Today was filled with positive uplifting events. First thing when I awoke this morning, I had a message from our friend Kirsten in Australia. She went through HSCT with Doug. So many people often ask how the others are doing that went through HSCT at the same time as Doug. I am really happy to say no one that we know of has had the difficulties Doug has had. And of course everyone is asking if the other people are seeing improvement. First, it is important to know that the most important part of going through HSCT when you have MS is to stop the progression of MS. The next hope then, is that you might recover some of the skills that you have lost. Of course everyone hopes they will recover skills. Most people begin to see the most recovery of skills between 9 months and two years after HSCT. Some people see improvement right away and some are seeing improvement up to 5 years after HSCT. It varies...
But let me tell you about Kirsten. Kirsten has had serious exasperation's with her MS. She has spent weeks at a time in the hospital, unable walk and with limited mobility. When we were with her she used a cane and a wheelchair some days and when she need to go some distance. In the video she sent me today it showed Kirsten doing sprints with her therapist and seeing how far she could jump with the therapist measuring her distance. It was incredible. She was sprinting without a cane. Her balance looked great. There was no stiffness in her legs. Doug and I were both overjoyed. I am smiling now, writing this. She has challenged Doug to a race. I told her we would meet in Hawaii for this match. Wouldn't that be something! Well Kirsten, you are on. Consider it a challenge!
Then today, Will and Doug's PT Kerry, recorded Doug walking with his walker around the house. With less than 50% support from Kerry. They wanted me to be able to see what he could do. I am going to try to get it posted to Facebook tomorrow. He is making such improvements! Tonight when I helped Doug in the bathroom with his walker, I only needed to help him to stand and he moved the walker on his own with me only being there for support if needed. In the last week he has made great improvement.
And so we pray:
God of Resurrection, during this season of Easter, we look to you for your model of transformation and new life. What seemed impossible became possible. We give thanks for the transformation of Doug and Kirsten and for all of our friends going through this in their lives. We give thanks for their courage to step-out and search for the opportunity to heal and then to do the hard work, day after day that is required in any great transformation. And God, we give thanks for all the torch bearers in our lives that dare to hope with us and hold us in prayer and love. Amen
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