The Good Fight

As I read the posting here it occurred to me that people may not realize what Mark’s actually doing these days, which is pretty much the same as always. We played golf yesterday afternoon and had a great time on a beautiful Cape Cod summer day. He worked for a while today, before checking out early to relax and enjoy the weather.
I just want to be sure people are aware that he’s up and about, and though he has quite a few doctors’ appointments, many of which end up leaving some discomfort due to poking and prodding, he is doing very well overall.
Thanks to all of you who have left so many positive messages for Mark, and the whole family, and Nancy will be sure to keep things up to date when there’s news to report.
Hope to see you all soon,
Gary

We had hoped for some answers in the past few days but the test results are
not revealing much. Yesterday, Mark had a breathing test and they said
there was only a little diminished capacity in his lungs, however, it was
still in the normal range.
Today, the biopsy results from the lung taken last Friday did not show any
cancerous cells. All involved physicians have discussed it and have no
answers. It does not mean that the cancer didn't originate in the lungs,
just that the particular cells they took are not showing it. But, previous
scans have shown that there are masses and abnormalities in the lung. It is
highly unusual for it to originate as skin cancer and then develop into the
lumps in the lymph nodes but it is very remotely possible. Mark did have a
skin cancer removed a few years ago in the center of his chest. There is a
slight chance that they will never find where the cancer originated.
So, until we get the PET scan results next week for the test which will be
taken Thursday, July 27, all we have to work with is that there are
definitely squamous cells, which means that he definitely has cancer. We
know it has traveled to the lymph nodes and didn't originate there. But, we
don't know where it started and won't know where it currently is until the
PET scan gives us that information.
Meanwhile, Mark intends to start the process of getting appointments at Dana
Farber in hopes that we can get more information and second opinions quicker.
Wish I had more to tell you but will update again by August 2.

Rob brought Mark to Falmouth Hospital for his bronchoscopy (sp?) early this morning. I (Nancy, henceforth) picked him up about 10 and I spoke to the doctor over the phone because he had been in to talk to Mark but Mark was so drugged that he had no recollection whatsoever of even seeing the doctor!
Dr. Shuttari, the pulmonary specialist, said that he got a good piece of the mass in the lung and it does appear to the naked eye that it is lung Ca.
However, we will have to wait until Tuesday for a more definitive biopsy report.Mark remained very sleepy throughout the day and is resting comfortably. He may even play golf this weekend if the area of the biopsy from last Friday isn't too sore. He has a full week scheduled next week with a breathing test Monday at Falmouth Hospital, the results on the biopsy on Tuesday and a PET scan on Thursday at Jordan Hospital. I will keep you posted as results come in next week. We anticipate a new round of testing at Dana Farber the week of July 31 to get second opinions, decide on treatment, etc.

We established this web-site as a place you can come to at your leisure and learn more about what Mark is doing, how he is faring, where his medical travels may be taking him, and hopefully some other fun anecdotes about the family.
We appreciate the support of everyone and count ourselves as truly lucky to be surrounded by such a special group of friends and family.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and we look forward to celebrating a successful win; as Mark said to the employees of Cape Medical today - he looks forward to learning how to beat cancer in his 50's, as he learned how to start a business in his 20's, ski in his 30's, golf in his 40's. This presents a new and unique challenge, but one he is ready to tackle head on.
Thanks to everyone and see you all soon,
Gary