Well here we are back again working towards Mark's recovery. Our "vacation" is over and it's back to VGH for some intense chemotherapy to get Mark back into remmission.
Thankfully, we have our family and friends to get us through this and we are trying our hardest to stay positive and optimistic that Mark can win this fight against leukemia. I can honestly say that this is the hardest thing we will ever have to overcome in our lifetime.
Mark's initial treatment plan was made up of 3 separate rounds of chemotherapy spread out over five months. His chances of achieving lifetime remmission with chemotherapy alone were about 40%. Not the best but it is always the first line of action. Now we have been forced to go to plan B which is a Bone Marrow Transplant from an unrelated donor.
It is hard to comprehend that Mark's life depends on the unselfish gift of a complete stranger but this is the reality we are faced with. Mark's doctor has given us every reason to believe that this is the best chance for him to beat the disease. So many people want to know if they can be tested to see if they are a match for Mark. Nothing would make us happier - but the donation process is an anonymous one to everyone in need. The more people who donate, the greater the liklihood of finding a match for Mark and everyone else in his situation. The Canadian Blood Services Website is the place to read about becoming a Bone Marrow Donor and changing someone's life forever. http://www.bloodservices.ca/
Mark's treatment began this morning and he will be undergoing chemotherapy for the next 3-5 days. Once that is done we will hopefully have heard from the registry to see if they have a match. The transplant is still a long ways off so we are focusing on getting over this first hurdle.
Email us when you can, we love to read the words of support and encouragement during this trying time. It is the last thing we both do before we go to bed and it gives us hope that the next day will be easier than the last.
lesnmark@shaw.ca
markatvgh@hotmail.com
About Me
- Leslie
- Mom, widow, financial girl by day, e-student by night, former Vancouverite, Kegger, Barista, Teacher of little ones. Expert multi-tasking dance mom, hockey mom, laundry doer, lunch maker, bath bed and storyteller. I adore my kids and I love to write. This is my story, I share it with you because I can. The kindness of others inspires me to keep my chin up when life is hard. I read and cherish each and every comment you leave so please let me know when you’ve dropped in!
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Hey you too,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear your voice last night Leslie, I will be sure to close the gap btw calls and keep in touch more regularly. You both are on my mind constantly. I sent out an email this morning to everyone I know asking them to educate themselves about Bone Marrow transplants and giving blood at the least. What blood type is Mark? Leslie I talked to you before you got to the hospital, so maybe you can fill me in on how he is doing! I really wish I could do more, I feel so helpless being so far away. I will do what I can and start by making an appointment to give blood. Hang in there Mark, you must be so exhausted, keep positive cause you will beat this aweful disease. Love you both very much,
Julie
Hi Mark and Les,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that Trish and I are thinking of you and we're sending some positive energy your way.
Mark, Steve tells me that when you beat this thing, we're going golfing in Vegas.
Keep the faith and don't ever lose hope that you'll get better and stay that way!
Ifoma