KEITH'S JOURNEY TO MOSCOW TO RID HIMSELF OF MS
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for MS
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DAY +15: Discharge tomorrow!

10/10/2013

9 Comments

 
Wow!  What can I say, other than I cannot believe it has been almost 5 weeks since my journey here in Moscow began.  I have mixed feelings being at this stage of the treatment as well.  Yes, the medical treatment here was second to none, I have felt 'reasonably good' the entire time through the process and the staff and doctors are second to none in the world.  Why the mixed feelings?  Because in all reality, while the procedures are done, now is when my body actually starts the healing process.   This will take time, patience, and yes, more time.... 
    We have now drawn up a new rebooted blueprint for my immune system to follow, one that in essence should be self tolerant.  Many of you who have known me for many years will not even have noticed the subtle changes that have happened within my body and capabilities.  Now, over the next months to several years, the anticipation is that left unchallenged, some of the nerve damage that has happened in both my brain and spinal cord, may start to heal.  And with healing, comes function.  Will I be able to run marathons or play men's league hockey anymore?  Anyone's guess.   Would I love the opportunity to feel normal to be able to run after my kids to get to the park....hell YES!  This is why I made this decision to come here at a 'relatively' early state of disease to try to optimize quality of life going forward.  
    Each patient who undergoes HSCT reports various markers along the way post treatment.  Often symptoms get worse for a few months, before very subtle changes take place.  Every day must be appreciated for what it is and the challenges is will bring. Take the good days when they show and celebrate, take the bad days in tow and chalk them up to just being a bad day.
Today was better than yesterday, pushed a bit longer, walked a bit further, but I can definitely feel the dexamethasone tapering and the effects of all these meds working their way out. 
Dr. Fedorenko will review all of my final blood chemistry with me tomorrow and review my plan of action for follow up in Ottawa with my physicians there.  All I can say ultimately is that I truly feel blessed for being here with the superior care I have received.
I will update you all with the final analysis tomorrow.  
Until then, love from Moscow!
Picture
One last pic prior on the day the isolation doors were finally opened!

9 Comments
Lorne
10/10/2013 04:16:52 am

Keith, I greatly respect your decisions made. You started this journey informed and educated; you traveled this journey, (and will continue to do so), with a superb medical team, family and friends. At times the new pathways might appear shrouded in fog but you will find your way. Needless to say I believe there's a bright future ahead. Safe journey home. Take care of each other.

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Robin
10/10/2013 05:55:20 am

Simply AWESOME !!

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Angie Mullen
10/10/2013 07:48:20 am

Hooray for you Keith! What an amazing journey! Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you. Your optimism is truly a gift!

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Lorraine Saipe link
10/10/2013 09:58:56 am

Keith great to see you are doing well and that you are beating MS. I have enjoyed watching your journey. I hope to have the same journey in January. Good luck and continued recovery.

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Laurie
10/10/2013 10:58:41 am

Keith, you are an inspiration to say the least, and your daily posts truly convey the spirit you hold within. Thank you for sharing your journey.... you are touching the lives of many in doing so. Keep up the drive (and perseverance, and patience) - we are cheering for you. Hugs, from The Stanuls (Go Leafs Go!)

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Tammy
10/10/2013 11:03:51 am

Welcome to the "MS Free" club Keith! You have done so well and I can't wait to see how your healing continues :)

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Dee
10/10/2013 06:20:16 pm

Congrats Bro!!!! Looking forward to having you safe and sound back in Canada. Great things lie ahead, I just know it! XOXOXOX

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Adam
11/10/2013 01:37:36 am

Yeah Keith! I'm looking forward to the post that writes 'Finally home'.

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Glen
14/11/2013 02:06:26 am

So glad to hear this has worked for you. hope to see you back here real soon.

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