Tuesday, March 31, 2009

03/31/09 - Crystal Beach Sunset Couple

This was a picture that Mark took the evening of his diagnosis on August 23, 2006. We are grateful for the many days that have passed since this photo was taken and for the many more that we have to look forward to in the future.


Mark is doing much better today. He was admitted to Moffitt Hospital yesterday for some tests (spine MRI and EEG). If these come out clear, he should be released from the hospital on Thursday 4/2/09. In the meantime, Mark cannot contact anyone via phone. Please send any communication to him via e-mail or comment on this blog. Please don't call his cell phone until further notice. Thanks for your support! He is feeling stronger and more positive now, and that is half the battle. We'll update you as soon as more information is available.

- Laura and Big Monkey

19 Comments:

Blogger Big Monkey said...

Laura, Bud and I are convinced that this is NOT Mark's last post. He is in Moffitt Hospital tonight awaiting spinal MRI and EEG scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'm hoping that positive results on these tests will convince Mark that he is wrong. We need him to draw on all that strength that has carried him through the past 2 years and 7 months.

3/31/2009 9:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The true measure of a man is not his wealth and his fame, but his courage and his will. You've already endured the blows to your body and your spirit, and you've faced down the fearsome demon of the Unknown before. Mark, you are a blazing beacon to all who struggle to find their strength. We know that you will keep the faith and keep up the fight.

Carson

4/01/2009 8:50 AM  
Blogger Big Monkey said...

He's feeling much better today and back to his senses. However we still need to find out the results of his spine MRI and EEG. If all is well, he will be home tomorrow!

4/01/2009 3:15 PM  
Anonymous fred said...

You are all fortunate to have each other to draw strength from. I can only imagine it difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel some days but focus on each other. We're all praying brighter days ahead!

Looking forward to your next blog!

4/01/2009 4:41 PM  
Blogger willis said...

Here, here BM. Your comment above is the most literate thing you've said in a while, perhaps ever! I suppose this may be because Laura is "coaching" you. You're so fortunate to have such courageous humans as Laura and Mark, although you may not deserve them. And don't try to typically claim credit for their courage and strength; your just a stuffed wool puppet, after all! And say hi and good fortune, strength and love to Mark and Laura!

4/01/2009 5:17 PM  
Blogger Big Monkey said...

Fred,

As always, thanks for your support! We're grateful to have so many friends and family pulling for us.

Willis,

Thanks for the backhanded compliment. Just remember that I was made by Mark's Grandma, who was a saint, and stuffed with her old pantyhose. So the question is whether Mark and Laura deserve ME! Ha!

4/01/2009 8:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

BM,

Really?! Stuffed with Grandma's old pantyhose? Didn't really need to know that.

Carson

4/02/2009 8:23 AM  
Blogger David Galloway said...

Mark, I have had a hard time trying to think of something to write, so I am just going to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you can find the strength to make it through this.

4/02/2009 9:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Mark. Its been a long time. I dont know if you remember me or not but I graduated High School with you. I heard through another classmate about your most difficult journey. Sorry to hear about it and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay Strong.

Dawn Kenneweg Wildasin

4/02/2009 9:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Mark, I have been recently chatting with David Galloway on Facebook and he told me about your diagnosis. I have worked for many years as a neuro-oncology/neuro icu nurse and am all to familiar with your current struggle. I see you are fighting with everything you've got...KEEP FIGHTING! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and please know that this blog is an absolutely beautiful testament to a long and hard fought battle.

Lisa Masquelier-Fumich
Fort Cherry High School Class of 87

4/02/2009 8:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Mark, WOW!!! What a strong man you are. I have also been updated through Facebook from David Galloway. You are such an inspiration to many people. Keep fighting and stay strong, you have come so far. WE, the Fort Cherry Class of 1987, are all praying for you and your family. many good, strong thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Tammie Buckingham-Moore

4/02/2009 10:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Mark. I have also recently become aware of your diagnosis, and will definitely be praying for you as you continue your fight. I can see how far you have come already, stay strong and keep fighting. We are all cheering you on!
Debbie Schmidt White
FC Class of 1987

4/03/2009 10:16 AM  
Blogger Mark said...

Carson,

I didn't know your second calling was motivational speaking...

Thanks,
Mark

4/07/2009 9:06 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Fred,

Short and sweet reply, thanks!

-Mark

4/07/2009 9:07 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

David,

Seriously, thanks for letting former classmates know about my diagnosis and my blog. I appreciate everyone's support, and that was really what I needed at the time.

Now that I am out of the hospital, I need to concentrate even more on my health to make it my top priority. Hopefully, I can avoid more setbacks in the future.

-Mark

4/07/2009 9:15 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Dawn,

Thank you for your encouragement!

-Mark

4/07/2009 9:17 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Lisa,

Wow! A Neuro-Oncology Nurse. Something I have become so familiar with, and a job to be proud of. Thanks for your thoughts, and know that we will take them to heart and hope to turn things around.

-Mark

4/07/2009 9:23 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Tammy,

Thanks also for your words of support. It has been a long time, but I feel more connected with our class...

-Mark

4/07/2009 9:27 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Debby,

Again, thanks for your words of encouragement. It is nice to know that there are people out there pulling for you.

-Mark

4/07/2009 9:29 PM  

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