Saturday, September 09, 2006
The Diagnostic Phase Ends
After three months of doctors visits, tests that triggered ever more questions and doctors being baffled, we have finally completed the diagnostic stage with some dismal news. The skin cancer that was removed in February of 05 left a speck of squamous cell cancer remaining which was the cause of the ever growing tumor. Now, the cancer has escaped into his blood stream and traveled to Mark's right lung. This indicates an advanced and dangerous progression of cancer which will be treated on the Cape starting in a week to ten days with both chemo and radiation. The previous consideration of an arm amputation is no longer an option.
Mark and I arrived in Boston on Wednesday, September 6 and met with doctors and had two full frustrating days of tests, repeat scans, pre op appointments while getting lost in the maze of departments at Dana Farber/Brigham & Womens and even losing my change purse with lots of money in it.
Today, Friday, September 8, we arrived for several very invasive procedures performed by our thoracic surgeon. This evening, the doctor called to give the results. The fact that the cancer has traveled to Mark's right lung is not promising news at all. Mark was finally moved from the recovery room to his room at Brighams at about 10 pm. He has countless tubes attached to his entire body and his lung- which had been collapsed to do one of the procedures
was causing enormous pain and he is receiving pain killers intravenously. It is expected that he will be in the hospital until Sunday then return home for further recuperation prior to starting treatments in the next ten days or so.
I had intended to return to the Cape tonight but instead checked into a hotel around the corner from Mark's room.
As always, we are extremely grateful for all your well wishes, prayers and concern. We had a fantastic anniversary weekend with Kevin and his girlfriend, Katie, who flew in from CA to join us and Gary and Kristina, the Terrys and Iannottis and some of Gary's fun college friends.
Thanks so much to all who recognized our 30 tumultuous years together!!!
I am writing from the hotel lobby and will write more details when I return home early in the week. Please know that I do not receive e-mail addresses of those who write to the blog so I often can not respond to nice notes and comments but they are always appreciated.
Until next week, thanks for the many favors, cards, offers and kindnesses you've shown.
Love, Nancy
Mark and I arrived in Boston on Wednesday, September 6 and met with doctors and had two full frustrating days of tests, repeat scans, pre op appointments while getting lost in the maze of departments at Dana Farber/Brigham & Womens and even losing my change purse with lots of money in it.
Today, Friday, September 8, we arrived for several very invasive procedures performed by our thoracic surgeon. This evening, the doctor called to give the results. The fact that the cancer has traveled to Mark's right lung is not promising news at all. Mark was finally moved from the recovery room to his room at Brighams at about 10 pm. He has countless tubes attached to his entire body and his lung- which had been collapsed to do one of the procedures
was causing enormous pain and he is receiving pain killers intravenously. It is expected that he will be in the hospital until Sunday then return home for further recuperation prior to starting treatments in the next ten days or so.
I had intended to return to the Cape tonight but instead checked into a hotel around the corner from Mark's room.
As always, we are extremely grateful for all your well wishes, prayers and concern. We had a fantastic anniversary weekend with Kevin and his girlfriend, Katie, who flew in from CA to join us and Gary and Kristina, the Terrys and Iannottis and some of Gary's fun college friends.
Thanks so much to all who recognized our 30 tumultuous years together!!!
I am writing from the hotel lobby and will write more details when I return home early in the week. Please know that I do not receive e-mail addresses of those who write to the blog so I often can not respond to nice notes and comments but they are always appreciated.
Until next week, thanks for the many favors, cards, offers and kindnesses you've shown.
Love, Nancy
# posted by The Sheehan Family @ 12:09 AM 
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Dear Mark & Nancy, This is my 3rd try; I keep losing my message. John Feeney forwarded your site to us today. We knew you were battling cancer and are sorry we've not responded sooner. My hospitalizations over the past 5 1/2 mos. at BWH have kept us busy. Please know that we think of you all and know what a difficult time this is for you all. Mark, don't give up! You've always believed in yourself and been a fighter for what you knew was right. Now you have the biggest battle ever to fight. Know that you are surrounded by loving family and friends. Trust your doctors and reach out for help as you need it. As hard as it is, try to keep your spirits up. Please know that you are in our daily prayers. Ley and Dean
# posted by 
: 12:14 PM
: 12:14 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
# posted by : 8:54 PM
: 8:54 PM
I have a picture of Uncle Mark and I dancing, me in a white dress with shiny shoes and him in a tux. I wonder if it is from your wedding? I remember being so happy that he asked me to dance. I hope that we see you at the old man's wedding :-))
If you get a chance to respond I am at deboo12@hotmail.com.
Love hugs and happy memories: Debbie Sheehan
If you get a chance to respond I am at deboo12@hotmail.com.
Love hugs and happy memories: Debbie Sheehan
# posted by : 7:49 PM
: 7:49 PM
I will continue to pray every day for the strength Mark needs to fight this and the courage and perserverance for your family to get through this very difficult time. If there is anything else I can do, any way that I can help, please let me know.
Michi
Michi
# posted by : 9:17 AM
: 9:17 AM
Mark and Nancy, The fight has begun.At least you know what you are dealing with. It's not all doom and gloom. The Docs up there can treat this with success. There is always hope!Take it one day at a time and focus on surviving the treatment, which can be harsh. Think about you both everyday. We have a date on the golf course!
Paul Dussault
Paul Dussault
# posted by : 10:54 AM
: 10:54 AM
Mark- I can only say I was stunned when I heard. My whole family is behind you on this fight. It sounds so little but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lets take a few more runs at the big K together after you beat this. Anything we can do to help let us know. Joel Hedlund and Family
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# posted by : 7:56 PM
: 7:56 PM << Home
