Dean P. Demos

Patty and I met with my transplant Dr. this morning.

He said I had a “Good Response,” indicating that 70% of my myeloma cells had been been eliminated.  We were hoping for better, but this disease never goes away apart from a miracle.  I will resume Revlimid, one of the effective medications that hold it in check, on a maintenance basis.  Medical advances keep improving the quality of life for myeloma patients.

I am not discouraged.  I trust the Lord for each heartbeat and each breath.  They are gifts, and this health challenge makes me more grateful for the chance I have in this life to accomplish the Lord’s purpose.

We are grateful for the prayer support and loving gestures by countless friends and acquaintances. 

By the grace of God, I intend to “Fight the good fight of faith.”

Lord Jesus, apart from You I can do nothing.  I ask that you heal me by Your mighty power that comes to us because You love us.  Encourage all the saints to trust You completely for each of life’s challenges.  We all look forward to the day when there will be no disease, no tears, no complaining, no sin, no disappointment … we will ONLY SEE YOU!

I hit the milestone last Saturday … 100 days out from the stem cell transplant.

Monday, I was tested to measure the effectiveness of the entire procedure.  That included a bone marrow biopsy, a full body bone scan, tons of blood tubes drawn, an pulmonary test, and a meaningful visit with many of the BMT staff who attended to me for my process.

Dr. Solomon is on vacation so my consultation with him to hear my results will wait until June 19th.  I’m very hopeful.  I feel great, am fully back to work, and have started a reduced dosage of Revlimid for maintenance.

To all who have been following my progress and praying … THANK YOU.  I am your friend and brother in Christ.  I would be honored to reciprocate the care and prayer by being made aware of any challenges you may have.  Our relationship with the Lord, our family, and our friends are the IMPORTANT THINGS.

Last evening, I participated in the Trinity Christian School 2014 graduation.  56 seniors crossed the stage as I read their names.  It was a beautiful occasion even with the annoying wind gusts that created the low “growling” sound in the stage mics.  Because it was held outside at our new football stadium, the normal concern for germ exposure was less threatening.  Fist bumps instead of handshakes further reduced the possibility of threats to my still weak immunity system. 

For me, it was a graduation of sorts … I am venturing out more in public.  For instance, today I will also join Patty to watch our grandson Luke’s last indoor flag football game.  I have gone into a few sparse restaurants, and even visited my office wearing an air-filtering face mask.  It is nice to make a move toward a more normal, yet germ filled environment.

It’s a similar step for our senior class.  They leave the protection of a Christian home and school to attend universities where the enemy of our soul will try to snare them.  If they join the armed services, they likewise will be facing new and greater challenges to their spiritual health.

Withdrawal isn’t the answer.  As I guard myself from health threats, they must guard their spirits from besetting sin.  As countless friends in Christ prayed for my successful encounter with Myeloma and a stem cell transplant, so we all pray for these young missionaries as they take the next step in their life journey.

Lord Jesus, keep and protect the TCS seniors from all evil, lead them away from temptation, and use them for Your purposes.  We commit them to You, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  In Your name, Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

Here I am just 74 days out from my transplant and I am feeling GREAT!  In looking back, I really cannot say I had any suffering or monumental pain.  I am grateful for the volume of prayer that has been offered for me.

I heard of so many others who have had a difficult time.  Don’t get me wrong … I’m the guy who has been through a total knee replacement and two hip replacements.  I KNOW pain.

The Bible says “Count it all joy” when you do suffering.  I know I am at a new place in capacity for understanding and empathy for others who suffer and have diseases.  Your heart just “knows” how others feel.  I greatly value that.

Nevertheless, I’m just very grateful to have the opportunity to be of service to my fellow man.  Life is an opportunity to serve others.

On Tuesday, April 15, I was officially discharged from the Northside Hospital Blood and Marrow Transplant group.  Dr. Solomon, my attending physician, gave me verbal and written instructions to follow to continue to keep me safe until my immune system gets back to normal.  For instance, I am not to be in schools, restaurants, church services, and athletic events for another 40 days.  LOL.  Those are about the only places I usually go. 

I have resumed my duties as Headmaster at Trinity Christian School “from afar.”  I rely heavily on email, phone conversations, and meet my appointments at home or in the Trinity Fellowship office wing which is on an HVAC system which does not recirculate the air used by students.  I am so grateful for the school’s patience and understanding while I have undergone this consuming medical journey.  Also, the fabulous administration team we have in place has not missed a beat.

Dr. Solomon referred me back to Dr. Goldklang for my continued care.  I met with Dr. G Monday.  He will wait until my bone marrow biopsy at my 100th day after the transplant to determine if I need any ongoing maintenance medication.

“Lord Jesus, my life and health are in Your hands.  I’m asking that every plasma cell in my blood be healthy and free from the abnormality of cancer.  Jesus, let YOUR BLOOD be in my body.  Let all your children walk in health and miraculous provision for their days here on this earth.  We trust You and the power in Your Name.”

1. FEET ARE BETTER.  The suspected infections were liberally treated with IV antibiotics.  There remains no trace of cellulitis or any other problems.  The x-ray and MRI both revealed arthritis, but no trauma damage.  The peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling pain) in my feet remain the single problem issue in my feet.  This is a side effect from the Velcade myeloma medication I’ve been taking since Nov., 2012.

2. DISCHARGE DATE: APRIL 15TH.  At this time, I will be released from the Northside BMT unit and turned back over to Dr. Goldklang, my hematologist/oncologist.  My transplant doctors will consult with him to recommend a maintenance medication strategy.  Also, I will have undergone another bone marrow biopsy which will reveal how effective and successful the transplant was.

3. CONTINUED SECLUSION.  Until my 100th day post transplant, I must still avoid being around the general population in places such as schools, restaurants, church services, indoor athletic events etc.  Wow, those are the main places I go.  This is a health precaution as I am still vulnerable to communicable germs and health issues.  Strictness such as this is probably a reason the Northside BMT unit has one of the highest survival rates in the nation.

4. EASTER AND TCS GRADUATION.  Because these two events will be held outdoors at our new Trinity football stadium, I hope to discretely be in attendance.  (Please don’t cough on me if you see me)

5. #1 CAREGIVER.  Patty is one of the best things that ever happened to me. In over 44 years of marital bliss, she has exemplified the wedding vow we took … “In sickness and in health, for better or for worse, ’til death do us part.”  I weep with appreciation as I ponder gratefully how blessed I have been.  Her heavenly reward may be bigger than most, because I can be a load.

Bless you all for praying for me.  I could never face this challenge without you and the LORD.

… 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!