On Monday, August 3, Mark had an appointment with his neuro-oncologist.She is very pleased with his progress. She had two students observing her as she examined and talked with Mark. (She is also a professor at Penn). When she told them that he is an "Energizer Bunny", I spoke up and told her that he has been very tired lately. It seems that going off the steroid medication is leaving him lethargic. On the other hand, it has given him a tremendous appetite. I was sure that he must weigh ten pounds more, but in fact his weight is exactly what it was before surgery! I remember this stage in his recovery from the first tumor surgery. Dr. Rosenfeld said that he will get his energy back gradually. I believe her.

The incision has healed so well. We will visit the surgeon for his post-op on the thirteenth. Dr Kevin Judy is on the Brain Tumor Team with Dr Rosenfeld. He had told us immediately after the surgery that it was non-eventful. He has agreed with Dr Rosenfeld that the preferred treatment now will be the same chemo that Mark has been taking for three years. But instead of one week every two months, he will take a reduced dosage of Temodar pills daily for three weeks, followed by one week of no meds. After he sees the doctor at that point, he will keep cycling the chemo: three weeks on; one week off. He will have MRIs every two months . . . same as he had been doing. The goal is to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Mark has tolerated this chemo well for three years, so we expect that when he starts it again next week, it will go well for him. He will not be on the Clinical Study anymore, so I will no longer be giving him injections of Poly ICLC (interferon).

We had a good time together at our house on Saturday for Jeff's forty-fourth birthday. Since Jeff wanted to forget how old he is, little Tess easily got all of the attention. At nineteen months she is a ball of energy, keeping Sara constantly watching out for what trouble she can get into. Big brother Wesley entertains her a lot, which she enjoys. The birthday balloon was a big hit with her until it ascended to the peak of the ceiling. Ladder and Broom Mission needed! Now we are looking forward to seeing Viola here on Friday night with Wes and Beth. Viola has been canoeing all week at Spruce Lake Camp, her fifth year of camp. The recent rains must be providing lots of streams for them. Can't wait to hear her tales.

Tomorrow we will again Skype with Kris. She is a regular communicator with her Dad. Knowing that she is about 12,000 miles away, yet seeing her on the computer screen and hearing her voice, melts the miles away. How fortunate we are with our family! And you, our friends! Thank you for taking the time to read this and encouraging Mark. May your prayers join ours, on his behalf.