New Tumor, July 1, 2009

I've reactivated Mark's Blog to bring you up-to-date on what's been happening recently. We have rejoiced in God's merciful care over Mark for three years. He has enjoyed a good quality of life, and has responded well to his on-going treatments to prevent a recurrence of a malignancy. However, at his regular check-up on June 19, an abnormal area showed up on his MRI. A second MRI a few days later confirmed that a small tumor has grown, near the site of the old one. The team of various specialists at HUP (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) reviewed the images. Jeff, Mark & I visited the surgeon yesterday and were shown those images. The surgical method and possible risks were discussed. We have been in communication with Kris in Thailand and have decided to move forward with surgery with the same doctor who did the first successful surgery.
Dr Kevin Judy's plan is to reopen the 3 small titanium plates which he screwed in Mark's head after the first surgery, since the new tumor is in the same general area. He says that this will make it less invasive. Mark will have another MRI and lab work on Tuesday, July 7 in preparation for surgery on Monday, July 13. (He is so good about these tests!) I will not know the time of his surgery until a day or two before. We appreciate your prayer support during this new phase.
Nan (and Mark, Jeff, Kris and Family)


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