April 27

OK, here's the week's update. It's been crazy. We got to celebrate Calen's birthday on the 22nd since Mark didn't get his chemo this week. We took him out to his usual restaurant-The Outback. He chooses this one every year. Mark's parents were in town and got to go celebrate with us. We had a great dinner and then came home to a cookie cake. It was late and we had to rush to get the kids' homework finished and get them in bed on time.

Mark had an awards banquet at work on Wednesday. He won a teaching award and was also tenured this year, so he was glad to get to go and was feeling pretty good for it. I made it to the reception after I got off work and we had a good time. Mark enjoyed visiting with a lot of his colleagues that he hasn't seen in a while. It was fun.

Thursday Mark and I left for Destin for my conference while Mark's parents stayed here and watched the kids. We had a great time. My meetings ended by 12:45 each day and the weather was beautiful. We got to hang out at the pool, shop, and Mark got to play golf. It was wonderful and relaxing. We had several great dinners and got to meet up with friends in Baytown Wharf in the evening. We got in tonight (Sunday evening) and it was good to see the kids and catch up with them. I painted Emily's fingernails and toenails with pink glitter polish and she was thrilled.

Mark got in a little fishing tonight with Andy. He is not looking forward to chemo in the morning, but it will be his last for a while and that will be a good break. He is looking forward to surgery and finally getting this cancer out of his body, but he is also becoming quite anxious about it as well. Who can blame him??? He has some upcoming pre-op tests that he will do here locally and then he will finish with a CT and lab work after we fly to Pittsburgh the day before his surgery.

We appreciate all the continued support in Mark's battle with this cancer. Please continue to pray for healing and strength. We are grateful for all the support and prayers. God bless you all!!!!