Prayer for Kent Dungan and remission from blood cancer

Kent Dungan has recently learned that he is in full remission from blood cancer! He will be moving to chemotherapy and possibly a clinical trial to keep remission ongoing as with certain blood cancers, there is no real cure. The treatment has been difficult, but Kent and Patti are so grateful that the prognosis is better, and they appreciate your prayers that he will continue to stay in remission and that his bones will be strong and intact. 
 

Kent's Story (as of May 2021), by his wife, Patti Dungan

Kent has a blood cancer, multiple myeloma. The cancer seeks a host. Thus the blood carries errant proteins that bury themselves in the bones, which is how it was detected in Kent.  His pelvic girdle is covered and 1/3 of his spine in these lesions (secondary bone cancer). It was discovered during a CT scan for an abdominal concern. He received 4 rounds of several types of a chemotherapy combination (oral, infusions and injections) prior to the stem cell transplant, which showed that he was trending toward remission. After the stem cell transplant, they were recently unable to detect any errant proteins in his blood.

Kent will begin another 4 rounds of chemotherapy in a lesser strength to act as a barrier to return of the proteins and lesions (about 4 more months as of May 2021). Kent is 72, so we are hopeful for longer-term remission....perhaps 7 - 10 years, which the doctors say is possible. In the meantime, he is pushing through fatigue and trying to exercise. Weight-bearing exercise is helpful for bone health, but especially important for this type of cancer. The cancer is not really what is fatal in this case.  It is the fracture of bone that has become a host. The infections that set in around those fractures are generally critical/fatal.  Another gift is Kent's bones seem to be strong and no fractures are currently present.  All healthy days are gifts and for that we give thanks.

Thus, we hope to be enjoying a more normal fall 2021 (from an activity perspective - getting out and about together)! We will be grateful to begin emerging a bit more into the world both post-COVID and cancer!

Update Feb. 2022:  
The Dungans have just learned that Kent has a 7- to 10-year remission potential now! They credit everyone’s prayers!!!  
 

Intercessory Prayers for Kent

Consider calling on the intercession of these two saints, known for their advocacy for cancer and blood-related illnesses:

St. Peregrine, Priest, was cured overnight of a terrible cancer.

• About St. Peregrine / Two prayers  
• Testimonials from people about prayer to St. Peregrine
• Novena to St. Peregrine

St. Philomena, patron of blood related illnesses, was martyred at the age of 13 and is a model of courage.

• About St. Philomena
• Novena to St. Philomena