Much Better

This morning Mark had a real breakfast off the menu, feeling much better. Overnight, in steps, his arterial line, IJ neck line, and Foley catheter were removed. Anything to reduce the number of tethers makes him a little happier. Overall, right now he is still spent, but the run-over-by-a-truck impression is fading.

Mark has been asking for some snack foods since the evening of his surgery, and I finally started a list so he wouldn't keep asking if I remembered certain things. The order is being filled today, though we've told him his access will be metered, don't want to go bonkers, but how much harm can you cause with pretzel sticks, really?

So very early this morning, Mark wakes up and asks Wendi..."Did you get the stuff from my snack bag yet?"

Wendi: "No, Genny or Grandma will bring it later, but it's still really early."

Mark: "But I just can't wait.......waiting is part of life."

Wendi: "You're right."

Mark: "Especially with kittens."

Wendi: ........

Mark: "And babies. Babies and kittens. They're both so cute."

Wendi: "....Yep. Why don't you rest some more?"

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We got to see yesterday's MRI this morning, and it looks like about 85% of the tumor was removed. Looking at the scan, seeing the tumor in the center of his brain, all the scary things you have to get past to access it, even though we of course hoped for near 100%, that 85% still seems nearly miraculous.

We have discovered that there is a clinical trial going on at St Jude's Research Hospital for the type of cancer Mark probably has, and the staff here is helping get us aligned for maybe applying to participate if it fits and can help. We shall see.

Parting tale of Mark later this morning.....Wendi was stepping out to get Mark a breakfast thing not on the menu. As she was leaving, he said "....and get yourself a coffee. You've earned it. I mean, you've been taking care of me all week. I'd pay for it, too, but I lost all my money at home."

Oh, Mark. My sweet, sweet Mark, you are amazing.