Mark had his T-cells harvested today at Providence Portland Cancer Center. I doesn't help him feel better now but gives us hope for the future.
Currently, Mark is in pain all of the time and has nausea most of the time. Medications take the edge off of the pain, although the more potent pain meds seem to bring on more nausea, so he struggles to know what to take. His first Keytruda immunotherapy infusion for this round was last Monday, but it takes time to shrink the tumors. The last time he used Keytruda, he noticed a reduction in the size of the visible tumors under the skin after the 2nd infusion. Radiation can also shrink the tumors, but he doesn't meet with Dr. Crittenden until May 27. That is less than a week away, but it seems like an eternity when he is in constant pain.
Last night we watched the annual Creating Hope event. (We spoke at this event in 2014.) We've included links to video clips from the virtual 2021 event. The first is a Lab Tour with Dr. Walter Urba. He has done so much for the advancement of immunotherapy in cancer treatments, especially for melanoma patients. Without these advancements in immunotherapy, Mark would not be here today! He is now participating in the T-cell research project referred to in this video.
Dr. Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., has been the cancer program director for 28 years. He and his research team have proven the immune system can fight cancer. Immunotherapy works and is saving more lives than ever before.
The second cip starts with our current oncologist, Dr. Matthew Taylor who is also an incredible doctor and researcher.
One of the purposes of this event is to raise money to keep research going and purchase much-needed equipment. 70% of research funding comes from doners. We appreciate any donation you could make.
We are so grateful for the time, effort, passion, and expertise of the doctors and researchers at Providence Portland Cancer Center.
You continue to be in my prayers, I hope you can rest and somewhat enjoy the weekend,
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