Another day down and only 1 more to go! If you missed yesterdays update, you can find it here!
I decided to support my good friend and fellow MSer (is that really what we’re calling ourselves. I need to think of something cooler), by wearing my I Am Strong t-shirt today! Sarah launched this campaign a couple months ago to encourage others to find their strength as well as to raise funds to pay off her own climbing medical bills (You can read her story and follow her journey here at sarahduron.com). Still shy of paying off her own bills, Sarah made a beautiful and selfless decision to help out another young woman with MS named Anna who’s MS is progressing quickly, making available treatments ineffective. In a last hope effort to find a solution, Anna is pursuing the possibility of a Stem Cell treatment, which cost thousands of dollars. All funds raised from the sale of t-shirts on Sarah’s website will go to helping Anna get the care she needs. Go buy one here!
Now for my infusion day 2!
5:00am – Got to sleep in a little later (1/2 hour) and after a quick shower with my IV wrapped in Saran Wrap, I packed my bag, drank my Vega Smoothie and we were on our way! We arrived in New West a little early so we grabbed a hot drink before heading to the clinic for day 2!
7:30am – The nurse flushed my IV line (left in from the day before) and all was well, so no poking around today! It’s the little things that make me happy! Once the line way cleaned and ready, I started an hour of steroids to combat any side effects that might come with the Lemtrada. I also look an anti-viral medication to fight off the viruses that my immune system no longer can, gravol, benydryl, reactine and zantac. All required to keep away side effects!
9:00am – As soon as a doctor is the building at 9am the Lemtrada can start. The gravol and benydryl knock me out, so I slept for a couple hours in the morning.
11:00am – A couple awesome young women from the college where I work gave me a gift bag, instructing me to open it when I was bored, so I did! I was blown away at what was inside! A few fabulous little gifts and stacks of letters and cards from the women at the college! So encouraging! The joy and life those words brought me is difficult to describe! It’s such an honour to be able to lead, pastor and teach them!
11:30am – I had a few minor side effects today. Floaters in my vision, a heavy chest when I breathe deep and a slight fever. No headache today though! Yay! The fever had subsided by the end of the day, so hoping all is well!
1:30pm – Lemtrada finished and now begins my 2 hours of observation to make sure I’m responding okay to everything. I finished off the afternoon playing cards with Clark! I won, obviously, and he continues to claim that it’s because I’m on performance enhancing drugs. Honestly, he’s been the most supportive, selfless husband through our whole marriage, but weeks like this I get to see his dedication to me in a whole new way. He’s one of kind!
3:30pm – Infusion finished. Observation period is over and by 3:45 we’re in the car on our way home!
Overall, I’m feeling pretty good and I’m in great spirits! The constant outpouring of love makes a difference. I feel so loved and cared for. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for the comments, messages, gifts, cards, letters and everything else you’ve shared with our family this week. I am blown away. We are better in community. I’m honoured to be a part of such a strong one!
