Lynn asked me to provide an update on my healing adventure. Hi, Ian here from sunny springtime in Sydney.

I was diagnosed with aggressive multiple myeloma on. 27 March and was in hospital to start treatment 3 days later. Myeloma is currently an incurable blood cancer but the great discoveries in medical science are assisting in survival rates and hopes that one day soon a cure will be found.

I was also diagnosed with a nasty protein called amyloid which sometimes comes about from myeloma, as in my case, but can also occur in other ways. It typically deposits itself in prominent organs, in my case, the heart. It causes your heart muscle to thicken reducing the pumping ability of the heart. If it’s not treated it can result in people needing a heart transplant and people dying from cardiac amyloidosis is becoming a more common occurrence.

So Many Blessings

I’ve experienced so many blessing through this adventure. My medical team is top-notch. Significantly, the cardiologist called into manage the amyloid issue in my heart happens to be one of the few amyloid experts in the state.

• The medical team pushed hard to access an immunotherapy drug in addition to my chemotherapy treatments, to tackle the amyloid issue. It costs a significant sum of money and we were fortunate to able to access it under the Govt medical benefits fund.
• Only two weeks ago, I had my checkup with my cardiologist who was amazed at my results. In fact, she said my heart was no worse and, might have slightly improved. A wonderful answer to prayer.
• The chemo nurses at the infusion centre have become guardian healing angels. I attend every week for anywhere between 60 minutes and 5 hours, depending on the treatment scheduled for that week. After seven months, I’ve become a regular and they;’ve made what could be very traumatic a calming and at times enjoyable experience getting to know these ladies of various nationalities.
• Fiona and I are blessed with various support groups. Fiona has a strong group of girlfriends who check in on her, take her out and give her hugs and listening ears as she deals with the emotional challenges of being the major carer. It’s a tough gig. I have a wonderful global group of prayers (some of which are SUMItes) who are going into battle for my health and for the family as we walk this adventure together. I have a few very close friends who are always close and keeping watch over me.

What’s Next

A stem cell transplant starting on November 10 November. This is a procedure Lynn’s husband, Mike, had with his leukemia, and comes with some risk primarily due to the fact it smashes your immunity to nothing. Meaning you are highly susceptible to infection if a bug comes near, hence, I will be in a secure room at the hospital. Nurses and the like will all be in heavy PPE like Covid days and my family will probably talk to me at a distance for the first few days/week. I’ve been told to allow for a 3-week hospital stay as this is the time it typically takes for one’s immunity to reach a level where you’re able to step back into the world, though with a mask, and with limited outside contact for another 2-3 months.

Well, that’s probably more than enough for you all to digest. I’m in good spirits and have been through most of this adventure. God is very close and tender and I’m experiencing my own wilderness season which I might write about another time. I’m now a firm believer that a wilderness experience is an important one for us all to walk through in developing intimacy with our Lord.

Thank you for all of you who have prayed and continue to pray. We cherish every prayer. I’ve always been a big believer in the more the merrier going into battle in the prayer room for people. Lynn, Ann and Lu receive a weekly update and Lu passes that onto the prayer team which I appreciate.

Don’t hesitate to drop me a line or in the comments below if you have any questions or wish to join in the prayer team. We can hook you up via the 3 ladies.

Go well, my friends and may you experience some of wonder and joy this week.