Mark had a pretty good night last night. It started off a bit bumpy, however, as the epidural stopped working. After getting the pain service starting to work on it around 8 p.m., Mark was down from a pain score of 6 or higher (scale 1 to 10) to a 3. By this morning, he was back to a 2. IV dilaudid worked well, but gave him some wacky dreams. Don Bennett-if you are out there, please know how much you have helped Mark. He used your hypnosis techniques when the going was bad.
I actually slept on the recliner last night; I guess if you are tired enough, you will sleep anywhere. Both of us are ready for the day today. The plastic surgeon came in and took the dressing off Mark's leg. It looks a bit like a shark got it; he's got a dent on his thigh where the muscle was. It's really amazing that they took this muscle, cut the nerve and pulled it up into his abdomen to help support the area that is now empty. Mark, when still on quite a few drugs the night of surgery was told about this. He asked "if I try to kick, will I poo?" The plastics guys got a good laugh out of that. Mark is still keeping them in stitches, although he is the one with the stitches.
15 comments:
I'm here (and there). If there's anything else you need I'm just and MP3 away.
progress reports most eencouraging.hang in there.we are aLL
ROOTING FOR YOU.
Sheila, thanks for giving us a clear view of what is happening with Mark, also glad you have trees out the window....
We love you both, darn great news about the surgery,
you two amaze me...with love, xoxox C and D
PS Mark your determination and humility are an inspiration, keep it up!
It constantly amazes me how Mark's spirits are always so high! (Must be really good drugs). I don't think I've ever seen him mad at anyone,(well... there was that one kid in the Ft.Johnson cafeteria that he hit over the head with his clarinet case...and the other kid he hit over the head with a coke can at the J.I. yacht club, but they both deserved it, and were none the worse for it.) But seriously, Mark is always the sweetest, most sincere guy I know! And he has the best sense of humor!
I'm honored to have you as my brother. Love you.
It doesn't sound like the humor's been removed! I love the updates. Thank you!
Hey guys, sorry I couldn't see you before you left for Texas but I've been getting updates from the family and reading the blogs. So happy things are going as well as they can there!!! You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love you both!!
Dear Mark and Sheila, Thank you both for keeping me posted. Know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. You are truly an inspiration Mark! They can take all kinds of body parts but NEVER your wonderful sense of humor and awesome attitute! You ROCK, my friend.
Hugs to both of you.
Pamela
Jeff wants to know if you have tried that kick yet?
We are sending our best wishes to you.
Jeff
Thank you for the updates. You are a true inspiration...both of you. I am sending this blog link to a new acquaintance whose friend has stage 3 colon cancer. Your openness is a blessing to many, Mark.
May God continue to watch over you and Sheila,
Nicole
Hi, I don't know you or your husband, but my mother races dragon boats in Charleston. She sent me this link because we are going through a similar situation albeit not to the extent you two are dealing with. My wife has had 8 surgeries on her leg and is struggling to walk again. If we have anymore recurrences we will be heading to MD Anderson as I think Emory has done all they can do. How do you two keep your spirits up!?! Good luck!
Mark,
Glad to hear that everything is going well. Shark bite scar -- Cool. Better than a tattoo.
It's wonderful to know you did well in surgery and with a shark bite to boot. You two are amazing how you keep up your spitits after all you're enduring. Keep it up, you are an inspiration to all.
Margie and Danny
mmmmmmm.......drugs......
Hang in there Mark(and Sheila). Good to hear of your progress. I'm looking forward to seeing some cool scars(well maybe not all of them).
We'll continue to keep tabs from the other side of the pond. btw Love the slide show...great examples of photographic composition. Thanks!
Stay consistent with the healing and we'll see you in just past a fortnight.
Hugs to you both,
Rob
Sheila - thanks for all the updates. We are heading out to Prague today. Know that there will be prayers continuing to come your way from the Czech Republic. Hazel
Sounds like you need all the rest you can get to participate in shower time. Thanks for keeping us updated. Give Mark a big hug from the Fetters and One for yourself.
Janice and Stuart
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