Wednesday, Jan 30 and all is good!

Let's see if this works better today. I entered some information yesterday and the Internet failed before it would send. Let's see if today is better.
Work is going OK as long as I remember my cans and can'ts. Part of my job is looking at all jobs, but not climbing limits this a lot. I have some help on these types of jobs so it is going to be OK until I am better. I have MANY people at work that are glad to see me back and the job is busy, but I don't get so tired this week versus last week since I am busier. I have talked to many people that wish me well and glad I am still alive. We agree with this saying. This will get easier and easier as time moves along, I just can't rush my body in this recovery.
There was a comment from my cousin, Jo, in the last blog. She is another one of those people that is exciting to hear from. She, as most people do, wishes me good feelings. Her words have always been one of those things that lifts my spirit. She regrets missing the wedding, but sent good notes about the pictures. She is one of the many people in my life that I have always looked up to. It is not just cause I am the youngest in the generation, but I have always felt that way towards her. Her sister, Lori, made it to the wedding and she has this effect on my life, too. We were always so close to them when I was growing up since they lived close. It is funny, I have these feeling to so many people these days. My family on both sides were always close, but I value these feelings more, now. I think God changed me a lot in this way and it is a good thing to feel. I am a better person now and people mean more than before. I would not have thought this was possible, but He has helped me GROW! I can't wait until I get to see all my family at the reunion this year. I am so afraid my feelings may so up more than usual, but I can handle this. This is the new me that helps spread love all around.
I love all of you so much and look forward to seeing everybody in the coming days, weeks and months. Please stay strong in God as He is very strong and helpful when needed. I am here because of all my family and friends talked to Him for me when I couldn't and now He is a major part of my life. Thank you for helping me in this way because it helped me still be here.
Take care of everything and ask for His help if needed.
Mark 1/30/08

Saturday, Jan 26 & all is good

I finished my first week of work without any major problems. I had some troubled remembering some things, but it will come back with time and patience. My boss came by and asked me how it was going and how I was doing. All is OK so far. He asked me to help out more next week. I am going to try to work my old position as a trial run next week. This will be a good experience for me to see how I am doing and how I will handle this. Several things I had going have fallen apart since I last looked at them, but with some time, they will come back around to where the need to be. I am looking forward to seeing how I will do at this. My boss is curious on this matter, too.
Other than that, I am in still in some pain, but moving in the right direction. I wake up in the mornings and my lower back hurts. It does not like being still for this long and then moving again. Once I get moving, it settles back down to tolerable. I can live with that one until it is better. Up and down (stairs or chairs)still bothers my pelvic areas but this will work out with more time and effort. The doctor said this would be with me for a while so it is something I will have to get used to.
This is all I have for now. My God be with you where He is needed. Don't be afraid to ask Him for help if needed. He was at my side for the longest time and will help you, too, if needed. I love you all so much.
Mark 01/26/08

Tuesday, Jan. 22 and all is going well

My first day back at work went OK. It is different than what I am used to, but it was good to be back. I had many people tell me that is was good to see me back and others tell me how bad they missed me being there. All these things makes me feel good. Doug Cutsinger (temporarily doing me old job) told me that I could have it back ANYTIME. He hates this position and I love it. I can only test myself in some things before I am ready for it, but a couple of weeks and I should be ready for most of it.
I entered the web site for the wedding pictures wrong. My mind does not work as well as it used to, but I will adjust to make do. The pictures can be seen on "www.www.janinestoddard.com". I spelled the last name with an A instead of O on the last message. Hopefully, this will help you get to it.
All I good for me right now. I have more pain than usual, but I will make it out without too much problem. Thanks to the help God provided to me makes everything good! I got an e-mail for my cousin, Kay, at work today. Her words always brighten my day. Janet (another cousin) sent a reply to my last BLOG and she is another one of those people that lifts me up. The other reply in my BLOG was from Megan, giving me the web site correction that I included above.
I love you all so much. Let God help you out where needed. All you need to do is ask Him for help.
Mark 1/22/08

Thursday Jan 17 and all moving fine...

Well another day is upon us and I am still here. I am sore from rehab, but this is part of my life, now. They were a little concerned about my pain so they cut back on some of the workout. There were two messages to my last log. One was from Sallie and Scott. They are some good friends here in town that keep me in their prayers. This is always a good thing! The second one was from Janet, my cousin. It was good to hear from her. She always sends me uplifting notes as she is one of my older cousins and is always looking out for me. Being the youngest Bradley in my generation has some up and some downs, but I will take ALL of it. There is nothing like people that want the best for me!
The wedding is over, but the pictures from it and the reception are on the web. This lady taking them actually got many pictures of me dancing with Megan AND you can't tell that I am not good at it. Megan was in tears over it and I almost was. There is nothing like you child's wedding! If you would like to look at the pictures, they are located on "janinestaddard.com" and find the spot to look at pictures from the past (I think it is under "galleries" and view recent weddings). It is on the top right side of her web sight. I know there are MANY there! We made it to #380 before may pain was too much to continue. I was told there is about 500 of them. Janet looked at them and said these were beautiful. The event was ALL special! If that wasn't enough, Megan has a Birthday on Saturday, January 19th. Imagine where we were 25 years ago! She doesn't remember it, but Betty and I do!
Reality sets in next week. My 2007 vacation is over after next Monday. I will be at work on Tuesday, Jan. 22. I have had so many people tell me they wish they had this kind of time off of work, but believe me, it was not all that much fun. They pain and suffering was only part of this. Not knowing where I would end up was a big challenge. Just watch what you ask for!
I would like to thank EVERYONE that had taken the time to say a prayer for me and any nice things that were said were also appreciated! I am still here because God was not going to let me leave this world yet! Between Him and that wonderful woman I married so many years ago, I can breathe on my own and walk with a slight limp for now. Stairs are still a chore to get up and down, but these are getting easier, too. I will only get back to where I need to be if I keep pushing to get better.
Thanks to all you you people that are reading this and a special Thanks to God for becoming such an IMPORTANT part of my life. It is a new meaning of LIFE itself and He is now a much bigger part of it!
Love and kisses to all of you,
Mark 1/17/08

Wednesday, Jan. 16 and all is good

Another day is upon us and I am doing OK. The doctor yesterday said that my swelling under my breast was not an issue to worry about. He said men get these all the time and it is not a major concern to life or health. This means that I will deal with the pain and nobody has to cut on me again! This was some sort of good news for me. This doctor (I saw Red Duke for this) said if we remove this piece, I will have an indent spot on my chest. As long as their is no major life threat, I will deal with it!
I went to rehab on Monday and they worked my pretty hard. I was sore yesterday from it. I still feel a little pain in my legs this morning and have to go back this morning for more. They think I will get mad over this but I am sore because I am moving forward. They are helping me get better by moving along like we are. I can live with this kind of progress!
May God be with you all today. He is a wonderful feeling to have on your side. Bless Him and Bless you all. Passed to you with the greatest of love!
Love, Mark 1/16/08

Saturday, Jan 12 and moving right is key

I went to rehab again yesterday. I woke up this morning hurting. They are working me in the right direction and I love this. I was told when we finished that I would probably be sore and would probably be mad at them for this. They are so far from the truth on this. Feeling pain that is there because I am moving forward is a good thing to have!
My wife is putting Christmas stuff up and I can hardly move the containers. This does not slow her down, though!
I was listening to music this morning and heard a song on one of my Lonestar CDs that really made me think about life. It was a song written as converse to God and made several comments about "Thank You God for taking care of me". This song made me realize why I am still here! God put the effort needed towards me. He is why I can breath today and this song really spells it out in plain terms. So, if you have not seen it enough from me, I would like to say "THANK YOU GOD FOR THE EFFORT YOU PUT TOWARDS KEEPING ME ALIVE". Usually, songs don't make me cry, but this one came close because of the closeness to my situation.
I am alive and doing OK. I get to go see a group of doctors on Tuesday to find out about the swelling in my right breast. Leave it to that wonderful woman I found so many years ago! She found the doctors that will be able to handle this situation and know what to do to get me where I need to be.
As some closing thoughts, if you His help, ask God for it. He took such GREAT care of me and will do the same for you if you just talk to Him. I love you all so much. Hold my hand as we reach towards the future. Believe me, it is a great feeling.
Your friend for a lifetime,
Mark 1/12/08

Thursday, Jan 10 and moving along is good....

Well, Thursday is here and all is good. Rehab called me on Tuesday and asked why I quit coming. I explained to them my insurance would not pay for it any more. They called AETNA to find out and all is covered with a small copay. I got to go back on Wednesday. It felt good to get this back in my system. I was real tired yesterday after it, but it was a good tired! I get to go back tomorrow!
Betty tried yesterday to call the doctor that did my lung work and he is no longer at the only number we could find. This was a little discouraging but you know my wife would not give up. She remembered his name, but could not locate him. She called me this morning to let me know that she scheduled my an appointment for next Tuesday for the Thorastic clinic doctors to take a look and make a determination about what needs to be done. It is getting sorer every day. It seems more swollen today than it did on Tuesday. EVERY ONE needs someone like Betty on their side. I have lost count of how many times she has saved my life!
I called a couple of guys a work today that I have not talked to in a while. I did not tell either of them who I was, but they both knew right away. We had good conversations. Most people want to have the time off like I have had, but this was not a pleasure trip! I am ready to get back in the "work routine". I only have about 10 days left! I will be so happy for a couple of weeks, then reality will hit.
If you need help for something, ask God for his help. He will help you out as He did for me! Don't be afraid to ask! I love you all so much
Mark 1/10/08

Tuesday, Jan 8 and all is good...

Another day has come and gone and I am still alive and kicking. I have been without pain medicine for most of today. I took one this morning, but none since. My doctor's appointment was another one of those good/bad episode. He like the way my back looked since he is the one that fixed me, but would not look at or comment on my swollen chest area. It was "out of his league". If there ever was a doctor that is hung on himself, this is him. He is great at his job, but can't discuss anything with patients. He should only treat people who can't talk! He has a great nurse. I don't know why she is still there.
Two people sent messages to my last BLOG. One was from Sallie, Scott and Noah Keatons and the second one was Megan. She is back from her honeymoon and had a lot of catching up to do. Her comments made me feel real good. School started for her yesterday so life is back to "normal" again. I also got two phone calls today from two guys from work. Both wanted to know how I am doing and am I ready to come back to work, yet. It was good to hear from both of them but Paul had to make sure that I knew LSU won last night. We were both pulling for them to win.
All is good for me on this end. My broken tailbone is hurting me more than usual because of the lack of medicine. It still hurts to bend over or get up or down, but I am moving in the right direction. God has gotten me this far and is helping me get all the way. He will help you to if you ask Him for help.
Love to you all,
Mark 1/8/08

Monday, Jan 7 and all is well

Well, today is Monday and all is going fine. Talk about good news and bad news all at the same time. The doctor said my infection is down. Last time we were at his office, my rate was 107 and this time is was only 13. He said anything below 15 is good. He gave me anti-biotics for another 3 weeks and said I can quit then. He was a little concerned about the swelling under my right breast and sent us to see my plastic surgeon. He was not in the office today but the nurse understood my problem. I was scheduled to see him next Tuesday but she moved me up a week so he could look at this spot. So tomorrow, I get to go back downtown for another appointment. I guess this is better than waiting until next week. Hopefully, this doctor will have an idea on what we need to do. This doctor today was not happy about this spot, but his specialty is medicines. He suggested getting someone to look at it SOON. Hopefully, something can be figured out so this problem can be handled. More on this tomorrow I guess.
I love you all so much
Mark 1/7/08

Sunday, Jan 6 and moving along

Well, another week has flown by and I am still alive and well. My pain is still here but I did a lot to help out today. We started putting up Christmas lights and stuff from the front yard. I know better than to think I can get in the garage attic to put it up, but that is where is all goes.
I have a visit with my medicine doctor tomorrow morning. I had to have a blood test done last Thursday, but I am sure this will tell me I still have a long ways to go. My stomach still hurts and I will talk to this doctor tomorrow about it. I am sure that this is from the infection still inside me. My back is not hurting as much but it still hurts to bend over or lift anything with much weight to it. Stairs are still a challenge for me, too. Getting upstairs to my bedroom is still a work out for me. Getting up and down in a chair also still hurts. I did ride my bicycle around this morning. I went farther than I usually do because I want to get better and this is the only way this will work for me. My insurance stopped paying for my rehab appointments so I have to work myself somehow.
God is there for me when I need him! He has done more for me than I ever thought was possible. He will help you too if you ask Him for help.
I love you all so much,
Mark 1/6/08

Jan 2 and all is OK

Well, the new year is upon us and things are going well. I am still in pain, but am moving along in the right direction, I hope. I had to pull down Christmas lights today. The bottom floor was a real chore, but the second floor was MUCH MORE difficult. I can not get on the roof to get them, so a fishing pole with a hook on it did a lot to help. I also rolled up some extension cords and put up the ice chests from the wedding. This was quite difficult, too. When I originally decided where these would be stored, I never thought I would be in this shape! The biggest one was quite a chore for me to get it where it needed to be. I am doing much better today that I was a week ago, so these items where difficult, but possible. Mark next door helped me out by putting the ladder up for me. I carried it out for the lights thinking I could use it, but this turned out to just be a dream. I thought if I could get on the roof, the top lights would be easy. My mind does not think things through like it used to!
Betty went back to work today. She is pretty sick from this cold she has picked up but as much as they did for her when I was down, she went in. She ended up leaving a little early because of this cold. They were very helpful to her on time because of my condition. They understood what she was going through and felt it best for her to be with me when she could. People like this have a lot of concern for others! I met her boss right after I got out and he is one of those special people. I guess we are very lucky people to have the bosses we have over us.
All is well and moving along for now. I still have a long ways to go, but will only get there with effort and time. I have to push myself without over doing anything. Life is a great thing that God has helped be here for. He can help you, too. Don't be afraid to talk to Him. He will help you solve these problems!
Mark 1/2/08

Jan 1, 2008 and all is goiing to be good

The year year is upon us and we have to make it work for us. I am still in a lot of pain, but my goal for this year is to get better. I will really have to work myself back to where I need to be. This is not a resolution for me, but more of a goal I need to achieve. The only thing I can do is work towards it. The only thing is I can't rush it. Work is just around the corner for me and I have to be ready by then. My list of things to do will get done when I feel good enough to take them on! One step at a time. God has helped me get this attitude towards my recovery. I have too many good things in my life to look anywhere else. This new year will be much better than this last one!
The wedding is behind us and we have to move forward with our lives and goals for this new year. Things will slow down for my wonderful wife now. She did so much between me and this special time for my wonderful daughter and son-in-law.
It was good to see everyone that made it to the wedding and missed those people that couldn't make it. That is how life is sometimes! God has a way of knowing what is best for each of us. Make this new year an exciting time in our life and let's all move forward to a better time.
Let God help you find what is best for you. He is a great help to you if you talk to Him. May He help you anywhere you need Him.
Love to all,
Mark 1/1/08