I'm Back 8-7-09

Hi Everyone:

OK, I will first apologize for being so neglectful on keeping my blog up to date. Several of you have hinted (very directly) that I should update my blog and keep you informed of my status. My sincere apologies for not doing so.

Here is the status:
I had a Stem Cell Transplant on January 14, 2009. Was in the hospital for the typical 3 and1/2 weeks, spent a month or so at home, and am fully engaged. The great news is that I had a bone marrow biopsy about 8 weeks ago and I am CLEAN. There is no sign of leukemia and the donor's cells represent greater than 95% of my bone marrow. My family and I are naturally very pleased and we give the glory totally to our Lord Jesus Christ.

All along this journey, I have felt well and have continued to work and exercise. All I need is my laptop and cell phone and my work gets done. Being an executive at Essential Group has been a total joy, made possible by my colleagues and friends there who have been so supportive in my journey. I thank each and everyone of them personally. I thank each and every one of you who have consistently prayed for me. I could mention names, but this posting would be very long. You know who you are. I thank my family. My daughters and sons-in-laws have been an inspiration. I can't tell you how much I love Amanda, Jackie and Elizabeth, not because of their prayers and support, but for the fine examples of Godly women that each have developed and continue to grow into. Finally, my wife Gail is the cornerstone of my foundation. She is my rock! Without her, I don't know what I would have done or how I would have handled this journey to date. I love her so much and she is a person who gives so much more than she ever wants to receive. Thank you sweetheart for who you are. I love you!

The journey is certainly not over. That nasty cancer called AML doesn't like to be defeated. I will continue to be monitored with occasional biopsies. I am still on immunosuppressants trying to keep the GVHD (Graft Versus Host Disease) in check. I am being dialed down on many of the medications and hope to be completely off the immunosuppressants withing the next 2 months. Meanwhile, I have my little pill box I use to routinely pop my pills.

Technically, on a medical front, the doctors won't declare a cure for five years. As for me, it is one day at a time. I know that God has given me each day of feeling good because of his grace. It is totally in his will as to how long I am in remission. I can tell you that I feel 27 again. That is, my donor is 27 years old from somewhere in eastern europe. After one year, I will be able to communicate directly with him and thank him for his contribution of life to me. If any of you can qualify to be a donor, please do it. Thank you.

I will try to post an occasional update. Until we meet or talk or email or tweet again, please know that each of you have been my strength, encouragement, energy source, and inspiration. I still where my wrist band that has "relentless" on it. That is what I am. I just hope and pray that somehow my journey has and can be an encouragement and inspiration to you.

Glod Bless You All
Love Dennis