Mark is doing remarkably well thanks to the fasting and prayers of so many, many wonderful family and friends who love Mark and Michelle. I have been amazed. And from that we have witnessed miracle after miracle, not the least of which, Brett out his other five siblings is a total match with Mark for Mark’s bone marrow transplants. We are advised by his very competent medical team that having a sibling match for bone marrow donations greatly enhances the prospect that Mark will be able to withstand the numerous potential complications, which can result from bone marrow transplantation.
He has been through the first round of chemo-therapy, has been in remission and is now starting the second round of chemo. The challenge is keeping him in remission, which cannot happen while he has what is called the Philadelphia chromosome – a chromosome which protects and enables the Leucoplasts to reproduce. This next round of Chemo will be followed by a three week hiatus, during which he will be on an out-patient basis, in the hospital for treatments just three days each week. That will then be followed by the bone marrow transplant and an extended hospitalization to help monitor and maximize the rebuilding of his previously completely destroyed immune system along with the Philadelphia chromosome reproduction capability. It will be a long haul but well worth it for Mark’s health sake and all of our spiritual health sake. Not knowing what the ride will fully entail, I think we and particularly Mark are braced for it, with Heavenly Father’s help and the love and prayers of loved ones. This is totally life altering, which we are expecting will be for the good.
