There are probably more, but Susan and I know of only three people in Atlanta who have had multiple myeloma longer than I have. We have regular contact with patients and caregivers at a support group that meets the first Saturday of each month. Unfortunately we have lost count of the number of men and women who have died of this blood cancer since I was diagnosed in 2000.
God receives the credit and all the glory for his love and provision. In the support group, we learn to rejoice with those with good news and to suffer with those who are hurting. As we love one another without reservation God also receives glory.
Until there is a cure, CR (complete remission) is the term all multiple myeloma patients long to hear from their doctor. CR indicates a complete lack of cancer cells in the blood, but the cancer can return.
A year ago a trial drug had early success in my case, but after four months the cancer numbers were worse than when I started treatment and we knew we were in a dangerous place. But God sovereignly rules over matters we often label ‘chance’ and He is never confused or alarmed. My doctor in Atlanta helped with my first stem cell transplant in 2001. Over time he has become one of the leading multiple myeloma researchers in the world. He arranged for me to enter a new trial from Europe that was opening at only one hospital in the United States… Emory. I was the third person of ten patients selected and all of us were randomly placed in one of two trial categories — a rather mild once-a-month dose or a rigorous once-a-week dose. Of course I was hoping for the easy group… but was placed in the other.
After six months on this trial, I learned last week that every blood test and every test performed on a bone marrow collection reveals that I am in complete remission. I told Susan that I sometimes think the doctors and nurses are more excited about good reports than I am. Of course we rejoice and praise God but we both hesitate to get overexcited or overly distressed regarding any news. I will continue on the trial drug as a type of maintenance treatment, so I will continue to visit Emory.
A couple of weeks ago I went to see our son Taylor as he was on duty at one of his school’s soccer games. As I approached the gate, a lady I did not recognize said, “You’re Taylor’s dad! I go to church with your friend Jon and we have prayed for you for several years. I’m glad you are doing well!” Such kindness reminds me to be grateful and to say ‘thank you’ to so many who have prayed for me and my family. So ‘thank you’ and remember that “with God all things are possible.”
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12