Back Among the...

mostly living. This is the first time since the transplant back on March 29 that I have felt energetic enough to post something. Since the transplant I have been a bit sick, mostly nauseous, thanks to all of the drugs I'm taking. I have mostly been just tired, having no energy at all. I was sprung from the hospital on Friday April 9, although parole might be a better description, since I have to go in for check-ups once or twice a week. Everyone tells me I'm doing well, either on or ahead of schedule. I have to admit, it doesn't always feel that way. But today I had enough energy to read, and to write. So now it's up to me to press myself a little more each day, regain strength, and the ability to focus. Right now I'm good for about 1or 2 hours a day. I'm hoping to double that by next week. I have to admit, it feels good to write again. Thanks for your prayer, I assure you they are felt.
Deacon John
Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
April 19, 2010

Transplant day

I recieved my transplant this morning at appoximately 10:A.M. CDT. I was given enough drugs to effecively put me to sleep for a good portion of the day. My mother, sister (not the donor) and of course my wife were present. Everything seemed to go well, and as of now I feel alright, let's just see what the next few days bring. The entire procedure only took about 15 minutes, although the benedril and ativan and anti-nausea meds knocked me out for a good portion of the day. Now we just wait a few days and see how I feel then. So far this whole thing hasn't been too bad. Hopefully it will continue this way The one drawback is I will completely miss the Triduum, my absolute favorite time of year. But what better time to start a new life than Holy Week? I will for the first time pray the Evening Prayer of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, since Evening Prayer is not said by those participating in those liturgies. Unfortunately my tiny universe will preclude me from The Eucharistic Celebration on Easter Sunday. I do believe a Eucharistic Minister from a near by parish will at least bring Communion. All of this is a small price to pay, missing one Triduum for many, many more.
Deacon John
Monday of Holy Week
March 29, 2010

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

Me and Poindexter

Just a few months ago, I noticed a lump growing on my sternum. It was small, unremarkable, and I thought that at my next Doctor's visit I should have her look at it. Then, this mysterious lump took on a life of its own, growing exponentially. So maybe it couldn't wait until the next visit. After a CT scan, an MRI, and a biopsy, my doctor called me in to inform me that I have cancer. It is amazing how quickly one's life can change. With that word, cancer, nothing could ever be the same again. Yet here I am, with my invitation to this exclusive club, an invitation that apparently cannot be refused. A choice has to be made. Give in to self-pity, or fight. As a person of faith, I choose to fight. Hence the name of this post and this blog, Me and Poindexter. No offence to anyone actually named Poindexter, but I had to give this disease, this tumor a face, something I could grasp, something I could shake as I struggle with it. Why did this challenge come to me? I can't know, at least not this side of heaven. I only know that in this struggle, in this journey through cancer to, hopefully, prayerfully, remission, I can record this journey as I attempt to find God in the struggle. No doubt, my faith was challenged, but my faith remains.