Gratitude

Family Beach Trip 2013

Mark & Noah,  Lincoln City

Mark & Kelley

We realize it has been a while since we've updated the blog with news of Mark's health.  While we understand that friends and family want to know details, it is hard to know exactly how much to say.  Also, things change quickly with Mark, sometimes there are big changes even within the course of a single day or hours.  We've also learned not to live and die by the words of Mark's doctors.  We found ourselves on an emotional roller coaster; we've got to remember that despite what the doctors say, we can still hope and pray for a miracle and we ask that you all support us in that. Pray, pray, pray!  Thank you!

Right now, Mark is stable.  His most recent MRI showed no tumor growth since the last MRI 6 weeks prior.  That is something we are thankful for!  He will continue with at least one more round of the oral chemotherapy.  It is a 5 day treatment with 23 days off.  He tolerated the last round very well with his only real side effect a decreased appetite and fatigue.

We are looking forward to Christmas with our family.  We had the best Thanksgiving ever this year.  Mark felt great all day and was able to engage with family.  We played a game, worked on a puzzle and had great food and conversation.  We are so grateful for those good days and this was one of the best.

We want to thank the many people who have supported us with prayers, food, yard work, cards, house maintenance, garage repairs (thank you Eric!) and many other jobs and tasks that we have been unable to do ourselves.  Many of you have asked about helping us financially.  We are humbled by the thought of your generosity.  We have held off on accepting donations because we had a hard time justifying doing so.  We are not poor by any means; however, the medical expenses add up quickly.  We have an account set up through US Bank for donations for medical expenses.  It is under the account name: MARK RECKER DONATIONS.  We will use any funds that come in for medical expenses incurred following Mark's brain surgery, subsequent hospital stay in October and his ongoing medical care with his neurosurgeon and oncologist.  Donations can be made through any US Bank branch.  Any donations above and beyond what we need for medical expenses will be donated back to fulfill Mark's dreams for technology and exterior upgrades at Silver Crest and Pratum schools.

Again, we are grateful for this wide circle of friends, family, students and even strangers who bless us with their love and support. Continue to pray for healing and strength.  We appreciate you all!

Thank you!

A few weeks ago, we posted some practical ways that you, our friends and family, could help.  We've been amazed at the response.  Thanks to Andrew Murphy, administrators & staff from the Silver Falls School district, Eric Anderson, Doug Frogner, Tony Huserik, Dale Rohr and probably some others that I am forgetting.  We are so grateful for all that you have done for us.  We will have more opportunities to help, I'm sure.  Life doesn't stop or slow down, and it's been hard to keep up at times.  Your support is appreciated.  Thank you for your kindness.
Mark, Kelley & family

Practical ways to help

. . . and there are many more leaves yet to fall.

I know that many of you feel like you'd like to help, but aren't sure what you can do.  Here are a few ideas:
1. Yard work: We are drowning in leaves!  We could use some help raking leaves, trimming bushes, etc.
2. Winterizing (sp?): Doing whatever needs to be done to get the house ready for winter.  Mark has always done this and I've never paid much attention, but I imagine putting covers over outside faucets was included.
3.  Taking bottles/cans back to store.  Maybe there are some teenagers out there who might like a few extra bucks? We'd love to have you take those off our hands.

Please email Kelley at mnkrecker@gmail.com if you'd like to help.  Thank-you!

Family Photos

The family all wearing Recker's Runners t-shirts; even baby Moses--his shirt says "Future Recker Runner" :)

Noah holding baby Moses for the first time.  What a cool uncle he's going to be!

Becca made a beautiful birthday cake for Kelley's birthday.  Sooooo good!

Just a few pictures of the events we've shared over the past few weeks.  We are enjoying spending time together, as always, but every gathering has an added element of making the most of being together--more hugs, more pictures, more sweets! 

Christmas Tree Run

 About 7 years ago, Mark came up with an idea for what would soon become the annual "Christmas Tree Run".  He invited all the k-8 schools in the Silver Falls School District to come up to Silver Crest Elementary (one of his 2 schools).  The kids were encouraged to run a cross-country course that took them through a Christmas Tree Farm adjacent to the school.  All kids were rewarded with a participation ribbon.  Kids are not pushed to "win" but to complete the course, at their pace.  Over the years, attendance has grown.  I believe I heard someone say that this year there were about 700 runners.  The kids wore shirts this year that said "Recker's Runners" all pledging to run in his honor.  Wow, what a testament to the positive, healthy influence Mark has had on the kids of the Silverton community.  I'm feeling a lot of love for my husband today. . .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BixwMz93L_Y

Rest and Recovery

Dear Friends & Family,

We've been home nearly a week now.  Mark is getting stronger every day.  Today we walked across town to the post office. . . our longest walk yet since before the surgery!  We have been trying to ease back into "normal" life.  We've had some visitors this week and it's been nice to connect with friends and family. 

We will check in with the surgeon next week. Decreasing the steroids will be the next step and will hopefully address Mark's ongoing depression and fatigue.  We would appreciate your prayers as Mark continues to recover and as we work together to create a new normal.  We are confident that God has good things in store for us. 

Going home!

We got the orders from the Dr. that we can go home. Just waiting now for discharge instructions from Mark's nurse. Woo hoo! It is a sunny day!

Friday update

We are waiting to see the Dr. this morning and hoping that he will write orders for Mark to go home today. Mark's goals for the day: 1) to go home and 2) to have a positive emotional day!

Mark slept well last night. . . probably a good 8 hours.  He needed that! He is sleeping now. We anticipate he will need lots of rest once we get home. We have plans to hunker down, watch some football and enjoy some time with our kids and baby Moses.

Thanks for your prayers, texts, emails and facebook messages. We are so fortunate to have a wide circle of friends and family who are behind us. Mark is loved!

Evening Post-op Day 2

Mark has had an eventful day. He started this morning in the ICU but was moved to the medical floor around 10:30am.  Shortly after arriving to his new room, he was taken downstairs for an MRI. By the time he got back, he was exhausted. We asked that he be given some time to rest and the nursing staff closed the door and let him sleep. Yay! He woke up feeling like he had enough energy to go for a walk down a short hallway. He felt even better after getting out of bed.. He will likely go home tomorrow (Friday).  He is looking forward to sleeping in his own bed and getting more than 2 hours of sleep in a row. He can relate to Keenan & Becca. . . they are all a bit sleep deprived these days.

Thanks again for your love & concern.

Post-op Day 2

Mark did really well over night according his Brian, RN in ICU. Brian gave excellent care. . .Mark could not have been in better hands. Thank you Brian. 

Dr. Soldevilla just checked in with Mark this morning. He is writing orders for Mark to be transferred to the Medical floor sometime today. Yay! This is progress! Mark is in relatively little pain from the incision. He just wants to sleep. I will be with Mark today. We are asking that Mark not have visitors today; it will be a busy day and he needs his rest.

We are about to have a shift change. Leslie, RN, will be taking over Mark's care this morning. Leslie was one of my students when I was the CNA program director at Clackamas Community College. She was one of the best students. . . I remember her well. Mark is in good hands; we are so grateful. Thank you everyone for your continued love & support for Mark. We are off to a good start today.

Surgery day

The day is finally here. Mark is getting his pre-op MRI now (8:20am). He is in good spirits this morning. We have spent some time praying and reading and looking through encouraging cards, emails and texts from many of you. Mark knows he is loved. We feel your support and love for our family. Keep the prayers coming!  We are hopeful for a successful day.
Kelley

12:30  Mark's surgeon gave us the report following surgery.  Good news: at first glance there is no evidence of "live" tumor in the mass that he removed (per pathologist).   Mark's surgeon was very encouraged by this!  We will get a final pathology report in about a week or two. They will do a repeat MRI within the next week or so.  Mark is still in recovery.  We are anxious to see him and talk with him about this good news.  Thanks for your prayers!

3:15pm: Mark is resting in ICU.  His vital signs are stable, he's had some orange jello and water with his medications.  He is tired and complains of a headache--all to be expected after this surgery.  Continue to pray for quick healing and recovery.  Thank you!

There's a new baby at the Recker house!

Mark meets Moses for the first time.

Moses Adrian Recker was born at home on September 23 at 9:59 PM.  He was 9lb 6oz, 20.5" long. Moses is a beautiful, happy, healthy baby.  Becca, Keenan and baby are all doing well.  This baby has brought a sweet happiness to our family.  He is truly a blessing.  Just take a look. . .

In awe of this beautiful baby.

Becca, in the background, after a hard day's work.  She is an amazing young woman.

Medical Update

Dear Friends & Family,
We wanted to give you an update on Mark's current health and upcoming surgery. In mid-August Mark completed a series of 33 treatments of radiation and chemotherapy.  A follow-up MRI was scheduled for the week of September 2nd.  The week of August 26th, Mark developed some concerning symptoms (seizures and nausea/vomitting) and the oncologist, radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon were in agreement that an MRI should be performed as soon as possible to see if there were any new or significant changes that would explain the new onset of symptoms. 

The MRI showed significant swelling in the brain but also showed areas of necrosis (tissue death) in the tumor.  This was a good news/bad news situation.  The good news was that the radiation and chemotherapy had worked, at least in part, to have an effect on the tumor.  The doctors were concerned about the swelling however, and felt that something needed to be done to reduce the amount of edema and pressure in Mark's brain.  They recommended an increase in the amount of steroids and anti-seizure medication.  This had an immediate effect: the seizures stopped, the nausea and vomiting stopped, and Mark felt slightly more energy.

Despite these positive changes, Mark's oncologist wanted us to consult with the neurosurgeon about the possibility of surgery.  Dr. Soldevilla, the neurosurgeon, agreed that surgery would benefit Mark.  He believes that by taking out the dead tissue Mark will eventually feel better, will be able to decrease his use of steroids and will give the brain more room for swelling (an unfortunate side effect of having a brain tumor). 

So, Mark will be having surgery on October 2nd.  We anticipate he will be in the hospital for about a week.  We are confident that this is a step in the right direction.  We will keep you updated as he recovers.  For now, we are asking that you refrain from visiting Mark at the hospital.  It is essential that he get adequate rest and minimal outside stimulation.  Please text, email or call Kelley or Keenan if you'd like more information than this blog can provide.  We will be able to let you know when/if Mark is ready for visitors at the hospital.  Please feel free to post your words of encouragement here on this site as well.  We will be checking it frequently.  Your prayers for Mark's healing and comfort for our family are the best way to support us now. Thank you in advance for your love and care.

Mark and his boys: Tyler, Noah & Keenan

A tribute

I have had some dark days lately.  I firmly believe that the thoughts and prayers of many of you have been a help.  Thank-you.  I also am so blessed to have Kelley by my side.  She is doing so much more than feeding me and making sure I take my medicines.  She has been a true and understanding friend.  "Friend" really is an inadequate word.  I know that much of what I am experiencing is a normal part of this process/condition.  I know that in my head, but that doesn't mean I don't want to escape it!  The doctor says it's normal for a body going through trauma to want to just hunker down and rest, like a woof in a cave.  So I've been doing some hunkering, quite a bit actually.  It is so nice to not be alone in my hunkering, and Kelley has been right there with me the entire time with her soft, understanding words and compassion.  She reads me asleep either something inspiring or funny.  She listens to my sorrows and never tells me to just snap out of it, which is what I am telling myself.

It's been quite hard to not be back to school.  I am blessed to have Kelley during this time.  Please remember us both in your thoughts and prayers.  (By the way, Mark wrote this post!

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Day by Day

Friends & Family,

It's been a while since our last post, so here's an update.  We are learning to live day by day and trying to find the good things to be thankful for with each day.  Some days it is harder than others but we are putting one foot in front of the other.

Family-related news:  At the end of August we spent a night over in Bend, OR.  Noah wanted to see an MGMT concert (an alternative-rock band) so he, Keenan, Mark & I made a trip over the mountain.  It was a nice little get-away.  Mark & I were definitely among the oldest people in the crowd at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, but it was great to be able to share that with the boys.  Noah was thrilled!  Sunday morning we went to McMenamins at St. Francis School for brunch--this is the school I attended in the 4th-5th grade that has now been converted to a hotel, restaurant and theater.  It was fun to show the boys around and point out my old classrooms.  A bit of nostalgia.  A great weekend to share together.

Keenan, Noah, Mark & Kelley at the MGMT concert in Bend.

Becca & Keenan are expecting their baby this month--anytime!  They are having a home birth so we will be able to see the baby very shortly after he or she is born.  We are so excited about having a baby in the house and thrilled to be able to share in their lives as new parents.  

School-related news: Mark was able to attend the "opening ceremonies" at Pratum School and also Silver Crest Elementary.  Mark gave an inspiring message to the students, parents and teachers about kindness, thinking of others and striving to do your best.  He was welcomed by swarms of students and teachers giving big hugs and kind words.  Thanks to all of you who made him feel loved and appreciated. It was a good morning.


Medical-related news:  Over the past month Mark had some new symptoms that were a bit concerning.  In late August, he experienced a few days of severe nausea & vomiting, more headache pain than usual and had a few seizures.  After reporting these symptoms to his medical team of doctors, they decided he should have an MRI.  They also increased his steroid dose in an effort to decrease the symptoms.  The increase in steroids had an almost immediate effect and his symptoms improved--no more nausea, seizures or headaches.  Thank God for good medicine!

The results of the MRI are perplexing to the medical team. There is increased swelling in the brain. This is a normal process after radiation treatment.  There are also areas of necrosis (dead tissue), again a normal process, and a good sign that the radiation worked to some extent.  The doctors are just not sure if ALL of the increased swelling is due to the normal process of radiation treatment or related to new tumor growth.  The next step now is to have a repeat MRI in about 3 weeks.  This will give us a better picture of what's happening and we now have a recent MRI to compare new results with.

In the meantime, Mark is hanging in there.  He is very tired and sleeps a lot.  His doctor told him not to fight that--it is his body's way of telling him it needs repair and needs all the rest he can get.  This is frustrating to him; he wants to be able to wake up and feel rested, but the fatigue hangs on and it wears on him.  We are hoping that this is just a rough patch and he will regain some of that energy again soon. Please pray for energy and strength for Mark.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.  We feel your love for us and are grateful for the kindness of friends and family.  Don't hesitate to send Mark and email of encouragement, a note in the mail or give him a call.  He has a new smart phone and may answer if you call, but you can always call our home phone or my cell and if he's up to it, I'm sure he'd love to hear news about your lives and families. 

Beach Trip August 2013

Cannon Beach has always been one of our favorite places to visit.  Our visit here this weekend holds special significance.  I never thought we would be here--together--ever again.  After all, we were divorced in mid May!  I'm feeling especially grateful today for being married (again) to the love of my life.  Life is good; God is great.

Quite a week

This is actually the first time I have posted anything to a Blog, so be patient with me.  Honestly, it feels kind of weird to write about myself, Believe it or not, I don't like attention, and writing seems to be asking for it!

So here is an update of the last week or so.  The last couple weeks I have been more tired than previously.  Not surprising as fatigue is a common side effect of both radiation and chemo.  Last Wednesday was a bad day.  Staarted out good.  I showed up for half of the district administrators meeting, and it was nice to see everyone.  But then things turned south.  Headaches and vomiting.   Kind of scary as that's what was going on for my first trip to the ER back in June. Now that I think about it, that was also the same day as an administrator's meeting!  Now things are starting to make sense.  (Smiley Face!)  So back to the ER we went.  Got some IV fluids, pain medication and anti-nausea medication and felt better pretty quickly.  Finding a balance of steroids seems to be the tricky part of this drug cocktail.  The steroids make it hard to sleep at night (I seem to have no problem at all falling asleep in a comfortable chair)!  But they also keep headaches under control.  I think we are getting closer to that balance. Most of my headaches are dull aches behind the eyes kind of in the back ground.  Those have been much better.  I'm a little wobbly but other than that feeling pretty good.  I get restless and need to get up and walk once in a while.  Been riding my bike a little, especially enjoying rides when Kelley is right there with me!

Emotionally it's been a mix.  Lately I've come face to face with some of my limitations, and that's been hard.  Biking, Driving, running, reading, doing my job, for examples.

Last Saturday, Noah, Kelley, Noah's friend Jesse and I went to the Tillamook County Fair.  The Andersons, Kuenzis and Zenchenkos weren't too embarrassed to sit by us!.

 We had a good time at the horse races, even came out a few dollars  ahead.  Of course, the Pig N' Ford Races were entertaining, too.  It's an annual event!

Yesterday I finished 33 days of radiation treatments.  Nice to have that over with.  Not exactly sure what's next, although I think I'm getting a short break from radiation and chemo, then it will be chemo only for a while.  If you're looking for details, you're going to have to wait because I don't think the docs know them yet.

This weekend Kelley and I are celebrating the end of radiation with a trip to Cannon Beach.

I've been working a little bit via email from home.

Thanks for your continuing thoughts and prayers.  There is tons of evidence that they are working!

Our Story ( a link to Our Town article)

Thank you Kristine Thomas for the article written for the Silverton Our Town newspaper.  Here's a link to our story:
http://ourtownlive.com/ourtown/?p=3824

Sincerely,
Mark & Kelley

A beautiful celebration. 

The best hug ever!

We are celebrating our 2nd week of marriage this weekend.  Thanks to all of you who came to our wedding--what a beautiful day in so many ways.  We are so thankful for the love of friends and family.  We are continuing to be satisfied with each day, living life to the fullest and with humble gratefulness to a kind, loving and gracious God. 

Mark & Kelley's Wedding Info

July 6 / 7pm / 285 SW 3rd Street / Canby

We are getting remarried! Those who know our story, know how difficult these past few years have been. We could have never anticipated this most recent turn of events, but we are determined and committed to spend our lives together. We have always been surrounded by family and friends who love and care for us. Those of you who can offer support, encouragement and a dose of laughter are invited to attend.
Bring: 1) A dessert or appetizer to share, 2) picnic blanket or folding chair

Sunny Days. . .

the title of this blog may seem to most to be a contradiction when you consider the diagnosis that Mark's been given.  We talked about what we should call this blog.  Mark didn't hesitate when he came up with the name.  He is very happy right now.  The sun is shining, it's summertime and he is surrounded by people he loves.

Also, the blog address: 6andahalfwrecks is significant.  Our email address used to be 5wrecks (Mark, Kelley, Tyler, Keenan & Noah). . . we've added a daughter-in-law to our family and she & Keenan are expecting in September (baby is the 1/2!). 

Practical ways you can help:

1) Sign up to bring a meal.
Visit: www.takethemameal.com
Password: green11

2)  Yardwork: mowing the lawn, weeding the flower beds, trimming hedges, bushes and all sorts of living things.  Mark takes great pride in his yard and we would like for him to enjoy it this summer without feeling stressed and worrying about how much there is to do.  Contact Keenan (503.853.5355), Tyler (971.322.9467) or Kelley (503.936.5128) if this is something you would like to help with.

3) Taking Noah to his job site(s).  This could be to Tualatin or Portland or Hillsboro.  He is working with a carpenter-craftsman this summer at various sites in/around Portland.  Call Kelley if you can help with this.

A message from Mark:

"I would like you all to visit the blog to get updates, but mostly to know that I am in good spirits and things are going well.  If it makes you sad to visit this blog, then don't come back!" :)

Enjoying a sunny day outside in the backyard.  June 29, 2013

Dear Friends & Family,

We met with Dr. Soldevilla (Mark's neurosurgeon) on 6/27 after Mark's first radiation treatment.  He confirmed that the tumor is cancer, Glioblastoma multiforme, Grade 4.  Because of it's size and location, it is inoperable but "treatable" with chemotherapy and radiation.  The hope is to reduce the tumor size, which will hopefully decrease the physical symptoms that Mark had been feeling (primarily headache and weakness).  The treatment/therapy plan remains the same: 6-8 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy.  The radiation is delivered 5 days/week; the chemotherapy pill, Temodar (Temozolomide) is taken 7 days/week until the end of the radiation cycle.  The 2 therapies compliment one another and patient's have a better outcome if both are used together. 

We understand that you all have been waiting, as we have, for news/results of the pathology report.  We wanted a chance to talk with all the boys before we told others.  It was hardest to tell Noah, but we had that conversation this week. 

We will include some websites that have given us additional information about the kind of tumor, treatment, etc.  Mark has expressed his confidence in the doctors involved in his treatment.  He is determined to stay optimistic and live each day to the fullest.  He had a good day today, taking a walk with Tyler and also with Noah, Felipe and Sofa (the dog). 

Thank you all for your loving support. Please continue to pray for Mark's health and well-being, especially as he starts treatment as he will be more susceptible to illness and fatigue. 

Sincerely,

Tyler, Keenan, Noah & Kelley

A few websites:

http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/

http://neurosurgery.ucsd.edu/glioblastoma/

Hello everybody, 

I want to thank you for your care and concern over the past week. My Dad is blessed to have such a loving support system- even the doctors have noticed! Now that we're moving forward with Dad's treatment and recovery, we thought it would be a good time to touch base and talk about our plan to care for him. 

Dad has made a lot of progress as far as his strength and endurance goes.  Based on what the therapists and nurses have said, it sounds like he is going to be able to come home Sunday 6/23. Frank (Dad's physical therapist) suggested outpatient therapy instead of a skilled nursing facility. Because of how fast he's progressing, he will be able to stay at the house. Between my mom, Tyler, Becca and myself, we have his transportation to and from all appointments taken care of. We are going to make sure one of us is with him 24/7 during his recovery. Dad has expressed to all of us, my mom included, that he wants us to be there to care for him. 

As far as our living situation, Becca and I are going to move into the basement apartment, and my Mom, Dad and Noah are going to be living in the house. This might not make sense to all of you, but it's what we all want, especially my Dad. He's made it clear to us that he wants my mom here, and she can't imagine not being with him right now. 

We don't know what the future is going to look like, and we don't want to assume that we have unlimited time with my Dad. This is really hard for us. Our priority is to spend as much quality time with him as possible. It is not our intention to cut anyone out or exclude his extended family or friends. At the same time, we feel like we need to be protective of our time with him. 

As far as life once Dad comes home, t he most important thing is to keep daily life simple. His therapist emphasized that limiting extra activity, socializing, and stimulation is going to be essential to his recovery. Any visit to the house can be arranged with me. 

We know you all want to help however you can, and that means a lot. We trust in all of your intentions. As time goes on, there will be plenty of practical ways to help. We will make every effort to keep you informed of his progress. Thank you all for your understanding. 

Love,

Keenan