Journal entry by Ann Pettit-Johnson —
On June 27 and 28 Mark returned to Boston for his annual work up at the Boston University Medical Center amyloidosis clinic. His response to treatment has been truly miraculous, with his heart now functioning at 90%, kidneys at 100%, and his liver at (close to) 50%; the medical team considers a 50% organ response to be a good response. Plasma cells in bone marrow (indicator of amyloidosis) went from 50% at diagnosis to 1%. Dr. Sanchorawalla (BU amyloidosis specialist) recommends that he cut back dara infusion treatments from every 4 weeks to every 8-12 weeks. We have so many reasons to rejoice.
We are spending the summer at our cottage in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, enjoying the beauty of nature, and the love family and friends. To quote a dear friend, “Mark is back!” He’s fully engaged in life: planting a vegetable garden, playing golf again, riding his bike, and making incredible meals on his Weber charcoal grill’s rotisserie feature. He knows his limits, withdrawing for an occasional rest, but so much more present and active than just a few months ago.
Mark recommends that we close out our CaringBridge account, but first he wanted to add a few words:
Dear Friends,
My heart overflows with gratitude for the thoughts and prayers you have offered to me in this time of need. I have learned many lessons over the last two years. These include: it’s okay to ask for help….never underestimate the power of prayer……the world is made up of many who show Christ’s love in the form of a short note,…a kind word… an unexpected gift basket or a gift card… a meal… a text message.
God used two key people to see me through the maze of recovery, Annie and our son, Dr. Adam. If it were not for them, I would not be typing these words. In fact, if my diagnosis had been delayed six months, I would not have survived. Adam saw the problem clearly when others did not and put me in contact with the best doctors on the planet in Boston. Annie juggled her education, house design and house move during Covid while caring for me. … truly a superhuman effort. I humbles me to know her sacrifice and love for me.
Now I have a second chance. I call it “Mark 2.0”. I am already moving to not waste this opportunity. Pray that new horizons will open for me that God will call me to.
I love you all,
Mark
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