Mark's Information Page

Mark's goal!

2010-04-27T09:32:00.001-06:00

Mark had a goal to do a 5K. He was telling his Physical Therepist and he told Mark about a MS 5K and he was going to be doing. So we signed up the whole family.

Will(Mark's PT) and his family.

The kids had a great time riding the scooters and running.

Mark was amazing he didn't even stop at the rest point. Just keep walking.

He made it. He did say that he didn't want to do it again, not for a while. But we can now check that goal off! Way to Go Mark!

Mark is doing amazing!

2010-01-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Mark is doing amazing! I have been meaning to fill you in on things. We are blessing Gabe this weekend so it's kind of crazy around here. Mark is now walking with braces on his feet that make it easier for him to walk with a cane. He is such a hard worker and is improving everyday just a little. Please tell everyone thank you for all of their support! We have been so blessed!

-Joann Spencer
(Marks Wife)

Mark coming home to stay!

2009-12-01T09:03:00.002-07:00

We are planning on Mark coming home on Dec. 11th. We are so excited to have a date! It will be great to have him home.
- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Mark got to come home for a short visit.

2009-11-24T08:00:00.003-07:00

Mark got to come to our house for a short visit yesterday! We are trying to get the house ready for him to come home. Bathroom, bedroom, ect.. They say the middle of Dec. but I hope that it's earlier! Mark said that he really enjoyed coming home. What a great day!
- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Thank you!

2009-11-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all those who came last night to the Luau! We had a great turnout & loved seeing everyone! Mark wanted to know all about it when Ralph and I were with him today. Thanks to Pacific Sound Productions for the wonderful food & entertainment. They made it so fun featuring dancing from each of the islands.

- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mom)

Charity Luau for Mark

2009-11-11T09:45:00.016-07:00

Thanks to all that are putting this together for us. You are amazing! We have a Place!!!!!!!!Hawaiian Culture Center - 741 Smelter St, Midvale, http://www.hawaiianculturalcenter.org/ 5-8pm See you there!

Mark is walking!

2009-11-05T20:30:00.003-07:00

Mark is walking! Of course he had a lot of help, but he's on his way!!!! - Joann Spencer (Mark's Wife)

Hooray for Mark!

2009-11-03T17:00:00.001-07:00

Hooray for Mark! His therapist returned after 6 days of being away, couldn't believe Mark's progress. He took him down to the gym and Mark stood up 3 different Xs with his help of course. Tomorrow going to work on taking a few steps! It has been two months ago tomorrow that Mark entered the hospital for first time! Do we ever feel blessed!

-Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Happy Halloween and Update on Mark!

2009-10-31T09:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Halloween and Update on Mark! It's been another week of progress for Mark. He enjoyed his kids and Zoey coming to visit in their costumes. Mark is getting more movement in the trunk of his body, starting to be able to sit up on his own, able to get in a wheelchair 3 Xs a day, & watching more movies. He is ope...n to having visitors! Can't wait to have him come home but have no idea when that will be!

-Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Update on Mark!

2009-10-23T11:00:00.001-06:00

Update on Mark! The Pioneer Valley Hospital is great! Service is excellent, he needs anything & a nurse & CNA are right there! His kids are welcome anytime along with friends & family. His room is spacious! He sat up by himself for just a few minutes yesterday! He's dressed all the time now! He is working on being ...able to feed himself & move his arms more. We appreciate so much your interest & prayers!

- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Mark all dressed up!

2009-10-21T19:45:00.001-06:00

Mark is surprised!

2009-10-20T23:00:00.001-06:00

Mark is surprised! Physical Therapist wheels him down to the gym where his family and friends are waiting for him along with players. Sister Wakefield brought a boom box & we all sang the Cougar Fight Song and he was given shirt & poster. He had a great send off this morning by Bro. & Sis. Wakefield, Parker Mangum, Russell Tealavia & Fono Vakalahi came to visit! They brought a poster & a shirt and invited Mark to a Thursday Hero Day where he will be honored, see a practice and meet with all the players & coaches of the BYU Football Team! As soon as he is in a wheelchair & can make the trip! Great motivation!

-Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

New rule at the hospital

2009-10-18T21:15:00.001-06:00

With the new rule at the hospital that 14 years old and under can not come in and visit, we have had a very sad house. But this last Thursday we made plans to have them bring Mark outside so we could visit. It was kind of cold so they let us come in to a side room. It was great to have the whole family together for a little while. This is our families first picture together. We didn't have one taken before Mark got sick. (Gabe was only one week old.)

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Today was an awesome day!

2009-10-17T21:00:00.001-06:00

Today was an awesome day! I came in late because I was looking at rehab centers to send Mark to next week. But when I got there Mark said "Look what I did last night." So he slowly moved his arm up his body and touched his head. It was so amazing to see!!! He said that his nose was itching and there was no one to itch it for him. So he thought I'll just try. He said that he didn't even know if he scratched his nose he was just so pumped that he was able to move his arm so much! I know I say every little bit counts but today this was a pretty BIG one! Way to go Mark!!!!

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Good News!

2009-10-13T17:45:00.001-06:00

Good News! Mark was moved into Med Surgery @ UVSH today. Making amazing progress! Can now eat potatoes, gravy & Jamba Juice. Hopefully feeding tube will come out soon! Will leave that hospital first part of next week! Going to another rehab ctr! Has good movement in top half, weaning off meds, waiting for movement from knees down! Good recovery so far for G.B. patient. Staff credits his support group!

-Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

It's been a busy week!

2009-10-10T20:00:00.002-06:00

It's been a busy week! Update on Mark! He is having an amazing recovery! Still flat on his back but more movement every day! Wed. had his trach removed and can breathe on his own! He can eat pureed food, such things as sandwiches, meat, vegtables & fruits! Sooner he does that feed tube will be gone! Outgrown his acute rehab ctr, looking for new place! Thanks for your prayers!

- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Today was a good day!

2009-10-07T20:00:00.002-06:00

Today was a good day! Mark said that his meds were working better. Mark was able to twist his wrist back and forth yesterday. Go Mark! The Dr. came in right before I left and said that Mark was doing so well with his breathing that they were going to take the trach out tonight. Which is a big thing! Because they pulled... me aside and said earlier that Mark just needed to get off the trach and be able to handle 3 hrs. of therapy a day and then he will need to be moved to a different rehab center. So they gave me names of places to check out. So now that he is off the trach, he’ll just need to work up to the 3 hrs. Which I would say he is about 2 hrs and 15 mins right now. Things are moving along. Thank you for all of your support. We really couldn’t do this without you. You guys are amazing!

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

2009-10-07T08:45:00.001-06:00

I'm not saying that you shouldn't get the swine flu vaccine. But Guillain Barre is a side effect. If you do get the vaccine please keep in mind what to look for. The sooner you get to the hospital the better.http://healthtools.aarp.org/adamcontent/guillain-barre-syndrome?CMP=KNC-360i-GOOGLE-HEA&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=guillain_barre_syndrome http://healthtools.aarp.org/adamcontent/guillain-barre-syndrome?CMP=KNC-360i-GOOGLE-HEA&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=guillain_barre_syndrome Read More

AARP - Guillain-Barre syndrome
Source: healthtools.aarp.org
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious disorder that occurs when the body's defense (immune) system mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system. This leads to nerve inflammation that causes muscle weakness, which continues to get worse.

Mark had another bad day yesterday.

2009-10-02T08:45:00.001-06:00

Mark had another bad day yesterday. It was because they changed his meds. So hopefully they have fixed it all and today will be a better day. Yesterday they talked about getting Mark into the shower this morning. I hope all works out and that he can feel refreshed and new after a shower. One month without a real shower would be hard. Thank you guys for your thoughts I have been reading them to Mark and it really does help.

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Every little bit counts!

2009-09-29T16:55:00.001-06:00

The past two days they have taken Mark down stairs to do his therapy in the gym. Afterwards he sleeps the rest of the day because it wears him out. He seems to be improving everyday. On Sunday he was able to move his finger more than I have seen in the past. Every little bit counts!
- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Mark is doing well!

2009-09-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

Mark is doing well! Speech therapist says when they let down cuff Mark's voice is strong, a person who has been on a trach voice is weak! Therapists are aggressive. He would rather sleep and we were told that he would feel like throwing some punches because of what they make him do! Resp therapist was on same mission with Mark and they worked together. When Mark was an AP he was a zone leader.

- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Ruff day.

2009-09-25T21:30:00.001-06:00

Ruff day. Mark has been in a lot of pain. He said if 1 was no pain and 10 was a lot of pain he was a 20. I wish there was something I could do to take away the pain that he is going through. I guess all any of us can do is pray for him and have faith that the Lord will hear our prayers and will comfort Mark in a way we cannot.

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Mark had a big day today!

2009-09-23T22:15:00.002-06:00

Mark had a big day today! The therapist blocked his trach so Joann was able to hear him speak! If you're interesting go to Joann Scarlet Spencer to see the video or go under Mark Spencer Prayer Circle! We are so thankful for how he is coming around!

- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Special treat.

2009-09-23T20:30:00.002-06:00

Today we had a special treat. The nurses let Marks cluff down so he could talk. It was so great to be able to hear him. - Joann Spencer (Mark's Wife)

Mark had a better day today.

2009-09-21T22:30:00.001-06:00

Mark had a better day today. He was able to get a new trach, which he will soon be able to eat. We'll all be grateful for him to talk a lot more. Thank you for all of your prayers and thought. I'll be reading your comments to him tomorrow. He loves to hear from you all. It brightens his day!

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Mark was transfered to a rehab center on Sat.

2009-09-20T21:20:00.001-06:00

Mark was transferred to a rehab center on Sat. He was very excited to get out of the ICU. The weekends are pretty quiet there so Monday will be a big day to see what it will really be like in his new home. Lately he has been able to move his arms and legs a little more then he has in the past. Every little bit counts!

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Never mind.

2009-09-17T19:51:00.001-06:00

Never mind. Mark was having trouble with his breathing yesterday, then last night he had a temp. of 102. He slept most of the day today. We have to have him healthy before we can move him. Which I don't know when that will be. Thank you guys for all of your love and support. Mark loves it when I read him your comments.... I still don't think he really knows how many people are cheering him on and praying for his good health.

-Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Mark had a setback yesterday

2009-09-17T15:08:00.001-06:00

Update on Mark! Mark had a setback yesterday just when we thought he could be moved to a Rehab Ctr. He had difficulty breathing yesterday morning, placed on oxygen, last night had a fever of 102 and placed on ice packs! Being treated for mild pneumonia! We had such hopes of getting out of ICU but it doesn't look like it will happen for a few more days!
- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

We are planning on moving Mark tomorrow to the rehab center.

2009-09-16T19:13:00.001-06:00

We are planning on moving Mark tomorrow to the rehab center. I hope that this will change it up a little for him. Being in the same room for almost two weeks can get old I would think. He slept a lot today, but that good. I keep hearing of all the people that know and don't know us, praying and fasting in our behalf. ...Thank you. We feel that we have been so blessed. Thanks Jennifer for the quote. I'll have to put it up by my other saying on my bathroom mirror. Here is my thought for the day. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

We are excited about his new home at Utah Valley Specialty Hospital!

2009-09-16T09:40:00.001-06:00

We are excited about his new home at Utah Valley Specialty Hospital! They have a record of getting trach patients back on their feet faster than anywhere else! You can google this hospital to see how beautiful this hospital is, bran new! Joann and Gabe will be very comfortable in his new room! He misses his kids & they will be able to come visit as well!
- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Mark is ready to bust the walls of ICU at Jordan Valley!

2009-09-16T09:30:00.001-06:00

Mark is ready to bust the walls of ICU at Jordan Valley! Hopefully will be transported to Utah Valley Specialty Hospital in Orem. Told Joann yesterday to get him out of his bed! Wanted to sit in the recliner in his room! Also, said "Take me home, I can breathe on my own!" Also, made same request of his bishopric when they came to visit!
-Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Mark had a good day today.

2009-09-13T22:00:00.001-06:00

Mark had a good day today. He was able to take a couple of good naps. They had him practice breathing on his own with a mask over his trach. Which was scary for me to watch. But his oxygen was good and how many times he breathed in a minute. But after about 15 minutes he said that he wanted to be done and go back onto ...the machine. He said that it hurt his chest and he felt like he couldn’t take a deep breathe. He asked if he could be sat up for a short time. Which he seemed to enjoy. So I’d say today was a good day! I love that guy and just want him to get better so he can come home!
- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Quote

2009-09-13T20:06:00.001-06:00

This quote has really helped me keep my mind clear on what I should be focus on. "Some thing's I can not predicted or control, but I can become what I need to be." Cecil O. Samuelson BYU Devotional: September 08, 2009
- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Mark has had some ruff days.

2009-09-12T07:55:00.001-06:00

Mark has had some ruff days. Please pray for his spirits to be lifted. I can't image how hard it would be to be in bed for a week and a half, be in pain, not be able to really tell people what you're feeling, how they can help you or to stop because there are not helping you. I think he is to the point he wants to be... done. I know he will come to this point many more times while he is getting better.But it's still hard to watch and know that he has to figure it out by himself. And all we really can do is pray and be there for him. So many people that have visited him have said, and I have felt the same way too, I wish I had some special way to make him all better or make it not hurt anymore. To bad it doesn't work that way. So right now if you want to help our family and Mark out, please pray for him to be able to keep that fighting spirit that we all know he has! Thank you for all of you support! We feel so loved and blessed to have all of you in our lives!

- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

Mark seems to progress a little each day.

2009-09-10T17:50:00.001-06:00

Mark seems to progress a little each day. He has very loving visitors. ICU has said he is their poster child! He was taken off the breathing machine for a few seconds today, but has respitory weakness, so had to be hooked right back up. His spirits are low today. He is doing good at conversing with us through the alphabet. He will be going to reahb next week.

-Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Luke's Birthday

2009-09-09T21:42:00.000-06:00

It is Luke's b-day today, at the hospital I told Mark about our morning of give Luke breakfast in bed. About the presents that we gave him. Then Mark told me ( now when I say that he told me it means that we spend 10 minutes play 50 questions to know what he wanted to say) that he had a present for Luke. So then he told ...me that is was in the hospital room. Someone had helped him get a stuffed animal for Luke. And if you know Luke he LOVES stuffed animals! So whoever you are? THANK YOU! Mark was going to get a feeding tube put into his stomach today. But when they went to do it there was still some food in his stomach, so they will do that tomorrow. When the physical therapists came by, Mark showed off by moving his chest and stomach area. Which was very exciting. Later I asked him to do it again and he said no because it hurt to do it. Later in the day they came by and did some test on his nerve ending. It was a good day. I hope that they just keep getting better!

- Joann Spencer

(Marks Wife)

Last night we were able to go visit Mark

2009-09-09T11:00:00.000-06:00

Last night we were able to go visit Mark again! He looked so much better! He was opening his eyes, and trying to talk to us! Joann taught him some signs to use when he wants something, and that helped a ton. He had a lot of friends visit yesterday, and he said he liked that! It was so nice to see him be a little m...ore "with" it, and to be able to talk to him, and have him respond. They say it's supposed to get worse before it gets better, but yesterday was the best I've seen him...hopefully that's a trend that will keep on going!! He seems a TON more comfortable with the trach instead of the tube in his mouth. We were able to understand a few words he said, and we were so excited to hear him ask for things!! He seems very anxious to get out of ICU so he can see the kids...we got a big nod YES when we asked him that! It was a good night!
Jennifer Spencer
(Marks Sister in law)

I had a great time at the hospital today.

2009-09-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

I had a great time at the hospital today. Mark is so much happier with the breathing tube not in his mouth. So while I was there, he was a wake and wanted me to wash his face, move his arms and legs, give him water, ..... It was so fun to see him moving a little ,asking for stuff and wanting to not just sleep. So I would say that today in my book was a great day!
- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)

ICU

2009-09-06T20:45:00.002-06:00

After the reception we came to the hospital where Mark had just been admitted seriously ill. I am here in his room in ICU & can't believe my wonderful strong son lies so still with a ventilator on him. He is a fighter & will conquer this disease! Not sure exactly why this had to happen but know it will bring our family closer together than ever! Thanks to all of you who are offering prayers for him!
- Martha Spencer
(Mark's Mother)

Tuesday night Mark began to feel under the weather

2009-09-06T20:30:00.001-06:00

Tuesday night Mark began to feel under the weather. So he went home and took ibuprofen and took a few showers to relax his muscles. Thinking that perhaps he might have the Bird Flu. The next day he didn't even go to work. Which is a big deal because in the past when he's been sick he might vomit but he takes off and goes to work and works a full day. He never lets anything slow him down. But he was in and out of bed up until Friday night until he went to the hospital. He has been diagnosed with Guillian-Barre' and is bed ridden his whole body is in a state of paralyzation from his neck down. He will regain strength and will survive but will be under the care of physician, therapists and doctors for up to a period of 6 months. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
- Chris Spencer
(Mark's Brother)

Mark is at the hospital

2009-09-06T00:00:00.001-06:00

Mark is at the hospital and is being treated for Guillain-barre. He is in ICU right now, on a breathing tube. Please keep him in you prayers. When it rains it pours. But then there will be flowers! Right!!!!
- Joann Spencer
(Mark's Wife)