From Mark:
We haven’t talked to the doctor since the surgery. But the last thing he told us was Linda would be in the hospital for about 3 days and then we will go home. In the next 2-3 weeks she would start chemo. He was very concerned about the spots in her lungs. The biggest spot had whisps coming off it. He said it looked like a boney type structure similar to the Osteo. We love you.
Linda is speaking more today without falling asleep. Harrison, Camille, and Sam came to visit. Linda loved being able to see and talk to them. Victoria did her makeup and now the physical therapist has her going on a little walk. She hasn’t called a soul so please don’t feel left out. She just hasn’t had the energy.
I spent the morning talking with my sister, Jennifer, about Linda, what she’s gone through so far and through what she may yet travel. A few days before this surgery, we both had opportunity to talk with Linda about trials, miracles, and faith. What I found interesting is, in both Jennifer’s and my separate conversations, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was brought up by Linda. The story is familiar to most. When given the choice to either worship the king or suffer death by fire, these young men said that they knew their God had the power to save them. And what followed this declaration is perhaps the greatest statement of stubborn resolve recorded ever on earth. “But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
“But if not…” We have all been fasting and praying for miracles, not least of which has been Linda and Mark. What I love about Linda is that her resolve to remain faithful comes from the same place that caused our “fiery friends” to say, “But if not, we’re still heading in the same direction. A change in condition or circumstance will not cause a change in our resolve. Here we stand!”
Those of you who know Linda know she has great resolve. Linda has already passed through a crucible before, crushed and spread thin, and yet emerged with her faith not only intact, but brighter. Stronger.
I have no doubt she will emerge on the other side of this with, once again, resilient faith. She has already chosen where she stands when it comes to the Lord, regardless of outcome. And she will not be moved. Ever. And the beautiful thing is Linda doesn’t stand alone. All of us within her circle of family and friends stand with her and cheer her on. And though the fight is fierce and hands hang low, we gain comfort from the hymn “How Firm a Foundation:”
That soul, who on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes. That soul, though all Hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
Mark talked to the doctor last night and had a good conversation. This morning he texted that Linda had been able to sleep for a few hours. Harrison and Camille drove down last night and are still there. I just talked to her and they haven’t been able to see her yet❤️
Hello and good morning! Here’s the latest update from Mark:
Linda was able to get a little bit of sleep last night. The drugs are wearing off some and she is able to talk a little bit longer without falling asleep.
This just in from Mark:
Linda just finished up with surgery about 1/2 hour ago. They are going to observe her for a while and then take her up to her room. We had a good conversation with the doctor and he explained and shows us pictures of what he removed. I will know more after I can talk to her.
This is the latest from Mark:
The doctor just came out a few minutes ago and said the cells look like it’s osteosarcoma. They are going to operate now and remove her scapula and the mass. It will be about a 6 hour surgery. Thank you for all of your prayers. I really believe we will see other miracles with this.
Mark, we are prayi
Just got the following update from Mark:
Hi Mike. It’s been a hectic morning! We just finished talking with the doctor, nurses, anesthesiologist, and a few others. They gave her the Huntsman cocktail and have rolled her into the surgery room. That will do the biopsy and hopefully we will know in an hour or two what direction they will take. I love you too Mike! You are a good brother. I will give another update when we find out what the biopsy shows…..or doesn’t show.
If you’re on this site, it is either by accident–sorry–or on purpose, because you’re wanting to know how Linda is doing.
All of the phone calls, texts, and kind visits over the past few weeks have meant a lot to Linda and Mark. The coming days will potentially be challenging, so if possible, please visit this site for updates, allowing Linda and Mark to focus on recovering and the next steps. Check back often and we’ll keep you “in the loop.”
Also, feel free to leave any comments at the bottom of this page. Linda will see them all! 🙂
Tomorrow, Linda is scheduled for surgery at 11:30 a.m. At the first of September, an extensive MRI convinced a doctor to give a diagnosis of cancer. A week later, a biopsy was done near the scapula and the results came back as “negative” for cancer. This was confusing to say the least, but we have been praying for miracles. More doctors were consulted as well as some local wizards in the Blackfoot area, and they were still convinced Linda has cancer.
So, the purpose of tomorrow’s surgery is to first: obtain another biopsy. The specimen will be examined right at the hospital. If this biopsy again comes up “negative,” we will be very grateful, as we have all been praying and fasting for a miracle. If, however, the biopsy is positive, the surgeon will then remove the tumor and, unfortunately, Linda’s scapula as well.
If Linda is found to have no cancer, she will return home in 24 hours. If it IS cancer and her scapula is removed, she will be in the hospital three days.
Good luck, Linda!
