Mark - 27 June 2009

Mark's Memorial Service at North Cleveland Church of God, Cleveland TN. June 27th, 2009

Mark's Celebration of Life Service

Mark's celebration of Life service will be held this Saturday, June 27, 2009 at North Cleveland Church of God. The church is located at 335 11th Street NE Cleveland, TN 37311. Family will greet visitors from 1:00-2:00, with services beginning at 2:00. Please come and help us celebrate Mark's life. Saturday is also Mark's birthday. How fitting for us to gather on this day and remember the wonderful man he was.

There will also be a separate gathering to honor Mark in Knoxville on Sunday, June 28, between 2:00-6:00pm. It will be a casual gathering at Preservation Pub, located at 28 Market Square in downtown Knoxville. A time to get together and share memories of Mark.

June 23, 2009

This is a blog entry I hoped to never have to write. After 74 days of fighting, Mark let go of life today at 11:55 A.M. CST. He went peacefully, with his loved ones by his side. We all miss Mark already more than words can ever express, but take peace in knowing he is now free of pain. And we are grateful to have had those extra weeks with him.
To Dr Guy, the nurses, therapists, and medical staff, words cannot express how grateful we are for all that you've done for Mark. You are all very special people, and we will always have a special place in our hearts for you. Many of you became like family to us over the last 10 weeks. We will never forget any of you.
You fought hard Mark. Very hard. You're marathon is over now, and we are all so proud of you. We will see you again one day. We love you, Mark!

June 22nd-Day #73

Mark is going to be started on dialysis today. The high level of medications have caused his kidneys to stop functioning. Dialysis removes the toxins that we typically are rid of by passing urine. Many times dialysis is only a temporary means until the medication can be decreased or stopped. Mark's skin grafts on his arms have taken at 70% and all areas are looking as well as or better than expected. Mark's blood pressure is responding to medications and is now within acceptable limits, and he is no longer maxed out on them. The palliative care Dr and Dr Guy remind us all of scientific facts. However, they don't know our Mark. He does remains in critical hours and needs our prayers. Next Saturday is Mark's birthday and I would like to remind everyone that Kim and the whole family remain faithful and we are celebrating each day as a hurdle crossed. As Kim put it herself "It ain't over till the fat lady sings. And she AIN'T singing." Keep the faith and please continue praying.
Mark, keep fighting with all you've got. We are all behind you every step of the way through this marathon. Feel all our energy and love and may God continue to surround you with his angels.

Mark and Stewart

June 21, Part 2

Vitals/med levels are still the same. Right now he is maintaining. No better, no worse. They have been unable to step him down any more from the meds as they wished to. The reason this is important is that the meds at their current levels will be harmful to continue beyond a couple of days. His kidney output is down to nothing. The renal team will be coming in to consult tonight. Dialysis is likely to start soon.
C'mon Mark. We know what you're made of...let's see more of your fight!

Unchanged

Mark is unchanged from last night. He is still on max amounts all three meds for his blood pressure, and his vitals are the same. BP is still low (was 87/47 this morning) His heart rate is at 107. His kidney function is still minimal, but is to be expected with all of the meds he is on.
It's up to you now, Mark...keep up the fight! We know you can clear this hurdle!