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/