What a blur December has been. Hard to believe that Christmas weekend is already here. It has been a tougher week on Mark,
but the good news is as the week has progressed he is feeling a bit better. His stamina and strength have definitely diminished
the past few days. He is sleeping a lot day and night, which is great. New pain meds have also helped. The biggest challenge remains
keeping his throat operational. Although he is eating less and less orally, he is still managing to get some foods down, which I think
is our Christmas Miracle. Today was Day 27 of radiation. 8 more to go !! Let the countdown begin. The plan is to get him home tomorrow
after treatment, and get him lots of R&R over the holiday weekend to build his strength for Chemo #3 next Wednesday.
This week Mark has already had a few out of town visitors. Wednesday Pat came out from Palm Springs to spend the day with us, which was wonderful to get caught up with him. Today our friend Collin was down in Orange County from the Bay Area, and also dropped by to lend his support. And the photo attached is from tonight, when Janie, Christine and Ethan went with us to the fire pit at The Montage on the beach. A beautiful night with great company.
From Mark, Meghan, Maura, David and myself, we wish all of Team Mark a wonderful, peaceful, and a very Merry Christmas. This year, our gifts are all intangible, but are the greatest ones of all: The gift of life, our love for each other, and our love for all of you. The gifts of support, love, and
encouragement that you have given us will always be cherished.
Merry Christmas.
Love, Perry
