Three, Clear and Zero

The old adage that, "no news is good news" is certainly true for me. It's been too long since I updated my blog and I felt like my THREE year post transplant trip to Northwestern was as good a time as any to share the great news that my MRI (brain and c-spine) scans continue to be CLEAR and show no new or enhancing lesions and my old lesions are repairing themselves. Dr. Balabanov (my neurologist and MS specialist) rated my EDSS (disability score) at ZERO. For those that don't recall, before transplant I was a 2.5-3. My three year MRI looks even better than last year and Dr. B thinks my body will continue to repair the old lesions in the next several years almost to the point that my MS would be undetectable on MRI. Truly a miracle! I can't stress enough that no other MS drug/treatment does this. No other treatment repairs brain or c-spine lesions and decreases a disability score. Dr. B believes that this treatment is most effective for patients less than 50 years of age and less than 10 years of disease. 

So, while some of you ventured to sunny, tropical destinations; we made our yearly trek to chilly, rainy Chicago...but it did not disappoint. This bustling city has become near and dear to my heart for so many reasons. We were more than happy to mix some "business" with pleasure and enjoy a Raymond family reunion to boot. We have some traditions that are non-negotiable...mainly, the best, deep dish pizza from Giordano's (yes, we've tried them all), delicious, authentic Italian food from Volare, and a cupcake from the ATM at Sprinkles. Don't worry, not all of our traditions are food based. We always have to visit the bean, experience the Navy Pier, visit all of our favorite stores on Michigan Avenue and stroll along the lake front, just to name a few. We usually average close to 8 miles a day of walking.

We did see and experience some new attractions too. The kids finally got to enjoy the famous Shedd aquarium. We braved the line, with Grandma Judy in tow, and saw some really great marine life. We also learned some new, interesting facts at the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve-best of all...it's free. Our friend, Anna told us about the Macy's flower show and it was stunning...the only thing that would have made it better would be to have been holding baby Nolan too. 

I'm quoting from my friend, Christina's recent FB post because she said it so well..."As I reflect on the past few days and consider all that these past years have brought, some highs and some lows. I'm reminded that every single day is a gift...the good, bad, vacation or not. God is good! He's in control and I'm speechless at His love for us." I couldn't agree more Christina. I'm truly thankful for the gift of this journey. See you next year, Chicago!