March 11, 2016

Friday Update

Happy Friday my friends!
I hope that you all are happy to see the weekend and have plans to do something you enjoy!

I have kind of fallen off the grid this week.

I haven't update my "Living with MS' page since February 2015! Reason being is that not a lot has changed in the past year--that is a good thing! My last appointment with my neurologist ended with him telling me that my MS is very stable. No improvement as there is no way to reverse what is but there does not appear to be any further decline. Although I have tried three new courses of treatment in this past year, the medication that I began 9 months ago now seems to be doing what it is supposed to do--slow MS in it's tracks. I am so thankful for that.

So why did I drop off the grid then, well winter's are particularly hard for me. The colder temperatures seem to exacerbate my pre-existing symptoms, so by March I am done with overwhelming fatigue. Not the kind of fatigue you can sleep off as even after a good 8 - 10 hours of sleep I don't feel like I have rested at all. Combined with neuropathic pain that makes doing the things I love like crafting and cooking extremely difficult. Please don't get me wrong, I am very thankful that despite having MS now for 29 years, I am still good. So if I am not posting as regularly as I would like or getting to visit all my blogging friends as regularly as I would like I know that April is coming and warmer days.

Good news this week at home. Ben has been taken on by an Architecture firm in downtown Toronto for his third year co-op as a summer intern. He is ecstatic, and so happy that the stress of finding a placement is off his shoulders so he can focus on finishing up the year and his exams-yay! Brooklyn
(my baby) got her Smart Serve certificate over her winter reading week. So she is now legally certified to serve liquor and deny serving liquor to those who have had enough which will help her while looking for a summer job. She thinks it is quite hilarious that she can serve alcohol, cut off alcohol  but she is not yet old enough to consume it--well at least until July when she turns 19 and it then legal in Canada.

Thanks for listening to me chat away.
Now here is a sneak of something big I am working on. 


Tomorrow I am spending the day at Ardyth's with crafty friends Emily, Tashsa, Lindsey and Stephanie.  Have a wonderful weekend!

32 comments :

Rahmat said...

It's good to know that MS has slowed down Tracey, YES, warmer months are certainly better, and you must be very happy for your children's achievements, congratulations to them. I am few more years away from that road.
At my end is a traveling weekend for both my kids, leaving for there week long school experience week trip, and I might hop over a ferry to visit Hong Kong and maybe who know I might land up at my craft store there ;)
Happy weekend to you :)

sandie said...

Hi Tracey, so good to hear an update and so good to hear your good news about your MS meds working as well as they can. my thoughts are with you. Will catch you up on my latest xx

Lynn said...

April needs to hurry up and get here for you. I'm so thankful that the medication you are on is really helping you Tracey - wonderful, wonderful news!

So exciting for both Ben and Brooklyn! Love seeing your kids soar. Have a wonderful crafty day. Tell them all hello! xoxo

Susi said...

How wonderful & proud you must feel over your Ben & Brooklyn's accomplishments, Tracey - congrats to them!
And how courageous you are facing your life struggles - and rising above them! I'm sure I'm not the only one sending you prayers & strength to provide that "helping hand" to lift you up when you're feeling down.
Here's to better days ahead!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear all is good with you and the family!!!!!!!

Karen B. said...

Have a fun weekend!

I Card Everyone said...

"Very stable" is a very wonderful place to be, sweet friend! Come on warmer weather!!!
Ben and Brooklyn give you such joy, and pride - rightly so - such great kids! I am happy to hear they are meeting their goals - Toronto for Ben? Exciting! After Brooklyn serves/refuses, she'll likely not be so anxious to imbibe!
I'm sighing to think I'll miss another gathering of greatness! Miss you... xxoo
=]

Kim Heggins said...

Ohhhhh, can't wait to see what your secret project is, those bears look as sweet as can be.
Sorry to hear you have been having such a difficult time with your MS, sending prayers and gentle hugs your way. Good news for both Ben and Brooklyn too, that is so exciting for them and what a weight to have lifted off your shoulders, looking for a job is never easy. I am sure you are very proud of both of your children.

Maria said...

Thank you for the update, Tracey! Am very happy to hear that your MS is stable! I do hope warm weather appears soon for you to help you feel better! Great news for your son...congrats to him! I'm sure you are all very pleased for him! Glad to hear that your daughter is doing well, also! I can't wait to see the finished product of your sneak peak! And, have fun crafting with friends tomorrow!:-)

Kay Miller said...

I am so glad to hear that things are going good for you and that you are stable and the medications are working well :) I'm also glad that soon there will be warmer temps and you'll be feeling better. Sounds like your kids are wonderful people and you have much to be proud of! Can't wait to see what you do with those little bears and MISTI!

Cat Craig said...

Wonderful news that your MS is stable. I hope warmer climes for you, exhaustion is so difficult to deal with. Congrats to your children in their successes. Enjoy your time with the crafty ladies, it is sure to be uplifting and fun. Looking forward to your big news. Have a fabulous weekend.

ScrapaDiddle said...

Hi, I've had MS for about 20 years and mine is now Secondary Progressive. For my neuro pain I take Neurontin and Ultracet. They help tremendously! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Julia Aston said...

What a wonderful health update - the winter fatuque must be awful but at least the winter ends! Your project looks interesting - can't wait to see it! Julia xx

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Thanks for the update. I'm glad you're stabilized and your new medication is working well for you.Have fun stamping with your friends. You'll have to post what you create!

Marybeth said...

Happy to hear things have not gotten worse Tracey but sorry you feel so tired. Congrats to Ben, for his internship, that is wonderful news!
Oh my goodness your craft day tomorrow sounds like so much fun, enjoy and say hi to everyone from me.

Nancy said...

So glad I came by today to read your update! It's good to hear that your MS meds are working as well as they can. I have a very good friend with MS so my thoughts and prayers are with you always! Glad your kids are doing so well! When your kids are happy Mama is happy!

richardbreaks said...

So glad to know all your great news!
I am, however, terribly jealous of your crafty get together. Once we gave to emigrate to Canada (refugee?) you will have to include me (pretty please)!

Joyce said...

Even though I know what you are suffering every day, a reminder always puts things in perspective. You have so much energy despite all that you face. Your little project includes bears??? hmm....wonder if any of those bears are going in a 12 kits project? Congrats to Ben and also Brooklyn. You have raised such incredible young adults.

Lindsey said...

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! :) That is so great that your current meds regime is working... I know it can be tough to find the one that works. And you're being very intriguing with your sneak peek! (Will Brooklyn be on hand to serve us when we meet at your place?) :D

Lisa Elton said...

HAPPY to read that the meds are doing their job for you Tracey!! Hope warm weather finds it's way to you very soon. GREAT news about the kids too, so happy for both of them!

Jen Mitchell said...

You are so energetic and seem to manage doing a million things at once that I sometimes forget you have MS! How wonderful that your medication has given you some stability and even though winters are hard, spring can't be far away and I hope that gives you some relief from the fatigue. I'm happy to hear that Ben and Brooklyn are doing so well. What a testament to their wonderful parents!

Greta said...

Enjoy your day with friends, Tracey! I wish I had friends here to craft with. What great news your MS is stable & warmer temps are coming!

TK said...

Bless you for doing what you can when the days are good, and NO APOLOGIES necessary for the days that you cannot! You are a wonderful inspiration for all you bless with your creations!...and those of us in the blog-o-sphere! Thank you!

OH Babs said...

Thank you for your medical update. You are inspiring, not because of MS, but your creativeness and generosity. I forget you are fighting the disease because you are busy with your challenge. How proud you must be of your children, and they are of you.

Marisa said...

What a wonderful update :) Glad the meds are doing their job and hoping the warmer weather can help alleviate some of the symptoms the cold weather brings on. YEAH for your son's co-op placement!!! You learn so much through them. Wishing your daughter luck with her summer work hunt too. Celebrating with you ((HUGS))!!!

Miriam Prantner said...

Glad that you're feeling better now that the cold is starting to go away and hope you're having a great time at Ardyth's!

Sharron said...

Congrats to your wonderful kids on their summer plans. I know you are extremely proud of them. I'm so glad for you that your doctor's report was positive and that things are stable. My mother had MS so I know how difficult things can be. It's so wonderful that there are new meds that are helping. Hope you had a great visit with friends and enjoyed some crafty time today. Thank goodness for warmer days ahead. It sure seems like spring here. Can't wait to see your project. Those bears are so adorable and definitely on my wish list.

Bobby said...

I'm so sorry about your struggles, Tracey, but heartened by the fact that medicines are keeping things stable. I saw the pictures of your crafty meeting and it looked like so much fun. I'm glad you can get away with friends to share that special time.

Darnell said...

I'm so pleased to hear that this last round of medical cocktails seems to be doing the trick, Tracey, even if the winters are still so very hard for you. It must help to take your mind off the aches and pains when you are so happy in your new home, new craft room, and when you can manage to spend a crafty day with your friends. I saw the photo on FB - bigger group this time? Or maybe I'm just behind! You all look so great and so happy to have shared the day! Do take care, my little friend!! Hugs, Darnell

Sue said...

So happy to find your blog! I was dx two years ago and I love, love, love paper crafting. We moved across country right after I was diagnosed and I have only met one person to stamp with. I've looked for other MS paper crafters online, but without success -- until now! Sounds like your children are doing well and a blessing to you. Looking forward to hearing more of your story and watch you create.

Katie Ann Brooks said...

glad to hear you are in a good place and the meds are working as they should be. I didn't know you changed so many times- sounds rough! What are you taking now? Anyhoo, progress or rather not regressing is a fabulous thing. I love you sweet woman!

Kara said...

So glad you are doing well and your meds are doing what you'd hoped! Love your new space!