Friends and Family,
Mark finished a round of chemo last Thursday so now he is recovering and gearing up for his last treatment, next Tuesday, November 9th!
This last round was OK - he didn't feel very good toward the end but for the most part it was tolerable. Now we are so excited that he only has to do this one more time! After the last treatment he will have a scan to see how things look as well as a colonoscopy. After those two tests and we get the all clear he will have his port taken out and won't have to go back for 3 more months!
We are praising the Lord that we are almost to the end! God has allowed Mark to come through this treatment in a remarkable way! There are so many people that meet him that don't even know what he is going through! A couple of weeks ago we had "Fields of Faith" with FCA and when Mark was up at the microphone speaking I could see his pump - I sat there listening to what he was saying, seeing how good he looked and knowing that pump was every few minutes pumping more chemo into his blood - I sat there in awe of what God has done for us and in us - it truly has been amazing to see God work in so many ways!!
Please pray for Mark on this last leg of the treatment and for a cancer free diagnosis after all testing is complete!!
We don't know what we would have done without all the prayer support that we have had - we are humbled by the support and grateful beyond words!
With love and gratitude,
Mark and Lee
Jeremiah 32:27
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
Psalm 92:1-2
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...to show forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.
Luke 1:37
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
James 4:8
Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.
Psalm 104:34
My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
One more round behind us - Two to go!
Friends and Family,
It's Friday and the Lord has given us beautiful weather here in Georgia! The blue skies and the fact that fall is in the air sure helps to put us in good spirits!
This week Mark completed another round of chemo which means we only have 2 to go! After his last round they will scan him for any evidence of the disease - will you join me now in praying for this test and for absolutely no signs of cancer anywhere in his body?? I know that our God can heal and so no matter what the odds usually are in our case it doesn't matter because we are not dealing with a usual God! We have put our faith and trust in Him and we continue to do that. He gives us the peace and the strength that we need day by day!
The next round of chemo will be October 26th - 28th.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers!
Much Love,
Mark and Lee
Psalm 103:1-3
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
It's Friday and the Lord has given us beautiful weather here in Georgia! The blue skies and the fact that fall is in the air sure helps to put us in good spirits!
This week Mark completed another round of chemo which means we only have 2 to go! After his last round they will scan him for any evidence of the disease - will you join me now in praying for this test and for absolutely no signs of cancer anywhere in his body?? I know that our God can heal and so no matter what the odds usually are in our case it doesn't matter because we are not dealing with a usual God! We have put our faith and trust in Him and we continue to do that. He gives us the peace and the strength that we need day by day!
The next round of chemo will be October 26th - 28th.
Thanks for your continued support and prayers!
Much Love,
Mark and Lee
Psalm 103:1-3
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Counting Down...3 Rounds of Chemo to Go
Dear Friends and Family,
I apologize for not keeping you updated for a few weeks - life certainly got busy with the FCA golf tourney, our biggest fundraiser of the year, and just getting back to normal life after the wedding, etc.
Enough excuses - back to business - Mark is doing well - since the wedding he has gone through two more rounds of chemo which he tolerated pretty well and was also able to take the trip of lifetime to Laramie, WY to go antelope hunting! We praise the Lord that he was physically able to do this! Just to let you know how great this was, there are days when taking a walk in our neighborhood is difficult because of the heaviness in his gut from the surgery, etc. Out in Wyoming he walked for miles in a day and went hunting 3 days in a row! He LOVED being out in nature and getting away from it all and we are so thankful he was able to have this opportunity! And, oh, yes, he did get an antelope!
Mark's side effects are minimal and comparatively we have absolutely not complaints. He does have some trouble with taste and with cold - there are days when he doesn't feel like eating anything and he absolutely has to force food down. Thankfully it stays down and he has been able to keep his weight up.
I sometimes forget that there are those in similar circumstances who are not near as well off as we are - they are not able to work and are constantly sick. I forget that not all of you are around and do not know that Mark keeps a relatively normal schedule. It is not unusual at all to see him on the week of chemo show up at schools, meeting, etc with his chemo pump on. You can tell he's not feeling 100% but he's not giving in and he keeps going. One of the things he doesn't like about the week of chemo is that on Tuesday he is "stuck" at the cancer center waiting for them to do all they do to him so that he can take off! I know while he is at the cancer center he works on FCA business but he also visits with the other patients. I honestly think he looks around at all of the cancer patients and forgets that he is one as well! That's just the kind of attitude that he has has through this whole ordeal! We praise the Lord for the strength in body and in attitude that God has given him and realize that not everyone in this circumstance can say that. We are very blessed!
Please continue to pray for complete healing! In November when they are finished with the chemo they will re-scan and see what is going on inside. We look forward to good results!!
With much Gratitude,
Mark and Lee
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your food works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Isaiah 41:31
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 147:1
Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
I apologize for not keeping you updated for a few weeks - life certainly got busy with the FCA golf tourney, our biggest fundraiser of the year, and just getting back to normal life after the wedding, etc.
Enough excuses - back to business - Mark is doing well - since the wedding he has gone through two more rounds of chemo which he tolerated pretty well and was also able to take the trip of lifetime to Laramie, WY to go antelope hunting! We praise the Lord that he was physically able to do this! Just to let you know how great this was, there are days when taking a walk in our neighborhood is difficult because of the heaviness in his gut from the surgery, etc. Out in Wyoming he walked for miles in a day and went hunting 3 days in a row! He LOVED being out in nature and getting away from it all and we are so thankful he was able to have this opportunity! And, oh, yes, he did get an antelope!
Mark's side effects are minimal and comparatively we have absolutely not complaints. He does have some trouble with taste and with cold - there are days when he doesn't feel like eating anything and he absolutely has to force food down. Thankfully it stays down and he has been able to keep his weight up.
I sometimes forget that there are those in similar circumstances who are not near as well off as we are - they are not able to work and are constantly sick. I forget that not all of you are around and do not know that Mark keeps a relatively normal schedule. It is not unusual at all to see him on the week of chemo show up at schools, meeting, etc with his chemo pump on. You can tell he's not feeling 100% but he's not giving in and he keeps going. One of the things he doesn't like about the week of chemo is that on Tuesday he is "stuck" at the cancer center waiting for them to do all they do to him so that he can take off! I know while he is at the cancer center he works on FCA business but he also visits with the other patients. I honestly think he looks around at all of the cancer patients and forgets that he is one as well! That's just the kind of attitude that he has has through this whole ordeal! We praise the Lord for the strength in body and in attitude that God has given him and realize that not everyone in this circumstance can say that. We are very blessed!
Please continue to pray for complete healing! In November when they are finished with the chemo they will re-scan and see what is going on inside. We look forward to good results!!
With much Gratitude,
Mark and Lee
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your food works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Isaiah 41:31
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 147:1
Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wedding over - getting ready for another round of chemo
Friends and Family,
Nathan and Kristen's wedding was this past Friday night and it was amazing!! We loved seeing so many of our friends and family and celebrating this union!
We got to spend so much time with friends and family this week-end and Mark gave his testimony at church in word and song and that went well - all in all we just had a great week-end with many answers to prayer.
One huge answer to prayer was how well that Mark felt - I know so many of you prayed for that and to look at him Friday night you would never know he was in the middle of chemotherapy! We praise the Lord for that!!!
Tomorrow, September 14th start another round of chemo - after this one he will have four more to go.
Thank you for your continued prayers for his complete recovery and for his side effects to be minimal during this time.
With much love and appreciation,
Mark and Lee
Psalm 100
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Wedding Ahead!
Friends and Family,
Well, Mark completed round 7 of chemo so we have 5 to go! He did have some side effects this time so we may need to adjust the chemo a bit - had some numbness in his hands when they got cold and a few other things. Overall it wasn't a bad round and for that we are so thankful.
This week Mark is feeling better and we are getting VERY excited! Nathan is getting married on Friday night so we are gearing up for that! It's hard to believe that the wedding is already here but it is and we have tons of family and friends coming in for the event. We are so anticipating seeing everyone and just having a great time on Friday.
Mark has been given the opportunity to share our testimony in word and in song this coming Sunday morning at our church. If you are in the area and would like to stop by he is singing and sharing his story in both services this coming Sunday morning, September 12th at Wildwood Baptist Church, 4801 Wade Green Road, Acworth. Services are at 9:30 and 11:00.
We feel so blessed as people continue to pray for us - we got a card this past week from a church in Pensacola, Florida with signatures of people who have prayed for us! I can't begin to tell you how much that touches us. We FEEL the prayers and know that we have been forever touched because of them! Keep it up!!! :)
Because He Lives,
Mark and Lee
Genesis 18:14
Is there any thing too hard for the Lord?
Psalm 25:4
Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths.
Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times...pour out your heart before Him.
Jeremiah 29:12
Call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.
Psalm 104:34
My meditation of Him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord.
Ephesians 1:16
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
Well, Mark completed round 7 of chemo so we have 5 to go! He did have some side effects this time so we may need to adjust the chemo a bit - had some numbness in his hands when they got cold and a few other things. Overall it wasn't a bad round and for that we are so thankful.
This week Mark is feeling better and we are getting VERY excited! Nathan is getting married on Friday night so we are gearing up for that! It's hard to believe that the wedding is already here but it is and we have tons of family and friends coming in for the event. We are so anticipating seeing everyone and just having a great time on Friday.
Mark has been given the opportunity to share our testimony in word and in song this coming Sunday morning at our church. If you are in the area and would like to stop by he is singing and sharing his story in both services this coming Sunday morning, September 12th at Wildwood Baptist Church, 4801 Wade Green Road, Acworth. Services are at 9:30 and 11:00.
We feel so blessed as people continue to pray for us - we got a card this past week from a church in Pensacola, Florida with signatures of people who have prayed for us! I can't begin to tell you how much that touches us. We FEEL the prayers and know that we have been forever touched because of them! Keep it up!!! :)
Because He Lives,
Mark and Lee
Genesis 18:14
Is there any thing too hard for the Lord?
Psalm 25:4
Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths.
Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times...pour out your heart before Him.
Jeremiah 29:12
Call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.
Psalm 104:34
My meditation of Him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord.
Ephesians 1:16
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Half Way Through Chemo!
Dear Friends and Family,
This past week marks another round of chemo behind us and for every time we can say that we are very thankful! While we know it could be much worse it isn't an easy week and we're glad to be to Saturday! We covet your continued prayers as we journey towards the next 6 rounds.
By way of explanation - when they found more cancer this past March the protocol was 12 rounds of chemo and surgery - Mark had 4 rounds prior to surgery, then surgery and since surgery has completed 2 rounds so now we have 6 more to go!
We are getting very excited as Nathan and Kristen's upcoming wedding is in just 3 weeks! We are looking forward to seeing a lot of friends and family members. My prayer request is that Mark will be feeling good so that he can enjoy all the festivities!
We praise the Lord for all He has done for us and for sustaining us through every day of this journey.
Thank you for your continued love and support!
Mark and Lee
Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Romans 8:28
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Psalm 55:22
Cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall.
This past week marks another round of chemo behind us and for every time we can say that we are very thankful! While we know it could be much worse it isn't an easy week and we're glad to be to Saturday! We covet your continued prayers as we journey towards the next 6 rounds.
By way of explanation - when they found more cancer this past March the protocol was 12 rounds of chemo and surgery - Mark had 4 rounds prior to surgery, then surgery and since surgery has completed 2 rounds so now we have 6 more to go!
We are getting very excited as Nathan and Kristen's upcoming wedding is in just 3 weeks! We are looking forward to seeing a lot of friends and family members. My prayer request is that Mark will be feeling good so that he can enjoy all the festivities!
We praise the Lord for all He has done for us and for sustaining us through every day of this journey.
Thank you for your continued love and support!
Mark and Lee
Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Romans 8:28
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Psalm 55:22
Cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Another Round of Chemo behind us!
Dear Friends and Family,
Mark started back with his chemo treatments this week. He is doing well although he is nauseated and weak. He doesn't really feel like eating much and most things don't sound appealing to him - when something does sound appealing we jump on it so that he can keep his strength up!
As you may recall when they found the tumors back in March the protocol was going to be 12 rounds of chemo plus the liver resection.
He completed 4 rounds before the surgery, had the surgery and has now completed another round - that means we have 7 rounds to go before we are finished.
As before he goes in on Tuesday and come home with a chemo pump that he has to stay hooked up to for 48 hours and then they take it off on Thursday - he will do that every other week until we are finished. We look forward to the day that we write it is the last round of chemo!
For now we will take it a step at a time - God specifically led me to scripture this past week that has been such a help. We look to God for guidance and for each of our steps that is for sure!
Thank you for your continued prayers - we feel them and we know that God has honored those prayers in a very real way.
With overflowing gratitude for your support,
Mark and Lee
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Isaiah 30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Mark started back with his chemo treatments this week. He is doing well although he is nauseated and weak. He doesn't really feel like eating much and most things don't sound appealing to him - when something does sound appealing we jump on it so that he can keep his strength up!
As you may recall when they found the tumors back in March the protocol was going to be 12 rounds of chemo plus the liver resection.
He completed 4 rounds before the surgery, had the surgery and has now completed another round - that means we have 7 rounds to go before we are finished.
As before he goes in on Tuesday and come home with a chemo pump that he has to stay hooked up to for 48 hours and then they take it off on Thursday - he will do that every other week until we are finished. We look forward to the day that we write it is the last round of chemo!
For now we will take it a step at a time - God specifically led me to scripture this past week that has been such a help. We look to God for guidance and for each of our steps that is for sure!
Thank you for your continued prayers - we feel them and we know that God has honored those prayers in a very real way.
With overflowing gratitude for your support,
Mark and Lee
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Isaiah 30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
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