Mark Bomgardner Fundraiser

My journey began in the fall of 2011, when during a normal exam, the doctor found some tenderness in my upper abdomen. Within a few days I was scheduled for a CT, which gave no answers. I was then scheduled for an MRI. During the MRI, they found a spot on my liver, but had no idea what it was. On January 28th, I had my gallbladder removed. During the surgery, the doctor found six spots on my liver, that weren't supposed to be there. The doctor took a biopsy of two of the spots and on February 1st, we received the results, Cancer. We were told that the spots were Well- differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors. on February 1st, we received the results, Cancer. I began a series of tests to help determine the location of the cause of the Cancer. At the conclusion of the tests, we were told that the Cancer is localized in the liver and no where else, surgery wasn't an option. At this point, there are not many options. This type of Cancer does not respond to conventional chemo or radiation, but there is a shot I can take once a month that will stop the growth of the Cancer. The other options are to participate in some clinical trials. MD Anderson currently has two clinical trials going on for this type of Cancer using a new drug that is showing some signs of success. I begin my first treatment on July 16th at 8:30am, I will then take one shot of Sandostatin once a month for the next three months. This will give me three shots before I return to Houston in October.We were told of some side effects, the worse being extreme fatigue and pain at the injection site (it has to be given intramuscular in the buttocks). Mark did experience the side effects and they continued to worsen to the point that he was not keeping food down, had no appetite, was nauseous a lot and very fatigued. It seemed to follow a pattern of having 3-4 good days, followed by 2-3 bad days. At one point, he was so dehydrated that they had to give him fluids intravenously over a couple of weeks. Update The CT scan has indicated that the tumors on the liver have grown, so the Sandostatin shots are not working; and Dr. has decided to stop them. The treatment plan for a high grade tumor is different than a low grade; and it would involve chemo. Mark was put in hospital Tuesday having trouble breathing and fluid build- up around his lungs. They were hoping to drain the fluid but the pockets of fluid aren't big enough to drain. His protein levels are low and they are not holding in the fluid in his bloodstream and it's seeping out. The plan now is to head back to MD Anderson as soon as we can. Please keep Mark, Karla and their families in your prayers and thank you for your donation (These were taken from caringbridge and Facebook updates)