Comments on: Medical Update

By: Stacey Taylor

Stacey Taylor — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:01:30 +0000

Mark, I thought you would like this. Ha..

Pledge allegiance to The Saints, and to the great city of New Orleans; and to The Super Bowl, for which we will win; One city, below sea level, under God; with Mardi Gras & alcohol for all. AMEN!

Stacey – Baton Rouge, LA

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:00:08 +0000

Thanks for all your help and comments. Barbara, I will definitely try out some of the techniques you have mentioned. I should have clarified that I’m not sleeping on my left side. Rather, I’m placing a pillow next to me on the left side in an attempt to support my left arm while sleeping. It seems to help. I’ve also seen some great braces I can use during the day to help support my arm.

Shawn and Stacy I really appreciate your comments. They are always uplifting. Thank you so much.

I’m really glad to hear that Marc is doing okay. It’s a tough fight as we well know that it’s battle worthy of pursuing. I already have a lot of projects lined up but I want to accomplish and I have a lot of time to spend with my family that are memories that can never be re-created. That is what is most important. And you are right – the woman you met in the store just underscores the fact that we are not alone and it’s an example of how you personally played a role in someone else’s life that will make a difference.

Super Bowl? It should be the San Diego Chargers. However, they blew it at home so given the two teams that are there my guess it’s the Colts but it should be close unless Peyton gets into a good rhythm. If he does, it might be over early!

Mark

By: Stacey Taylor

Stacey Taylor — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:13:31 +0000

Mark, I feel everything you are going thru. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. This cancer is all around us. Just the other day I was at the grocery store shopping for a King Cake and I met this woman with a very rare brain tumor. We talked for 30 min. and I had her all signed up for our support group. We must live in today. With my husband Marc, I must keep him motivated with projects. He is by the way doing well as can be expected. Almost 1 year on Avastin. His lab counts did go down recently and we are awaiting a PET and MRI scan in March. Please know that your blog has helped me tremendously with information and keeping me in the faith. God does have a plan for us all.

Who dat goin win the Superbowl!!!!!

Stacey – Baton Rouge, LA

By: Shawn

Shawn — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:58:49 +0000

Hey Mark – I know that this is very difficult, especially the diminished use of your left arm…just know that you and the family are constantly in our prayers. While you are only human and have EVERY right to not only feel this frustration but also express it outwardly, you should know how much inspiration you give all of us! keep living in today. Can’t wait to see you guys at the end of February.

All our love,

Shawn

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:52:08 +0000

Hey Mark –

I had a shoulder injury last summer involving connective tissue. What I ended up with was a series of small, repetitive therapies, at low weight and high reps, with an elastic band. It was tedious with reps at 100 or more, but it made all the difference getting my mobility back.

For sleeping, I was recommended to sleep on my back, not my side, and to not sleep *on* the injured shoulder. Part of the problem was the muscle tension that came with the pain — the body trying to protect the joint by clenching. So heat, cold and massage was part of it, too. Heat before exercising, to loosen up the area, cold after to prevent swelling. Massages once a week, then once a fortnight, then once a month.

I also used arnica and some homemade organic salves to keep the area supple, improve blood flow, and decrease bruising. (Shoulder lock-ups are endemic in the women in my family.)

I don’t know how those would work/interact with your regimen of meds.

Blessed be,
Barbara