Oct 1

Today was a mixed day again. Mark saw Dr. Johnston yesterday who was covering for Dr. Farmer. They just wanted to make sure the increase in Mark's pain level wasn't something worrisome like peritonitis or something else. They were confident that it is just cancer pain after seeing Mark. Mark, of course, gets there and plays it off like he's doing okay and not having that much pain. It must just be a man thing. I am about to fall on the floor because we haven't been sleeping at all at night since he is up totally miserable, moaning all night and can't eat or function because he is in so much pain and he is sitting there telling the doctor "oh it's not that bad right now". I wanted to punch him and make it hurt. Of course I opened my mouth and started telling the doctor that he wasn't sleeping, etc, etc. to get all of it out there. Mark says "I really just think it's gas pain". Oh I wanted to shoot him. Anyway, Dr. Johnston increased his pain medication quite a bit and more frequently so that he can be comfortable. It was helpful, but Mark still wakes frequently with pain and has to take more pills (every 3 hours) and doesn't get a good night's sleep. We discussed using a patch which would give longer pain relief and I think we may discuss this with Dr. Farmer tomorrow when we see her.

Mark didn't eat dinner at all last night or any breakfast this morning because he was having too much pain. (But it's not that bad and just gas pain according to Mark. Imagine steam coming from my ears). We got him more comfortable by lunch and he was eating again. He was able to eat dinner tonight and we are trying to talk him into a late night snack now. We need to play catch up with the calories.

Calen had a Jr. High football game tonight against Eufaula and Mark was not able to make it. (Auburn won 40-12.) He is simply too sick to go. He goes from the bed to the comfy chair in the living room and that's pretty much his day other than trips to the bathroom. We tried to talk him into a walk outside today for sunshine and fresh air, but he refused.

Mark's parents are back home in Oklahoma. They are resting up and gathering Fall clothing for a return trip soon. My mom is here for reinforcement and Mark's twin brother, Matt, will be here Saturday morning.

We see Dr. Farmer early tomorrow morning and hope that we get good news about being able to restart chemo. Mark is weak and chemo will certainly make that worse, but there aren't other options at this point. We've got to push forward if we want a chance to reduce the tumors and reducing the tumors may give Mark pain relief and allow him to eat without pain. Pray that Mark can regain his strength and gain his weight to withstand the chemo. Thanks again to everyone for the support. God bless!!!