Staying the Course

Spring break marks 6 months since traveling to Panama for stem cell treatment. You probably know the Sprobas are over achievers so when they said 6 months before we can return, we took that seriously. Rich and I will be returning to Panama over spring break in March for treatment #2.

There’s no question the past few months have been a challenge. Since Christmas in particular I haven’t felt very well. With multiple sclerosis it is really hard to pinpoint a reason but I did recently find out I have another bladder infection which I have most likely been battling without knowing it for several weeks. I always seem to be the unusual patient. None of the usual symptoms, normal blood work, etc. I’m hoping to get some strength back if I can get rid of the nagging infection, just another pleasant side effect of having MS.

I wish I could say I am seeing improvement from the stem cells but truthfully no. At least nothing much I have noticed. MS has so many ups and downs it’s like riding a roller coaster. The best I can do is take advantage of the good days or sometimes the good moments. There are times when Rich says “Can I do anything for you?” and I answer “Yeah, get me some new legs.” The reality is a lot more complicated. I really need a new immune system that doesn’t attack my nerves and some rebuilding of the lesions on my brain and spinal nerves. That is what we are hoping the stem cells will do. Stem cells repair damage in the body but we all have different amounts of stem cells depending on genetics, age and lifestyle. I would venture to say the health issues I have dealt with over the last 20 years have depleted mine which is why it may take multiple treatments to see improvement. And yes there is a chance stem cell treatment may not work for me but we believe right now it is my best chance. If you are interested to learn more, read this simplified analogy of stem cells https://www.cellmedicine.com/your-bodys-stem-cell-bank-account/.

The daily struggles make me grateful for the good moments although they have come less often over the past few years. I am grateful I feel like writing today. I am grateful I have the resources and support to help manage life and disability because not everyone does. Next year we will have 2 kids in college and me. I am grateful most for my husband who takes on the burden for all of us.

If I could total up the amount of money and effort it takes to deal with this relentless disease it would be overwhelming. Over the past year we have redone our bathroom, changed some of the flooring in our house, and installed ramps. I am no longer able to load my scooter so for the last year I have been trying to figure out a lift system that will work so I can maintain my independence. Our steep driveway is a factor, as is my old scooter and my vehicle. We have purchased a new scooter and will eventually tackle the other stuff but one step at a time.

NOTHING about this journey has been simple but when I start to get down or question my future I think about cancer. The first time I knew I would live through it. The second time made me question everything. Despite the fear I found hope and my persistence has proven successful. It doesn’t do any good to say “why me?” so I don’t. MS is just the next challenge. Someday I hope to have the most amazing story to tell and that’s what I like to think about when I see my future.

For now I am focused on stem cell treatment number 2 and holding on to hope for improvement. In life we have choices. I choose to follow the road less travelled and hope for the best.