Last Friday, Mark had another PET scan, and today we met with Dr. Urba. As we expected, there continues to be NO evidence of active cancer anywhere in his body! Mark started Keytruda one year ago, with infusions every three weeks. His side effects have been minimal so he could stay on it longer, but after collaborating with experts in the field, Dr. Urba believes that one year is long enough. Today was Mark's LAST treatment! YAHOO!!! As Mark mentioned in the last post, his odds for complete remission are much better than ever before. If tumors reoccur, there is a good chance that he will respond positively to the medications he has already taken. Also, with continual research, new and improved treatments are possible.
Of course, routine monitoring will continue with regular doctor visits as well as CT scans every 3 months for a while, moving to every 6 months, and then to once a year. Dr. Urba also trusts that Mark knows his body well enough to detect if anything is amiss.
It will be 6 years this coming February since the first diagnosis, and initially his odds of cure were very small. How we appreciate all of your support, faith and prayers during our journey! You have blessed our lives, and we thank you! We want to give back to those who are going through difficult challenges, and hope that we will be sensitive and aware. Life is filled with trials of every kind, and our opportunity is to support one another along the path.
We wish you all a very Happy 2018 filled with peace, joy and love!
