also out in the rain last night putting up the lights and outside decoration knowing that it couldn't wait due to the inevitable chemo today.

We had a great weekend with the Sooners dominating Missouri again. GO SOONERS!!!! (That's for you Linda). You will have to drive by our house and see our lawn ornament with the big crimson and cream OU.

Thanks for all the cards, calls and support!! We are blessed with such wonderul family and friends.