April 26, 2009: Jill's appointment with Dr. Burt and Dr. Balabanov, at Northwestern in Chicago, went well. The MRI showed no new lesions. Both doctors were extremely pleased that Jill looked well and even the receptionist remarked about her appearance and said that she looked so much healthier.
Jill walked the 500 meters unassisted and I did notice that she seemed much steadier than before the transplant. Her color has greatly improved and her tremors have decreased. Dr Balabanov told us that we will see a vast difference in 6 months.
There are cells dying and new ones rejuvenating constantly. A lot is going on inside Jill that we can't see. I feel like something new is continually replacing something that is broken. Remember, stem cells are very smart and know exactly what to do! It’s a mystery for us to understand; they repair what needs to be fixed!
Dr Burt's office has been overwhelmed with people wanting to participate in the trial. The Stem Cell Transplant is the only thing that will stop the progression of this debilitating disease. Jill has received e-mails from MS sufferers all over the US wishing her well and they are all praying for her recovery. They all say that this is giving them hope that they never had before.
There are no words to express how much Jill appreciates everything that is being done for her. This has been and continues to be an emotional and grateful time in our lives. To know how much support Jill has from everyone out there makes this journey so much easier for her. Jill picked out a quote: "No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another." This is what all of you have done for her!
Our Heartfelt Thanks and Love,
Jill and Doreen
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
DAY 77 - THURSDAY
April 9, 2009: Hi Everyone, last Thursday Jill had blood work done and a chest X Ray. All of her blood work has been normal up till now. Ever since the passing out incident and the frequent dizzy spells, the doctors are still trying to find the cause. Hence, several tests for abnormalities were ordered since these symptoms are not common in transplant patients.
Jill may have uncovered the cause herself. She had to get a refill for her meds and she started reading the side effects. On two of the meds, it cautioned about dizziness and fainting. It also stated sudden death in the precautions part of the print out. Since her grandmother died of sudden death at age 35 and her aunt and cousin both have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (sudden death), Dr Burt said she should stop 2 of the medications immediately. She also had a rash on her legs and arms, an allergic reaction to the medication. She didn't report the rash because she thought it was from the intense chemotherapy. The side effects also caution about extreme fatigue, which has been a constant battle for her.
Jill is off the medications and it should start to help eliminate some of the side effects. Her spirits are great and she is anxiously waiting for the transplant to show all it's magic.
On a positive note, I just want to reiterate some of the improvements Jill’s has already experienced since her stem cell transplant on January 22, 2009:
Before the Stem Cell Transplant, Jill was on the verge of going from Relapsing Remitting MS to Secondary Progressive MS. Now that prognosis has changed!
There was an immediate improvement in her thinking. She said she felt as if a “cloud was lifted” and she started remembering things.
Her tremors have greatly lessened; I hardly see them anymore.
Jill looks forward to her future now, whereas before she was so scared of what tomorrow might bring (everyday, I watched her getting worse).
She was so depressed; she had to take 2 Xanax a day to stop her crying. Now she only cries when she is happy!
We hope and pray that all will go well from here. In ten days, she'll be back in Chicago and we will post the outcome of her visit as soon as we know.
Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers.
Love,
Doreen
Jill may have uncovered the cause herself. She had to get a refill for her meds and she started reading the side effects. On two of the meds, it cautioned about dizziness and fainting. It also stated sudden death in the precautions part of the print out. Since her grandmother died of sudden death at age 35 and her aunt and cousin both have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (sudden death), Dr Burt said she should stop 2 of the medications immediately. She also had a rash on her legs and arms, an allergic reaction to the medication. She didn't report the rash because she thought it was from the intense chemotherapy. The side effects also caution about extreme fatigue, which has been a constant battle for her.
Jill is off the medications and it should start to help eliminate some of the side effects. Her spirits are great and she is anxiously waiting for the transplant to show all it's magic.
On a positive note, I just want to reiterate some of the improvements Jill’s has already experienced since her stem cell transplant on January 22, 2009:
Before the Stem Cell Transplant, Jill was on the verge of going from Relapsing Remitting MS to Secondary Progressive MS. Now that prognosis has changed!
There was an immediate improvement in her thinking. She said she felt as if a “cloud was lifted” and she started remembering things.
Her tremors have greatly lessened; I hardly see them anymore.
Jill looks forward to her future now, whereas before she was so scared of what tomorrow might bring (everyday, I watched her getting worse).
She was so depressed; she had to take 2 Xanax a day to stop her crying. Now she only cries when she is happy!
We hope and pray that all will go well from here. In ten days, she'll be back in Chicago and we will post the outcome of her visit as soon as we know.
Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers.
Love,
Doreen
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