Sept 10

Hello again. Mark is doing better today. He finally had his CT scan done last night. They took him around 9:30 pm and he got back to the room around 10:30. I wasn't kidding when I said they were moving at a snail's pace. The CT showed some fluid in Mark's abdomen. The cancer itself causes that and it is hard to tell whether it is purely the cancer causing it or if an infection has set up there. The good news is that the contrast didn't leak out into the abdomen which tells us there aren't any holes in the bowels.

Mark is already on antibiotics, so this makes sorting out the fevers much more difficult. He spiked another fever last night and they pancultured him (cultured the blood from his port and 2 peripheral sites and cultured the urine). He had another fever this morning. He does seem to run the fevers after he takes in fluids orally which is a little concerning.

Today was the first time they let Mark try something other than clear liquids. (He's only been taking scant amounts of water anyway). He asked for a parfait from Panera, so I walked there and got him one. We scraped off all the granola and fruit and he basically ate yogurt. (Could have just bought him yogurt, but oh well...).

They took him off the PCA pump today and gave him oral pain medicines. He still has the catheter in. I am not sure when they will try taking that out.

Mark's brother Matt left this morning for the airport and Eugenie, Mark's sister, will be in this evening for backup.

Overall, we are making progress. Thanks so much to Lisa and Lynn for the help yesterday starting the prayer chain and everyone sending prayers our way. Mark really turned the corner yesterday. I can't tell you how miraculous the change was. I will never forget that day as long as I live. Thanks again and God bless!!!!