Sept 3

All things are a go from Pittsburgh. We spent the morning in CT scan. Mark had to drink that nasty stuff and wait a long time, but got through it. We saw Dr. Bartlett this afternoon. Our visit this time wasn't quite as scary and the news seemed better. He says there is a lot of "thickening" around the liver. He's not sure exactly what he'll find when he gets in there. It may be all scar tissue from the previous surgery and chemo or new disease. We will have to wait and see. That seems to be the most diseased area. There is still the possibility of changing the ileostomy to a colostomy, but it won't be decided until they actually get in there and see what needs to be done. They did decide to use Oxaliplatin as the chemo agent this time. It was initially what Mark's cancer responded to. The last surgery was done with Mitomycin C. Mark had labs drawn to get units of blood ready for the surgery tomorrow and then we had to go to the hospital and meet with the ostomy nurse to get "the best placement" done in case they decide to do the colostomy.

Dr. Bartlett is so easy going and laid back and really puts you at ease. It's amazing to sit and talk with him knowing all the research and wonderous things he's done. He's really a humble guy.

We are back at the Family House now and waiting on Matt and Angie to arrive.

Mark is doing his bowel prep. He's so excited!!!! We have to be at the hospital at 5:30am eastern time. The surgery will start at 8:30 eastern.

Please remember that there is a prayer vigil for Mark tomorrow at St. Michael's from 8:30-11:30. There will be a card for everyone to sign who stops by. The chapel is located in the building behind the sanctuary. If you can't make the service, just pray where you are.

We heard great news out of Houston today. Carly's surgery went well. We will continue to follow her site, too.

God bless!!!!