Mark Burke

I am inviting you to Caringbridge for updates of my treatments and the progression of my cure. The following is my story:

On April 28, 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage II esophageal cancer.  The news rocked our world, but yet we took it in stride.  At first it felt like a dream that we could not awake from.  There were no symptoms and I felt great.  I did however have a bit of fatigue, and Chris encourged me to go get a physical.  During the physical, the doctor wanted me to have a colonoscopy and an endoscopy.  It was at this time the cancer was found and confirmed.  The good news is the mass that was found is in the lower part of the esophagus and is only three centimeters.  It has not broken through the esophageal wall, nor has it spread to the organs ot the lymph nodes.

I met with Dr. Kemme (the oncologist) and he said this disease is very treatable and is 60-70% curable.  I believe those are extremely good odds.  I will be doing three treatments of chemotherapy with four different meds (the chemo cocktail) over two months. Then, I will have two weeks off and then go into chemotherapy and radiation. I will have one month off prior to surgery (provided the mass is still there).


We believe that no matter the storm we are facing, God is in control!  We appreciate everyone's prayer for us during this time.