No News is Good News

That is certainly the way I like to look at things! I realized I had not posted on here in quite some time. It could be because over all I have been feeling so good, or it could be because I have been busy with teaching and keeping up with Jordan and Lyndsey. What ever the reason, the best part is, I am able to do all of these things. I am not looking through rose colored glasses. I have bad days, days when I come home from school and collapse onto my bed with fatigue, and spend most weekends recharging for the week ahead. Regardless, I am just so happy to be where I am at work and in life. I have adjusted well to the new medication that I started over Christmas break. I am so thankful for that, and for my friends who lookout for me and remind me when I forget, that I need to slow down.

The speed bumps of life

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.

Together we can!

Saturday September 24 marked the return of the MS Walk to Paducah KY. It was a rainy morning but the rain stopped just in time for the walk to begin. I was humbled to see my family and friends there to support me, especially Jordan's Tilghman Football teammates who also got up very early to join us! This week will mark the one year anniversary of my diagnosis. As I sat in the stands Friday night and watched my son on the football field, I realized that I am a very lucky girl. I know everyday that EVERYTHING happens for a reason.  I have had some bad days over the past year, but each day I am learning. Learning to live with this sometimes dibilitating disease, learning to support others who have this life altering condition and most of all learning to be an example to my children, my family and my community. We had a great time at the MS Walk and I am excited to do it again next year!

To a New Beginning

This weekend we have been working hard to get moved in to our new home in Paducah. We have been slowly moving over the past few weeks but this weekend we got the majority finished and we are ready to start our new life in our new city. The intent of the move is for me to be close to my new job so that I will be able to rest after school.  I have been teaching at Paducah Middle for a month and I love it. I feel like I am where I am supposed to be, and now we can begin finding our way in the community as well. I have already made a friend in the neighborhood and have found out that her son and Jordan have been friends since the first day of school. I am excited about the possibilities in our new home and look forward to many years here!

What a difference a year makes!

Today I visited Dr.Hunter for my regular follow up. I am approaching the one year anniversary of my diagnosis. This was the first time in a year that I have not had to have a steroid infusion following a visit! What I was told was that while my symptoms point toward a relapse, I could hold off with steroid infusion right now. It is great to get good news. I am feeling great and getting acquainted with my new job. It is really amazing what a difference a year makes!

Please join us in raising awareness for a cure!

Dear Friends and Family,

Fall is around the corner and I’m gearing up for the 2011 Walk MS Paducah to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I will walk to help end the devastating effects of MS and I am asking you to join me by making a contribution to support my effort.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to a world free of MS. They simultaneously fund research for a cure while also helping people who currently live with MS lead more fulfilling lives. There are more than 4,500 people in Kentucky and Southeast Indiana living with MS. I’m walking to make sure the Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter can continue to offer programs each year for people living with MS and their families. I’m walking to help fund research into the cause and cure for MS. I’m walking for those people with MS who can no longer walk. I’m walking because I care.

Please help by making a donation - large or small - to fight MS. Or, why not join me on the day of the event? Become a participant and side by side, as teammates, we can work together to raise the funds to make a difference.

Please help me reach my goal by sponsoring me in the Walk MS and help the National MS Society reach the ultimate goal of a world free of MS.

Sincerely,
MeganStorey

Visit my Participant Center and make a secure, online donation today!

Join Me as a participant in the Walk MS and start making a difference!

To send a donation: Make all checks payable to: National MS SocietyMail to: MeganStoreyP.O. Box 303 78 Elsey StBardwell, KY42023

  

 

A Little Bit Stronger

I was thinking today as Aaron and I were playing in a couples golf tournament where I was a year ago. I do those kind of things from time to time and then it dawned on me.... Today, my life is 100 percent better than it was a year ago! We know what my ailment is and how to control it and now we know what I can and can't do (which isn't much!). The fact that I can play golf for two days is a big improvement! I have to say that I do get pretty tired but the point is I can live life and that is something to be thankful for each and everyday. I hope that others who are experiencing what I am going through are able to find something that helps them enjoy life. That is what helps get me through! I am able to "witness" so to speak to a few others with MS from time to time and keeping a positive attitude and finding happiness is what I try to help them with as well. I praise God for these opportunities.