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

Dr. Urba Confirms - by Ane

This morning  Dr. Urba confirmed what we understood from the PET report - all of the tumors are gone!!! His recommendation is for Mark to stay on the meds for 3 more months just to be extra sure.  At that time Mark will have another PET scan and if all is still clear he will most likely discontinue the drugs.  He has had very minimal side effects this time which has been such a blessing.  We are thrilled with these results and certainly do appreciate all of your prayers and support.