Well, it is now more than three weeks since the surgery.
I’ve been sort of melancholy lately and as such I’ve been remiss in keeping this blog updated. But, I’m over my funk and it’s time to get back on track with defeating this nasty cancer.
I had amazing home care to help Diane get through the last few weeks, with Rachel, Joel, Diane’s sister Barbara, and my sister, Melissa and my Mother, Willie. We had some great family time and I feel very loved. I’m getting stronger everyday but my incisions are still very tender to the touch. Everybody has returned home, so Diane and I now have the house to ourselves again.
During this time we have been researching clinical trials and I’m starting to get involved with the Mesothelioma Foundation. They have lots of up to date information about trials, medicine and success stories. Rachel and Laura Lester worked together on finding clinical trials and we have decided to travel to Houston to check out a clinical trial at MDAnderson Cancer Center. We leave tomorrow and will stay the night in Dallas with Melissa and Garn and then drive to Houston for a Friday appointment.
The trials that are showing promise with rare cancers are using Immunotherapy. It is administered the same as Chemotherapy but the Immunotherapy only attacks bad cells, not the good ones too. There are still side affects after each treatment but I’m hoping I can tolerate the affects like I did during chemo. There are a lot of experts at MDAnderson that I’m hoping to learn all the latest strategies for long term remission.
I feel connected to hundreds of prayer warriors through this blog. Thank you so much for all your support and love. Here’s our primary prayer request right now. We are praying for a clear decision on whether to commit to a clinical trial in another state, or get started with the Immunotherapy here in Phoenix. Of course, we are always praying for the strategy that provides long term remission. We are feeling very blessed as God is with us everyday.
God go with you Brother and my Sista!
ReplyDeleteIts Barb
ReplyDeleteMark! You are frequently on my mind. Just now I has a thought about you and decided to see if there were any recent blog posts since the last one. Lo and behold, one posted today right when I was thinking of you. To me, that’s serendipity that means lots of good forces in the universe are working for you. We miss you, we love you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟🌟🌟🌟💥💥💥💥💥💕💕💕💕
ReplyDeleteSending LOTS of love your way for a safe journey!!! Theresa and Dave 💕
ReplyDeleteYou have our prayers .God will guide you in the correct direction- listen to you gut as it is him talking directly to you. God Bless you as you continue this battle . Prayers , Robin C
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Mark! Prayers and love from us in Kentucky. Cory
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Brother -
ReplyDeletePraying hard for you my dear cousin!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteWe will pray for the best route and hope that you stay strong. You’re an inspiration to us all. Erin
ReplyDeleteIf I have a choice between immunotherapy or chemotherapy I will choose immunotherapy. My daughter’s dog was in an immunotherapy trial a few years ago for bone cancer and did amazingly well with this therapy. I understand everyone’s cancer is different and I’m praying your doctors will give you honest and transparent information concerning your cancer journey. Don’t forget the Lord is in control of everything and will guide you through these decisions.
ReplyDeleteI got a feel your strength and the love around you will push you through. I had a free minute to read your blog so good job and stay in touch brother! ~Steve Wong
ReplyDeleteHi, Mark and Diane! When I do my "morning phone routine" I look for anything new on your blogspot... Was so glad to hear your news about the clinical trial just the other morning... Congratulations to you for finding one, and so close to Melissa! When Phil's Stage 3C colon cancer diagnosis was so bleak, we'd made arrangements to go to MD Anderson if necessary, and although we found an EXCELLENT cancer center and the best oncologist on the planet in Little Rock, MD Anderson's handling of his case was remarkable. Also, my surgical oncologist in Little Rock has developed DNA testing in conjunction with MD Anderson that has made incredible strides towards determining the proper treatment protocol for breast cancer patients. So, you are going to be in an amazing facility and in the very best hands available. Please know that you go with our thoughts, prayers and love... looking forward to your updates when you're up to it. 💕
ReplyDeleteYou are both in our thoughts on a daily basis and we are praying for the very best outcome at MD Anderson. May God guide you in your decisions and we pray the doctors will have all the information necessary about the clinical trial and that you are a perfect candidate! We love you, we miss you, we pray for you. Doug and Pam
ReplyDeleteIt takes courage to share what you are dealing with. Will pray for continued success in your battle. Wayne R.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love and prayers to you Mark, Diana and the whole family. Love, Toots
ReplyDeleteUncle Mark! Thanks for this update. I know you all have a big journey ahead in this but you have so much love and support from everyone and you’re in our prayers I hope to visit you all soon and help as much as I can - Emily
ReplyDeleteGod was guiding you to Texas, even if my GPS on the Kia wasn't. So here we are ready for the next chapter. It can't be any harder than driving on Texas freeways!! We've got this! Full speed ahead 😘❤️👍
ReplyDeleteRiver Brother
ReplyDeleteEven though we are miles away in Greece, our love and prayers 🙏 for you continue each day. I know your family and friends give you strength,support and love. God has your back, stay in the V in this river of life. I love you Bro!
Capt Mike