A New MS Treatment

Several months ago, Cory was switched from having relapsing-remitting MS to primary progressive MS. It was something that we knew in our hearts, but it was still hard to hear and accept.  We also found out that the current medication that he was taking was no longer being effective at keeping his MS stable.   

 

After several discussions with his neurologist, we made the very difficult decision to try a new MS treatment that came on the market back in December.  The drug is called Lemtrada and is basically a chemo drug that has been used with MS patients.  It pretty much wipes our Cory's B-cells and makes him immunocompromised for several months.  The decision was hard because there are several potentially undesirable side effects associated with this new drug.  But the possibility of providing a couple of years of stability for Cory outweighed the possible risks so last Monday we headed to Dallas to start the treatment.  It is a five day infusion and Cory was required to be at his neurologist's office for 7-8 hours a day for the infusions.   

 

As I type this, Cory is at his neurologist's office getting his final infusion!  We were in Dallas last Monday-Wednesday and then came back to finish up this yesterday and today.  Overall, he has done well and has had minimal infusion reactions.  His biggest challenge has been dealing with extreme fatigue.

 

We are so grateful to my sister and brother-in-law for opening up their house to us while we were in Dallas.  We've enjoyed lots of good food, a comfortable bed and I even got to meet their chickens!

We were able to work it out for Lily to come and spend one night with us while we were in Dallas.  She loved getting to meet Aunt MerMer's dog and help her with the chickens!  I think she would move in with them if I'd let her!

We are also so thankful to my parents who have been keeping our kids while we've been in Dallas.  It's nice to not have to worry about them so that I can focus my attention on taking care of Cory and his needs right now. And to all of our family and friends who have been praying for us and checking in with us daily- we appreciate all you've done to make the past two weeks easier!  We are hopeful that this new treatment will help Cory gain a few more years of stability in his MS journey.