The Good Fight

We've just returned from Dr. Aviles office where we learned that Mark is currently cancer-free!!!!! The tumor they radiated shrunk and at the moment, miraculously, there are no signs of cancer elsewhere! Yes, it is expected it will return and Mark will have a scan every few months but no further treatment will begin until the cancer reappears so they can better target the appropriate area to treat. It really is the best news that we've had in a year but it wasn't totally unexpected because Mark has felt better in the past few weeks than he has in a year and a half. We had a great trip to CA, Mark has gotten in several golf outings and we have reunited with many friends we were unable to see for a while. Mark still sleeps quite a bit but fatigue, which is expected, is the only symptom he has lately! This was totally unforseen a mere few months ago when his emotional and physical condition was so dismal, therefore, we are pleasantly surprised, feeling rejeuvenated and looking forward to some fun short term plans.
We are going to Matt Terry's wedding in Naples Florida in early November, planning Thanksgiving with family then hoping to get to Puerto Rico for a few weeks prior to our business' Christmas party December 15. Kevin and the two sets of newlyweds will all be home for Christmas!
Gary is completely done with treatments and his hair is growing in nicely and he looks fantastic. He will go for periodic testing over the next ten years. The next set of test results for Mark will be reviewed December 19 and we will plan our next posting at that time. Meanwhile, thanks, as always for your support and acts of kindness and friendship throughout Gary and Mark's dark days. Your compassion, optimism and spirit have inspired and strengthened our family. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours sure will be filled with gratitude!