Prayers needed please - Mark Brewer

**comp orange** · 11-11-2009, 12:32 AM

i hope it works out for you ,you are in my prayers.

**CobraII** · 11-11-2009, 01:46 PM

This morning's update:

I keep changing the time zone, but somehow it's coming up Mountain or Central time zone. So hopefully it will stay Eastern if not, oh well.

Sorry I did not update last night. Reality is setting in now and setting in hard. Yesterday was a visit to Dr. Muna's for pre-op testing. Stress test is scheduled for Thursday morning and on Friday morning is the visit at the Hillman Cancer Center. I received a call from the center to confirm our appointment and to explain what our agenda is for tomorrow. That voice on the other end of the phone was very calming. I know Mark is in the very best hands! Hands of healing! Dr. Muna sat with us for a good while yesterday to answer any questions and just to listen to us. I think she's more worried about me!! LOL Long story!! It is nice to sit with your doctor who knows you so well!! That seems to be the theme here, too many people know me so well!! She re-assured Mark that she will be with us every step of the way and whatever he needs, he will get! We have her cell phone number! Like I said before, she's more than just our doctor!!
Mark had a so-so day and a comfortable night. We talked alot last night and now I understand why he is pushing himself. It takes his mind off of everything! So, I will let him do what he needs to do even if the tears fall! Mark really wants to go to Mason-Dixon this weekend for the big footbrake 2-day race. But, one day at a time. It all depends how he feels. I'm praying that he will get the chance to go!! Racing makes him smile!! I told him that I would tow him down and do all the driving, but he looked at me funny! Now, why would he do that??? LOL

I guess it's the waiting and more testing that is trying on the both of us, but one day at a time! The day of surgery I know family and friends will be with us both. I did make reservations with the Family House right across the street from Shadyside to stay there with him till he comes home. Our kids, Sonya and I will be staying there the night of surgery. And, sharing Thanksgiving dinner together with all the family! We do have a lot to be thankful for! Each and everyone of you!!!

Now, Uncle Paul, that flea bitten hotel was lots of fun and you know it! Who was the one who had an upset belly that night? LOL Remember when my car caught fire at Maple Grove? You know we love you more! You're family, always have and always will!! You do know me don't you? You also know that I will take good care of your friend! Can't wait to see you! Love you!

Thank you, and go and have some ice-cream today. It always makes you smile!!

Always, "Thinking of Nikki"......

**05mineralgt** · 11-12-2009, 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by frankstang

I've met Mark numerous times in his pit area at PRP. As nice a guy as you would ever want to meet. He builds and maintains my friends race engine every year, (Brian Berg...Yellow Pinto ).

I'll surely keep him in my prayers.

did he buy that pinto a few years back off of mark?
my cousin bobby pardus had a yellow pinto with a blown 302 and it ran like mid to high 8's

**05mineralgt** · 11-12-2009, 12:10 AM

not very religious either but for this man and what he did for my cousin... get well mark.

**BADASSPONY** · 11-12-2009, 12:24 AM

He will be in our thoughts and prayers!!

**CobraII** · 11-12-2009, 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by police4.6

did he buy that pinto a few years back off of mark?
my cousin bobby pardus had a yellow pinto with a blown 302 and it ran like mid to high 8's

I'm about positive Brian is running Bobby's Pinto.

**05mineralgt** · 11-12-2009, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by CobraII

I'm about positive Brian is running Bobby's Pinto.

wow... you gotta talk to this guy.. i havent seen the car in forever and it would mean a lot to me if i could just come see it...

**2005mach1** · 11-12-2009, 10:30 AM

ive known mark for close to 7 years now, this news is tragic. my father has known both mark and bobby pardus for ages. this is just a sad thing to read about.

**CobraII** · 11-12-2009, 10:30 AM

Chances are Brian will be at PRP this Saturday.

Here are pics of it when Dave Dominick lengthened the front end, on the link:

http://www.dominickracing.com/photos...p?page=7&fid=1

http://www.dominickracing.com/photos...p?page=9&fid=1

http://www.dominickracing.com/photos...?page=22&fid=1

**05mineralgt** · 11-12-2009, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by CobraII

Chances are Brian will be at PRP this Saturday.

Here are pics of it when Dave Dominick lengthened the front end, on the link:

http://www.dominickracing.com/photos...p?page=7&fid=1

http://www.dominickracing.com/photos...p?page=9&fid=1

http://www.dominickracing.com/photos...?page=22&fid=1

thats it. i am about 99.9% sure.

**CobraII** · 11-13-2009, 10:01 AM

Last night's update:

Today was the last day of pre-op testing, we are praying! Mark had his stress test. It took about 31/2 hours and he did get on that treadmill! Good for you! The doctor asked him if he wanted to try the treadmill first and Mark said, "I can do it". Of couse they watched him closely. As I said before, there are risks with his surgery due to where the tumor is at. One of the risk is that Mark may loose his nerve that makes you walk. If he looses that nerve he will have to walk with a brace on his right leg. But he tackled that treadmill like a true champion!

Tomorrow we go to the Hillman Center to meet with Dr. Tawbi and go over the next step and next plan. I carry our blue folder with us for doctors appointment and all the tests. This way everything is in one place and we are well prepared. Mark always makes a little remark to make sure our homework is done!! So, hopefully all the testing is done and now we wait for the 25th.

Even though Mark had his stress test, his pain wasn't too bad today, in fact he smiled alot. We want everyone to smile!

I want to send special prayers for all those on a roller coaster! I want them to know that they are never alone!

Bob, Mark says, "Thank you for helping yesterday. Thank you for being honest. It brought back good memories and more memories to come." Thank you Bob from me! Give Karen a big hug for me!

Mark is over-whelmed by the messages and kind words. Sometimes he sits in silence. After all, he is the "shy" one in the family!! Brianna, he'll be waiting for that dance at your wedding!

**Christine57** · 11-14-2009, 11:09 PM

I personally would like to "Thank" everyone for their prayers and kind words. Mark is in the fight of his life and I will be right there beside him every step of the way! We have a lot of racing to do in our Mustangs! Mark bleeds Ford blue!!

And yes 4.6, Brian is the new owner of Bobby's Pinto. We miss Bobby!!

**frankstang** · 11-15-2009, 08:11 AM

Yes 4.6, that is the same car. Here is a video I took of it at PRP 2 seasons ago. I haven't seen Brian or the car for a while, but Brian introduced me to Mark as they pit together.

If you want to see the car, Brian rarely misses a race at PRP.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saX25ZLJkTM&feature=PlayList&p=9D9577A04A0 F7E06&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=50"]YouTube- Ford Pinto Drag Race 1[/ame]

**CobraII** · 11-16-2009, 11:03 AM

Last night's update. Everyone keep thinking those positive thoughts!

Friday was the visit at Hillman with Dr. Tawbi. First, let me say that Hillman Cancer Center and all the people that work there were nothing but nice to Mark and I. So after we filled out more papers and answered more questions, we went in to see Dr. Tawbi. After Dr. Tawbi finished his exam, the "big" conversation started. The conversation lasted close to 2 hours. Mark's cancer is an aggressive cancer and that is the way Dr. Tawbi is going to treat it with aggressive chemo. He would have liked to start the chemo first before surgery, but there isn't enough time. Dr. Tawbi would have liked at least 2 months. So the plan is to start chemo 3 to 4 weeks after surgery and radiation treatments. Mark will have a treatment at Hillman then be admitted to Shadyside for 3 or 4 days for each treatment. Then he will come home for 3 weeks and go back. This will take 12 weeks. This chemo is the most aggressive and a very high dose. I am not going to talk about odds, percentages or guarantees. Our glass is always 1/2 full!
I will keep updating as much as I can. I have some things to do here at home to get our downstairs bedroom ready for Mark. Things that need tended to at work as well. We are keeping our business open. I will tend to it till Mark is able to be at work. I will keep it going after all he kept it going for 22 years. I will do whatever is necessary to get Mark through this.
We can't say "Thank you" enough to everyone, family & friends! Just keep praying for Mark.
I have to go now, Good Night!

Always, "Thinking of Nikki".......

**05mineralgt** · 11-16-2009, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by CobraII

Things that need tended to at work as well. We are keeping our business open. I will tend to it till Mark is able to be at work. I will keep it going after all he kept it going for 22 years.
I have to go now, Good Night!

Always, "Thinking of Nikki".......

if you need any help at the shop, even just cleaning up at the end of the night or anything let me know. you guys were there for bobby, i wanna return the favor. if there is anything i can do...

**CobraII** · 11-21-2009, 01:41 AM

Christine's latest update:

Sorry I haven't updated till now, but this week was busy at work and bad days and good days. I tried several times, but couldn't find the words. Even though Mark had more bad days, I will tell about the good days!
Mark and I and our kids, Jerry, Joey, Luke, & Markie are truly blessed with both of our families and our wonderful friends. He is truly overwhelmed with the love and support that he has received. Thank you so much!!
Mark kept his promise and finished both motors. The last one was fired up tonight and he test drove it and she sounds so good. I want to thank Dave Dominick for taking time away from his business to help get both of them in. I especially want to thank Mike Egan, not only is he our employee, he is our friend and our course he is like one of our kids! Thanks Mike for all that you have done for us, for Mark! Thank you Bob Deniker for taking time away from your business to help Mark! Thank you Joe Zeoli, for helping when Mark was in the hospital! You know we love all.
Since Monday we have had friends & family visit at the shop and at home and it was a day for birthdays. My brother Arnie, my nephew Brandon and our girl Sonya! Happy Birthday! We took Sonya to dinner and shared laughs and tears, good tears! Tuesday two special people came to visit! Karen & Ashley! Now how did Karen know that is just what we needed! Thank you Karen for spending time with Mark, we love you both! Wednesday was the day that Mark had to stop taking his pain med due to the asprin that was in it. So even though we have something stronger to take, he wouldn't take it during the day because he didn't want to feel woozy and he had his motor to finish. So by the time we got home let's just say he was very uncomfortable. My brother Stan and his wife Donna came to visit and we received a gift that we will treasure. Thank you Karen, we will "Reach for the Stars"! When they left, Mark took his pain pill and about 1/2 hour later he was fast asleep on his chair and I didn't have the heart to wake him up, so I just sat there with him till he woke up from the pain and tucked him in bed.
Today was more visitors. Mark's childhood friend came today and he didn't know about Mark's illness. So I told him to sit down and explained what was going on. That was not easy. But Bob waited patiently to talk to his friend. As Mark talked to him tears fell and nothing else was said except a big hug and that is when I left. I left because Mark needed to let it all out and what better way to do it with a friend that you have known since you were 5 yrs old and grew up together! When he got home he asked how I got so smart, I told him, "I have the best teacher".
Today was the end of our work week and I wish it was the end of his journey. This weekend Mark will rest as much as he can due to a lot of swelling in his leg, but as we all know he won't. Monday was supposed to be our last day of work, but we are putting mufflers on a 69 Ford on Tuesday. So it will be 1/2 day. He couldn't say "no" he loves his Fords!
Mark continues to greet each day with a smile and even though things are starting to really set in he still stays positive and focused on his days activities. When we went for all the testing and doctors appointment Mark would wear his bracket final t-shirt. These t-shirts are special this year because on one of the sleeves is Nikki's bear sticker, "Thinking of Nikki". He knows we have a special Angel watching over him and giving him strength, and lots of smiles. Thank you Nikki! For those of you who do not know Nikki, please visit Nikki's care page, www.carepages.com, nikkideniker......
So as the 25th gets a little closer the roller coaster is getting faster. I have friends and family members that will stay with Mark after he comes home from the hospital to recover while I am at the shop. My bestest friend, Tammie (Mark's other girl) will spend time with him and I know she'll take good care of him. I did get him a Wii and all the stuff that comes with it including two steering wheels! So, don't tell him okay! He is also going to attempt to use the computer! Oh boy! This is going to be a big change for him since he can't sit still, but I know he will get through this! Mark has a great team and pray warriors behind him! Thank you!!!
Well, it's time for me to go now. Please pray for Mark! Love you all!!!!

Always, "Thinking of Nikki".........

**CobraII** · 11-24-2009, 10:08 AM

Surgery is tomorrow. Please keep Mark in your thoughts and prayers.

**CobraII** · 11-25-2009, 06:12 PM

Surgery started right on time at 8:00. At 1:00, the docs discovered the tumor was larger than expected. 3.46. Out of surgery. Tumor was removed and Dr said they got it all, and in 1 piece. Also surrounding tissue was removed. Sounds like it is "mission accomplished" on this day. Important first step.