7 weeks after Panama

It’s been 7 weeks since my stem cell treatments in Panama and the question most often asked is “Do you notice any changes?”

I wish there was a simple answer. Nothing about my journey is simple. I am tracking my symptoms weekly but at this point there has been no significant change. All I can say is I have had some good days, probably more than usual, but I also continue to have some bad days and those in between. Is it the cooler weather? Is it the stem cells? Is it coincidence? It is hard to know for sure. We had a very busy October and Rich and I were both exhausted after last weekend. But we remain cautiously optimistic. In my original post I explained it may take multiple trips and we are prepared for that. It will be 4+ months before we can make another appointment.

There are so many unknowns when you pursue something like this. Most people dealing with a life changing diagnosis at some point consider an alternative to what their doctor can offer. There is always someone promoting a “miracle” cure and many of them are just trying to capitalize on the money behind the hype. Some of them however, come from people who actually have found success and want to share that with others. Stem cells may very well prove to be the next great realm of treatment for many conditions and diseases. Many of us are willing to risk the cost rather than wait for the final approval, which could take decades. All I know is there are people who find a cure when the medical world says it’s hopeless. There are people who find their miracle. What do they have in common? They have faith. They don’t give up. They take a chance. If you are skeptical from the beginning then why bother.

So we remain cautiously optimistic. I keep saying that because there were many times throughout my journey that I tried to

remain positive with high expectations and the bad news just kept coming leaving me devastated. I don’t expect a complete miracle although I know it is possible. I just have to keep the faith and know that even if I only see modest improvements or my MS just stops progressing, it will be a victory.

Thank you to all of you who take the time to read my blogs and follow my journey. My story is complicated and often too hard to really explain in a conversation. I am always open to questions and willing to tell my story though, so don’t ever be afraid to ask.