We Have a Winner

The sibling donor sweepstakes has come to a conclusion and we have a lucky(?)winner.
The winner is my youngest sister who is a perfect match. I thought it might be her since we are more physically alike than my other siblings. So, she gets the all expense paid trip to Chicago, and unfortunately the experience of Neupogin, a drug designed to stimulate stem cell production. Then there is the real fun of harvesting the stem cells. None of this will be pleasant for her, and I cannot adequately express my gratitude to her for being willing to undergo this for me. Yes, I would do it for her, or any of my siblings, we all say we would do this for one another, but actually being called on to do it, that's different. But she will and I am more grateful than I can express. She is giving me the gift of life, and there is no adequate way to repay her. All I can say is thank you. Please pray for her as she prepares for this donation of life. I get the feeling that the docs in Chicago want to do this as soon as possible, so now it's down to insurance approval. Please pray that that happens quickly, so we can get started again.

St. Peregrine, pray for us.
Blessed John XXIII, pray for us.
Deacon John
The Vigil of Pentecost
May 30, 2009

One Week of Revlimid Down

I started chemo a week ago Friday with Revlimid a drug intended for those with relapsed MM. The nice thing about Revlimid is that it is a capsule, so I don't have to sit in a doctors office hooked to an IV. The best thing is that it is working. Tumors are shrinking like mad, I am nearly pain free, and this is only in a week. On the down side, I am tired, and the possibility of low blood counts increases the chance of infection. It does seem that Revlimid is getting Poindexter under control. So, I keep praying that this new treatment will reign this disease in enough to get the donated bone marrow transplant, and hopefully finish Poindexter off. Keep praying.
St. Peregrine, pray for us.
Blessed John XXIII, pray for us.
Deacon John
The Vigil of Pentecost
May 30, 2009

The Journey Continues

I haven’t posted for a while mainly because I just haven’t felt well. So far for May it’s been Cancer 3, Me 1. Things are starting to turn around. I started a new chemo regime, Revlimid, a drug for those who have relapsed Multiple Myeloma. This should bring Poindexter back into control. We went to Chicago earlier this month to be evaluated for a bone marrow transplant using donated bone marrow. My siblings, the best hope for a match, all received kits in order to be tested and typed for the transplant. I was typed while in Chicago. It takes between 2-4 weeks to get the results, so it may be a couple of more weeks to see if we have a winner. I’m not certain yet of the timeline on how this transplant will go. When it does occur, I will again be hospitalized in Chicago for about 3-4 weeks. We asked about others being tested since many have volunteered, but the best advice the doctor had was jut to get on the national bone marrow donor registry. When the transplant does happen the lucky(?) winner of the donor pool gets to spend a little time in Chicago as well. I always knew Poindexter would come back, I just didn’t think it would be so soon. That’s OK, we will just jump back into the fray, trust in God, and fight on.
St. Peregrine, Pray for Us.
Blessed John XXIII, Pray for Us.

Deacon John
Solemnity of the Ascension
May 24, 2009

Transplant Time Again?

Well, radiation is completed on my shoulder and eye, and they are vastly better. I can move my arm again and there is almost no pain. We've been wondering what the next step will be and today we heard from Dr. Cohen in Chicago. He is considering, at this point using marrow from a donor. This is probably several months away, so there is likely going to be more chemo here first. Well, at least we have the beginning of a plan. Something needs to happen, I've felt terrible for the past week, and these nodules that are springing up all over are causing some pain. I am not complaining though, because it could be a lot worse. Thank God I have options. It looks like we'll be heading back to Chicago. let's just hope it's not in the winter!
St. Peregrine, pray for us.
Blessed John XXIII, pray for us.
Deacon John
May 5, 2009