Thursday, October 28

They couldn't use the ECP machine today because Mark's blood count was not where it needed to be. He is very tired today to because of the blood transfusions and platelets. He did get up this morning and took a walk. They have another drug, called campath, they may try on Monday depending on how the weekend goes. Please keep them in prayer!

Wednesday, October 27

Mark seems to be a little better today. He and Lola did their walk. He will get platelets and blood tonight. Tomorrow they will do the ECP machine. That's the one that cleans out his blood. They had to quit using it before because his GVH disease was so bad and they needed to start the thymoglobulin medication.

Graft vs. Host Disease

They have confirmed Mark is fighting graft vs. host disease. A little is good, but too much can be life threatening. Many remedies have been tried and so far nothing has made an impact. Mark has become very weak and tired. He has had many transfusions, and platelets. Yesterday they put his blood through a machine to be cleaned. Today they are starting a new treatment, Thymoglobulin, that is made from rabbit serum. We hope this will help Mark to begin feeling better soon. Recent initial bone marrow test results look good. We are still waiting on the rest of the results. Thank you for your prayers! Please keep them coming!

We are not sure why Mark is getting weaker. Not all the tests have come back yet. They think it might be graft versus host disease, a complication that occurs when the new stem cells react against your body. It can be mild or it can become life threatening. It can be good to have some because it attacks cancer cells that remain in your body after the stem cell transplant. We pray that it's just enough.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

After many xrays and tests, we still do not know what is causing the fevers, nausea and headaches. Mark is getting weaker and weaker. In the midst of this, the Dr. from the experimental treatment program came to let us know that Mark is responding to the experimental treatments, and they can continue the program. Once they know what is causing his other symptoms, and know how to treat them, they can set a schedule to start the experimental treatments again.

Mark and Lola headed back to U of M hospital today for blood tests. They gave Mark some platelets and red blood cells. Tonight at 9:30pm he has an xray. = long day

Mark was able to go home with antibiotics for the pneumonia. So thankful for Lola, who is at his side 24 hours a day to provide the care and support he needs. We love you both so much!

Good news, Bad news roller coaster

Thanking God that Mark's blood test came back with good cell counts on Thursday. Since then, he developed a fever and was admitted to Holland Hospital with pneumonia. Things can change from encouraging to discouraging in a moment when you have aml. Please keep praying. Thank you!