Mark had his first dose of DTIL3 yesterday morning and things are going smoothly so far. It took a bit of preparation to get here but here we are now.
Last week was full of screening tests and another bone marrow biopsy (number 9?). Unfortunately, Mark's blast cells (leukemia ones) were over the acceptable limit for the study so he had to endure 3 additional days of chemo prior to starting the new trial drug. As exhausting as this all is, we are happy to be actively treating the disease again. It feels like we're trying to do something instead of just waiting around.
The doctors have been cautious about investing all our hope in this but we are happy to be given another shot. It is totally experimental, only 8 other people in Canada have tried it so we need to keep this in the back of our minds as we go through the next two weeks.
Mark is at the Cancer agency and was able to come home today on a day pass. He gets the drug on Mon/Wed/Fri so if he is feeling well, he is able to come home on his off days It was nice to have dinner together and put the kids to bed. Kind of almost feels normal.
Over the next two weeks Mark will be contributing to Leukemia research by participating in this phase I clinical trial. It seems scary and unreal at times, but I know he's making a difference - and that's what counts.
I'm proud of you Mark.
Love Leslie
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Hi Mark & Leslie. I'm glad to hear that things are going well so far. I have been thinking about you both since Thursday and was glad to hear from Brandon that Mark was able to be home today. Keep strong. You are two amazing people and Brandon and I are standing in awe of the unconditional love you have for one another. We love you both! Lindsay
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie & Mark,
ReplyDeleteHope the study is going ok and that your time at the agency is bearable. We had our BMT work Christmas party the other day...lots of people were asking about you...(Rachel, Julie,), hoping I would have some news on how you're doing outside of that world. Leslie, it was so good to talk to you a couple of weeks ago, I must say again, I would love to help if there is anything that comes to mind. We continue to think of you always, and to hope for you all.
Diana & Cory