Last of September

The last day of September has brought us a cooling shower, with a little thunder. Days are fleeting and cooler weather will be here soon. There was a little medical indecision recently about what was in store for Mark. At first they discussed doing surgery to close up his bed sore. Then they said they would have to perform a reversal first, to eliminate the possibility of future infection while the surgery had time to heal. A later discussion involved whether or not to do the bone replacement. Local medical care was concerned that if he was sent to Dallas for the bone replacement, the surgery on his back might be damaged, and would have to be repeated. The latest input from the surgeon in Dallas is that at this time, bone replacement would be premature. Dr White said he would not like to perform that phase until Mark was completely rehabilitated. That is perhaps a year away. There was even some discussion as to whether the replacement could be done locally, and Dr White said that he would like to finish what he started. So, we're back to the surgery for his bedsore. It was necessary for Mark's wife to be out of town for a few days this week, and she will probably discuss scheduling the surgery when she returns this week. Mark is about the same as last week. He was sleeping last night when I visited him. When he is awake, he is trying to be more vocal, talk more. We try to encourage him, tell him how well he is doing. And we tell him his OSU Cowboys are winning! Thanks to Linda for her timely visit - Mark does enjoy her company. And Mike and Randy - thank you too.

Fall Almost Here

The autumnal equinox will be this coming Sunday. And starting Monday the days will get shorter, the nights a little longer. While Mark may not be aware of this he none the less is progressing. It has been a long summer for him, but we can all see that he is slowly getting well. Plans are being made for his return trip to Dallas for surgery, perhaps in late October or early November. He did not have surgery this past week for his bed sore. First, a procedure must be done so that he can wear a bag temporarily, to eliminate the possibility of infection after his bed sore surgery. The procedure to repair the bedsore problem will be a little later. There was extensive brain swelling after his initial surgery, which necessitated leaving the left bone flap out. A common procedure in this type of surgery. Upon his return trip to Dallas, this bone will be replaced. At this time the doctor said "in about 6 weeks". Mark has the heart of a champion, and is enduring this trial. He went into this with the thought that his fate was in someone else's hands, and that he would get through it. We make jokes with him, and he can still smile. We hold his hand, say "we love you Mark" - he knows. This Wednesday is Mark's son Chris' 16th birthday. We'll be there - take lots of pictures for Mark to see later. Michael - thanks for going to see Mark. And for Sheila - we all thank you so much for what you are doing. Bless you.

Early Fall

While visiting Mark this past Tuesday morning, I was able to meet and talk with a doctor who specializes in plastic surgery. He had had a conference with Mark's primary, and they have decided it is time to close up his bed sore. They first wanted to do a culture test, to eliminate the possibility of infection. I learned last night that the results have come back, and all looks well. The doctor will ask wife Corale to sign for permission to do the surgery. After a period of time to heal, Mark will have another problem behind him. He'll be able to get out of bed, and sit in a chair, which is prohibited by his present situation. His nurse on duty last night said that yesterday morning, Mark was awake, active. He was sitting on the side of his bed, with assistance, and looking at family pictures Corale had posted on his door. She said Mark looked at the pictures and said clearly "That's my kids". Yesterday evening Mark was sleeping. I stayed about three hours, and visited with cousin Charles and friend. So we go from hot and dry, to wet and cool - another season approaches. Mark is resting, but he his getting well - slow but sure. Love and prayers to you son -

Sweetness!!!

Just a quick note: Mark has entered a new phase of recovery and is only allowed to have 2 visitors at a time in his room. While you are in the room, you will need to be very quiet and talk slowley and only one at a time, trying not to confuse him. The TV should not be on.

He is getting too much stimulous and it is not good for him at this time.

I know everyone loves Mark and wants to be there to support him, this is great! We just need to all be aware of his neurological issues and support his needs for his different phases of recovery. Thank you all for your support.

I have enjoyed reading all your comments in Marks journal. If you have not commented, please do. He will love reading this when he recovers. Love you all, Coral

Hooooray!

This picture is of Mark sitting up on the edge of the bed and he was able to look at himself in the mirror for the first time, since the surgeries.

The PT's put the hat on so he didn't have to deal with too much at once, there will be plenty of time for him to see his head later on in the recovery process.

He was very happy and was kicking the nurses with his feet, he was trying to hold himself up , and he knew to smile for the camera.

Keep the prayers coming! Love, Coral