Mark has Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) which is an aggressive type of Leukemia that effects the blood and bone marrow.
Luckily, we have assembled a team of some of the best doctors in the world to help him kick this cancer's ass — or as we like to call them, the "dream team."
We are working with Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Dr. Azra Raza, Dr. Siddhartha Mukhrjee (who Zoe and Susan both love because he was profiled in Vogue last month) and Dr. David Steensma. They all have very lengthy Wikipedia pages, so we know they're legit.
Mark is doing his treatment at Dana Farber in Boston, where his primary oncologist is Dr. Steensma, who is amazing.
With the help of this all-star squad of doctors, Mark is trying three forms of experimental treatment, including the very-hot-right-now-in-the-medical world "immunotherapy." None of these treatments have ever been tried on someone with his type of cancer, so he is most excited about the fact that his willingness to participate in these trials could really, really help people with this disease in the future.
As of now, the process involves 10 days of chemotherapy, followed by 3 weeks off, then another round, etc. etc. until he is in remission. The drug he is presently taking is called Dicitabine, and has had a strong success rate when it's been used in trials with other kinds of cancer.
As anyone who knows Mark knows he's a fighter. He has beaten cancer two times before this (Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2007 and Polycythemiavera), has survived 15+ car accidents (one of which put him in a three month coma), two heart attacks, a spine fusion, an emergency plane landing, two vocal cord operations and an almost toe amputation. Every doctor we've met with so far has agreed that they have NEVER seen a medical history quite like his, and are all optimistic that he is going to come out the other side of this one, too.
He has beat impossible odds before, and we all have NO DOUBT that he will beat them again. The Weiner family will be keeping everyone updated on the day to day changes via this blog (though you will still probably receive the daily text message updates from Mark himself), and would love all of your words of encouragement and support to Mark and the Weiners in the comments section. We all appreciate everyone's messages of positivity, and ask that you to send us good vibes and keep the big guy in your thoughts and prayers.
Love my RI/FL family more than words. Missing you ALL beyond words and can't wait to see everyone sooner than later. Mark, you are a walking miracle and serve as an inspiration and example for us all. You walk the walk and talk the talk...I have NO doubt you will kick cancers butt. I've never met a more compassionate, warm, fun loving, neurotic and all around world class human beings. Susan, your strength, grace and devotion are always the rock and anchor. Zoe, you have evolved into the most dynamic, poised and all around amazing ladies I know. Rich, I miss you big time brother. Turtle, the same goes for you! Cathy, you are the most spectacular mother, daughter and wife on the planet. Max and I send you and baby Bennett some much love from California. #imwithmark
ReplyDeleteMark Dearest,
ReplyDeleteMorris and I and the rest of three children wish you all the best.We love you Mark.Susan,If i can do any thing,You can call me 401-349-5569.All our love to you and Mark.
I'll always remember all the kindness you showed me and my wrestling crew when we were helping Steve on his ring journey. Thank you for everything, Mark. I'm sure you've got this.
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