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CHARLES AND LAWRENCE MARKS

[MarksTwins]
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MarksTwins

July 2010
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2007 UPDATE FROM LAWRENCE

Apr 18, 2007 05:38pm (EST)

To my family and friends,

Since I am sure you are tired of hearing from my parents, I decided it was time for me to give the update. After being on my back for nearly 2 weeks, I was rolled over onto my tummy today (see picture). I liked it so much that my oxygen was turned down from 100% to 40%.

I've noticed that a lot of people stand around my bed and talk about me. I don't understand what they are saying but I sure do feel important and loved.

Also, mommy brought me a new music CD this morning - out with Mozart and in with my lullabies. She also told me stories about daddy and read baby books to me. It was very relaxing so I slept most of the day.

Mommy and daddy told me that you all are praying for me. I think that is great. Please keep praying and sending mommy and daddy your thoughts - they really like reading them.

Love,
Lawrence


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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (24) | Permalink
APRIL 17, 2007 UPDATE FROM EMILY

Apr 17, 2007 09:17pm (EST)

Lawrence spent quality time with his mommy and daddy today. We held his hands, told him stories, and took plenty of pictures and video.

Lawrence continues to be in critical condition so we are enjoying every minute we have with him. We met with his doctors and the hospital chaplain today to discuss Lawrence's most recent head scan. The scan indicates that his prognosis has not improved. We are seeking a second opinion to verify the test results for our own peace of mind.

Please continue to pray for Lawrence. Also, please pray that Rick and I have the strength to make the right decision for Lawrence, even if it further breaks our hearts.

I cannot adequately express our gratitude for all of the acts of kindness, prayers and messages we have received from all of you. I apologize for not returning phone calls or emails. Updating this web site is all we can manage to do right now. Please know that you are helping Rick and me through the darkest of times, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Love,
Emily


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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (14) | Permalink
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 2007

Apr 17, 2007 02:38pm (EST)

I read my wife's last entry and it made me cry - wow, the power of the mother and newborn connection.

Today so far was relatively quiet. The results from the head scan shows that the left side ventrical is virtually full of blood due to the bleed. Such merely confirms the extent and severity of the left side grade 4 IVH bleed.

As another point of reference to Lawrence's size, I attached a photo with my wedding ring around his left arm.

Rick


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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (12) | Permalink
LAWRENCE UPDATE FROM EMILY

Apr 16, 2007 08:59pm (EST)

Lawrence and I got to make a lot of memories today. He opened his eyes quite a bit, and I got to change his diaper several times. I talked to him a lot about his family. I told him how his daddy and I met, how we got engaged, and how excited we were to find out we were having him and his brother Charles. I also told him that he had so many wonderful people thinking about him and praying for him.

I was getting ready to leave the hospital tonight and leaned in to tell Lawrence goodbye. When I did, he grabbed my finger and held on so tightly that I stayed a half hour longer. He has never held on that way before. Finally, I had to let go so the nurse could take care of a few things. Letting go of Lawrence's hand was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Right after he grabbed my finger, I took a picture. I think it is my favorite picture of us.

Thank you for all your prayers.
Love,
Emily


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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (25) | Permalink
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007

Apr 16, 2007 07:28pm (EST)

Got the call again this morning from Emily that Lawrence was not doing well. I went to the hospital around 10 am but thankfully, things had settled down and he was quiet the remainder of the day.

Another brain ultrasound scan was done this morning - we should have the results sometime tomorrow.

Lawrence's occupational therapist brought him a CD player and a "Mozart for Babies" CD to listen to. Emily said it was so relaxing that it put her to sleep. Emily remained bedside all day.

Thanks for all your comments - we read them all! In fact, the first thing Emily does when she comes home is read the many kind replies to this website (and emails).

Rick
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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (3) | Permalink
PHOTO

Apr 15, 2007 06:29pm (EST)

Here is Lawrence with his stuffed animal that the NICU made for him. Look closely and you will see Lawrence's footprints on the legs of the stuffed animal. Also, see the tiny blood pressure cuff on Lawrence's leg.


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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (18) | Permalink
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2007

Apr 15, 2007 04:24pm (EST)

Lawrence's condition has remained very stable today. He continues to be on 100% oxygen and is maintaining his blood-oxygen levels. He continues to receive antibotics, IV fluids, and blood products as needed.

Lawrence will have another ultrasound scan of his head on Monday to review his brain bleed to see if it has changed. We should know the results on Tuesday.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Rick
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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (3) | Permalink
DOCTOR'S PROGNOSIS

Apr 14, 2007 07:01pm (EST)

The neonatologist met with us this evening and estimated that Lawrence will not survive past another 48 - 72 hours. However, he acknowledged this is only from past experience and Lawrence could prove him wrong. Only time will tell.

Emily remains at Lawrence's bedside virtually all day while I come and go to handle issues at home and my office.

All I keep saying about the last 3 weeks is that it is too much.

Rick
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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (13) | Permalink
ANOTHER HARD DAY - APRIL 14, 2007

Apr 14, 2007 02:40pm (EST)

Emily went to the hospital this morning about 9 am while I stayed at home to do a few things. She called me around 11:30 am and said I needed to get to the hospital - things were not going well.

Lawrence was indeed struggling when I arrived at his bedside. The hospital called the chaplain and we called our families.

They worked on him for a while - doing basic maintenance. Also, his oxygen was turned up to the maximum (100%). He is relatively stable as I write this Saturday, 4:30 pm but obviously his oxygen cannot be turned up any higher if he struggles again to maintain his oxygen level.

All I can say is that this rollercoaster is too much.

Rick
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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (6) | Permalink
BAD DAY - 4/13/07

Apr 13, 2007 03:39pm (EST)

We received more bad news today (hard to believe it gets worse). The ultrasound shows a grade 3 brain bleed on the right side. The doctors believe it has been there but was difficult to see in the past. Also, the radiologist said that the grade 4 bleed on the left side is one of the worst he has seen (and he has been reading premature baby scans for years).

Hence, according to the neurologist, there is no real chance of a good outcome if Lawrence survives. With Lawrence's best interests in mind, Emily and I may face the most difficult decision of our lives.

Please keep your thoughts and prayers coming. If you choose not to register to post a comment here, please feel free to email us at home: alamarks@knology.net

Rick
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Posted by MarksTwins | Comments: (11) | Permalink
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