Dean P. Demos

Since I’ve entered a class of life inhabited by others who are facing similar life-threatening health challenges, I’ve discovered a new set of “understanders.”  There seems to be an unspoken fellowship and level of commonality that cuts through life’s trivial issues and focuses on  a) I, too, understand how you’re feeling, and b) I want to support you because I’ve received so much support, and c) Here’s how I’ve handled that … you may want to try it. 

This fellowship is rooted in a level of caring that it very sincere.  The Bible says we are to give care to others as we have received care.  This level of care becomes more than a spiritual merit badge process.  It becomes vital.

Books, prayers, hugs, phone calls, emails, Facebook posts, vitamin supplements, herbal formulas … all give evidence to a deep expression of care that is very comforting and encouraging.

When we all stand before the Lord, I’m sure we will be glad we gave care and love while we had the chance.

P.S.  I’m down over 10 lbs. now. 

This morning I had an appointment with Kennan, Dr. G’s P.A. He’s the one who gave me my last bone marrow biopsy. Whereas Dr. G will massage a concept, Kennan gives a half-speed karate chop. He’s very direct. I actually like his informative delivery.

A big indicator had been at 1.5. It’s now down to 0.9. Kennan said I’m really doing well. I was encouraged.

I will have received 3 cycles of RVD, then I will be sent to Northside Hospital in Dunwoody for a consultation by the Myeloma experts there. They will help determine my next step, which may be a procedure to harvest my healthy stem cells for a possible stem cell implant if I need it. Once harvested, they can keep for 10 years. This may be the best window to collect them.

I am encouraged, although I don’t relish the possibility of dipping in and out of a medicinal maintenance routine for the rest of my life.

Lord Jesus, heal me completely of every abnormal plasma cell, and restore my system so it doesn’t allow their growth ever again. You did YOUR part, and by your grace, I’m going to do mine. I thank you IN ADVANCE for making me completely whole. Everything within me blesses YOU.

My younger brother Gary is as fit and sharp as a man half his age.  His self-control has merited a designated space in the parking lot of life known as “accomplishers.”  [www.demosguitars.com]  His eating habits quickly reveal someone on a mission.

He and I had lunch together last Friday at a restaurant of HIS choosing.  I said, “Gary, go ahead and please order for me.”  I experienced a rare treat – a guiltless lunch.

At my request, he began explaining how he constantly evaluates what to eat and when to eat it.  He allows his judgement to filter out foods that are destructive or chemical laden, and injest ones that yield maximum benefit.  Organic, non-processed, and “foods found in the Bible” are terms he uses liberally.  Don’t even get him started about sugar. 

I asked him to write out his eating philosophy in summary form so I can begin using it.

It’s a refreshing point of view from someone I love and trust.  I think I’m in.

Just before I received my Velcade injection today, I was seen by Dr. G’s P.A.

My numbers are down … the ones they monitor from my blood sample given each time I visit their office.  I was encouraged that this initial barrage of medication was being effective.

I was informed that Dr. G would probably send me to Northside Hospital for an evaluation/consultation after my sequence of treatments to determine the next step of treatment.  Havesting my stem cells for a potential transplant was mentioned.  The stem cells can be kept for later use, if needed.  Bob went through this process, and his was obviously effective.

We talked about side effects and their remedies.  We talked about a new pilot program that allows the patient online access to their test results.  I expressed my interest in that!

The big “Medical Machine” is in place and grinding along.  I appreciate the medical advances and treatments available to me, but always consider it secondary in value to my personal faith and trust in Christ.  As Paul stated in Colossians 1, it’s “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  He’s the One who can present us “Holy, unblameable, and unreproveable in His sight.”

I have been on a weekly regimen of Velcade injections every Monday and Thursday.  They told me it is active for 72 hours, causing the unhealthy plasma cells to subside.  The steroid, dexamethasone, is taken orally on M-T, then TH-F to accelerate the effect.  The Revlimid is an oral capsule taken for 14 days straight with a 7 day rest.  Then, all over again.

Side effects have actually been negligible. 

A bout with flu [actually, I have been made aware that what I thought was flu was a whole body reaction to the Zolmeda injection that causes your bones to awaken and begin strengthening] and a bad coughing cold have been the most difficult aspect of my life over the break.  I’m finally better.