the fight continues...

The pathology reports came in today and confirmed that Mark's brain tumor was malignant. It is diagnosed as a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme and will require further treatment. During surgery they were able to remove the majority of the tumor, but statistics show that it is impossible to get all of the cancerous cells without taking good brain tissue along with it. The surgeon is satisfied that he removed the most amount of the tumor that was surgically possible. Some parts of the tumor were too close to the speech areas to safely remove it surgically. We have an appointment with an oncologist on Wednesday 12/28 to discuss pathology report, future treatment and possible clinical trials. Common treatment requires radiation along with chemotherapy. We're expected to start radiation in January but are looking into possible alternative treatments as well. This type of tumor is as aggressive as they come, so we're eager to start treatment ASAP. We must wait at least 2-4 weeks after surgery to begin treatment because he has to heal first. With the rate that Mark is healing, we'll be starting treatment in no time. Mark is healing incredibly fast. We were released from the hospital on Thursday and he is walking, sleeping, eating, and speaking normally. It really seems as if nothing is wrong, but we know we have a big fight ahead of us and are ready to take it on full speed. We have a great support team surrounding us with doctors, family, friends, friends of friends, work and church and we're all determined to beat this!!! People keep asking how they can help...here's how:
* keep us in your prayers
* send us food (although we're really picky now and only eat organic foods..sorry)
* keep us laughing (jokes, funny stories, funny movies, etc.)
* keep telling us that you're with us and are part of the team :)