Eldridges Adapt To Life After Brain Tumor Diagnosis
by Alan Pollock

CHATHAM — When the doctor delivered the news that 49-year-old Mark Eldridge of Chatham had a malignant brain tumor, he and his wife, Michele, saw their lives change forever.

“That's supposed to only happen in soap operas,” she said. The diagnosis came in September 2008, after which Mark experienced a variety of medical problems. Since that time, he's undergone radiation, chemotherapy and brain surgery at Tufts Medical Center. He had the same surgeon who worked on Senator Edward Kennedy, and the procedure was videotaped for training purposes, Mark said. He was conscious but felt no pain, and within three days, he was up and talking, thanks to the excellent care he received there.

“Mark's the bravest person I know,” Michele said. It's not the first challenge he's faced. During his six-year stint in the U.S. Army, he suffered a head injury when his rappelling rig failed, sending him falling 30 feet. Recovering from that injury took time, and it was devastating when he developed a tumor years later in the same spot.

“He struggles with 'why,'” Michele said. “There really isn't an answer for that.” Mark said he has a number of relatives who had cancer, but the experts say his tumor is not hereditary. That's good news for their two young sons.

Because of the tumor and the medications he takes, Mark will likely not be able to return to his job driving cement mixer for Cape Cod Ready Mix. When it comes to his ability to work, Mark said he's not sure what lies ahead.

“This is the hand we were dealt,” he said.

Understandably, it's been a challenge trying to stay optimistic, Michele said. Her sister told her that they should try and organize a fund raiser, “so we could find something positive to come out of it.” Over the fall, they organized a small walk at Nickerson State Park to raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society. The effort raised about $2,000—and that wasn't the only benefit. It was a chance to be with friends and supporters in a beautiful, quiet setting, but most of all it was an act of empowerment. Cancer, she said, takes away a family's sense of control.

The experience was so positive, in fact, that they plan to make it an annual event. In the meantime, supporters can log on to www.braintumorcommunity.org/goto/onyourmark to find other ways to help.

The response to the fund-raiser has given Mark a much-needed boost.

“People are so generous,” he said. “It's a pretty amazing world.”

Life after his brain tumor diagnosis is different, and despite the persistent medical challenges, the experience has actually helped his outlook, Mark said.

“It changes your life, really. You find out you don't have an infinite amount of time,” he said. “The time you have is the time you have.”

“We have the best family and the best friends,” Michele added.

While Mark's prognosis is unclear, there are hopeful signs. His speech has improved, and a recent MRI shows that the tumor is getting smaller.

“You never can tell what tomorrow will bring,” Michele said.

12/10/09