Five years ago, I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. At the time, the statistics for 5-year survival were not 50%, 20% or even 2%. They were "N/A". Not applicable. Well, we've proven that you can sometimes go against the odds & win. I've had 5 happy years that the stats said were impossible. I've gone through surgery, chemo, chemo again, radiation, new chemo, chemo, radiation again, and more chemo.
In a few days, we'll embark on what may the the last major step in my recovery. Because my remaning tumor (in my abdomen) has been (we believe) pretty stable, and since it appears (we believe) to only be in that one remaining spot, our doctors think surgery to cut it out is an available option for (possibly) a cure. I know - lots of qualifying statement in that sentence! Nevertheless, it looks like our best bet moving forward. It's hard to imagine, but we may, finally, get cured. The chances aren't 100%, of course. Lots of things could go wrong. But I have the best doctors, the best hospital & the best damn patient advocate one could ever have (my wife, Sheila).
Many of our friends & family have asked "what's up", so this blog is dedicated to you: The folks that have given us support, prayers & well wishes during this process and in the future.
Love,
Mark
15 comments:
Hey Mark!
Thank you for making this journal. I had no idea that you had been through so much--you are always such a bright and cheerful face at dragonboating! Best of luck with everything! I'll keep you in my prayers.
anna marie
hey baby,
so you really want to allow the possibly 'interesting and colorful'comments and/or suggestions from the team to be read by the world? tell them to scan your head too!
you are my hero, we look forward to your happy return to our arms.
xoxo
You're amazing - not just because you're beating the odds, but because you do it with such grace.
I wish I had some $, because I'd go straight to Vegas and bet every cent I had on your continuing to beat those odds and win!
Love,
Nina
Mark,
Thanks for sending this message of love to us. You are one of the most inspiring men I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I remember last year when you, Joy and I ate dinner in Tampa. I walked away in awe of your attitude, acceptance and grace. I thought what a great guy I just met. I pray that God will send Angels to fly all around you during surgery and bring you home safely to us. I also pray that God will send one Angel to comfort Sheila. We love you-- Lynn Dion
Dearest S & M, (OMG!! - a new acronym!) you know we will all be with you in spirit each and every day. Thank you for setting up this blog so we can follow your progress in TX. Dragon boating is a source of both strength and symbolism. Remember: keep reaching for that "clean water"; keep that stroke LONG and STRONG and RE-COMMIT when you think you are out of steam... keep "squeezing that tube of toothpaste", right, Louise? love you. g (AKA grandee)
Mark -- You are indeed the model of a survivor..(and hero) !! I am honored to be counted as part of your team :) You & Sheila will be in my prayers daily for a speedy recovery and cure!
Love,
Dianna
You have the power of the dragon in your corner! You and Sheila will be prayed for, paddled for, and thought about a great deal. You are such a special person to us paddlers, and an important light in my life!
Go get 'em, honey. Many muches love, hugs, good wishes, good mojo, etc.
love.........gene
Hey Mark!
Hope the trip to Texas is going well.You know you have the power of the Dragon and the strength of the Surge behind you.Add your positive attitude and Sheila's wings-well allright then.My prayers and thoughts in route.Safe journey.Barbara
Mark,
I will be thinking of you everyday and sending you all of my positive energy. I will be sending Grandee all of my negative energy. Boy, I feel worn out. No energy.
Becca
I believe we are all in training for passage into the A-level competition...so I suggest you do what you need to do and we are uh duh.....waiting for you here....and like ......so put a bandaide on it and hurry home we miss you already.
Zenpaddler
mark,
i know you are in good hands in houston. know that you are loved, needed and missed here in the low country.
i believe your strength, courage, humor and advocate will help see you through this and home in record time.
thank you for starting the blog.
x,
lynda
booking oceanfront whenever possible, watching for the sunset and taking a picture, up for the sunrise, running with the tide, that's what we survivors do with gusto and you surely are one of the finest examples of living well and to the fullest - that is why you are loved and respected and all who know you hold you up - keep capturing that energy down in Texas along with that from your loving, dynamic partner, Shiela. thanks for all you do for all of us....
Mark and Sheila,
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you always...
We look forward to your return!
Leslie and Rob
well, I went to Greenville's DB race and Charlotte's coach brought up the fact that they beat us in Atlanta. No, I did not handle it well, I told them we rec'd silver medal in B-division/ Phili. See, Mark, you really can't let me out in public with out a chaparone. There is no humility in those circumstances.
Got a message from DC asking if we were going to the Nationals in Long Beach...had to reply...'unknown'
Loved the pictures and the music.... what are you trying to do? make me cry? I am far to mean for that...so stop
I can imagine that you are busy these days trying to think of an 1.expensive birthday gift for Leslie's birthday this week(she says it goes a whole month) 2.thinking up a tune for next year's party in Charlotte, 3. thinking of how you can turn the performance paddle into one full non stop hour. 4.persuading Sheila to put on that short nursing outfit .....
will go....talk to you later, my friend. joy
yes grasshopper!
Obviously in your dream, the guns and agents represent the ongoing "conventional and unconventional' treatments you have undertaken to eradicate the cancer, aka the "tiger". By grabbing the tiger by its scruff and calming it, you are demonstrating how your attitude and positive thinking are allowing you to take control of your destiny.
Remember: Don't Worry...Be Happy M&M
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