A positive attitude and humor go a long way in aiding recovery!! I hope
that these two attributes are present with your family. I also cannot say
enough for the power of prayer. Our prayers are with you. JanH >>
Hi Teri,
Just like Jan, I too regained my abilities, but I am no longer able to run,
etc... I am lucky to be able to walk! But the recovery period was much longer
for me... The feeling came back very slowly... I was given massive doses of
steroids, and I was also on Chemo for over two years... First, Immuran (oral)
and then regular IV treatments of cytoxan every two weeks for a year... I got
soooo sick on the Cytoxan I "just stopped and gave up"...cause I couldn't
stand the constant throwing up... I would be sick 10 days.. and would only
have 4 good days before my next treatment... After a year of that... you just
"ache" for a regular day.. without illness.....Besides I was getting so
thin... I had lost almost 40 lbs. I too prayed, and prayed and prayed...
that is where I gained the strength...
As for why I was getting the chemo, I was told in layman terms, that "It was
given to me to keep the Lupus under control, kill off some of the "good"
antibodies... and to help regain some strength..." (With Lupus I make too
many good antibodies, and those antibodies attack my insides...literally!)
Now looking back... I was soooo miserable, BUT I survived....And at first, I
told myself I would never do that again... ever.. BUT, the mind is a wonderful
thing... It doesn't remember the pain...So, if I had to do it again....to save
my life or my legs.... I would do it again... but as I did in the past... I
would quit when I have had enough...
It was not easy... Lots of hard work.. positive spirit... and mental
attitude.... AND LOTS OF PRAYER!!!
Good luck to your brother...
Janie