Sept 9

Hello to everyone. Today has not bee a good day here in Pittsburgh. Matt spent the night with Mark and said he had a rough night. He's been in a lot of pain with his abdomen. He doesn't use his pain pump much as he states it just doesn't control his pain like it should. He is getting a lot of pressure in his abdomen. The XRay that they did late last night was okay.

They ordered the CT of his abdomen this morning. That was the one I had a gut feeling about several days ago. I wish they'd give me temporary privledges here while Mark is a patient. It's hard being a medical professional and sitting here not being able to write orders. Matt is having the same problems I am. I don't know if they will find anything in the CT, but we at least need to look to rule out possibilities. It may be the cancer only, but we won't know unless we look. Now we have been waiting all day for them to take him to CT.

Mark still refuses to drink anything. He won't even drink water. It makes his abdomen bloat and gives him more pain. He is losing a lot of muscle mass and is getting very weak. It is hard for Matt and I to sit and watch. We both feel so helpless. I just sat and held Mark's hand today and cried as there was nothing else I could do.

He is sleeping a lot. He's just worn out. We may have to talk with Kathy and Brent about coming out and bringing the kids. We will see.

Keep praying that Mark turns the corner. God bless!!!!