Busy, Busy, Busy

Hey folks. Today was busy to say the least. I slept til about 10:00; Mark was woken up throughout the early morning for lab work, vital signs, and plasma. The day began with Mark getting a CT scan, which showed Mark has some pneumonia in his left and right lungs. Therefore tomorrow at 9:00 am Mark will get a bronchoscopy (basically they knock him out, put a tube up his nose and into his lungs to suck out some stuff so they can send it to a lab to identify the cause of the infection). If they can identify the cause they can give him medication to specifically target the infection.

After the CT scan, Mark had an Echo. This was basically an ultrasound to make sure his heart is healthy before starting chemo. Then came the bone marrow biopsy (BMB). I was able to stay in the room this time, though I had to stay seated on the couch so I would not pass out (liability issue). Though it was painful at times, especially when numbing the area and extracting the marrow, this time was much better than last time. Mark also seems to be in less pain after the fact too. They got a little marrow (last time was a dry tap) and 2 slivers of bone, which looked much different than I expected it to look. We are expecting the results tomorrow to confirm the diagnosis and identify the subtype so we can start the treatment plan.

Literally as the nurse practitioner (NP) patched up his back from the biopsy, and ENT came in to clean his ears to avoid any possible infection (Mark naturally makes lots of ear wax which causes him problems all the time). Before he could get out the door good, two ladies came in to put Mark's PICC line in.

A PICC line is basically a long-term IV that feeds through a major vein and dumps pretty much right into his heart. Sounds painful, but actually he said only the numbing stuff hurt and he did not even notice the rest of it. The ladies were hilarious. We all joked together and laughed and really had a good time while they did their job. Mark is excited about the PICC because it greatly decreases the number of times the nurses will have to use a needle to draw blood. They will now use the PICC for chemo, IV meds and fluid, CT contrast, and to draw most of the blood tests they need. They also removed the other to IVs Mark had so he has more use of his arm now too.

The oncologist came in and pretty much said hi and let us know that there is not a whole lot to tell until we know the subtype. He did explain a little bit about the upcoming process, but said most of the details rely on knowing the subtype. Our next visitor was the pharmacist. He was also really nice. He explained this medicine called All Trans-Retinoic Acid (ATRA). Basically it is a mega does of Vitamin A. They are starting him on ATRA now in case the BMB confirms the subtype they think it is (I will let you all know tomorrow once we have the results).

The rest of the day consisted of a few very welcomed visitors. Mark's cousin-by marriage, Mary came by to visit and get some paperwork. She is watching Brodie for a couple of days and Brodie will go to daycare with her son, so she needed some paperwork filled out. Also two of our friends from church came to visit (thanks Paul and Lee, it was great to see you guys). We had a great time swapping stories, updating them on what is going on, and just enjoying the fellowship. Then Mark's cousin Brian and his wife Nema came by. Again great fellowship. It was great getting to see them because we rarely see them though they don't live very far from us.

As you can tell, it was a long and eventful day. We are both in really good spirits. I figure, it does no good to be negative or feel bad for myself. Everyone at Northside is super nice, super helpful, and answer all our questions no matter how many we ask. They are all taking great care of Mark, and making sure I have anything I need within their power. This is the best place for leukemia treatment and I know Mark is in good hands.

Through all of this, I am actually finding peace right now. It must be God's hands on me because the peace certainly does not make sense. I have had so much anxiety the past month, I guess finally having a diagnosis and taking the steps to fix it gives me comfort at this point. I know things will get stressful and many tears are ahead, but right now I am holding onto the peace I have and taking everything one day at a time. Again, thank you to everyone offering help of all varieties. Every little thing is appreciated; actually I am quickly realizing that simple things we often take for granted are the things we often need first, like clean clothes. I am truly blessed to have the friends and family I have and I know I will continue to lean heavily on each of your in the upcoming months.

With a grateful heart,
Amanda