If you’ve seen my social media post today this is mostly a repost with the exception of a few things, especially the exciting news in one of the YouTube shorts at the bottom 🌟
Exactly a year ago today I received my stem cell transplant. It’s considered your new birthday as it’s the day you are given your newly harvested stem cells, from which a new immune system will grow. One that won’t be destructive to my brain and spinal cord.
Just a recap:
HSCT (autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant) lasted a total of 31 days in Mexico at Clinica Ruiz, and every day there was some sort of treatment. It has been the most difficult (and painful) medical procedure I’ve been through. I call it a suffer-fest. There were a few good laughs from time to time.
Some days I didn’t know how to cope, sobbed quietly to myself; wishing the day would disappear. It was terrifying at times when my body reacted beyond my control. My biggest worry was not death (1-3% risk), but instead, coming out worse than when I went in.
Against all the statistics and doctor’s prognoses, who said it wouldn’t work for me, it did. I got better, and better. I began to drive again. I still have pain and bodily dysfunction, but less. I can walk for short distances and each month I get stronger and can walk for longer stints. I was thrilled in December to only use a walker to go into a store, rather than my mobility scooter. I haven’t been able to do that for over 8 years.
Make no mistake, I have had some extremely bad/difficult days this past year. Sometimes I’d wake up half blind, unable to stand, and could only crawl to the kitchen to get water. The ups and downs of recovery are so severe it’s like mental whiplash. Physically, It’s taken a lot of work to rehabilitate my body.
I have a long, long way to go though before I will be completely independent. There is also the threat that the treatment could turn around at any day, so I’m grabbing everything I can while I have the chance.
I really want to have a few more mesenchymal stem cell treatments at Hope Biosciences, whenever I can source funding. That has really given me a huge boost.
Once again, all of this was only made possible for me by the massive financial donations of many, many people whom I cannot ever thank enough. I am so grateful to everyone for their love and support. You know who you are, and I love you too ❤️
I also owe immense gratitude to Fernie who took such incredible care of me through all of this. Thank you my friend 🌹
Click Here for One Year Post HSCT – Plus Short Walk
Happy Birthday Jenny! What a long way you’ve come, that’s awesome to see!!! Your faith and perseverance is incredible and so glad you’re seeing the rewards 😄
Thanks Janet!! 🌹
WOW!! This post is full of amazement. Your steps, your birthday/anniversary, your progress. I am glad you are seeing progress and your message of hope to others, I love. Here’s to more in the months to come.
Thank you so much, Emily, your comments mean a lot to me! ♥️
Happy Birthday, Sister! What beautiful videos – your re-found capabilities, your gratitude & the inspiring story…Plus, as always–even when you’re having a bad “MS” day, with everything going to hell in a handbasket–you look beautiful. It’s fun to see your happiness & fortitude & I look forward to more updates as you go. Lots of love
Thank you, sister! I wait to see how things unfold for you! I’m super excited and so glad we have this under your belt! Things will get better. Lots of love 😘
Wonderful! You have been so dedicated and committed to the process of experiencing life. I am so glad you can continue to have this kind of joy. BTW, this is a great birthday….My son was born 22 years ago on this date.
Thank you Sandra! It’s pretty wild to be able to have a glimpse again of how wonderful life can be. And hey, happy birthday to you son!