FCK CANCER - Send Mark to Germany!
Donation protected
Please help Mark battle his cancer!
Mark was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November of 2012. After the initial removal of a 6 ½ lb tumor, the cancer was believed to be isolated to his liver; but, as cancer usually does, it spread to outside organs.
Mark, his wife Lisa and their daughter Adelaide, have endured round after round of chemotherapy and radiology over the past 1 1/2 years.
Now for the good stuff- thanks to some amazing new technology called an “octreotide scan,” we found out that Mark is eligible for a systemic radiation (PRRT) treatment in Europe. Basically, this treatment allows the radiation to flood his system, only harming the cancer cells. This is because his specific cancer type is the only type of cell with these uptake capabilities. Since this treatment is not yet available in the US, his physician at SCCA referred him to the Zentralklinik in Bad Berka, Germany.
Mark, along with Lisa and Adelaide, left for his first treatment in Germany on July 6th. After lots of poking, prodding and scans (nothing Mark hasn’t dealt with before), he was finally given his first round of PRRT treatment. While it is still too early to see the full effects of treatment, the doctors were hopeful it took! Mark was glowing after his first treatment (no pun intended ;)) when he saw his girls who had been anxiously awaiting him to get out of isolation!
We have learned that the doctor has ordered two more rounds of PRRT this year - September and December, with a potential round in February depending on the results.
Mark has two insurance policies here in the US but because he is seeking treatment in Germany, none of the costs are not covered. The cost of the treatment alone is expensive, in addition to air fare, hotel stay, transportation, and daily expenses.
Thankfully Mark is still able to work to support his family. Treatment will take both Mark & Lisa away from work for 1-2 weeks in both September and December creating an additional financial burden.
We are beyond grateful that this treatment is available for Mark, and are now reaching out for your support.
You can follow Lisa's lively blog on Mark's Caring Bridge (please note that donations made to Caring Bridge benefit the Caring Bridge organization).
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and donations!
Mark was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November of 2012. After the initial removal of a 6 ½ lb tumor, the cancer was believed to be isolated to his liver; but, as cancer usually does, it spread to outside organs.
Mark, his wife Lisa and their daughter Adelaide, have endured round after round of chemotherapy and radiology over the past 1 1/2 years.
Now for the good stuff- thanks to some amazing new technology called an “octreotide scan,” we found out that Mark is eligible for a systemic radiation (PRRT) treatment in Europe. Basically, this treatment allows the radiation to flood his system, only harming the cancer cells. This is because his specific cancer type is the only type of cell with these uptake capabilities. Since this treatment is not yet available in the US, his physician at SCCA referred him to the Zentralklinik in Bad Berka, Germany.
Mark, along with Lisa and Adelaide, left for his first treatment in Germany on July 6th. After lots of poking, prodding and scans (nothing Mark hasn’t dealt with before), he was finally given his first round of PRRT treatment. While it is still too early to see the full effects of treatment, the doctors were hopeful it took! Mark was glowing after his first treatment (no pun intended ;)) when he saw his girls who had been anxiously awaiting him to get out of isolation!
We have learned that the doctor has ordered two more rounds of PRRT this year - September and December, with a potential round in February depending on the results.
Mark has two insurance policies here in the US but because he is seeking treatment in Germany, none of the costs are not covered. The cost of the treatment alone is expensive, in addition to air fare, hotel stay, transportation, and daily expenses.
Thankfully Mark is still able to work to support his family. Treatment will take both Mark & Lisa away from work for 1-2 weeks in both September and December creating an additional financial burden.
We are beyond grateful that this treatment is available for Mark, and are now reaching out for your support.
You can follow Lisa's lively blog on Mark's Caring Bridge (please note that donations made to Caring Bridge benefit the Caring Bridge organization).
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and donations!
Organizer
Rebecca Whitmire
Organizer
Seattle, WA
