Update on Mark-Saturday, Dec 8th

Well, I had hoped to be able to say that the River Oaks doctor was wrong and it is just a cyst, but that's not the case. On Friday, Mark saw Dr. Jason Blalock and he confirmed most of what Dr. Pareek said. The message was basically the same, but the delivery was much better. Dr. Blalock was so encouraging and also said it could be removed by laparoscopic surgery. The other doctor said the only option was traditional incision. I had a long list of questions (thanks to Amy Marler-more on that later) that he answered completely and without being in a hurry. He feels sure that the tumor is contained and he will not need any treatment after the surgery. Praise God! His office will call us at the first of the week to schedule surgery. Mark is considering having it before Christmas. He tells everyone that I want it out today! This cancer invaded Mark's body and our life.... yes, I want it out as soon as possible. I watched my papaw die of lung cancer several years ago and I still have a hard time dealing with that. I don't want to take any chances.

Thanks so much for all the calls, emails, text messages and cards. Most of all, thank you for your prayers! Mark is a quiet guy who slips in and out of church, ball games, dance recitals, etc. He's there...he just isn't the kind to stand around and chit chat! He says that's what I'm for! He's often called my phantom husband, but he's a good one and that's all that matters to me! He's a wonderful father! He's there at the kid's activities and could care less if people know he's there or not. As long as the kids know he's there-that's all that matters to him. You won't see him heading up a committee, serving as a greeter or anything else like that. He could care less about who he knows or who knows him. It's not that he's rude or a jerk, he's just not someone who will go up to someone and start talking. He's just kinda on the shy side. Once people get to know him, they love him. Maybe we all need a little bit of Mark in us and stop worrying about what people think. He is humbled by everyone's love and concern and is so thankful.

More later....