Dr. G visit today
May 16, 2013
Today I will see Dr. G. We will consult on the looming Collect and Store (stem cells) process. Also, I will ask about the med strategy for the summer. Believe me, it’s not a chore any of us want … taking meds to live … but for the time being, I’m going along with it.
Some sad news. Kristi Bannister, one of our former TCS mothers and employees, passed away yesterday afternoon after a long struggle with cancer. Dr. G was her doctor also. She leaves behind three children, one just graduating from HS. That is a very painful side of life … when children their mother.
“Lord, our hearts go out to the Bannister family today in their time of grief and loss. Comfort them, and give them grace to face the future without one who sacrificed so much for their wellbeing. Jesus, fill the void in their hearts. Overwhelm them with Your Great Love today. We trust You for their future. We ALL trust You for our future. In Your Mighty Name, Amen.”
Dean P. Demos 
May 16, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Dean, I am sorry I have not contacted you about your ordeal. Rachel read me the posts early on. The last I heard there was a procedure about to be taken when they found things normal. I don’t know what it means. If you don’t want to go all in detail again I will read the posts or what ever that is on face book. I been playing violin and dulcimer, mowing and working in the shop, Did you ever get that broken stud removed from the bike? That may be the last thing on your mind now right?
Friend always
Bob
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May 17, 2013 at 7:12 am
Bob, Thanks for responding.
Yes, I just got that broken rear derailleur hanger bolt break-off out of the threads. It turned out that there was enough of a lip sticking out that I could get some good vise grips on it an it unscrewed easily.
My numbers from the blood tests are all in normal range. I guess it means that the medications are doing their job to “halt” the progression of the disease. I am on a reduced dosage of medication, which is nice. Whereas I was going to the Dr. twice a week, it’s now only once a week or bi-weekly.
Where do I go from here? The next big step is this “collect and store” of my good stem cells. They can keep these for ten years should I need or opt to do a stem cell transplant.
Patty says “Maybe you’re healed.” I feel good. I have faith, but I am ready for whatever God’s will for my life is. You spend 25 years as a worship leader with the goal of “seeing the Lord,” then when you get the train ticket to heaven to get you there sooner, you say “well, I don’t know if I’m ready to go.” “I AM READY TO GO.” In fact, Bob, one day I began singing “Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face.” I sang that precious hymn and wept the whole time. There and then, I knew I DID want to be with the Lord, but I also want to complete any earthly assignment He still wants me to fulfill. My family is not ready to give me up yet. If you will have read the complete blog, you will find out that the hope of a longer life with the new medications is entirely possible. Anyway, your ol’ buddy Dean is walking thru an earthly challenge that gives me a healthy focus on what is important. Friends are important. That’s where you come in.
Anytime we’re in Findlay, I always think about stopping by your shop. Patty and I will never forget the MANY fun Friday evenings we spent with you an Rachel eating popcorn, talking about kids and cats, and just relaxing.
Friend forever,
Dean