Dean P. Demos

… have hit a bump in the road.

I was on track to be discharged from the Northside Hospital BMT group on April 1.  Then, my left foot became red and swollen.  The pain woke me up several nights ago.  Dr. Solomon began treating me with an antibiotic for cellulitis in the foot, a condition that is an infection in the under layers of the skin.  Whereas I was to have two more visits, I now am required to go in every day for a 30 min. IV of antibiotic.  It was discouraging news to hear … but it’s better than losing a foot.

Feet should carry good news. (Is. 52:7, Eph. 6:15)  They are supposed to be healthy and beautiful.  Mine are neither.  I am asking in faith that they heal quickly, and that I can get on with doing the job and ministry I am called to.

Take care of your feet. I’m working on mine.

Lord, thank You for our bodies that give us a tool and vehicle with which to fulfill your plan for our life and function.  Give us wisdom to take good care of them.  Forgive us for our neglect and misuse.  Let us walk in an abundance of grace.  Yes, let us keep walking!

I have been driven to the Northside Hospital BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant Facility) everyday for nearly 30 days.  Today, I don’t have to go.  I will spend some of the day with my daughter, Julie, at her home, and the rest of the day with Patty at our home after she gets off work.

One nuisance is the rectangular black bag I have connected by a line to my port that supplies continuous antibiotics to me.  It goes with me EVERYWHERE!  It will be my friend for the next 10 days.  Yuk!

I’m feeling much better since the staph infection incident.  Thanks for the prayer.

Paul said “Let us lay aside every sin and weight which so easily trips us.”  We are prone to slide into dangerous thinking which coddles and tolerates sin in our lives.  This bag reminds me to keep my life consecrated to the Lord and His purposes so subtle sin doesn’t deter me from freely and efficiently serving Him.

“Jesus, keep me pure, keep me clean so that You may be seen.  Let your love, let your love flow through me.”

Wednesday afternoon, I began feeling lousy with fever, chills, and vomiting.  Sorry for the details. Upon consulting with Dr. Morris who was on call, I was instructed to take tylenol and see them in the morning.

I was given IV antibiotics which have succeeded in giving relief.  Temp is now normal again.  I was really weak, and blood pressure was 88/56.  Wow, I’ve never seen it that low since I was in my mother’s womb.

I’m much better.  It’s under control.  I will have a hand-carry pump with me for the next 10 days to get another antibiotic.  I see other patients carrying them, so here goes.

Thanks to all who rallied in prayer.  I haven’t felt that lousy in a long time.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them ALL.”

Everyday until this coming Thursday, I travel to the BMT clinic for my check up and IVs. After they check my vitals and draw blood, I receive fluids at a “station” in front of a picture window on the tenth floor of “The Tower,” along with the 15-25 patients also going through this procedure.

The results of my blood labs will determine what I need for that day.  It may be blood products, or potassium etc.  I am seen by either a Dr. or a “Mid-Level” nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.  They are all extremely nice and very capable in this specialty area of medicine and treatment.  For this I am grateful.

Please pray for Bryant, a 28 year old fellow patient who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.  This, after he survived leukemia and treatment as a 2 year old.  His father reached out to me for prayer and ministry for his son.  They have had a long battle.

There are needy people all around us.

“Jesus, fill us with your love that we might be sensitive to the hurting people all around us.  Heal, restore, save, and strengthen others through our reaching out.  In Your mighty name we pray.  Amen.”

While in the hospital for fever, my stem cells began producing.  The white cell count is rising as well as my immunity index.  I am so grateful.

Patty stood by me as usual.  She means so much to me.

We are home from the Northside Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant wing, and just about ready to crawl into OUR OWN BED.

Thanks to all for your prayer support.  I didn’t experience the mouth sores so many transplant patients experience.  Prayer is effective.

“Lord, continue to give me strength as I walk this walk, and strengthen all my Kingdom of God family members as they encounter struggles.  We can do ALL THINGS THRU YOU.”