Messiah College and Sarasota, Florida

At his visit with the neuro-oncologist last Monday, Mark was removed from his weekly blood labs and referred for monthly testing. His appetite has returned with some resulting weight gain and, happily, an enjoyment of eating! We drove out to Messiah College mid-week for his two days of Trustee board meetings. On Thursday he was one of three alumni who were recipients of Messiah College Alumni Achievement awards. Our family: Jeff & Sara, Verna, and Dick and Dottie took the day off to be at chapel, a reception and a luncheon in his honor. Although Mark had been reluctant before these events, it turned out to be a day of celebration and enjoyment. We had opportunities to meet many friends during the two days there. Since he is not having any appointments soon, and with his doctor's blessing, we've made airline plans to go to our condo in Sarasota for two weeks, October 24-November 7. Florida sunshine and reconnecting with friends down there will be good for us now. We praise God for his goodness to us and for your prayers.

Appetite Stimulant

We've addressed Mark's extreme lack of appetite and resulting loss of energy. He is now taking medication (megace) to increase his appetite. After just 4 days, he is able to eat with a modest amount of satisfaction. This should stop his weight loss and restore some energy. I am so grateful to Shelly (Maxwell) Book, a nutritionist and dear friend, for her helpful knowledge and advice. We are in the third week of Poly ICLC injections which are part of a trial in which interferon may increase the body's natural immunity. Mark chose me . . . the reluctant needle pusher for these 3-day weekly injections.

Another visit to HUP today (Oct 10) for a review of the MRI from September, this time with the surgeon. He showed us the actual pictures, describing what we were looking at in each photo. He was pleased with the results of his surgery and quite chatty. We have the next appointment with him in 3 months. We're living one day at a time with God's faithful help and the support of friends and neighbors.

Nan