The One-Year Mark - by Ane

One year ago yesterday Mark had the first x-ray of his chest followed by a CT scan along with a call from the doctor that he needed a needle biopsy as soon as possible.  
 

One year ago today we came to understand that these tumors were most likely metastatic melanoma.  The reality of the seriousness of his condition became more evident.  During the next ten days the diagnosis became increasingly bleak as we learned of tumors not only in his lungs, but also in his liver, heart, and other areas of his body.  

Yesterday Mark spoke in Stake Conference looking very healthy – less of him and less hair, but feeling great!  The closing song was “How Firm a Foundation” - our favorite, especially the 3^rd verse:

"Fear not, I am will thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

Tears flowed freely of gratitude, as well as hope for healing.  

Today we are sitting in a nice room on the coast watching the waves and enjoying a quiet day together.  I’ve reread the events of one year ago.  Did it all really happen?   Mark seems so healthy right now.  How blessed we are - he is here!!!  Miracles have happened.  Our hearts are brimming with gratitude for so many who have offered prayers in his behalf and who have been so supportive!  We have felt Father’s loving arms around us. There is no doubt that He hears and answers prayers.  This time the answer was what we wanted.  The extension was granted.  Last year we were able to enjoy two wonderful family vacations – one with just our children and another with children and grandchildren.  Mark and I went to Israel – a dream come true.  Rachel got married and she and her father shared that special father/daughter dance.  So many sweet experiences!

We don’t know what the future will bring, but we totally trust Him.  We pray for continued guidance in what we need to do to keep Mark here.  We will move forward with faith. 

PET scan report - by Ane

Monday or Tuesday we expected to hear results from the PET scan, but nothing. Dr. Urba has always gotten back to us right away, so we were feeling a bit concerned.  Today Mark e-mailed him and this was his reply,

 "I looked and there was no PET activity on the scan." 

Later he wrote,

"Scan essentially the same as before.  The CT scan shows minor abnormalities where tumor cells were before but there is no PET activity.  Dead tumor cells with scar tissue? Or tumor cells that are metabolically inactive (i.e. in hibernation) so no PET activity but might come back some day?  Not sure of which but all the options we discussed are still possible. Nothing going on in the heart by the scan.  All good."

Yippee!!!! 

Off the Z!!! - by Ane

Yesterday we met with Dr. Urba, our oncologist. From our last conversation with him we were aware that decision time was coming, so today we reviewed the options:

• Stay on Zelboraf for as long as it works – although from all the doctors have experienced the body always finds out a way around this drug so it’s just a matter of time.

• Go off Zelboraf for awhile which gives the body a break from the side effects, and then go back on for awhile – rotating on and off.  In a study with rats it appears that it works as well the 2^nd or 3^rd round, and perhaps keeps the body from figuring out a way around it as quickly, so hopefully it would buy more time.

• Go off Zelboraf until the tumors start growing again and then start another round of Z.

• Go off Zelboraf for a time and then use another drug – Yervoy (ipilimumab) or Interluken 2 - each has about a 5-6% chance of actual cure.  Yervoy is much less invasive, but hasn’t been out as long as Interluken 2, but so far results have been similar. 

Dr. Urba spoke to Dr. Paul B. Chapman, one of America’s leading experts on melanoma from Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, specifically about Mark’s situation.  He recommended going off the Zelboraf for a time and then using a round of Yervoy. 

The only problem with using this treatment when there are no tumors visible is that there is no way to know if it is actually being effective.  Regular monitoring would be required. If nothing comes back for years, then we’ll know it worked! :)

After some discussion we all agreed that it was best to stop the Zelboraf immediately.  This Friday Mark will have another PET scan to see if there are any indications of tumor activity anywhere in his body.  If there is he will start the Yervoy or Interluken 2 right away.  If not, we will wait until our next appointment in six weeks to decide what to do.  At this point we feel most inclined to go with Yervoy.  Why not listen to the expert!  Of course, we will seek heavenly direction, as well.  

We are a bit anxious, yet hopeful! 

Gratitude and Love this Christmas Eve - by Ane

It is Christmas Eve.  This morning our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the miracles we have been recipients of this year. After the last visit to the oncologist we realize more than ever the miracle it is that Mark is with us this Christmas.  We feel humbled to be remembered by so many in prayers and positive thoughts sent our way.  It is hard to find words to express the gratitude we feel to all of you who have so lovingly put your arms around us during this journey.  Last night we watched "It's a Wonderful Life".  In the beginning many are praying for George Bailey, and all those prayers to heaven caused Clarence to be sent to help him.  We thought of all the prayers that have been offered for us, and have no doubt that your faith and prayers have been the reason Mark is here.

Likewise we feel such gratitude for our oncologist and for modern research that brought about the medicine that has been so effective in the not only causing Mark's tumors to shrink, but to actually disappear.  We are thankful for all those who have given us alternative methods for healing.  We have incorporated many of those into our diet and lifestyle and we believe it has helped.  It's all of those things that have been instrumental, but more than anything else it we believe it is your faith and prayers.

Our daughter, Rachel is getting married in less than a week - the 29th of December.  How well I remember the day I pleaded with Father in Heaven to allow Mark to be at her wedding, healthy and vibrant, and it is here.  What a blessing!

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we express gratitude to Him for the miracle of Mark's healing, and for the gift of love that He has given us all.

May your Christmas be filled with His love and may that love continue throughout the coming year.

Merry Christmas!!!

With love, hope and gratitude,
Ane & Mark