Mark Muench's Blog

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-15T18:31:00.003-05:00

The last time I posted on my blog was December 14th. Happy New Year to all. I continue to move forward in my recovery. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years. I have added some photos for you to view.

I am looking forward to visiting Florida in a couple of weeks to see my mother and take advantage of the sunshine. The Christmas holiday was a blur to me. As a matter of fact everything is a blur to me these days. Life goes on. Its been great having Brian and Chris home with us. Chris graduated from RIT. Brian finally finished his last course in accounting and got his degree from PSU. He has now taken over for me at Mosier and Muench. Chris continues to program for a local company and is doing well. We moved Andrew into an adult group home and he is doing well. Mary continues to take care of me and the family.

Thank for your prayers and I continue to improve daily. Best wishes and Happy New Year to all. Hopefully the Spring will be here soon.

Love,

Mark

Update 12/4/10

2010-12-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since I updated the blog. The family and I attended my father's funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. The funeral went very well and my father received full military honors. You can view photos from the funeral at: http://www.mattoxphotography.com/anc (Password: Muench).

Also recently I had a MRI and the results were pretty good. The swelling of the tumor went down significantly and the size of the tumor shrunk a little. The doctors were so excited to let me know about the results they called the morning of the follow up appointment. The results can be attributed to the XL-184 clinical trial that I am on.

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving and enjoyed the turkey. Our family went to my sisters house and had a great meal.

Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to fight the cancer.

Update 10/3/10

2010-10-03T12:55:00.001-04:00

Just an update on where I am in regards to my progress. The shingles are still with me but are not as painful as they were. I am doing ok. Right now I am lying down watching the Ryder Cup with my son Chris. Go USA! I will keep you updated on my progress over the next week.

Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Mark

Starting a New Treatment

2010-09-10T11:01:00.006-04:00

Mary taking me for a walk

I have been home now for 11 days making a slow recovery from shingles. My neck and face still have pain but it gets better everyday. I can’t wait for the pain to go away.

They did an MRI scan on Tuesday the 7^th, and we reviewed it with the doctors on Wednesday. The scan showed that the swelling has moved into the other part of my brain and the tumor has grown a little bit.

Chris and I walking through the neighborhood. Like my Sox?

We discussed the options and I am going to start a clinical trial at Strong, which should begin on September 20^th. It is called XL184. You can look it up on the web.

Just to look back over the past month. My father’s funeral at St. Ann’s was very well done. Everybody did a great job especially my brother and niece who gave nice and hilarious talks and captured Dad accurately. It was especially good seeing all of the people at church and at Bellevue CC. 105 people showed up. Thanks for showing up. It meant a lot to my Mom.

It’s nice to be home, I am trying to get out more although I have to use a walker and wheelchair to get around. Thanks to Chris for being my chauffer. He watches over me and makes sure I don’t fall down.

That’s its for now. I will keep you posted on my progress. Need to get back walking.

My View from hospital of:

University of Rochester "Nipple of Knowledge"

If its not one thing, its another thing

2010-09-03T11:56:00.003-04:00

Just in case you were wondering where I have been, the day after my fathers service at St. Anns, I was taken to the hospital with a case of the shingles. (The second coming of the chicken pox.)

I was hoping that it would not be serious, but it ended up being a lot more serious than expected. They put me on a mega dose of an antibiotic that reacted with my seizure medicine and caused my Kidneys to start to fail. They immediately took me off the antibiotic and I began to improve. The good news is that my shingles are starting to heal and I am thankful to be home after 9 days in the hospital. I came home on

Monday August 30^th. The bad news is even though the shingles are clearing up. My face and my neck are burning off; it is very painful. Please keep me in your prayers and I pray the burning effect of the shingles goes away soon. Thanks again for your continued support.

Mom & Dad ( ashes) arrived in Rochester last evening

2010-08-18T09:31:00.002-04:00

Mom & Dad arrived in Rochester last night. We are headed to St. Ann’s to plan the mass for Dad this coming Saturday @ 11: 00 am.

Below are the details for the mass at

St. Ann’s

4471 Onondaga Boulevard

Syracuse, NY‎ 13219

NORBERT W “ BUD “ MUENCH

CALLING HOUR 10-11AM @ CHURCH

FUNERAL MASS 11-12PM

RECEPTION IMMEDIATLEY FOLLOWING @

BELLEVUE COUNTRY CLUB

1901 Glenwood Avenue

Syracuse, NY‎ 13207

Gone Home ...

2010-08-02T22:40:00.001-04:00

Norbert W. Muench

12/4/1919 – 8/2/2010 (around 9 pm)

THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS READ BY HIS BEDSIDE AFTER DAD WENT HOME TO GOD. AT HIS BEDSIDE WERE MOM, BILL, ROBERTA (BOBBIE), RACHEL, ROLLIE & VICTORIA THE HOSPICE NURSE.

KATHY & DAN , MARK & MARY, BRIAN & CHRIS WERE TELE CONFERENCED IN.

AFTER THE READING – A HARMONICA PLAYER PLAYED TAPS.

*** Thank you to the Veterans Affairs Hospice & Pallative Care staff for being so kind to DAD & our family. God bless all of you !

I'm Free

by Anonymous

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee God wanted me now; He set me free

THE FINAL FLIGHT ......

2010-08-01T00:54:00.003-04:00

I have arrived home . I spent M-F with my Mom & brother moving Dad into the VA Hospice at Bay Pines – St. Petersburg , FL. Brian flew in with me on Monday &flew back to Fairport on Monday. Kathy flew home on Sunday. Her husband Dan had prostrate surgery on Wednesday 7/28 . Please keep Dan in your prayers.

My Dad planned it right. This is not the first time he has been at the VA, but it will be his last. His nurses & caregiver’s at the VA are wonderful. They are great at what they do !!! THANK YOU !!! They make DAD as comfortable as possible.

Thanks to my brother Bill & his family Bobbie, Rachel & Rollie for being with my Mom & Dad this week. I truly believe DAD would be proud of us at this moment. He taught us well & we all played our roles. I am PROUD to be a MUENCH !!!!

Anytime now DAD will take his final flight. You are the greatest DAD & PILOT I have ever known.

THANKS DAD FOR YOUR LOYALTY & NEVER ENDING LOVE FOR OUR FAMILY WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE HAD YOU IN OUR LIVES FOR SO MANY YEARS .

WE ALL LOVE YOU !

Love …. Mark.

PS: To see more photos click the Flickr Photostream at the top right hand corner of the page.

The Dash (Moments with My Father)

2010-07-25T17:25:00.007-04:00

It’s been 9 weeks since I have really written anything in my blog. It’s been a busy 9 weeks. Like I said before it’s a rollercoaster ride. The good news is, I am feeling stronger than ever, although I am still weak on my right side and don’t have a lot of stamina. I have mastered the motorized carts while shopping at Wegmans. Forward & Reverse !
I am continuing my Chemotherapy. My blood platelets continue to fluctuate so I am not on a regular schedule. Steroids are still part of the daily routine of meds. I have gained back the 30 lbs. I dropped. One day at a time!

My Dad is struggling with in an infection in his foot and congestive heart failure. Mary and I were down to visit Dad and Mom 2 weeks ago. Kathy has been down helping Mom out & " Little" Danny flew down to see grandpa. Bill arrived in Tampa on Saturday, & Chuck Marvin on Sunday. Brian and I are headed down tomorrow. Dad is an inspiration to all of us, he has fought hard over the years and he continues to do so.

I am not sure how many of you have read the poem THE DASH; its about what you do between your birth and your death with your life. I would like to share with you THE DASH as I know it between my father and myself -

October 23^rd 1955. SYRACUSE NY. 22 Beach Drive Darien, Ct. the Convent. Tennis Courts. Jerry LaRoque saved boys life ( mine ). Taking the train into NYC from Ct. The barber school in New York City. Walking the streets of NYC with Dad 2 blocks ahead. Governors’ Island. Subway. Maps. Hurricane Donna. YMCA walking home from Y when I was 6 years old. Grandpa and Grandma Muench & Grandpa and Grandma Marvin Sunday Evenings after going to Valley plaza Carrols. Herb Slotnick. Dewitt drive in - PHSYCO + many other movies at Dewitt drive in. Erie Blvd. 1^st flight with Dad from Weedsport N5127A. Family gatherings at Otisco Lake. Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s at Robineau Rd. Sunday visits to Grandpa and Grandma Marvin and Muench. Basket of wooden blocks at Grandma Muench’s. Colored TV. Wonderful World of Disney. Grandpa Muench’s licorice and Cigar boxes. Civil War. Poly and O’melia. Gertie. 108 Hilltop Rd. St. Anns. CYO basketball games. The Wall St. Journal. The daily shower at BCC. 6pm dinner followed by 9 holes at BCC. (With GG) Lemonade and Ice Cream. (10 cans for a dollar) Station wagon full of kids each with a dollar in their hand. Playing basketball at the Y downtown. Riding home through the hood. Washington DC. Marymount. Ertha Kitt. Climbing the Washington Monument. Reading the newspaper outside the white house. Gettysburg. MAME. St. Ann’s. Bishop Ludden. St. John Fisher College. 6/3/78.TRIPLETS 7/16/86 AB&C. Florida. Disney World. Universal Studios. JB Rudolph Inc. Salina Street. Kemper building. Maas Brothers. Dillards. Lake Seminole CC. Coke with no ice. NYAC. Berns Steakhouse. Taxes. Tennis at Fernwood Circle. Swimming at Fernwood circle. Station wagons. The Vista Cruiser station wagon. Barr Lewellyn Buick. Roog the Doog. Willy Wompers. Marcus Aurlies. GOLF. Touch and go practice Tampa, Clearwater area. Leaning the fuel out. COAST GUARD.

These are just a few of the events to fill in the dash of times between my father and myself. Anyone who knows my Dad would have a story or two to tell. He has taught me a great deal and wouldn’t be the man I am if it wasn’t for his example. Thanks Dad.

Please view the video of my father talking about his flying days in the Coast Guard.

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;

The cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left,

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what’s true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read

With your life’s actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

NEW UPDATE THIS WEEK !!!

2010-07-19T05:56:00.003-04:00

HEY EVERYONE ! SORRY IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME. I AM STILL HERE & GETTING STRONGER.

I AM ON REGULAR TREATMENT SCHEDULE.

THANKS AGAIN & AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS & SUPPORT.

I AM BEING KIDNAPPED TO FLY TO CHICAGO FOR A CUBS GAME TONIGHT. PHOTOS TO FOLLOW.

MARK

A Super Week!

2010-05-18T11:16:00.002-04:00

It has been a Super week ! Last Wednesday 5/12/10 I was honored at the 61^st Rochester Press-Radio Club dinner. I received the Christine Wagner-Welch Inspiration award. I had a blast ! The headliner for the dinner & winner of the Coca-Cola Sports Personality of the year award was DREW BREES. The best thing of all is that the dinner raised a bunch of $$$$ for local Charities !! One of which includes the Challenger baseball league which I am involved with.

There is a lot of history that goes with the Press Radio Club Dinner. Also check out

· http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickok_Belt

· http://www.hickoksports.com/history/hickbelt.shtml

· http://www.nndb.com/honors/155/000108828/

We are truly blessed in the Rochester area with generous companies & people. This is a GREAT city.

Thank you to the 300+ people that came out to support me last Wednesday evening. The event was sold out ( 1200 people). Thanks for the bidding on the auction items. Two golf rounds – one at Oakmont CC & the other at my home course Monroe Golf Club brought in over $ 10,000 !!!! As I told you in my previous blog I am blessed to have so many great friends & family to support me.

So how am I doing ? I am working with the oncologists to get a regular schedule for my chemo treatments. We are going in the right direction. The goal is to keep the tumor from growing or better yet get it to shrink. Over the past three weeks I have met some amazing people that have brain tumors. One is a 15 year survivor & the other is a 12 year survivor. What I have learned is that each person with cancer is unique in his/her own way. I have also learned there are so many different types of cancer it is mind boggling. Through research they are making tremendous progress at treating this horrible disease.

So the battle will continue. Thanks to all of you & my doctors. In the long run it is up to the good LORD what the outcome will be. I will continue to do my best everyday.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT & REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF & DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE LESS FORTUNATE.

Click on the play button below to view:

Roller Coaster Ride

2010-04-23T21:31:00.006-04:00

What a ride. It’s been a physical & emotional roller coaster over these past 3 weeks since Easter. By the way on Easter Sunday my great friend & neighbor from Hilltop Rd. in Syracuse Peter Waters flew myself, Mike Thornton, and my son Brian to opening day for MLB baseball. Red Sox vs. Yankees . It was a beautiful day & perfect day & evening for baseball. It was great game with the Red Sox coming from behind to win 9-7! I now have a favorite MLB baseball player – Dustin Pedroia. He gives 120% all of the time.

Thanks Peter & Janet for a great time !!! Fenway on opening day. Stephen Tyler ( God Bless America) & Neil Diamond ( Sweet Caroline). Unbelievable !

That was at the top of the roller coaster with the rush of going down the hill. Unfortunately, there was a low period when the Chemo was kicking my butt. Oh well that’s to be expected. My blood platelets do not like Temodar ( chemo ). They drop to real low levels. I am working with the doctors to come up with a plan so we can keep a better schedule.

I did have an MRI scan one week ago. Not to bad but that is why I need to keep a regular Chemo schedule. That will keep the stupid tumor in check.

Last week I did get out to walk a few holes & play some golf with Brian. Can’t play to well. That sucks. My stamina & swing are not to good. It’s very frustrating. It was good to get out on the golf course.

I have been getting to spend a lot of time with Christopher ( my Chauffer) he drives me to a lot of my doctors appointments. Unfortunately for Chris he has to listen to me “ backseat drive” telling him to change lanes & most of all “ make the light” ! For all my family members that sounds familiar. He is a great young adult.

Andrew picked up a cold so have not seen him much. A few times over the past week. I hope he gets over his virus soon.

Mary has been busy keeping the household running. She is amazing. She took off for Florida on Wednesday 4/21 with her brother Patrick ( his 3 kids) & sister Amy to my parents condo in Seminole FL for some R&R. I think they are having a blast !! The boys & Mary are at he TB Rays game tonight in St. Pete. I am sure they are having fun.

The highlight of the week for me was the St. John Fisher Scholarship golf tournament cocktail party at Oak Hill CC. I am Honorary Chairperson this year. It was great event & I got to see some people I have not seen in awhile. I am looking forward to the tournament on June 7th.

It has been a beautiful spring here in Rochester. Hope all of you are doing well & enjoying the weather. THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT & PRAYERS !!!

HAPPY EASTER!

2010-04-04T09:03:00.009-04:00

He has risen!!! We are saved!!

Thank You Jesus! Happy Easter everyone! I look forward to this day every year. It is most important since Jesus died so I may

live. Doesn’t make much sense does it.

Why would he do that for me? Back in 1976 I wore a wooden cross around my neck that I had picked up in Vanceburg KY while on a mission with Glenmary Missionaries. In the summer of 1976 while working for Vogel Van Lines one of the guys I was working with saw the cross on my neck & said “ Why do you wear that cross ? That guy died. Why do you want to wear something representing death ?”

I have never been quick with comebac

ks so I was kind of dumbfounded. I wish I could have come back with a quick “ HE DIED SO I MAY

LIVE!”

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad”

“The Lord is Risen, He is truly risen”

Spring has Sprung

2010-03-26T09:31:00.002-04:00

This is your 3 week update. I can't believe how time flies. I have finished round 2 of chemotherapy and will start round 3 sometime in the next 7-10 days.

These past 3 weeks have been a roller-coaster. Some days are better than others. Unfortunately my seizures returned a few weeks ago and have affected the right side of my body. They have increased my seizure medication and also started me back on steroids. I hope that it gets the seizures under control.

The good news is the snow has melted and spring is on its way. My goal is to be able to play some golf this summer. At this point I have a ways to go to be able to accomplish this goal.

For all of you Orange basketball fans last night was a major disappointment. Oh well.

Thanks again for all of your support and prayers. I will just take it day by day. Have a great day.

Breaking News ... USA adds another Gold Medal

2010-03-07T12:48:00.001-05:00

Mary Muench was awarded a GOLD MEDAL this past week. It was presented to her for her outstanding performance as a wife & mother !! I don’t know how she does it.

THANKS MARY FOR YOUR LOYALTY & NEVER ENDING LOVE FOR OUR FAMILY WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE YOU IN OUR LIVES.

For the love of the sport

2010-03-01T10:55:00.003-05:00

What a week!! I love the Winter Olympics. With no energy to speak of I watched a lot of the Winter Olympics & also the showdown between BIG EAST rivals Syracuse & Villanova.

Before getting into the sports I just want to let you know that round two of Chemotherapy has been completed!! It would not have happened if it wasn’t for my wife Mary & my friend Peter Waters. I did not want to “poison” my body anymore. I spoke with Mary & she suggested I call Peter. I did not want to bother him so I just went to bed . My cell phone rang 2 minutes later & who was it … it was Peter ! I did not answer the phone, I just wanted to be left alone. I waited a minute & said that is too weird. I called Peter right back. I told him I didn’t want to do it anymore. We spoke & he put a different perspective on things. Thanks to him I was able to take my medicine and I made it through the week.

How about the Orange! I had to DVR the game since I can’t stay up that late. Impressive. Hope they do well in the NCAA tournament.

The Olympics were unbelievable. What I love is that the athletes train for the love of the sport. Sure, some of the athletes get endorsements but they have to perform in order to get the endorsements. From a tragic beginning on Friday for the Georgian luger that was killed to the very end yesterday when the USA went to overtime with Canada in the hockey golf medal game the games were terrific.

I believe the most heroic performance to be that of Joannie Rochette in the women’s figure skating. I admire her determination and I believe that her mom skated with her during her bronze medal performance.

I hope everyone is enjoying the snowy winter. I am looking forward to Spring!

On my way back ... Thanks to all of you !

2010-02-18T10:00:00.004-05:00

Thank you ! Thank you ! Thank You ! Because of all your prayers I received a good report from my Oncologist yesterday. I had my MRI at 8 am & visited with the doctors at 12 noon to review it. Great news – the treatment is working ! The tumor has not grown & the swelling in my brain is normal.

Now it is on to round 2 of Chemo. Also my blood platelets have rebounded back to normal so my bone marrow is working properly.

Most of all I can’t thank all of you enough for the outpouring of love & support over the past 90 days. I have heard from people that I have not spoken with in over 30 years !! It has been so great to reconnect with grammar school friends ( St. Ann’s) & HS friends. Thank you so much for your cards & prayers.

On Monday a good friend ( JOE MADISON) stopped by to see me while driving back to Michigan. He is a good friend of my brother Bill. We all grew up together in Syracuse. Joe is a special guy & it was great to see him. On his way east to meet up with Peter Waters ( along with David Tobin & Peters cousin Mike Connor) they stopped by to vist our 4^thgrade teacher from St. Ann’s ( Sr. Jane Mary ). Anyway , Joe brought me some beautiful music & a prayer & some wisdom from Sr. Jane Mary. I can’t explain it, but what Joe brought me was what I needed at that moment. It is amazing how present God is in our lives though all of the people we interact with.

Another highlight of the week was a trip to Skaneateles to see the the NYS HS Girls Frozen Four & see the new addition to the family ( Nathaniel Orsen) son of Jennifer ( my niece) & Joe Orsen. It was great to make a road trip & even better to see everyone.

MAKE SURE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS THAT ARE ATTACHED TO THE BLOG. ( FLICKER)

I am blessed to have all of you around me. Thanks for being there for me.

-------- Mark Muench

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY ....

2010-02-07T09:16:00.002-05:00

Super Bowl Sunday … the memories of 43 years ago when the the Green Bay Packers won the first Super Bowl against the KC Chiefs. VINCE LOMBARDI !!!

We probably had a pre Super Bowl game in Waters backyard. We would have played in two feet of snow. It was a blast past playing football in Waters backyard. I grew up in the best neighborhood in America back in the 1960’s & ‘70s.

I was 11 years old & most likely watched the game at 108 Hilltop Rd. with my family. Mom probably went to Danzer’s on the North side to pick us up sandwiches !!! Those were the days.

Fast forward to today. We have had two weeks of Super Bowl hype. Lets see who wins today the Saints or the Colts. I am rooting for the Saints for obvious reasons ! Anyway , I will be watching the game later since it is likely I will be asleep for the night at 5:30 pm.

That kind of tells you what I have been feeling like for the past several weeks. The radiation & chemo finally caught up with me. Since January 12^th my energy level has decreased dramatically. They told me this could happen & it did. I basically am good in the morning & fade throughout the day. I have developed a condition which they call “ Diabetes Insipidus”. This can happen with brain tumors. Basically it effects the pituitary gland. I cannot quench my thirst & have signs of dehydration. The biggest thing is that it zaps all of my energy. The great news is that it is treatable.

In closing the good news is that I was able to get to Florida to visit my Mom & Dad for a few days. Thanks to my doctors who got me an IV for fluids the day before I left for Florida. I would not have made it to FL if I did not get that IV. It was great to get to FL & feel some warmth !! Mom & Dad are doing well. I was able to make it to my Dad’s exercise class ( I could barely keep up) & was able to play a game of Wii Bowling with my mom.

Now I am back in the beautiful cold & snowy weather of Rochester. It has been quite a winter. Thank God I have my family & friends to keep me me warm.

GO SAINTS !!!

Peace – Mark.

Time to make a comeback ...

2010-01-20T12:34:00.002-05:00

Ever heard the saying … Today is the first day of the rest of you life ? That is what today seems like for me. Yesterday was my last radiation treatment at the Wilmot Cancer Center. I would like to thank all of the Doctors, Nurses, Technicians & people that have helped me over the past 6 weeks. You all do an awesome job. Thank You !

The past 10 days have not been great. The cumulative effects of the Radiation & chemo certainly zaps the energy out of you body. I must admit I am glad round one is over.

I cannot say what the future may bring. The only thing I know is that I appreciate all of the love & prayers you have sent me since 11/8/09. So today starts the day to rebuild my body’s strength. One day at a time.

During the past year I saw the following at one of my customers … I thought I would share it with you.

“ BUILD A BETTER WORLD “

“ God said .. Build a better world and I replied .. This world is such a cold and dark place and is so complicated now. I am so young & useless there is nothing I can do .

But God in all his wisdom said … “ JUST BUILD A BETTER YOU .”

Challenger Baseball Video made for Mark Muench

2010-01-11T10:31:00.002-05:00

A New Decade Begins ...

2010-01-08T09:31:00.003-05:00

Greetings everyone ! It has been awhile. Welcome to the new decade. I can’t believe we have already gone through ten years since Y2K !! Remember the world was supposed to stop. Here we are 10 years later !

I am ending week 5 of my treatment today. Only 7 more radiation treatments after today !! I love all of my radiation technicians but I will be happy when its over.

Between the radiation & chemotherapy it has definitely worn me down. This week has not been pleasant. Not feeling to well. I just need to balance everything out & I believe I can make it down the homestretch thanks to my family & friends that support me.

It has been interesting watching the news & sporting events over the past few weeks. My only thought is that everything revolves around the media & money $$$$. That includes the President of the United States & Tiger Woods among many others.

I have come to the conclusion that all public figures are now ENTERTAINERS. That includes our government officials & sports athletes. The media claims to be the source where we would get the “ truth” . They are so caught up in their world they don’t even know how to report the truth or facts anymore. They are the true capitalists – all they care about is $$$$. I think we should all turn off our televisions & stop reading the newspapers & all just sit down & talk again. Its time we all visited Washington DC. ALL OF US . Lets all show up on the same day sometime this summer.

I could go on & on. All I can say is I wasn’t a proponent of blogs & some of the new technology, but at least you are hearing from me directly & know you are getting facts & comments from me directly. Thanks to my Son Chris & John Doyle who set up this “blog” back in November.

I apologize for not writing earlier but just was not feeling well.

Many people have asked “ Why can I not comment ?” Its not open to the entire public. You have to have a google account to comment. Then you can sign in to comment. For those of you that have my email you can send me an email.

Anyway I am glad the way Chris & John set it up.

Lastly, I want to thank EVERYONE for the cards & everything I have received over the past few months. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE THROUGH THIS “BLOG”.

Your love & support has been overwhelming. Love to all of you & hope everyone has a great 2010 & a fantastic second decade !!

A Winter Wonderland in Rochester NY

BELIEVE !!!!

2009-12-25T08:12:00.005-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!! I am sure happy to be celebrating another Christmas this year thanks to all of the great Doctors, Nurses, Technicians & people that work at Strong Hospital & The Wilmot Cancer Center. Not to forget my family & friends that pray for me everyday. Thank You.

As I have to told you Christmas is a special time & always has been for me. Probably because I love to get presents ! This year with the help again of Gayle & Doug Hitchcock & Leila Doll our home is decorated to the max !! Over the past 20 years I have constantly picked up Christmas decorations for the house. This years theme created by Mary, Gayle & Leila is BELIEVE !! I can’t think of a better theme.

With all that is going on in the world today it is easy to give up hope & not believe but that is what the world wants us to do. So I ask anyone who reads this blog to begin to BELIEVE again. Most importantly believe in a “HIGHER POWER” greater than yourself. With all that has taken place in my life so far I truly believe that GOD exists. No matter what your religion, there is a GOD & God’s presence can be in each & every one of us. That is a choice for each of us to make.

Anyway , BELIEVE in something because anything is possible.

My favorite news story of the year was about US Airways Flight 1549 piloted by Capt. ‘ Sully’ Sullenberger. You gotta believe after seeing that story ! Truly amazing. "The Miracle on the Hudson". Miracles do happen! I can’t imagine how the lives of everyone on that flight that day have been changed. Do you think people on Flight 1549 were praying ?

I will end with this. My friend Jim Mrva sent me a story the other day. I won’t share the whole story but I will share what the story said about “ prayer”.

THE POWER OF PRAYER

I believe God only gives three answers to prayers …

1. “YES!”

2. “ NOT YET.”

3. “ I HAVE SOMETHING BETTER IN MIND.”

All I know is the God hears all of our prayers & that whatever happens , it happens for the best. Sometimes its not the answer we want but its always the best answer. Just think about it & look at your own life.

Just remember you always gotta BELIEVE !

Update .. getting into the routine

2009-12-22T06:35:00.001-05:00

Just a quick update 3 days before Christmas. I started week three of treatments yesterday. Everything is going well. As much as I want everyone’s sympathy I couldn’t be better.

This past weekend we had Andrew’s group home Christmas party, the Foxboro neighborhood party ( thanks Linda & John), Hot Stove League Luncheon , Buffalo Sabres game Saturday night with Brian , Ray Miller & Alec Miller. ( went to a shootout & lost to PITT – bummer). Sunday mass at Assumption & home to watch football & goof around with the family. ( and take a nap).

Needless to say my life is pretty normal. Most of you know I like to be active.

I really don’t know what to say. I think people are beginning to think I might be faking.

Anyway I am doing well at taking my MEDS. ( yuk) I am so lucky to have Chemo capsules instead of being hooked up to an IV drip. Took my Chemo capsules at the start of period three of the Sabres game Saturday night. Washed them down with a LABATTS BLUE LIGHT !! ( JUST KIDDING). I also get the weekends off from radiation. That is sweet.

Other than I cannot drive, life is pretty normal.

Oh no – just noticed hair all over the computer keyboard. Maybe headed to baldness !! Maybe things are not so normal. Just want to live each day as best I can.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL OF THE CARDS!! I STILL HAVE NOT CAUGHT UP TO READING ALL OF THEM.

Make sure to finish that Christmas shopping but most important try not to stress out.

PEACE – Mark.

PS- GREAT NEWS !!! THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER – MORE SUNSHINE

BIZARRE - my word of the day,month & year

2009-12-15T05:34:00.003-05:00

BIZARRE – that is the word to describe what is happening day to day with me. I still can’t quite accept that I had/have a brain tumor. I had surgery 35 days ago but it doesn’t seem real. I feel fantastic, there is no way I could be sick.

One thing that I am thankful for is that I have the chance to still be here with my family & friends. Even though I have the dreaded disease called cancer, because of the care I have received I have the opportunity to be with all of you.

I have thought over the past 5 weeks how tragic & sad it is when someone leaves this world in an instant. Obviously, I have become more aware of my mortality since 11/8/09. I have heard stories from family & friends of people that have died suddenly over the past several weeks. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to deal with sudden death of a loved one. I am not a biblical expert by any means, but I do know that Jesus said “ that we do not know the time or the place…”. I can only think of how hard it is for the loved ones that are left behind. I guess that is where someone's faith plays a major role.

Over the past several weeks I have met so many wonderful people. People I would have never met if I was not ill. Its sounds “ BIZARRE” but I am glad I have had the opportunity to meet these people. Everyone of us is important to one another.

Only 10 more days until Christmas !! The light of the world is coming … the daylight will be longer everyday !!! Daylight gets longer after 12/21/09 !!! I always look forward to getting by the “shortest” day of the year & headed toward the longest day JUNE 21^st.

Last Friday after my 5^th radiation treatment I asked the technicians this question. “ Am I getting radiation when the flashing lights are going off ?” They answered “ What flashing lights.”

BIZARRE !!!

My Symptom story ( so I don't have to tell it anymore) ...

2009-12-10T07:21:00.003-05:00

OK .. I have to do this for myself, my family & inquiring minds that want to know. I am asked how did his happen ? When did it start ? Why did it happen ?

I have no idea, but here is my symptom story… ( kind of detailed)

In the spring of 2009 my good friend & neighbor ( Dan Shultz) planned a golf trip to Kiawah Island. I had been lucky enough to be invited. In 2008 I played with his group of friends & was invited into the annual LINZY Cup tournament that they held annually. I am not going into details, but these guys are a blast to play golf with !!! It’s competitive, but most of all FUN – they way golf out to be played.

Fast Forward to October 17^th 2009. I made the flight to Charleston, SC the morning of 10/17/09. The guys waited for me at the airport since I was supposed to fly in the evening before. I arrived on time ( thank God) & off we went to start playing golf at Kiawah. I need to mention that Dan plans the whole trip, all we do is show up. It’s wonderful.

We played 18 holes on Saturday, 36 holes on Sunday & the final 18 holes on Monday on the OCEAN COURSE !!!! Absolutely beautiful .. but a little chilly for 10/19.

My first symptom was on the fourth tee of the Ocean Course. I walked on the tee & said to my group … “ I don’t feel right. Something is wrong with me. I need to sit down. I feel light headed.” I found a seat on a “divot repair” box on the tee. My three playing partners teed off & I followed – that was the extent of my first real symptom.

Since being allowed to sneak away for three days of golf, when I returned to home the following Saturday my wife Mary snuck away to FL for a few days with her friend. That was October 24^th. On October 24^th I took a walk with my son Chris. While walking I again experienced this “ light headedness”. I had to sit down on the ground. If I didn’t I felt like I would fall over. Chris was worried & wanted to call an ambulance, but I said no .. 20 seconds later I was walking home with him. Chris demanded ( thank God) that I see a doctor. He proceeded to take me to Urgent Care about 1 mile from home.

Urgent Care is awesome. I waited 10 minutes, they took me in & checked me out ( ekg, & some neuro tests) . We determined it could have been a possible TIA ( mini stroke). Anyway, the doctor told Chris & I if it happened again to go to the ED department at a hospital.

Sure enough, that evening on the way to the Apple store ( to play with Apple computers) THE BEST computers in the world !!, as we pulled into the mall parking lot my symptoms appeared again. I stopped, put the car in park & said “ Chris, you need to drive me to the ED.” Chris did exactly what he needed to do.

We went to the ED department at Strong Hospital – they were great. Checked me out , did blood work, & I passed the tests. I was told to follow up with Neuro Out patient which I did on Monday 10/26. During my Neuro test the doc had me Hyper-Ventilate on a hunch – sure enough that brought on my symptoms so that is what we thought it was. I followed up with my Primary physician on 10/29. I passed all of the tests.

Well I went on with my daily life. On Monday 11/3 I flew with my good friend Harvey Taylor to visit my son ( Brian ) & his son ( Arthur) to play golf where Brian was finishing a six month internship. ( Woodmont CC in Rockville MD). We played 18 holes at Woodmont … absolutely beautiful. Brian even noticed that I was not hitting the ball & my right side seemed to be “ weak”. Brian is a great teacher of the game of golf & he noticed something. I just told him I was getting “old”. We had a blast playing golf with our friends Harv & Arthur that day.

Well, the next morning while at the BWI hotel I had another “attack”. Again it lasted maybe a minute or two. Let it happen & back to getting on with the day. I flew to TPA to meet with my Mom to finalize the big 90^th party for my DAD on 12/4/09. Everything went well, it was great to visit with Mom & Dad & I flew home.

We are almost there. On Sunday 11/8 I was at the kitchen table & guess what , another episode, except this time I had witnesses. I went on the kitchen floor & told my wife don’t worry it will go away. My friends who also witnessed this event & said “ call your doctor”. I did . The doc on call said go to the ED. I did.

Finally they did a CAT scan that afternoon on Sunday 12/8. That is when they found the tumor. That afternoon they did an MRI & confirmed what I had.

I was admitted that evening& on 12/11/09 Dr . Silberstein performed a Craniotomy to remove the tumor. He was very successful in surgery & now I am in treatment to zap whatever is left.

That is my story, so if anyone asks they will have to read this because I don’t want to tell it anymore. Its time to move on.

All I can say to all of you out there, is listen to your body & mind. If it is telling you something – CHECK IT OUT. If it wasn’t for my son Chris I probably would have done nothing. ( Male EGO).

I have said for years that you can have all the riches in the world, but if you don’t have your health the riches & everything else are meaningless. So basically, take care of yourself physically, mentally & most of all SPIRITUALLY because that is what counts.

You also gotta have some fun, playing golf, sailing, climbing mountains or whatever you like to do !!

The 2009 Linzy Cup Team!

The word of the day & month ... PATIENCE !

2009-12-07T08:25:00.002-05:00

Today is the day … Monday December 7^th 2009. Most of you know what happened 68 years ago .. the attack on Pearl Harbor & a war began. Dec 7^th 1941 – “ a day which will live in infamy.” I guess you could say my war against cancer begins today. I start my radiation & chemotherapy process today ! I can’t say I am excited about it, but it’s something that has to be done. I am a little anxious & scared, but, hopeful & optimistic that miracles happen. Miracles, have already happened in the last several weeks !

The word of the next 18 days is PATIENCE !! I say that because we are in the Advent season waiting for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Christmas time has always been a special time for me since I was a kid. ( ok – so I am still a kid !) Anyway, everyone gets wrapped up in the busyness of the season. What I hope for is that everyone can take a minute or two each day ( preferably 15 minutes) and meditate on the true meaning of Christmas. THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR. JESUS & WHAT THAT MEANS TO THE WORLD.

With our busy lives & all this new technology ( cell phones,emails,texting,facebook) it seems like we are always moving faster & faster. I know that is the way of the world but I think we begin to lose the meaning & spirit of our lives. Don’t get me wrong, all of this new technology is wonderful. It is a gift from up above. It’s amazing !! As I have told many of my health care providers over the past several weeks “ I don’t know how you do it, but I am glad you do.”

Over the past several months I began to lose patience with business, family & friends. I think it is just a sign of these stressful economic times. At times I think that “attitude” may have added to the condition I have today.

My word of advice is to be PATIENT with yourself & others during this Christmas season. Let this time be a Merry & Happy time, not a stressful time. I know its hard to do, but if you take a moment to stop & pray it will make the season more enjoyable than ever !!!

Let the games begin today … I will keep you posted on my treatment progress. Be PATIENT !! Say a prayer today that our world can find peace. The peace starts within each one of us.

PS – Just to let you know. This illness is harder on Mary & the kids than it is on me. Please keep them in your prayers also & please call in advance if you are going to visit us.

PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD !!

Time really does fly ...live in the present moment , it truly is a PRESENT!

2009-12-04T05:31:00.007-05:00

Has it really been 8 days since Thanksgiving ? Time goes by so fast. Is it like that for all of you ? Fast motion…time to slow down a little.

This week we made the trek to the National Institute of Health in Bethesda MD. Mary & I were accompanied by our good friends John & Lauren Doyle. It was great to have them with us. Just another adventure to log in our life book. ( We have had many adventures with John & Lauren). Better yet their Children Jack & Alexandra joined us for dinner. They both live in the DC area.

The best part of the trip was dinner !! John made a reservation at BLACKSALT FISH MARKET in the Georgetown area. DELICIOUS ! Better yet – an old friend ( not really old) showed up to say Hello ! –TERRY MCAULIFFE from Syracuse NY. It was great to see him. What I love about Terry is that he is a world renowned person but best of all he is still a down to earth SYRACUSAN. Terry is an energetic guy that has seized the opportunities that have been put in front of him. He is an amazing guy!

We enjoyed the conversation with Terry and the food was UNBELIEVABLE !! FOUR STARS **** for Blacksalt Fish Market. If you are ever in the DC area make sure to give it a try.

NIH checked the protocol for my treatment at Wilmot Cancer & gave it the “thumbs up”. The NIH is quite a facility. Thanks to my neice Jennifer I was able to speak with the "docs" & learn more about tmy condition. I found out that I am blessed to have such a wonderful treatment center in my backyard. A big “thank you “ to everyone involved at the Wilmot Cancer Center. They are doing what needs to be done right here in Rochester.

Yesterday I went for my “trial run” simulation for radiation treatment. The staff was great & it only took about 15 minutes. The great news is that the radiation treatment will only take a maximum of 20-30 minutes each day Monday –Friday. It is amazing to see the equipment that is used to treat cancer patients. Thank God for scientists & inventors and the technicians that run these machines !

I just can’t believe how fast everything is moving. Has to be the Steroids ! ( they have something to do with it.) I just want you to know that we are headed in the right direction. I can’t thank you enough for all of the cards & well wishes.

THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS, CARDS, LETTERS, FLOWERS, ETC. I CAN’T KEEP UP.

I AM SPOILED – I HAVE ENOUGH – DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE LESS FORTUNATE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON. THAT WOULD BE THE BIGGEST GIFT TO ME.

People ask “ How do I feel ?” My response is I feel great, but I am sick. It makes no sense to me. It certainly puts things in perspective. The only thing I can say is it is important to live life with a sense of BALANCE. Its important to look at your everyday life & ask yourself “ Am I in balance with myself & my community”. If the answer is yes – great. If the answer is no – then you need to step back & get back in balance --- SPIRITUALY-EMOTIONALY-PHYSICALLY.

Its not easy , nobody’s perfect but we can all work on it.

TODAY IS A GREAT DAY – IT IS MY DADS 90^TH BIRTHDAY !!

NORBERT W. MUENCH

HE IS A GREAT MAN & A GREAT DAD !! I LOVE YOU DAD !!!

Dinner @ BlackSalt Fish Market

Mary, Mark, Terry, Jack,

Alexandra, John, Lauren

Norbert W. Muench, Capt. USCG

Foxboro Golf Open Featuring Mark Muench

2009-11-28T13:59:00.001-05:00

Mark Muench competing in the Foxboro open in Fairport NY on the 19th hole.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING - Amazing things are happening

2009-11-26T05:06:00.003-05:00

I know I am thankful today. I guess everyday should be considered Thanksgiving.

If I told you, you wouldn’t believe it, but its true. There are angels walking amidst us everyday. Since returning home & getting stronger my closest angels are my family. I cannot drive so they all take turns driving me to where I have to go. It’s especially nice when I am with my son Chris because he is a good driver who takes his time ( not like his dad!) Mary has been making her delicious soups & cooking & Brian is helping with many chores that need to be done.

All of my health care providers have been wonderful. I started Physical Therapy with Kathy Leonard who rehabbed my Achilles tendon injury in 1997. She is the best ! I am walking better everyday & only use a cane for safety ( and to get sympathy !)

What is truly amazing is the energy I have … STEROIDS ! That is what the docs say .. but I think it is from up above.

I start my radiation & chemo treatments on 12/7/09 at the Wilmot Cancer Center@ Strong. It will be a 6 week regiment. I was fitted for my radiation mask 0n Thursday. The people at the Wilmot Cancer Center are so nice.

All of what has happened has certainly put things in perspective. What is truly important are the people that are close to you in everyday life. The most important person is “ yourself ” – not in a selfish way. If you don’t take care of yourself spiritually & physically you can’t take care of someone else. So start with yourself.

I have to give credit for learning that at Matt Talbot Ministries in Rochester, NY. If it wasn’t for that ministry, my life would be much different. Remember the angels I was talking about ! I met some there.

More recently I have encountered so many wonderful people because of my illness. Just think if I wasn’t ill I would have never met them.

Just so you know I have had moments of just being plain “scared”. There is no definitive answer as to “ how long”. Only God knows the answer to that one. At one point in the hospital I thought “ this is it.” However, Mary & I believe in MIRACLES .. and a MIRACLE will take place.

I know all of your prayers are heard. Please also pray for other sick people that you know. The power of prayer can be unbelievable.

Also. A BIG “ THANK YOU” for all of the cards, letters, flowers, food etc. I have enough … just say a prayer each day that is all I/we need.

I doubt I will be able to respond to all of the wonderful things people have sent my way so all I can say is “ Thanks”.

Just remember this … Miracles happen and do happen everyday. You just have to open your eyes. If you keep them open I guarantee you will see an angel. God knows we need more angels in this world we live in.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!

PS - Check out the movie/dvd - AUGUST RUSH. It's a pretty good story. Very sentimental but has a good message. If you have HBO it is on this month. ( sorry I am spoiled)

MARK'S ENTOURAGE

Jennifer, Marcy, Mary, Kathy and Mark

Starting another journey .......

2009-11-21T14:19:00.000-05:00

Eleven days after brain surgery …. A MIRACLE ! I am sitting at home with my family & would like to go out and play 18 holes of golf !! Unfortunately I have some difficulty walking so that won’t be happening. Don’t worry I started PT yesterday & they will have me walking better in no time.

THANKS for all of the prayers & support, that is what makes the difference.

Lou Gehrig said he was the “ luckiest man on the face of the earth “. I know what he meant. I am standing in his shoes.

Thanks to my surgeon ( Dr. Howard Silberstein) & the staff at Strong Memorial I am making an amazing recovery.

So here is where we are at as of today. I have been diagnosed with a brain tumor called a Glioblastoma. Most of it was removed but a little remains. I will start treatment in 2-3 weeks ( radiation & chemo-therapy ) combined. I will be treated at the Wilmot Cancer Center @ Strong Memorial Hospital.

Again, I want to thank all of you for your support. Keep praying .. it works !

Most of all what you can do for me & my family is to DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES.

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Family is the most important thing we all have … so cherish it. I believe if you have a strong faith, family & friends that you can make it through anything.

PEACE --- Mark.

I am Blessed !

2009-11-18T06:10:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone !! A week ago today I was preparing for surgery at 12:15 pm. I arrived home on Monday 11/16 @ 3:15 pm.

THANK YOU ! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for all your thoughts & prayers over the past week. I could feel everyone of them. That has what has pulled me through & will continue to do so. I am so blessed to have the best family & friends in the world.

I want you all to know that STRONG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (URMC) is the BEST medical facility in the world ! ( I am not kidding) The care I received from the moment I checked in the ED on Sunday 11/8 was unbelievable. People make the place & experience. The employees at SMH are fantastic. The first people that made an impression on me were the "transporters". They wheel you from procedure to procedure. They don't know who you are & they don't know what condition you may have but they are very important because most people would rather be somewhere else at that given point in time. Their smile & voice make all the difference.

The administrators, nurses. techs, doctors are the BEST in the world at SMH. They brought me into their home, fixed me up & sent me home. They did their job & a good one at that. Thanks to all of them I can begin my road to recovery.

Well - believe it or not getting tired already ... will start workouts soon. I will try to keep you posted daily on the blog & stay in contact with you.

Thanks again for your support & prayers they mean the world to me & my family.

LOVE - MARK

Picture of my surgeon Dr. Howard Silberstein

There's no place like home.....

2009-11-16T21:11:00.004-05:00

Mark is so appreciative for the world-class care and all the kindness and he received at Strong but it sure is great to be home at last!

If you click on the Flickr Photostream on the right you can see some of the pictures from the hospital and some from when Mark, Mary and the boys got home today. The big sign in the neighborhood that reads, “WE [love] U MARK” says it all!

Mark sounds and looks great but, as you can imagine, he’s still pretty tired and needs some rest. Mark and Mary are still requesting your patience and to hold off on visiting for a couple of more days while they get acclimated to being back home. They continue to feel so blessed by all the support they have received. Every thought, prayer and encouraging word has made a difference. Mark, Mary, Andrew, Brian and Chris send their love and thanks to all!

P.S. For those that haven't joined it already please check out the "Pray for Mark Muench" group on Facebook!

Steve Jobs sends prayers out for Mark!

2009-11-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

Chris sent an email to Steve Jobs, the famous CEO of Apple Computer telling him about Mark’s surgery and to ask him to pray for him. Chris didn’t do this just because he is an Apple fan but also because Steve Jobs is a cancer survivor.

Sure enough, Steve replied to Chris’s email within a matter of hours! He said he would send some prayers out for Mark and wished the whole family well!

How cool is that?! It’s great to have friends in high places and we don’t just mean Steve Jobs! ☺

Update: We feel so blessed by your kindness....

2009-11-13T08:21:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone!

Mark and Mary along with Andrew, Brian and Chris are so grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from so many family and friends! They are truly touched by the love and kindness that has been shown to them!

As you can imagine, Mark is pretty tired from the surgery and all the activity. For the next couple of days Mark and Mary would like to limit visitors at the hospital to give Mark a chance to rest up and assist his recovery. Mark might be home as soon as Monday and it will be a lot easier for him to see visitors there. We’ll keep you posted.

Many have asked about sending flowers. Mark has asked that if you wanted to send something to consider a donation in lieu of flowers to either:

Fairport Challenger Baseball
c/o Ken Minor
36 Shannon Glenn
Fairport, NY 14450

OR

Matt Talbot Ministries.
514 Oxford St.
Rochester, NY 14607

OR

The Perl Foundation. (Computer Software Programming Language)
6832 Mulderstraat
Grand Ledge, MI 48837

The thoughts and prayers are making a difference. Please keep them coming. Mark, Mary, Andrew, Brian and Chris feel truly blessed and are so thankful for your love and support!

Photos

2009-11-11T23:06:00.002-05:00

My Dad loves photos and there are zillions on his computer. We will be uploading photos frequently. We will pick out the best as he recovers. You can see them by clicking on "View Flickr Photostream" on the right side of the page.

4th Update

2009-11-11T19:56:00.002-05:00

My Dad Mark Muench had a successful surgery to remove a tumor from his brain. He is recovering fast inside ICU. He loves everyone and wants everyone to pray and have fun!

3rd Update

2009-11-11T16:01:00.001-05:00

My Dad Mark Muench is currently being closed up and stable. The Dr. will be here within the hour.

2nd Update

2009-11-11T15:04:00.001-05:00

My Dad's surgery is going as planned and we hope it completes in 1-2 hours.

Surgery Started

2009-11-11T11:25:00.001-05:00

My Dad Mark Muench surgery is underway. Pray for him.

Update

2009-11-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

My Dad, Mark Muench is scheduled to have surgery Wednesday 10/11/2009 afternoon to determine what the mass is inside his brain (and remove if possible). The mass is 2cm x 3cm. As usual Mark is in good spirits and enjoying life. Update to follow after surgery. Pray for the best.