I’ve been home three months tomorrow and looking back it’s been quite a year. We crammed a lot in over the summer, with selling a house, packing up and moving halfway across the country, fundraising, and then going to Russia for HSCT. For the last 3 months I’ve been in recovery mode. It’s amazing how weak I was when I first returned and how far I’ve come in my recovery. I remember needing to hold on to Tom just to walk up the two steps to our front door, now I’m walking a mile every other day. I’m still not up to my pre-HSCT strength, so watch out when that happens. I finished up PT last week and now it’s all on me to keep working out. I’m going to start going to the gym again January 1st. Lifting weights again should really help, I just have to remember slow and steady.
My hair is really coming in now, and I don’t wear a hat in public any longer. Kinda proud of my new hair. I’ve been taking a photo every week for the past 8 weeks to see the progress. You can almost see it growing.
Look at that side sweep!!
I’ve been improving right a long, but am experiencing extreme joint pain still. It’s fine if I’m moving or sitting still, but once I need to move from sitting, laying down or standing still it hurts. It should go away in 3-6 months, and that can’t happen soon enough for me.
I’ve been truly blessed this year to be able to have this treatment, and I will always be thankful for all of those that helped me get there. I’m still sending monthly updates to Dr. Fedorenko, and he is very pleased with my progress and believes the treatment was successful in stopping my progression. What a way to end the year and start fresh in 2014!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! VW
Kickin' MS with HSCT 
Dec 24, 2013 @ 11:54:23
So very happy for you and your family. I was off FB for a few months so I missed some of this. Would still like to see you sometime. Merry Christmas!!
Dec 24, 2013 @ 18:35:40
Merry Christmas to you too! I’d love to see you again, let’s make it happen.
Jan 15, 2014 @ 15:39:10
I just saw your blog for the first time. It’s wonderful to hear that the treatment is behind you and you are seeing improvement already! I was diagnosed with PPMS in 2008. How do I see if I would qualify for this treatment and see if I can be approved for it?
Thanks so much for your help.
Jan 17, 2014 @ 10:13:55
Hi there! I found the best information and support from a FaceBook page, Hematopioetic Stem Cell Transplant- MS https://www.facebook.com/groups/149103351840242/ They’ve been great support, and under the files section at the top you can find out about facilities, treatment types and other peoples blogs. I hope this helps and you find HOPE too.
Jan 16, 2014 @ 10:49:04
Vicki:
Thanks for your update, and I know you have made progress from when Tom & I spoke recently. You look great, and how fantastic that you can walk a mile. I know you need the next day for rest and to help with your joints, but can you imagine how many people cannot walk a mile?! I know it must be hard to be patient at times, but you have made great progress, and Diane & I send thoughts and prayers for your continued progress. Thanks for the updates, and keep them coming!
Take care form the Wilson’s in Texas!