Great news!!! We saw Mark's surgeon and P.A. today to talk about the results of last week's MRI. Everything looks so "clean" that they said he doesn't need another MRI, or to see them, for another YEAR!!! We had fully expected to be on the "every three months" and then "every six months" schedules for the next year or two. So to be able to jump straight to the yearly schedule was a huge encouragement and relief. :)
We also talked with the P.A. more about his energy level (or lack thereof) and the weakness in his right leg/foot/toes. He said that the fact that there has been even "slight" improvement is a good sign (even though it's super slow). He encouraged Mark not to give up on the PT, because there is still a definite possibility for that to get better. He also said that it's not unusual for people not to be feeling "back to normal" for at least 18 months to 2 years. It was good to hear him *say* that, so we don't keep wondering/worrying why he's not progressing faster. We've had other friends (with experience with brain injuries) tell us the same thing, but hearing it from the doctor too was a good reminder today.
Hopefully I won't need to update the blog for another year, so until then...
I don't think we'll ever be able to say "thank you" enough for everyone's care and concern, practical help, kind words, and prayer!! We've had phone calls and emails; neighbors who went above-and-beyond anything we ever could have asked for; cards and meals; an unbelievably understanding and generous work client; family who came from miles away to be able to help; and even just listening ears when we've needed it.
We are humbled and grateful for the friendship and love you have all shown.
We have learned a lot along the way... Some things we never wanted to know (like all the medical stuff), but other things that we are thankful for, such as how to bless others in this situation; remembering what *really* matters in this life (faith, family friends); and of course knowing in a very real way that Jesus is our Rock. We can count on Him to hold us up, and to *never let go*, no matter what.
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed; for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3:22-23
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Life is Good :)
Today we talked to both the neurosurgeon and the oncologist about the results of Mark's MRI last Monday. Excellent news! They both came to the same conclusion, that everything looks great! There is some scar tissue, but no "residual" tumor, or anything growing back. We really hadn't anticipated anything, but still, it was in the back of our minds (no pun intended, hehe). And, I suppose it will always be there for us somewhat, at least for the next few years. The honest truth, though, is that we were still given an amazing amount of peace right up through our appointments today. Totally a God-thing, and we are just as thankful for that as we are for the good result. Many thanks again for all the prayer!
The humorous thing today was when another surgeon walked into the room where we were looking at the MRI pictures with our surgeon. You would have thought they were a couple of frat brothers comparing their Frisbee golf scores: "Dude, check out this tumor I took out!" "Woah, dude, that thing was huge! Great job!" "Thanks, man! Yeah, I really had to be aggressive!" Ha! Well, maybe not in those exact words, but you get the idea...
Anyway, one MRI down, and three more to go for this year.
Another nice thing is that at this point we really don't need to see the oncologist anymore. The neurosurgeon will be the one on top of things for now.
We also asked about the potential for improvement in his leg and foot (and toes), as well as in his stamina. They pretty much agreed that there is still a chance for some improvement, but no one was ready to say that there would be a total recovery there. So, he just continues to work at his PT, and also to rest when he can.
It can be somewhat discouraging at times, but I have to hand it to Mark ~~ he just keeps saying, "Life is good!"
And it is :)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
The humorous thing today was when another surgeon walked into the room where we were looking at the MRI pictures with our surgeon. You would have thought they were a couple of frat brothers comparing their Frisbee golf scores: "Dude, check out this tumor I took out!" "Woah, dude, that thing was huge! Great job!" "Thanks, man! Yeah, I really had to be aggressive!" Ha! Well, maybe not in those exact words, but you get the idea...
Anyway, one MRI down, and three more to go for this year.
Another nice thing is that at this point we really don't need to see the oncologist anymore. The neurosurgeon will be the one on top of things for now.
We also asked about the potential for improvement in his leg and foot (and toes), as well as in his stamina. They pretty much agreed that there is still a chance for some improvement, but no one was ready to say that there would be a total recovery there. So, he just continues to work at his PT, and also to rest when he can.
It can be somewhat discouraging at times, but I have to hand it to Mark ~~ he just keeps saying, "Life is good!"
And it is :)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
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