On Monday Mark was fitted for a radiation mask in preparation for radiation treatment to reduce the size of tumors in his brain. This radiation treatment began Tuesday morning. Mark underwent surgery in his hip to have a rod put in his femur. A large tumor had weakened the bone and required a rod to prevent a spontaneous fracture. Mark is expected to be in the hospital 1-2 days recovering from this surgery. Mark is scheduled on Wednesday morning to have a Pet-CT Scan that will illuminate all the tumors in his body. The scan is expected to take 3-4 hours. This will help the oncologists determine the extent of the tumors and aid in the development of the optimal treatment for the tumors.
Several friends have asked about visiting Mark. Mark anticipates being able receive visitors on Wednesday afternoon. Mark is at the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City. Those wishing to visit are requested to check this blog for an update on Mark being able to receive visitors or contact Hal Christensen at hal@christenseninc.com text or call him at 801-557-2188.
Mark and Meg greatly appreciate the outpouring of love and support. Hal has passed on the messages of love and support from phone calls and email he has received for Mark and Meg.
From Mark on Sunday, October 7, 2012
. On Sunday, September 16 I noticed a lump in an area of my back that had been sore. This, combined with a few other symptoms prompted me to make an MD appointment for Thursday, 9/20 with a family friend, Dr. Dave Vandemerwe. Dave called me the next day and said blood tests showed low iron and protein. He set up body scans for Friday, 9/28 of the two areas where I had the most discomfort—my lower back and right thigh.
Dr. Vandemerwe called me Monday evening, 10/1, and said I had numerous tumors in the two areas scanned. The largest he compared to a football in shape 20cm long x 9cm wide x 5cm thick on my thigh. My pelvic area has an unspecified number of tumors also, the largest being about a softball size that prompted my original appointment.
On Thursday evening, 10/4 I received a diagnosis of malignant melanoma and checked in to Huntsman Cancer Institute. On Friday morning I met with Dr. Grossman, a melanoma specialist, and his team. He let me know that I have stage 4 melanoma. The average life expectancy is 18-months, unless I also have tumors in the brain, in which case it is shorter. He scheduled some other tests which revealed that I may need a steel rod in my femur, as a tumor has weakened it, and exposed 7-8 tumors in my brain. He released me for the weekend, which I've spent with family. I begin radiation for the brain tumors tomorrow, and, I hope, for the femur tumor also. The other tumors treatment protocol is unknown until more tests are done to determine if they are BRAF negative or positive.
If you wish an update, I may be difficult to reach. Meg (801-510-9321) is a good source when the children are in school. My brother, Scott, attends some of my appointments and is a good family source for status. Our great friend, neighbor, and home teacher, Hal Christensen (801-557-2188) has offered to take calls from anyone. I have a Facebook profile, but never used it. Perhaps I will have one of my children teach me.
This has all developed rather quickly. I received the diagnosis Thursday night and was admitted to the hospital immediately. I didn’t reach my siblings or parents until Saturday. We haven’t even had time to research the disease. The medical team, however, inspires confidence in their skill. Besides treatment, Meg and I are mainly concerned about keeping our children feeling secure and positive. We believe that the more normal life can remain, the more secure they will feel.
Your prayers have strengthened us and we deeply appreciate them.
Thank you,
Mark
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