A Racing Heart - by Ane

Friday night after Mark was out playing with some of the grandkid he came in feeling light-headed and faint.  He checked his heart rate and it was close to 140 and didn't return to normal after resting. Saturday morning it was still high so he e-mailed the oncologist and the electrophysiologist who had done Mark's catheter ablation. Right away he heard back from Dr. Urba (he is truly amazing!).  He, of course, would defer to the heart doctor, but if we didn't hear anything Mark was to take it easy.  If his resting rate got over 140 Mark was to go to the ER.  If Mark did much of anything it would get close to 140, so he had to lay low all week-end.

This morning we had a previously scheduled appointment with Dr. Urba.  Before we left the house we tried to get an appointment for today with a cardiologist, any cardiologist in the Providence system, with no success.  We particularly wanted to see Dr. Zemsky since he was the electrophysiologist that did Mark’s catheter ablation.  The earliest appointment  we could get with him was March 2^nd.  Fortunately, Dr. Urba has more clout than we do! J  While we were with Dr. Urba Mark had an EKG.  Dr. Urba got the results and called Dr. Zemsky’s office.   Before we even got home Dr. Zemsky’s medical partner called us, and then called in a prescription of Metoporlol. Mark now has an echocardiogram scheduled for the 9th and an appointment with Dr. Zemsky on the 11th. Wow, how thankful we are that Mark already had the appointment with Dr. Urba this morning so he could get the ball rolling!  

With the medication Mark's resting heart rate is fluctuating between 75-95. His normal resting rate is 60.  While it's not back to normal he feels so much better and isn't in danger of a stroke.  Hopefully he will be able to have another catheter ablation.  We’ll know more next week after we meet with Dr. Zemsky and find out why this has happened. We’re not worried.  Mark just hates to have to slow down! J  

Interview with Mark on KGW honoring Dr. Walter Urba - by Ane

Last week a friend told us that we had recently been on KGW-TV.  Curious, we checked with Providence to see if the interview Mark had done with KGW several months ago had been aired.  It had!  Initially the video had been used on October 5 at an Oregon Historical Society dinner where Dr. Walter Urba was honored as an Oregon History Maker.  Mark's comments were used extensively. It was easy for him to share our experiences with Dr. Urba -- he is remarkable and most deserving of this honor. Thomas and Annie happened to be there the day of the interview, so we were all filmed playing in our backyard.

http://www.providenceoregon.org/video/?view=62b230342e5dbx480x293

Happy New Year!!! - by Ane

We hope you have had a very Merry Christmas and we wish you a Happy New Year!!!  

This year we did not send Christmas cards, yet, we do want to express our appreciation for your love and support! To all who sent Christmas greetings our way, thanks.  It's delightful to hear from you.  

I asked Mark what I should say on this blog.  He was quick to say that he was thankful for enjoying yet another Christmas here - his 3^rd bonus Christmas!  

He has been off the cancer drugs for over three weeks.  The minor side effects have subsided. The only downside is that he gains weight much more quickly when he's off the drugs.  So…it's back to a more healthy diet – for both of us!  

Our next appointment with Dr. Urba is February 2^nd, so we will add another post then. 

Enjoy this wonderful New Year!!!

PET Results are clear again! - by Mark

Ane and I met with Dr. Urba this morning and discussed the happy news of another clear scan.  We determined to go off the medication again, keep an eye out for any new tumor growth and hit it again with the same or newer drugs when or if they come back.

The drugs currently available that might have a permanent cure still have very low success rates and are not to fun to take.  But there are new ones in trial that look promising, so stalling is still our best option.

We have been very blessed with such good responses to the drugs we have been taking.  Thank you again for you faith, love and prayers.  It is great to be alive!!

Warmly,
Mark