Counting My Blessings

Today as I sat in the office of my MS doctor waiting to get my blood drawn, I noticed what a beautiful green the trees are and how crystal blue the sky appeared. Maybe it is the early arrival of this beautiful weather, or, maybe it was because for once in this journey that I have been on, I got a great report. I started the new and only form of pill therapy for MS in December. This medication is not a cure, however it is supposed to decrease the amount of relapses. Until now, I had been having about three relapses a year. Currently, I have not had a relapse in six months. This is the longest amount of time I have gone relapse free. We are praying that this means the medicine is doing what it is supposed to do. I still have the fatigue, and some leg pain, usually at the end of the day, but I can handle that. My doctor told me that I can begin a twice a year visit rotation instead of every three months. I am so happy to say that I have also been asked by the drug company to be an ambassador for other MS patients struggling with this disability and the medication choices available. For now though, I am ready to enjoy my spring break!

Live and Learn

The insert that comes with my medication clearly states that this particular medicine causes the immune system to become weak.  They are not kidding. I got a stomach bug last week, in fact I had to run out of my classroom throwing up one day. I haven't really had any kind of virus since my diagnosis so I didn't know how hard this would hit me. After two days at home and one night in the hospital, I learned my lesson. When I am sick, I am SICK! So with some advice from my family doctor, next time I will rest.

I have felt wonderful despite the small set back last week. I have begun working out with water weights at an indoor pool, walking more often, and am looking forward to some golf with my husband now that it is beautiful weather. All I can hope for is no more viruses! I go back to see my MS doctor over spring break, please add me to your prayers as I continue to pray as well for continued good news.

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!