tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57656324079141809492024-02-19T00:53:18.611-08:00Mark's MarathonJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02833177175838916821noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-53460176935283459392009-07-04T08:55:00.000-07:002009-07-04T09:03:25.874-07:00Mark - 27 June 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgdie5FlpY2G4oHrUyCpr_ddrCJPFS71UwBqb3OZAkQ4Ns43USn-WGVuMKY_nuqSGLzh7sTg987gABZQE4SKPEqa9OIv7Aj_HxGVD32go0s8xxa9eNg60xpRIJVbTbNAYJCpJsGl5q34/s1600-h/Picture+121.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354635341513128546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 464px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgdie5FlpY2G4oHrUyCpr_ddrCJPFS71UwBqb3OZAkQ4Ns43USn-WGVuMKY_nuqSGLzh7sTg987gABZQE4SKPEqa9OIv7Aj_HxGVD32go0s8xxa9eNg60xpRIJVbTbNAYJCpJsGl5q34/s320/Picture+121.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixubOqMsAGgJhJHjXGruZqc1azez0D6cGtXbegRHrVj1Qijbt-fOLYWXI1YhovulXJ1-zFIgwhhhn2JmsSvlbJS8DLDcnk0mL9Xct92nzV1nDrUMlc-uYImP-Cnst-_5GM5QNQw9HN7Y/s1600-h/TN+Pics+006.jpg"></a>Mark's Memorial Service at North Cleveland Church of God, Cleveland TN. June 27th, 2009</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02833177175838916821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-58682624879581879482009-06-25T19:37:00.001-07:002009-06-26T15:24:31.113-07:00Mark's Celebration of Life ServiceMark'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 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> 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.<br /><br />There will also be a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">separate</span> 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.TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-69760219555408858912009-06-23T16:42:00.000-07:002009-06-23T17:13:36.251-07:00June 23, 2009This 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.<br />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.<br />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!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-79183251265344843492009-06-22T11:23:00.000-07:002011-06-23T17:02:10.322-07:00June 22nd-Day #73Mark 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.<br />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.Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04374045447028089605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-25161298320626030862009-06-21T16:10:00.000-07:002009-06-21T16:12:12.924-07:00Mark and Stewart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWsjhNJpm451BIKicve1lLebsA3RhoGMjR8zaE4VBIIrADR4U2YpxKZeET_cjEhtv5xGUMGZGKZBSJHNVYtOmvqGS5IgiGMHv5U1yNN7uY41PCFXrs4dUhJodrkSVDq6G1EAt5ugOAHY/s1600-h/Mark+-+Stewart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349922488938883922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWsjhNJpm451BIKicve1lLebsA3RhoGMjR8zaE4VBIIrADR4U2YpxKZeET_cjEhtv5xGUMGZGKZBSJHNVYtOmvqGS5IgiGMHv5U1yNN7uY41PCFXrs4dUhJodrkSVDq6G1EAt5ugOAHY/s400/Mark+-+Stewart.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06745401327210616629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-50306313595789256222009-06-21T16:01:00.000-07:002009-06-21T16:09:32.163-07:00June 21, Part 2Vitals/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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">meds</span> as they wished to. The reason this is important is that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">meds</span> 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.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">C'mon</span> Mark. We know what you're made of...let's see more of your fight!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-67945163071715266602009-06-21T07:36:00.000-07:002009-06-21T07:48:24.122-07:00UnchangedMark 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. <br />It's up to you now, Mark...keep up the fight! We know you can clear this hurdle!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-82236381384349404442009-06-20T16:58:00.000-07:002009-06-20T17:10:15.925-07:00June 20th-Mark keep fighting...The last 24 hours has been a roller coaster ride for Mark. His heart rate is high and his blood pressure has been low and he is on 3 medications to try and stabilize it as well as placed on steroids. Mark is right now fighting the fight of his life. Please join the family in praying at this critical hour. The Dr says he has done all he can do and now the rest is up to Mark to continue fighting. We know that God is the master Physician. Let's lift up this crisis to God. With God all things are possible.Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04374045447028089605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-42814105460449995062009-06-14T17:36:00.000-07:002009-06-14T17:56:42.026-07:00June 14, 2009Mark's marathon continues, and all vitals are holding steady. The past several days have been uneventful. He has been unresponsive, but this is due to him being heavily sedated. <br />Dr Selby has been the doctor on staff this week, and says he is pleased with Mark's status. Kidneys and lungs are both functioning well. And the skin on his chest is looking "much better than he would have expected."TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-70957810039182270022009-06-10T17:33:00.000-07:002009-06-10T17:38:21.158-07:00Family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xvSioiX3t6kTR-fw4RFdSK-W0YOKD7X_MzkAMyuaDC43IIyziuxlloY2eGmAA3UEb09XRkibix4mBVQodEhPxP5reBK-FLTQqd4bc__kQjwM_PjOS3bHGySl5Yrugn8dcIIuuOHUe2w/s1600-h/Mark+Janet+Stewart+Darlene+Amy+Shannon+Joy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345862826398128674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xvSioiX3t6kTR-fw4RFdSK-W0YOKD7X_MzkAMyuaDC43IIyziuxlloY2eGmAA3UEb09XRkibix4mBVQodEhPxP5reBK-FLTQqd4bc__kQjwM_PjOS3bHGySl5Yrugn8dcIIuuOHUe2w/s400/Mark+Janet+Stewart+Darlene+Amy+Shannon+Joy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mark, Janet, Stewart, Darlene, Amy, Shannon, Mom (9/2003)</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06745401327210616629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-88723548600143732842009-06-09T17:54:00.000-07:002009-06-09T18:16:17.554-07:00June 9, 2009Mark is still holding steady, all vitals stable. He does have two new infections. One is bacterial, and one is fungal. So his antibiotics are being switched around to fight these.<br />Mark started physical therapy again today, and the report from the therapist is that his strength and range of motion are incredible. She said he is doing "amazing!" Of course he is...that's our Mark!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-72886775202471501372009-06-08T20:11:00.000-07:002009-06-08T20:14:01.888-07:00Uncle Mark and Jayden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wVOLuw2qw4IZpbYBKYiH3x2jGpGBro5g2S3vDLMHMO-6IpiUWbtA4_6zGBLfjm4_b2ubWLfVPGX5NjKuG3SUaJS5-VPN1LuCMelITL49KCdUd-S9RqjGn35hTXx6LezITjjP9UsY318/s1600-h/6-27-2006-013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345160682819026306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wVOLuw2qw4IZpbYBKYiH3x2jGpGBro5g2S3vDLMHMO-6IpiUWbtA4_6zGBLfjm4_b2ubWLfVPGX5NjKuG3SUaJS5-VPN1LuCMelITL49KCdUd-S9RqjGn35hTXx6LezITjjP9UsY318/s320/6-27-2006-013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06745401327210616629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-18643870483020366522009-06-07T10:52:00.000-07:002009-06-07T11:10:32.020-07:00June 7, 2009During this morning's visit, Mark was alert. They had just changed his line (IV) to a new location and were waiting for X-rays to confirm it's proper placement before they could resume any of his sedation or pain meds. So his blood pressure was elevated due to the pain. Otherwise his vitals have all been stable. His temperature was up a bit yesterday (38 C/100.4 F) but it is back to normal this morning.<br />The results of his echocardiogram were good. There is no damage to his heart from the infections.<br />One more day...one step closer to the finish line!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-45765129666150659102009-06-05T18:43:00.000-07:002009-06-05T18:55:45.598-07:00Surgery Went WellToday's surgery went well. There was actually more done in the surgery than we had originally thought. The same process Dr Guy used about a month ago to graft skin from Mark's scalp to cover his right leg was repeated using skin from the backs of his hands. Due to the process of "stretching" the donor skin, he was able to make it go a long way towards covering Mark's burns. He covered all of his right arm, about half of his left arm, his knees, and the small portions of his chest that needed repair. Mark tolerated the surgery well.<br />The cardiologist came later this evening to do an EKG to determine if Mark's heart has been affected by the still present infection. We are still awaiting the results of that.TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-48465929325571228392009-06-04T19:12:00.000-07:002009-06-04T19:37:59.475-07:00Surgery TomorrowMark is scheduled to go in for a "cleaning up" surgery tomorrow morning. Dr Guy will go in and look at the cadaver skin on his legs and replace any areas that need to be. He will also assess the grafts on his right leg. The new skin on his chest is still looking good.<br />He is back on one of the meds for his blood pressure, but there hasn't been any scares like last week. They also increased his pain meds tonight.<br />Surgery for tomorrow is tentatively scheduled for 8:00 AM, unless there is something that comes up with another patient. Just another leg of the marathon. Nothing to it, eh Mark?TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-55176379685558332182009-06-03T15:56:00.000-07:002009-06-03T16:05:50.261-07:00New Skin Looking GoodThey have removed the last of the gauze and backing from the cloned skin, and it is looking good! Now Mark is now able to be in a position other than flat on his back. (It's been two weeks today since the skin was placed.)<br />His blood pressure was going a little low earlier today, but they were able to level it out by giving him fluids rather than having to put him back on meds for it.<br />He is more alert and responsive than in recent days. Back to mouthing words again...time to brush up on our lip reading skills.<br />Let's keep it going in a positive direction Mark...one day at a time!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-68363781722735361222009-06-01T20:07:00.001-07:002009-06-01T20:18:51.028-07:00June 1, 2009The last few days have been uneventful for Mark. He is off of his blood pressure meds now, and vitals have been holding steady. As with previous posts, his infection is still of great concern. The antibiotics are still having no effect. <br />Otherwise, there have been no major events. One day at a time, holding steady, and waiting for improvement with his infections.TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-64756760845800784172009-05-31T18:56:00.000-07:002009-05-31T19:01:34.873-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1VSx15RA2nNlqxwzGem4Xyjv5e3jMLEhkbBqpUY7V1gvMrPShoxFEOSC6aGg4pDAEb_ufjmthFjpQIs7WCtilEndv2O-fHxBa_XUyT5RxhWnhmsGx3RabdBocVi36ZJ39hXTM6Cz1yo/s1600-h/3Amigos.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342173391011668818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1VSx15RA2nNlqxwzGem4Xyjv5e3jMLEhkbBqpUY7V1gvMrPShoxFEOSC6aGg4pDAEb_ufjmthFjpQIs7WCtilEndv2O-fHxBa_XUyT5RxhWnhmsGx3RabdBocVi36ZJ39hXTM6Cz1yo/s320/3Amigos.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06745401327210616629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-54755339391356749912009-05-29T20:17:00.000-07:002009-05-29T20:24:18.427-07:00Holding Steady...Mark is in a "happy place" for tonight. He is still on varying levels/combinations of meds for his blood pressure, but no more scares like last night. He is more responsive and following commands again. (Squeezing the nurse's hand on command, etc) <br />Hopefully we will have more good news tomorrow. Keep turning it around Mark!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-36502994152885143932009-05-29T17:59:00.000-07:002009-05-29T18:00:46.254-07:00All It Takes....Matthew 17:20<br />If you have faith as small as a mustard seed... Nothing will be impossible for you.Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06745401327210616629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-66577919936909364022009-05-29T14:15:00.000-07:002009-05-29T14:28:51.959-07:00Let us all join together in <span style="color:#ff0000;">an hour of prayer for</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Mark at 7:00 PM Central time (Nashville)/8:00 Pm Eastern time(Cleveland, Florida, Knoxville.) </span><span style="color:#000000;">Please everyone pray tonight for Mark, uniting</span> together. The Dr's say these are critical days for him. Pray or light a candle for his complete healing, that<br />1). infection will GO AWAY, once and for all, <br />2). that his kidneys and heart and all his vital organs will remain functioning normally.<br />3) that he will continue to amaze everyone and walk out of that hospital, smiling!<br />4) that comfort and peace will surround us all...Mark, Kim, the entire family and all of Mark's loyal friends and followers.Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04374045447028089605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-70824920891602731452009-05-28T18:17:00.000-07:002009-05-28T18:39:00.488-07:00UPDATE:Mark's blood pressure and all other vitals have now stabilized. Although, doctors say this could change at any moment (which we have all witnessed). Cardiologist said his heart is "physicaly fine". The concern is his fluid input/output being out of balance. This was causing stress to his heart. During this latest hurdle, Mark was put on 3 different blood pressure medications. One has been stopped, the other is being stepped down. Goal is to only be on the original (Levo.) medication, which he has been on and off of since the beginning. So, for now..Mark has "turned it around" yet again. Continue praying away the infection, as this still remains a major concern. Thanks for all the prayers and support. God certainly is with Mark, giving him strength to clear each hurdle. What a miracle my brother is!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06745401327210616629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-15997623255787775422009-05-28T16:32:00.000-07:002009-05-28T16:38:39.326-07:00Time To Turn It Back Around, Mark!Mark's blood pressure has been dropping too low. Presently there has been a team working with him to bring it back up, cardiologist has been called in. Doctor's say he may not pull through this one, but we have heard this before and Mark has turned it back around. Please pray for Mark now and spread the word. He desperately needs God to help him over this new hurdle. Keep up the good fight, Mark! We love you, Brother!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06745401327210616629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-75344551529471086952009-05-28T03:13:00.000-07:002009-05-28T03:19:47.781-07:00Still Waiting...There is no news yet on the much awaited information regarding Mark's new skin. The removal of the packing will not happen until today now. Dr Guy describes the process as very slow and tedious. It will likely take many hours, and may even be done over two days. This is due to the still very delicate nature of the new skin. <br />We also still await the most recent blood culture results. As of yesterday afternoon, Dr Guy said it was still pending. <br />All else remains stable. Hopefully today will be a day of good news.TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5765632407914180949.post-12054673641753829542009-05-26T18:01:00.000-07:002009-05-26T18:30:50.759-07:00May 26, 2009Mark has remained unchanged for the most part over the past couple of days. His vitals are all remaining stable, and kidney function holding steady. <br />There were blood samples taken again this morning for cultures. All previous cultures have shown no response to any antibiotics. <br />Tomorrow is the one week point from the placement of the cloned skin. They have been removing the outer dressings for large portions of each day to allow it to air out, leaving just the thin layer of gauze in place. While this is occurring, Mark is in isolation. No one is allowed in or out of his room, and he can only be observed through the glass doors to his room. Dr Guy says from what he has been able to see so far, it is looking good. But tomorrow will be the big day when he takes off the packing to reveal the progression of his healing. Based on his findings, the determination will be made of how much movement will be allowed. For the last week Mark has had to remain flat on his back, with absolutely no unnecessary movement to prevent the tearing of the fragile new skin.<br />So let us all pray that tomorrow holds much good news. First, good acceptance of the new skin. Second, no infections. Alright Mark...let's keep 'em talking. Time to give them another reason to call you remarkable!!!TennAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01960420532876712824noreply@blogger.com3