Today is my nine year anniversary that I received my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It was a such a long journey to get to that point, taking more than ten years to figure it out. After so many years of strange happenings, it was good to get a diagnosis and know what was happening to me. Although this disease takes a lot out of me both physically and emotionally, I have never once asked, “why me?” It was more of, “why not me.”
I have faced this head on from the beginning, with my husband and son by my side, and doing everything possible to beat it. There have been some very big bumps in the road, but I get up every day, especially on those hard days and keep moving. I do what I can with my family and live as normal a life as possible. I will not let this disease stop me from living my life and doing what I want to do.
I have been on a couple of different medications since the beginning, switching back to the original medicine. The second choice medicine made me sick and my body started to reject it. In 2008, I had a relapse and vision problems, so a decision was made in 2009 to go with Novantrone (chemo – three months) to try and put it in remission. That was probably the best decision I ever made. Since that time, I have had no real issues. My recent visit a week ago showed me stronger and better than ever with the MS. My eyesight is better than before the treatment and I no longer need glasses. My walking stride and my pace is way up.
Who knew then that nine years later I would be dealing with cancer. Life continues to throw a monkey wrench in once in awhile but again I never said, “why me” with this cancer diagnosis either. I am fighting back hard and plan on kicking it to the curb and having a long life ahead of me. There may be some rough days but I will continue to get up every day and move on with Gabe and Ben at my side as well as all my friend’s and family.
I look forward to the years ahead and the PROOF that having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND OUTLOOK about life and having family and friends is the best medicine out there!
Jacki
New Jersey
Submitted 04/14/2014
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
You mentioned having strange happenings for 10 years prior to being diagnosed. Would you mind sharing what they were?
What an inspiration you are Jacki! I have had a lot of the symptoms for 14 yrs now. My brain MRI shows lesions & radiologist said “M.S. must be considered”. That was a relief because when I started my journey, my dr then suspected M.S. but noone else thought so. From the numbness, tingling, pain, having bladder issues, & all the other weird things I just couldn’t understand why these doctors couldn’t see it. I have a wonderful primary dr who is awesome. I try to be upbeat but along with all these symptoms I have an ever growing list of other things wrong. Hypothyroidism, O.A., RLS, Fibromyalgia, Psoriasis in my fingernails, etc. I recently had a scare that I might have Lupus but thank God the 2nd set of bloodwork was normal.
Thank yo so much for sharing your story and your positive attitude, it’s catching!!!!
Email me any time, would love to hear from you! Take care & God Bless!
Diane