It has been a busy few weeks and the calendar shows that it will only get busier! I visited my doctor in Nashville the day before Thanksgiving and I was hopeful for really good news. I had been feeling so good, I knew it could only mean I was in the remission phase of this relapsing remitting disease. That was not the news that we received. It appeared that I had more brain lesions and that the lesion on my optic nerve had gotten worse. This means that the injection therapy that I have been using for over a year did not work. Since there is no cure for MS, the only thing to do is to try disease modifying therapies like the injections. My doctor suggested a fairly new therapy that is a pill. He said he has seen success with this method and I was excited about not injecting myself anymore. None if these therapies come without risks or with a gaurantee. With this pill there is the chance of severe macular edema or swelling of the eye nerves. Also, I will have to take the first dose in the office in Nashville because it causes the heart rate to drop. I will have to be monitored for six hours for initial side effects. I will take my first dose next Tuesday during Christmas break. I am praying for a smooth transition.
I have learned to overcome many obstacles and have learned when my body is telling me to slow it down a little bit too. I have had a smooth job transition and fully believe that Godmis using me as a vessel of hope for someone who might need it. My students are a daily reminder to me of why I followed my calling to this profession and I thank God several times a day for the ability and opportunity to do what I do.
