Recovery Recovery Recovery

It has been a fairly quiet week around here. Mark has sworn off of pain pills (not that I ever got him to take many anyway). He hopes the wounds on his feet will continue healing because he is anxious to be wearing big boy shoes instead of grandpa slippers by the end of the week. He was able to attend one hour of church on Sunday. He has lost about 45 lbs. But with all the food that has been brought in including peppermint blizzards, he working back towards the fat boy program. He is resting a little better but far from what I would consider a good nights rest. I am sleeping circles around him these days but hoping he will follow my example. Christi and Jason are still here helping us make sense of our chaos.

Friends and family have been stopping by to visit and we continue to look forward to seeing all of you who have been a part of getting us home and on the road to recovery. Hope all of you are living life to the fullest and continuing to celebrate God's miracles.

We have heard a rumor that Stephanie Gleason is bringing some phenomenal dinner topped off with a delightful choclate triffle for dinner. Then Claysona and his cousins have plans for a hot tub party. So this evening will be a night to remember!

Love,
Stephanie and Mark

Love all around

Clayson and his cousins Anya and Philp

Happy Thanksgiving

So much to be thankful for. We enjoyed every minute of our Thanksgiving. Strange how a tragedy like we have experienced changes your perspective. Numerous times
throughout the day I reflected on the past month and a half and how grateful I am that our Heavenly Father's plan is so perfect and always right. I feel so unworthy of the multitude of blessings our family has received. As Mark has said time and time again it is a humbling experience. We know we will never be perfect enough to deserve all the many blessings our Father in Heaven has promised each of us.

Mark was disappointed we were unable to make it to Texas for Thanksgiving. He almost had me convinced he could make the trip but we decided we could not afford the chance of a set back considering the recovery he has managed this far.

I caught him on his way to his truck yesterday early in the morning. He was bundled up and heading to the Calbert's house to help Mark Calbert deep fry turkey's. Although I wasn't very excited about letting him out in 37 degree weather to get into his cold Excursion and drive himself to Calbert's. I knew it was only a few streets over and there is no stopping Mark when he has something he wants to do. He made it there and home without any problems. We had a great family brunch with the boys and Jason and Christi's family and then went to my cousin Niki and Scott's house in Cape Girardeau for a Thanksgiving day feast.

The Aggie's game has been the best medicine of the day. His "Crack berry" has not stopped ringing with friends wanting to here the excitement in his voice. It so nice to see him so excited. Thank goodness the Aggie's put a hurtin' on them Longhorns.

We hope all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving. Gig 'em Aggie!!!

Love,
Stephanie and Mark

Mark, Clayson and Anya

Mark, Stephanie and Clayson

Current pictures of our "Miracle Man"

Super Saturday

We are having a great Saturday. Justin and Steven are here and we have been enjoying some good old fashion family time. We are also so thrilled to be here at home with Mark. Gary Allen brought over some scrumptious chicken wings and Mary & John Engram brought over a delicious apple cake. Wish we could share some with all of you.

Mark is feeling a little better. We have struggled with the insurance company trying to get them to approve the medicines Dr. Uthoff recommended but it isn't going so well. If any of you have had to deal with insurance companies I'm sure you can relate. Other than that we have nothing to complain about. Chris Jarrett brought us a bag of movies and they are helping us pass the time and allowing Mark's body to continue to heal.

We are still praying for a full recovery and celebrating the small victories day by day. We know God has a plan for Mark's life or he would not be here today.

Love,
Mark, Stephanie, Justin, Steven and Clayson

T.G.I.F

No changes to report on Mark's condition. He did enjoy a visit to the office yesterday. We were there for almost two hours. He managed to get on the floor sweeper to make a trip through his warehouse. It was bit frustrating to not be able to breeze through on foot but we kept reminding ourselves that he was actually AT THE OFFICE and how many miracles had gotten us to that point. He has been on his computer a little and he is still humbled by all of our friends and family who have been in constant prayer in our behalf. He is still in a great deal of pain and struggling with being able to rest comfortably. Mark is not a proponent of any pain medicine and is resolved to toughing this out.

We are anxious for Justin and Steven to be here for the weekend. Our friends have continued to bring food almost daily and it has been a great help for me. We are so blessed. I wish I could thank each of you, but there are so many of you,that have done so much for us. I wouldn't undoubtedly unintentionally forget someone. Every one in our support system has been so willing to help and that is what will get us through this day and to the next.

We love you,
Mark & Stephanie

From one Aggie to Another

Dr. Uthoff and his sweet nurse Carolyn managed to get us an apointment with Dr. Brent New a Thorasic Cardiovascular Specialist in Cape Girardeau. As luck would have it he also was a Texas Aggie which immediately put Mark's mind at ease. He gave Mark a through examination and said our story was absolutely fascinating. Had this accident occured in the United States because the FDA has not approved the aortic graft that was used in Canada the surgeon's here would have had to cut him from spine to sturnum (quadrupling the chance of parpalegia).

Dr. New assured us that Mark is as healthy as can be expected and said we should use good old common sense about how quickly to progress into the main stream. He removed the pick line from Mark's left arm so now he can shower without press and seal plastic wrap. Yes! We have a follow up appointment in one month for additional some testing. We are still in a dangerous stage for contracting virus and pneumonia so we have to be cautious about where we go and how much we do.

Thank you all for everything.

Love,
Mark and Stephanie

Road Trip!

As far as we know we are finished with the IV antibiotic!!! You all have no idea how much easier that will make our lives. The option care nurse took a blood sample from his pick line this afternoon. The results from that will tell if the infection is gone. If he is infection free they will remove the line tomorrow.

I woke around 6:00am and Mark was gone. He had gotten up on his own sometime in the night and made his way to to couch in the family room. Bad news is he didn't get much rest, good news is he was able to make it from the bedroom to the family room with no assistance. He didn't even use his walker (commonly know around here as "Walker Texas Ranger").

Mark and I took Jerry to the airport in St. Louis. Yes that is right Mark demanded to be allowed to ride with us all the way to the STL airport. He survived the trip pretty well. In fact, I didn't think it would be appropriate for us to go into a restaurant for lunch. Since he had on his slippers. He began to get so hungry he told me to go through the McDonald's drive through. I thought oh no Mickey D's??? That might kill him. He preceded to order a Big-n-tasty and he ate the entire monster burger. A few miles down the road he spotted a Taco Bell and asked if we could make a run for the border. I couldn't stop laughing at his newly acquired appetite. Luckily when he saw two school buses full of kids already waiting for Taco Tuesday he said he wasn't that hungry. We then had to stop for a bathroom break and when he got to the men's room and found it occupied he headed straight to the ladies room. All the strange looks he was getting didn't even phase him.

We appreciate all your love and support. We are enjoying the miracle of having Mark back home and hoping and praying for a full recovery. Thank all of you for everything especially your prayers. i have taken some pictures of Mark and will try to down load them and post them asap.

Love,
Mark and Stephanie

Daily Anderson Update

A good Monday was had by all! Mark was doing quite a bit of shuffling from here to there, without the walker today. Clayson was so excited to see his Daddy and Uncle Jerry pick him up from school. I know Mark liked seeing something other than the bed, bath and family room. Unless we can convince him to stay Jerry (Mark's brother/physical therapist) is planning to leave us high and dry tomorrow morning. I think Mark will be fine but Clayson and Anya may suffer from withdrawal symptoms after he is gone. Mark continues to gain strength and energy. I just hooked him up for what we hope will be his last dose of IV antibiotic. Woo Hoo!!!

Now that is exciting. Mark is still enjoying quick short visits from friends and family. Just stay clear if you are even thinking about getting sick. Give me a call if you want to stop by and see the miracle man.

Love and God Bless all of you,
The Anderson's

Aggie lost but Mark Survives!

Despite the abuse the Aggies took by the Tigers. Mark had a pretty good day. We are all tired of dealing with IV antibiotic but the end appears to be in site. Three more bags to go then adios pia'. We are monitoring his blood pressure and he is staying within a healthy range.

Mark was able to get a good nights sleep. He surprised us all this morning by saying he was going to take a shower. Somehow he found the strength to shower standing on his own and shaved himself.

Clayson has been enjoying having his Uncle Jerry and Anya (his 6 year old cousin) here. He had him on the trampoline and playing ball until way after dark. Anya had Uncle Jerry coloring butterflies this morning it was quite something to watch. Clayson is on the couch snuggled up to his Dad and we are watching "The Rifleman".

We have continued to be blessed by an outpouring of love, through prayers, visits and food. Oh my, the food has been wonderful. Going from a month of hospital food to home cooked and Susie's cuisine may throw my body in to shock. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Christi's husband Jason and their son Philip will be flying into St. Louis tomorrow and Jerry will be flying home to Texas on Tuesday. We are going to have plenty of time to get caught up on any good movies so let us know if you have any suggestions. We enjoyed watching the Sentinel last night. Thank God for cable TV.

We love you,
The Anderson's

Friday Night

Oh what a night! Dr. Fred Uthoff stopped by and examined Mark and put our minds to ease that he seems to be doing much better than we should have expected. He will be contacting us on Monday about further follow up.

Just as we finished our last bite of food (that the Mothershead's supplied). A few members of the P.H.L.'s (The Pink Hat Ladies, i.e. Sarah Garner and Anita Eby; along with Larry Eby and Jerry Adkins a couple of Mark's buddies came busting through the front door. The PHL's captured Christi and me and forced us out of the house leaving Mark in good hands with his brother and buddies. The girls spent some quality time entertaining each other with girl talk. Mark and the guys had a challenging game of who "had the lowest blood pressure:. All Mark had to do was take his beta blocker and he won hands down. Of course the football game was blaring and noises were exploding out of all the extra holes in their bodies. Anya and Clayson enjoyed an evening at parents night out. So we all had a wonderful Friday night.

After a day filled with A LOT of activity (thanks to Jerry) Mark sleep like a baby. He managed to sleep for a four hour stretch then another 2 hour stretch. This is more rest than he has had for days. We were a little late getting his antibiotic started this morning but I feel like sleep is vital to Mark's recovery. We are anticipating a great Saturday. Gotta run and get some breakfast started.

Love, Stephanie, Mark & Clayson

First Friday Home

Mark's parents headed back to Texas early this morning. Jerry, Mark's brother is picking up where the soup Nazi' nurse from St. John's left off. He practically pushed Mark into the shower and made him wash his hair and shave all by himself. Jerry then preceded to convince Mark to walk all the way to the porch of "Man House" stop for a rest then truck back to the house. Mark said he felt like he had ran a marathon.

Christi, my sister secretly made me a hair cut appointment and when we got back the boys (Mark and Jerry) were GONE!!! That's right, I was gone less than 1 hour and they had made a trip to Confluent, Sonic and Phil Boyers pond. He had to give Phil one last chance to put his licks in on The Aggies, are something like that, it really makes no sense to me.

I am home now and Mark is resting. Dr. Fred Uthoff is going to stop by this evening and take a look to make sure our patient is progressing as he should. Mark seems to be getting stronger each day, but it is a long slow process. We are still asking friends and family to be patient about visiting. We really want to see everyone but visiting can be exhausting. So don't give up, get mad or forget about us. I am anticipating him wanting people here in full force over the course of the next week or so.

Love,
Stephanie and Mark

OUr Family

Update from Clayson aka "Gomez"

I am so glad my Pa is back home. I missed him so much while he was gone. I am waiting in my bedroom for Daddy to come and watch my lizzards eat crickets. Thank you all for praying for my him.

From,
Clayson Reed Anderson

Watching the world go by

Mark had a big day. He woke early as usual and decided he would sit in our big picture window to watch everyone else go to work. If you have to travel up N. Ranney on your way to work don't be surprise if you spot him planted in the window.

Jamie Calbert came over and cut his hair and he enjoyed his first real shower in way too long. So I'm not sure he feels any better but he looks alot better.

Mark's brother brought him one of his wives world's famous Nowalk Chocolate Cake all the way from Texas, and Mark is back on the wagon. This has made our friend Sarah very happy, considering she is wasting away to nothing after committing to not take another bite of chocolate until Mark does.

Tonight was our first night in over a month to have family dinner together it was very therapeutic for all of us. Even though Mark was face down on the table before it was over. We were proud of him for making it to the table and cleaning his plate even if he doesn't have much of an appetite. Friends have been very gracious to bring in an over abundance of food and we all appreciate it.


Love to all,
Stephanie, Mark, Warren, Marjean, Jerry and Christi

Mark's Family

HOME SWEET HOME!!!

Mark somehow managed after spending almost a month in ICU to wake up and go home a few days later. He surpassed every possible prediction! He is truly a walking, talking miracle!

My friend Salwa laughingly commented, "Mark was so determined to get out of there, who can blame him. No wonder they kept sedating him, he was ready to walk right out of there a month ago". Nearly everyone who has laid eyes on Mark over the course of the last few weeks has noticed the power of God in this. We are all so blessed to be witnessing the miracles God is pouring out on Mark.

So we are home and we are both exhausted. Option care arrived only minutes after we got home. With pumps, syringes, hoses, etc... I told Mark he really should have married a nurse. He said, "you can do it". Although around 3:30am when the pump started beeping and finally failed he may have retracted that comment. This nurse thing is not really in my blood, but we will muddle through and keep reminding ourselves home much better this in than the hospital.

Thank you to everyone involved in making our trip back home possible. I would not recommend any visitors until late morning or early afternoon, since Mark is banking on his first real shower in a month. We are so excited!

Minute by minute he is getting better but the doctors have warned us to keep the excitement to a minimum as not to take a set back. Thank you all for everything. We are so blessed.

Love, Stephanie

Going Home!!!

Somebody may need to pinch me. I feel like I must be dreaming. Dr. Sakabu has granted us permission to go home. They have been putting Mark through a torture chamber all morning.

Luckily we were save by Larry Stifflemen who brought us a fabulous lunch from Rick and Charlies Italian restaurant. That was a great distraction for all of us.

We were told we had to get an internist to agree to take Mark as a patient and Dr. Fred Uthoff agreed he would be up for the challenge. The care coordinator has made arrangements for option care to come to the house tonight and tend to the antibiotic he will need to take for the next 5-7 days. Stephanie Gleason has offered to lend us a wing back recliner. Which will give him an option other than the bed or couch.

After they insert a pick line for the antibiotic, Dr. Oliveri from neuro shares results from his evaluation and Dr. Westfall (a trauma surgeon who will be following Mark for the next year or so) stops by we will be headed to the parking lot.

Mark's parents are planning to spend one more night at the Bedell's apartment and pick up Jerry (Mark's brother) and his gun from the airport before returning to Sikeston.

Thank you all for your love and continued support.

Stephanie and Mark

Flyway Hallway

Physical therapist could hardly keep up with him this afternoon. He was out of bed and down the hallway faster than a speeding bullet. You should have seen the look on my sisters faces and Anya and Clayson when they say Mark crusing down the hall. They were whooping and hollaring for him. He passed with flying colors. I think the prayer he whispered before they therapist arrived must have worked.

The doctors have agreed to release him on Wednesday if everything goes as they expect, although I am not convinced Mark will not buck the system and earn an early release.

We love you,
Mark and Stephanie

Mark's Phone Info

For those of you who would like to contact Mark directly, here ya go!

Mark is in room 450 of St. Johns Mercy Medical Center and his direct # is 314-567-2450.

Thanks!

Trach Day

Before I even got to the hospital Mark was able to convince Doctor Troop to remove the Trachea. Mark's dad said Mark was scared to take a drink because he feared it would run right through the open hole.

When I arrive we dressed him in jammer bottoms and a long john shirt. The nurse last night said he looked just like Peter Gallagher. Personally I think he is a lot better looking than Peter Gallagher. I'm sure you all would have to agree. The same nurse while taking a blood sample told him he must have spiritual blood or something because he is healing so much faster than he should be.

Several friends and family members have been stopping by for short visits and they seem to lift his spirits. So stop by if you are in the area or sit tight if not looks like we may be heading South before the end of the week. So you all should be able to lay eyes on him soon.

Thank all of you who are tending for our house and things at Confluent and continue to pray for a full recovering.

Love,
Stephanie and Mark

Sunday Message from the mouth of Mark

Mark spoke with his Canadian friends Earl and Flo Chrsitensen today to thank them for all they have done for us. They informed us the heart surgeon that performed my surgery is ranked 3rd in the world. This was not just a run of the mill surgery.Dr. McCarval had only performed 2 aurotic endogrqafts previous to mine. Primarily because patients die before they make it to the hospital.

I am completely over come by the outpouring of love, concern and prayers in my behalf. It's hard to put into words how thankful I am to each of you, my friends and family for everything you have done for me and my family. Although I will never be able to thank all of you I know God will greatly bless each and every one of you.

Love,
Mark

What a Great Sunday Fun Day Nov 4, 2007

The wi fi @ St. John's is still down so I am using the nurses computer in Mark's room if I have to cut this short you will know someone came through the door and found me on this computer. Oh well, I figure worst case scenario they will kick me out of the room and confiscate the computer.

OK for the important stuff. I can't explain how great Mark is doing. He is off most off the medicines. No pain med, no sedative, no insulin. The doctor downsized the trach yesterday and said if today is good he will pull it out tomorrow. Mark wants the catheter out today and they said yes. Oh no one of his machines is beginning to beep nurse Denise will be here in a jiffy. Mark is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and prayers he is feeling. I just arranged his bookshelves and stopped counting at 50 cards friends and family have sent.

I am anxious awaiting 4:30pm so I can make a run to the airport and get Christi and Anya and try to regain possession of Mark's shotgun from the claims office. Don't worry I will not let Mark know I have it. Keep your fingers crossed.

P.S. Sarah we are praying for your toe. I know your sacrifice of chocolate and I have tempted him more than once but he hasn't regained his love of chocolate this may be a long road for you. You should have kept up the fast with the Mormon's.

Love,
Stephanie and Mark

Saturday Afternoon

Stephanie is still having internet connection issues so here's the latest via Meg:

Last night Mark didn't sleep too well so he's catching up on his rest today. The doctors continue to be amazed at Mark's progress. They initially installed a large trach because they thought he would have it for a while. Instead they downgraded Mark to the smaller trach today and he can already talk louder. Apparently it gave him more control over his vocal cords. Peter and I even got to talk to him for a minute and it was strange to hear his voice so small after years of filling the room with his booming voice.

Soon the docs will install a trapeze over Mark's bed so he can pull himself to a sitting position. It's going to take a lot of work to get all the muscles to do what they're supposed to do. Stephanie hopes to have Mark well enough by next week for a transfer to Cape or maybe even home.

Keep those prayers coming! Stephanie says she can see the effects!

Thank you!

Meg

Friday Afternoon

Stephanie has been having computer trouble today so I'm filling in. She reports that Mark has had another great day today! His feeding tube came out and he had a liquid breakfast followed by solids for lunch.

Tonight Clayson is going to be delivered to the hospital for his first visit. It should be a joyous reunion! Stephanie is always looking on the bright side and helps me remember to be grateful for all that we've been blessed with. She is a great example for me.

Thanks (on behalf of Mark & Stephanie) for all your prayers!

Meg

Wednesday Night

Mark has been released from ICU it is 11:00pm and we are packed up and ready to move to the TICU (Trauma Intermediate Care Unit). Jackie Collins made a trip up to share some financial information with Mark. We were happy to see her and it seemed to give Mark some peace of mind about how Confluent is functioning without him. OK the nurses are here to take us on this exciting journey. I better go before I loose them.

ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER MIRACLE!!!

You have to celebrate with us wherever you all whatever you are doing. Stop and thank Heavenly Father for the blessings he is pouring down upon Mark.

He passed the swallow study and was given clearance for liquids. His first request was a Strawberry shake so of course he got a Strawberry shake the patient care technician then brought in two trays of food. We decided he probably didn't need to overdo a good thing so after a little nourishment and repositioning he drifted off to sleep. I am so relieved he is sleeping. He looks and feels comfortable.

The doctors granted us permission to move him from ICU to a step down unit. The only catch is that unit stays very full and they are not sure there will be a bed for the night. If he has to stay in ICU I asked them to slow down the blood sugar testing and monitoring from every 2 to every 4 hours. I wish we knew when he would be transfer to Cape or home but it's still to early to speculate.

He is getting better. I am so happy for him and everyone who loves him so much.

Love,
Stephanie

Thurs. Nov, 1, 2007

Stephanie reports that Mark had a restful night last night. He didn't sleep much,(about three hours) but he was resting. Stephanie was able to sleep also. She said she slept more than Mark, she really needed it, she didn't get any sleep the night before.

They have taken Mark down for part two of a "swallow test". He is hoping he passes the test because he is really hungry. One of the nurses told him he'd probably just get jello. He just smacked his lips. What he really wants is a strawberry shake. That is soft, maybe he can have that. If all goes well they will probably transfer him to a private room out of ICU. That will be great. He continues to improve every day. I think he is surprising even the Dr's. We are excited at his progress.
He really wants to go home, but he needs to strengthen his arms and legs.

We'll report more when we get the results of his test.

Mark's Mom and Dad