Progress Report Letter

Mark's Family,

Hi. I've been in close contact with Mark's physicians mostly by email
and today got a half-dozen from Dr Asch. Things are tricky right now
for him. Unfortunately, more fluid collections we're found on the CT
today and may be more abcesses. The fluid draining from Mark's abdomen
is looking more and more like pus. I talked with an Infectious Disease
specialist tonight in a Medical Executive Meeting at my hospital about
the perplexing infection. He made some suggestions, which I
immediately emailed to Dr Asch during my meeting. Most of them they've
already covered. They added one new antibiotic tonight however, which
I can only hope will start to kill whatever this elusive infection is.
There may be a need to go back to surgery tomorrow or soon. I
discussed the issue of Mark's surgeon with the lead doctor who thought
it would be ok if I advocated for Mark and asked for a second opinion
from another surgeon. The problem is they're the same group. So, from
a distance all we can do is pray for a miracle that things turn upward
for the better and soon.

Each day is a different story with his case. He needs
encouragement--he has alot of fears. While he's suffering from an
acute infectious process and a surgical abdomen he needs pain
medication and help. As he gets back on the mend he'll need more and
more encouragment of a different sort helping him get strong and
independent again so his own constitution can fight this disease and
so he can survive a BM transplant. I know he loves visitors and I say
come ahead. Michelle can use as much respite as possible. Mark is
aware of the issues and as the fighter that he is, is up to the
challenge and said even today "Im not giving up."

So each day will bring a new twist. But for today he needs a miracle
to heal his belly so he can stand up and fight on.

Love,
Robb