Mark’s Appendix – Wed PM

We thank you for your prayers and kind notes.  When I wrote earlier today, there was much that we didn’t know and all that goes along with that.  Upon his arrival at Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas, we got a better feel for how things look and the approach they’ll take.  Overall, we are greatly encouraged.

Mark did not have surgery today.  Because his body has been not taking food or liquids the last few days, he is dehydrated and his salts are low.  That has to be in better shape before they can do anesthesia and perform surgery.  Early on they suggested surgery could be tonight, but now the estimate is for 12:30 on Thursday.  That could change, however.  The surgeon says that he’ll evaluate it in the morning.  One possibility would be to bombard him with antibiotics and delay surgery until his body is in better shape.  He did not explain the pros/cons to us, but he said that in the morning we’ll have some decisions to make (I’m not sure if the "we" includes the parents or just the doctors).  We’re not sure exactly what route is best, but we pray for good test results and wisdom for the doctors.  When surgery was forecast, the doctor predicted a stay in the hospital of about one week.

With fluids going in him and some pain medicine, Mark is feeling better.  His temperature just a while ago was 102.7, so they are taking measures to get that back down.  His stomach pain seems to be less, but he doesn’t like doctors touching him there.

We have much to be thankful for in this situation.  Besides the good prospects for Mark’s healing, we’re thankful for excellent medical care and facilities.  We’re thankful that Mark gets to see a hospital and doctors in close proximity, as he has expressed interest in the medical field.  We’re thankful for the surgeon (a "seminary dropout," as he called himself) and tonight’s care assistant (she reads her Bible every day).  We’re thankful for the timing of this event–though Mark misses a state-mandated science test tomorrow, it does not conflict with a men’s retreat speaking engagement, or something like that.  Finals week for my school is next week, but this is the first time since I was introduced to the phenomenon that I haven’t been subject to it in one way or another (my studies are now self-directed).  We’re thankful for wonderful friends who have and will help us out.  We’re thankful for Mark’s room, which is on the sixth floor and has a view of half of Texas.  It’s also large, has no roommate, and has a pull-out couch.  There is more that we are thankful for. 

Earlier today in the thick of things, Kelli asked Mark if he wanted to watch TV, have her read a book to him, or have her read some of the Bible to him.  He chose the last and requested Psalm 145.  When Kelli told me that, I was reminded of the visit that Mark accompanied me on to visit an old lady in the hospital a couple of weeks ago.  I read Psalm 145 to her.  I guess Mark was paying attention.

I’ll write again tomorrow after surgery or if surgery is postponed.