The Good Fight

Today, Tuesday, August 1, 2006, we got the best news that we've heard in
months. I suppose if we had heard this news in May, we would have been
devastated but some dismal recent opinions from doctors has now elevated
this news to the fantastic column! We met with the oncologist, Dr. Aviles,
for results of the PET scan. It appears that the cancer is concentrated in
just one place right around where the initial lump appeared. There is still
a tiny questionable mass in the lung but not enough to consider the lung as
the primary souce of the cancer. In fact, the source of the cancer is still
somewhat of a mystery but the best guess at this point is that it originated
with the squamous cell skin cancer Mark had removed in November of 2004. It
is highly unusual that skin cancer would spread into the lymph system as
this has but at this point, there is no other explanation.
The remedy will be radiation at the cancerous area along with chemo therapy
to target any cells that may have gotten into the system. There is some
possibility that a surgeon will recommend that the initial lump be removed
before proceeding. The area of the lump has been very sore and continued to
grow since the initial biopsy on July 14. So, Mark was given some
antibiotics to address possible infection and pain killers to address the
pain he feels and which often keeps him up at night. Initial predictions of
the oncologist is that there will be a six week regimen on Chemo and
radiation and possibly longer on the chemo. We will meet with the original
surgeon who did the biopsy on Thursday and the radiation specialist on
Friday, August 4.
The oncologist is also arranging for a second opinion at Dana Farber. The
whole thing is so baffling that he didn't know which type of cancer
specialist Mark should go to. So, he had to discuss the whole situation
with the Dana Farber staff and it was recommended that he be directed to a
physician that specializes in skin cancer. They will schedule an
appointment by the end of the week.
Other good news: Gary and Kristina are absolutely loving Puerto Rico and
having a blast on their vacation. They return Friday, August 4. Also,
Kevin has almost completed his drive home from Park City, Utah and we expect
him to walk in the door momentarily. Mike and Steph are planning a visit
sometime in the next month and are greatly relieved by this uplifting news
as we all are.
I will update you after our visits to Dana Farber if nothing significant
evolves before then. They may want to keep Mark as a guinea pig because of
his rare situation!! Leave it to Mark to have everyone baffled with his non-
traditional cancer progression1!
Meanwhile, thanks SO MUCH to you all for your prayers, your support and your
concern. It is amazing how many have visited the website, sent cards and
expressed concern in many ways. It has meant the world to us to know there
are so many rooting for Mark!
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# posted by The Sheehan Family @ 8:12 PM