Radiation #20 Today

A momentous day. Mark has now completed 20 sessions of radiation. We are past the halfway point. 15 more to go. Thankfully, he is still eating orally. We are down to soft foods like tapioca, mac 'n cheese, mashed potatoes, etc. He's doing a little of the feeding tube nourishment each day, as his body needs to be used to the process when it becomes his only source of food. He is still experiencing some of the chemo side effects. The ringing in his ears has gotten stronger, and is really frustrating him. His neck and shoulders are starting to blister pretty badly, and his throat is swelling and very sore. He can't shave anymore, and with his beard growing in, he is looking more and more like "The Most Interesting Man In The World". (But we already knew that....) He is also starting to lose his hair on the back of his neck. The side effects just don't seem to end. Mark never complains. My quiet warrior trudges to treatment each morning; fighting the battle and determined to win.

We received an incredible gift this past weekend. Our dear friend David flew out all the way from Ohio to see Mark and lend his support. What a great two days we had with him; lots of reminiscing of the past 25 years that we have known him and his family. Meghan and Maura have known David since they were little girls, and came over to spend time with him too. Thank you David, and to all of Team Mark for your continued love and support. Mark has gotten so many beautiful cards and letters, that yesterday I had to trade out the box he is keeping them all in. They wouldn't fit in the old box anymore !!!

To end on a bright note, here's a photo of Mark and his beautiful daughters that was taken on his 60th Birthday back in July. I think their love for their Papa shines through in the picture. And, I had to include one of our Grace too. She put on her party hat for Mark's birthday !!

Wishing everyone a wonderful week. Love, Perry