There are less than two weeks left until I depart for Monterrey, MX. While I’ve been organized for this trip/treatment for several months now, I still feel like there’s endless stuff to organize. Gah!
I left Canada in late November and have been in the USA for the last two months. No peeps, I am not in Maui so don’t be jealous. It was quite the load of decisions to make on what to pack, how much of this or that, along with compiling all my meds, supplements, etc., for three months. I was going to be in cold weather for two months, then in MX it will be warmer, meaning I had to plan for two climates. I already feel terrible for the porters who help me as I have so much luggage in tow.
To supplement my vitamin D these last few months, I joined a local gym to access their tanning beds (@$23/month, how could I go wrong at that rate?!). The gym had this intense light therapy machine that felt so soothing for my pain. The machine also had this really cool vibrating base so I’d stand for a few minutes, close my eyes with my hands against the sides (for balance) as an exercise for my brain to redevelop proproception. It was a challenging one!
All this aside, I think I’m having a mild disease relapse as I’ve developed severe itching on various (and odd) parts of my body. Itchiness is a constant symptom of mine, but this is a new level of intensity and the rashes are growing in size every day. It’s driving me crazy. I have oral prednisone with me so likely I will start that tomorrow for some relief.
I have to admit I’m nervous about HSCT. I love the thrill of rollercoasters, but this a different kind of rollercoaster. One that entails kind of trying to kill me, then bringing me back to life again. OK, that’s rather dramatic, but you get the idea 😉
If I haven’t mentioned before I hate nausea/puking and any type of IV. I ask for the smallest guage IV catheter (needle) as my veins shrivel up at the sight of them. Yup I’m bona fide big baby! This is some serious chemo I’m going to get, so mentally I need to get my head around that. Or maybe I don’t, I still have time to figure that one out.
Overall, I’m excited. And eternally grateful to the heaps of people who have – both emotionally and financially – supported me every step of the way to have this treatment. The outpouring of love from everyone has humbled me beyond words. I’m truly blessed.
Oh Jenny, I’m so excited for you to start this journey. It’s truly felt like a second chance at life for me. I honestly hope that everyone who goes through this treatment feels that way, too. For me, it’s been completely liberating.
I haven’t had any of the ‘rollercoaster’ that people talk about but I did take to heart what other warriors before me have stated — exercise and move. If you sit back waiting for recovery, it will be much hard and take much longer.
Best of luck to you. As Tom Petty would say, “the waiting is the hardest part!”
Thanks Amanda! I also feel like it’s my second chance at life and incredibly blessed by everyone who has allowed it to happen for me. I am definitely mentally prepped for the rehab and more. Thank you for reading, and for your awesome wishes!
Dearest Jenny: I am excited and worried for you, all at the same time while you’re in Mexico. But most of all I am so proud of you; of your strength and determination. We will all be following you and cheering you on as you take this journey. Much love to my beautiful girl, Mum
Thanks mum! Don’t worry, I will be OK. Such wonderful words of love and support; thank you. Lotsa love ♥️
GOOD LUCK! I was diagnosed officially on 12/15/2021. I’ve probably had MS for 5-6 years though. By luck I rekindled my friendship with Amanda Oliver. She and I went to high school together and oddly enough found each other on an MS Facebook group. She sent me over to your page to follow your progress. I’m working on starting the HSCT journey myself.
Hi Christopher, thanks so much for your wishes! Gosh that’s a really recent diagnosis; how tough. That’s awesome you’ve reconnected with Amanda. She’s such an intelligent, top shelf woman! I hope this blog is helpful for you and thank you following. All the best in your journey 🙂
Awesome Christopher! Good luck! Jenny
Hi Jenny, I am very excited for you while being scared at the same time. You’re unbelievably strong! We love you and can’t wait to see you in the summer. Love Carolyn and Kyle
Thanks for your kind words Carol! Love you both too, and can’t wait to see you all in the summer. Love JF
You’ve got this!! You are soo freaking strong and resilient! Where’s the big baby? I’ve never seen her. I’m so hopeful HSCT will provide you with MANY benefits, as well as the ultimate goal of halting all further progression. The good news is that you will put the difficult parts in your rear view mirror. And, the care you will receive is THE BEST EVER!! I’m wishing you ENORMOUS SUCCESS in this difficult, but courageous treatment!! I love you! Debs
Awww Debs, thanks so much for all your wonderful and supportive thoughts. Haha, the big baby lives, I assure you 😉 I’m looking forward to it all being over and wishing for the best possible outcome. Love you JB ❤
Hi Jenny I haven’t stop thinking about you today and hope you can feel my positive thoughts!
I am with you in spirit and will be anxiously awaiting your posts !
Love you ❤️
Thanks my dear friend, love you ♥️
I am signed up Bug!!
Jenny you are so loved by so many of us, there will be alot of mental work you will have to do as you go through the hours, minutes, days and weeks upcoming. The calendar is forging ahead and you will be forging ahead alongside it.
Focus focus focus, this time is for you to recover, take it gentle there will be hard days, keep your mind focused on the outcome and what may transpire and lie ahead for you. I love you my Jen Jen ❤️ Don and I are rooting for you, I’m here any time of the day for support. Big hugs beautiful xx