- T
It was after returning from my honeymoon in 2004 when the diagnosis came in. Multiple Sclerosis. It was a horrible reality. My family has had several cases of MS. My grandfather's sister died from it. My brother has it. Much crying occurred thinking that the future was uncertain. Would I be in a wheelchair soon, could I be an involved mom, etc... Realizing that medications were available gave some hope.
But....after 4 different medications over the past 12 years without any of them being truly effective, my husband and I heard about a stem cell transplant trial in Chicago that could effectively "cure" the MS. We were overjoyed to have been approved for the process. So what is this process? After some initial testing to see if the patient can handle the treatment, they get a dose of chemo and begin to inject themselves with medication to bring their stem cells into their bloodstream. After staying in a nearby hotel for about a week and a half, they harvest the stem cells. The patient is hit with more chemo, annihilating the immune system. Then the patient gets their stem cells back and begins to work on building up an immune system again. All of this takes about 2 months.
While we have a means to take care of the procedure and the 2-1/2 weeks worth of hospital stay, we are looking for help with the 2 weeks of hotel stays, meals and gas. We have recently discovered that the Family and Medical Leave Act allows for a leave from the workplace, but without pay. While my husband will be taking his vacation time for the majority of it, it won't be enough for the entire duration.
I can still recall how my nuerologist was amazed that I could walk into the room for an appointment, citing that the MRI's tell her a different story. This treatment is so very important to allow me to be a mom and be active with my 4 kids and husband. Without this treatment, the future is very uncertain.
In the end, it is all in God's hands. I will place my faith that he will see me through this and ask for prayers for strength and healing for me and wisdom and understanding in the medical staff.
This first step to a new life starts with the new year, at the very beginning of January.
God bless,
But....after 4 different medications over the past 12 years without any of them being truly effective, my husband and I heard about a stem cell transplant trial in Chicago that could effectively "cure" the MS. We were overjoyed to have been approved for the process. So what is this process? After some initial testing to see if the patient can handle the treatment, they get a dose of chemo and begin to inject themselves with medication to bring their stem cells into their bloodstream. After staying in a nearby hotel for about a week and a half, they harvest the stem cells. The patient is hit with more chemo, annihilating the immune system. Then the patient gets their stem cells back and begins to work on building up an immune system again. All of this takes about 2 months.
While we have a means to take care of the procedure and the 2-1/2 weeks worth of hospital stay, we are looking for help with the 2 weeks of hotel stays, meals and gas. We have recently discovered that the Family and Medical Leave Act allows for a leave from the workplace, but without pay. While my husband will be taking his vacation time for the majority of it, it won't be enough for the entire duration.
I can still recall how my nuerologist was amazed that I could walk into the room for an appointment, citing that the MRI's tell her a different story. This treatment is so very important to allow me to be a mom and be active with my 4 kids and husband. Without this treatment, the future is very uncertain.
In the end, it is all in God's hands. I will place my faith that he will see me through this and ask for prayers for strength and healing for me and wisdom and understanding in the medical staff.
This first step to a new life starts with the new year, at the very beginning of January.
God bless,