May 5, 2009

Dear everyone:

Mark went to the doctor today for some follow up visits. They are happy with how he is doing and he only has a couple more visits and one test before he is released - at least until next year for the yearly check up he will have for the rest of his life!

His immune system has hit the bottom and finally, he feels like it is getting stronger. He had a spot pop up on his face during the radiation treatments (by his eye), but it was not cancer. He had it removed last week with no problems.

They say radiation is like "scorching the grass so that new growth can eventually come forth". It can do weird things to your body, but we are thankful for the treatments and doctors that cared for him. I know Mark has felt the "scorching" but because of your prayers for us....he has come endured and God has been good to us over and over through it all.

Although his energy level has been low, it has not kept him from work or play! The church is doing great and growing in every area. We are really blessed to be here and love what we are doing. Even with all the work, we manage to find time to see friends, enjoy the water and rest while viewing the beauty around us.

We just returned from a visit to Boca Raton to see Mike and Shannon Horsley. Rhonda Medlin and Deb Molder were also flying in to see them, so we decided to go and surprise Deb and Rhonda. It is only about 4.5 hours from us...so off we went! Teresa Moore came to Jacksonville earlier last week and went with us...it was a huge surprise and you can see all the pictures on Facebook. We had a great time and even got to enjoy a dinner with Ken and Sharon DuCasse as well. The girls relaxed out by the pool and the boys...well, they relaxed their way...fishing.

Mark caught a huge dolphin (also known as Mahi Mahi) and it was just 3 lbs short of the STATE record. Incredible. You can read about it here: http://www.sun-entinel.com/sports/other/sfl-florida-fishing-report-05050sbmay05,0,3909432.story His story is being printed in a couple of magazines so he really thinks he is a star....and Mike keeps posting the picture of himself holding the fish - making it look like he caught the thing!!! And yes, we are having it mounted - it was to great a catch not to give it an honored place in our home!

My health is better but they still can't figure it all out....women over 40 must be hard to diagnose but all in all, I feel really good.

Of course, we always love to hear from you and we appreciate your prayers for us. At some point, I am sure we will have a party to celebrate all of this because I have a personal belief that parties (given right) can be curative. I am a party girl at heart (and I mean that nicely). I get this from "my people", just as sure as I got my brown eyes, my loud voice, my big hair, a love for great shoes and my tendency to touch people I am surrounded by or talking to...just look at the pictures -- seems I am always hugging or touching someone! You learn alot about yourself when time seems it could be taken from you much to early! Mark and I have experienced, learned and grown so much together through this cancer journey....NOW, on to other things that God has for us.

Love you much,

Cathy