Saturday, July 31

Feeling pretty good today, yesterday I was tired all day. My brother, John, should be here tomorrow so he can take some tests he needs to on Monday and Tuesday. We are anxious to get things going, even though 100 days in Ann Arbor seems like a long time to be away. We are still overwhelmed and thankful for all the support from church, family and friends.

Thursday, July 29

Mark had six different appointments in Ann Arbor yesterday, most of them went good. We even made it to the spaghetti supper, but not until about 7:30pm. Wished we could have made it earlier, but couldn't be avoided. Lola and I were thrilled with the turn out, all the support of family and friends, and what an awesome church that we are so happy to be a part of. God has truly blessed us in so many ways!

Monday, July 26

Ok, as Mark's sister I can push a bit for a great cause. Come to the Spaghetti and Shave fundraiser for Mark at East Saugatuck Church this week Wednesday. Mark's family and friends are giving it there all to help. There will be a blood and bone marrow drive, spaghetti dinner, face painting, head shaving and hair streaking, bake sale and auction items. We are planning to have items to make this worth your while! I'm making my best granny smith pies, one with a struesel topping and one with two crusts and just a sprinkle of sugar. Then there are two strawberry-rhubarb pies, each nice and tart with just enough sugar to make a grown man cry. :0 ) So bring lots of cash and come early. We are planning a great evening and hope to raise money for Mark and Lola to stay in Ann Arbor for the 3 or 4 months Mark needs to be in the area after the transplant. See you there!

Friday, July 23

Thursday, Mark had a long day at Spectrum. He arrived at 9:30am to have his blood counts checked, and needed two units of blood and one additional unit of platelets. Finally made it back home at 6:30pm. Friday, Mark is feeling a lot better, had a wonderful salmon dinner with Todd, Mary and Katie. Next week Wednesday, Mark goes to Uof M for some tests and preparations for the bone marrow transplant.

Thursday, July 22

It is up to 17 weeks of vacation and I am overwhelmed with the support Trendway has been giving. Trendway people are truly amazing. Lola and I can hardly express how thankful we are to all our many friends there. Back to Spectrum for more blood work and probably another transfusion today. I have been feeling really good. I Still get tired fast and have to be careful with my blood counts being so low.

Wednesday, July 21

Many co-workers from Trendway, have very generously donated 14 WEEKS of vacation days so Mark can delay a Medical Leave. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for their gifts! Words can't come close to expressing our deep appreciation and thanks!

Tuesday, July 20

Mark went in to have his blood tested on Monday. His counts were so low that he needed platelets. Spectrum staff treating Mark explained this is pretty normal. Mark goes back to Spectrum to have his counts checked again Thursday and will likely need more platelets. All considered, Mark is doing well and hopes to go to the Spaghetti Supper Fund Raiser at East Saugatuck CRC next week Wednesday. Please come and join us!

You're invited:

Spaghetti Supper Fund Raiser for Mark

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

3pm - 7pm blood and marrow dirve

5:30 - 10:00pm Supper

East Saugatuck CRC

3815 56th Street

(269) 751-5889

Head shaving, pink hair extensions, face painting,

bake sale, homemade pie auction, chair massage,

blood and bone marrow drive and more...

Sunday, July 18

The schedule for the stem cell transplant is in:
August 2, Mark's brother John has a physical to verify he is able to give stem cells.

August 9, Mark goes into U of M for third round of chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells prior to the transplant.

August 12, John begins a series of 4 shots to build up his stem cell production.

August 16, John donates stem cells through a machine similar to kidney dialysis. Blood is removed by the vein, spun out in a machine that separates the stem cells, gives them to Mark, and returns the blood back to John.

We continue to praise God for a good match, and pray that the transplant will go well and the transplant will take and begin healthy blood cell production for Mark.

Thursday, July 15

The tribe has spoken. Both Mary and Amy were voted off the island of stem cell donors. While Amy was a potential match, brother John, is considered the BEST match. The girls think they were not choosen because they are female and far too young. Please continue to pray that the transplant will be a success.

Wednesday, July 14

We are celebrating and rejoicing today! There is not only one, but TWO donor matches for Mark. His older brother, John and youngest sister, Amy are BOTH matches. Thank you Lord! GOD IS GOOD!! Mark was also able to go home from the hospital today after completing his second round of chemotherapy. He is weak and has a sore stomach. Further tests were run today on his stomach. Please continue to pray for healing, strength, and that the stem cell transplant will be a success. Thanks for your prayers!!!

Tuesday, July 13

Mark felt pretty good today. His stomach started to get pretty sore again last night. The next batch of chemotherapy started at 6pm, with one more at 6am Wednesday. He's hoping to go home Wednesday afternoon, but after talking with the Doctor last night, he may have to stay longer.

Monday, July 12

Today is going real well. The chemo is just about done for today. Mark will have tomorrow off and then two more bags of chemo that should end about Wednesday at 10:00am. Hopefully he will be able to come home shortly after that. Mark's blood counts will be way down so he will have to be very careful, but they feel it is less likely Mark will catch something at home than in the hospital.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Mark is handling the maintenance chemotherapy well so far. He is able to to have some time off from chemo. and even spent 30 minutes in the sunshine today. He will complete this treatment on Tuesday and if he does not develop complications, will be able to go home again.

July 9, 2010

The green light was given to Mark to readmit to Spectrum Butterworth today for his second round of chemotherapy. This will be five continuous days of chemo. with the goal to keep his cancer in remission until a donor is found and the transplant is scheduled. The chemotherapy will leave Mark vulnerable to infections. Please pray for strength, healing and the perfect donor.

July 8, 2010

Mark went in to Spectrum Butterworth prepared for five days of chemotherapy to keep his cancer in remission, and was sent back home until communication is received back from U of M transplant specialists as to coordinate timing.

July 6, 2010

Siblings, John, Mary, and Amy all went in today to have blood drawn and shipped overnight to the U of M transplant specialists. They will look at each sample to determine if it is a match to provide a stem cell transplant for Mark. Please pray that a perfect match will be found for Mark.

July 4, 2010

Mark was at the family get together today, enjoying the sunshine, eating some "real" food, and even teasing a bit. Thank you Lord!

Wednesday, June 30

Today Mark went to Ann Arbor for a 2:00pm appointment with the transplant specialists at U of M Hospital. They took some blood tests to identify the type of stem cells needed for a good donation. Information was given so Mark's siblings and son, William, can be contacted and considered for possible donors. If a family donor is not found, they will continue to search for a donor through the national donor registry.

The process for the transplant and recovery will be about a three to 4 month time frame that Mark and Lola will need to stay in Ann Arbor until it's completed. Please Pray for a perfect donor to be found and God's strength and peace as Mark and Lola face a long recovery.