A Narrow Window

Yesterday afternoon, Mark was able to stand long enough for a shower. He and the male nurse noticed red, raised bumps on his abdomen. The rash quickly spread to his face, arms, chest, and legs. It was itchy and uncomfortable. He likely had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic for sepsis, so it was discontinued and another started. Poor guy can't get a break---everyday it's something else! Benadryl helped with the itching, and he slept quite well. Around midnight he was moved to a larger room with a beautiful view--that was a plus! (Of course, he didn't see the view until this morning.) I might even stay the night here, especially since the C-diff seems to be under control. 

When I arrived at the hospital this morning, the cancer doctors were examining Mark. One is filling in for Dr. Taylor, and he works closely with Dr. Eric Tran on T-cell therapy. He was forthright in telling us that Mark is NOT in great shape to undergo the T-cell treatment. His infections could become acute once chemo takes his immune system down, and his body may be too weak to fight. If it is started, he will remain in a tenuous position for several weeks. Unfortunately, today is not going very well--he is extremely weak, mostly sleeping, often dizzy, and occasionally nauseous. His blood pressure is lower than normal, but thankfully, he isn't running a fever or having chills. 

The doctors will be here again in the morning to make the decision whether to start chemo. The current plan is for only two days of chemo, two days of rest, and the infusion of T-cells on Wednesday, followed by IL-2. The infusion cannot be delayed any longer as the cloned cells start dying. This is our only window of opportunity to use the needle-in-a-haystack cells that have been multiplied many times over. But, is his body strong enough?  Again, supplicating heaven in his behalf would be greatly appreciated! With sincere gratitude!!