Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!! I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. I wanted to thank all of you who read my babbles. I hope this blog makes everyone happy and helps people out. I have big plans for this blog in the new year, so you will have to keep posted. I thank each and every one of you for your love and support. It truly means the world to me. I wish you a happy and healthy 2012!

Research Study

So last Friday, I participated in a research study at the University of Illinois. This time there was a preliminary round. I did some weird exercises both physically and cognitively. I am sure I failed the one portion with numbers and answering in a pattern (long story) not because of the MS but because it was crazy. haha. I also had to put on this mask thing with cords all over hooked up to what looked like a ticking time bomb on my chest. Wish we had  picture of that haha. I am now wearing an accelerometer for the next 7 days. The point of this study is to see how much movement those with MS do in a day. It is also to see the advantages of activity can help those with MS. I am so excited to be part of a study that can hopefully help those with MS. I go back in the spring for a workout based on the preliminary rounds have calculated. So, to be continued. It is a year round study so we shall see. I will do anything and everything I can to make this disease more control-able for those who have to fight this disease. Thank you to all for your support!!!!

Video

This video says it all. This girl is amazing and her message is so powerful. Be prepared to cry though. It is so touching.

my secret- the diagnosis

www.youtube.com

Quote

She knew that she was formed by God's hands, dreamed up in His heart, and placed in this world for a purpose.

Power of Excercise

According to an article by Connie Birchford, exercise has many benefits for those with MS. There is a great deal of evidence that suggests regular exercise not only improves quality of life for people with MS, but it may also help ease some of the symptoms and minimize the risk of some complications down the road. Doctors suggests making exercise part of your lifestyle at least two to three times per week. Exercise like yoga, has been known to combat fatigue too. For those with MS, remember not to push it and do what your body is telling you that you can do. Some days it may be more than others and that is okay. Just be aware of your body and make exercise fun.  You and a healthy life for years to come are worth it!

Benefits of Massage

I am so lucky to get a massage every month. When they told me that massage was good for people with MS to keep everything moving and loose, I thought, " Well that is one nice thing out of this darn diagnosis." Each month I look forward to the hour of letting go and feeling good. When I was on Avonex, it was painful in the areas where the injection was, so the massage therapist had to avoid that. No biggie, the rest of the body needed it. I saw this article at Massage Envy, where I go for my massages. I have a few therapists there I would highly recommend if you want to go there. Here is what I thought was worth sharing that I read today from their ME Magazine.


-Studies have shown that massage can improve mobility.
- Regular massage therapy treatments help boost the immune system.


Those are just two points of the benefits of massage. It is not only good for those with MS, but for everyone as well. Think about it!

Quote

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action,"- W.J. Cameron

Thankful for Your Support

It is the week of Thanksgiving and I wanted to reflect on all things I am thankful for. I want to thank all of you who read this blog. I really hope you get something out of this blog and if not thank you for just listening to me blab! I want to thank all those who fight MS. You are a fighter and can do this. Keep your head high and let the dight continue. Together we can do this! I want to thank my husband. Nathan, you are my everything and your love and support is incredible. You seriously are the most amazing person. Thankful for all my parents do and are. They are the best examples of people I want to be like. Their continual support means the world to me. They mean the world to me. To my family, you all are wonderful people who continually support as well. I am very blessed to have all that behind me and a inspiration ahead of me to continue to fight this disease. To my friends, especially the one who hates needles but comes to treatments anyways and the one who says, "I would do anything for you." Having all the friendships and support through this all is so appreciated and touching. To all my new "friends" in Empowered Living. Being part of this group now has been such a gift of hope. To provide support and assistance to one another who are going through the same thing, is such a awesome feeling. To all my doctors and nurses who help me throughout the year.  All of them are special in their own ways too. And for all the people I may have forgot to mention. I am one very, very blessed and thankful person. I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! Be thankful and take the time to recognize who and what you are really thankful for! There is a lot of good and good people in this world. I am so lucky to have many of them in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Quote

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."- William Jones

MS Meeting

Last night was such a fun night. I hosted my first MS meeting with a group called Empowered Living. I did not know what to expect from a support group like this. The only time I had been around a group of people with MS, it was basically a pitty party that scared the crap out of me. This was so not like that. It was a group of people sitting around a table bringing topics of all areas up and asking for advice from each other. We laughed so much and you saw hope in people's eyes last night. I left there thinking, "Wow, that was cool." It is amazing, that some thoughts I have had, others have too. Or topics I had no idea about were explained and a bond was made by all of us there last night. We are all in this together now, even if each of our MS stories are different. The founder of the group, Erin, is one to thank for starting this all up. She made a statement that we are the new faces of MS. Young people are the new faces of MS. We are the ones who will change the way this disease affects our lives and bring on new research for ourselves and for others who will be diagnosed. How awesome is that to be part of something that is going to change future generations. I can do this, last night confirmed that even more. I may not like this disease, which is fine, but if I am going to help others out now by having it, well then bring it on! Special thanks to my parents for donating the pizza and salads for the meeting, thanks to my aunt Debbie for getting the room for the meeting, and thanks to all the ones who came out for the meeting. I only see great things to come from this and can not wait to be a part of it all!

Say It the Way It Is

I get an MS magazine called Momentum from the National MS Society. It is a wealth of knowledge for those with MS. I look forward to a new one every time. With that said, this edition had a section in it about MS pain. I wanted to share a few inserts from this article that "say it the way it is."


-According to recent research, nearly half of all people with MS are thought to live with some level of chronic or recurring pain. Perhaps one in every four people with MS-related pain say that it's severe enough to hurt their quality of life.


-Although pain can't be measured with objective tools, this symptom of MS is just as real as any other.  Just ask the people who have it. Some say their legs feel heavy and numb, or as if they are being cut off or impaled on hot pokers. Some say they constantly ache, as if with perpetual flu, or they feel bruised, or they feel a suffocating pressure around the chest. Yet they don't have the flu, there are no knives or pokers, and they haven't been beaten or crushed.


-"Just because we can't see pain,we should not ignore it. It is real and can affect the quality of life."- Researcher Stephn Waxman, MS, PhD.


MS pain has hit me in full swing lately. It has been something I have not experienced as bad before. It has become a more constant, chronic pain each day. It is so ironic this article came out that gave me hope that there is so much research and help to assist in this area of MS. This is just another stepping stone in my MS to figure out what best fits me. It is taking a while to figure out what it is to do that helps, what it is to avoid or do less of, but in time I will figure it out. Let's hope. Constant pain wears a person out!  So these explanations are just a few of what a life with MS pain is like. Keep the fight alive!!!

Start TODAY

Happy November everyone! I know a lot of you do not like winter but I am so excited! I love all the colors, clothes, boots, and knowing the Holidays are almost here! And with the Holidays almost here life starts tog et a bit crazy. So I am here to tell you this...Don't forget about taking care of you. We all tend to live the life of," I will just do it tomorrow," "I will start tomorrow." Start TODAY! Whatever it is you need to do, start it. That is always the hardest part is to start but once you do, it's the best feeling! You do not get your time or days back, so don't wish you did. Life is short, let's enjoy every moment we can, doing whatever it is we can.

Quote

"Value what matters to you". -Joel Osteen

New Opportunity

I am so excited about a new opportunity that has come my way. I am assisting in an MS group called Empowered Living. I am helping with the group by finding locations in the western suburbs to host meetings for this group once a month. This group has been very beneficial to so many of us with MS. It is a place to go to ask questions, concerns, and just talk to others who are going through the same thing. I wish there was something like this when I was first diagnosed but so blessed there is now. I hope to contribute to this group in so many ways so it makes others feel less scared and alone like I did. If anyone knows of any location that would donate the space and/or donate food for these meetings, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to my Aunt Debbie for finding the meeting in November for the meeting. I can't wait to help make a difference and hope this group is just the start of it all!

Quote

"Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what's best for your life."-Rick Warren

Something to Try for those with MS

While at treatment today, the topic of frankincense and myrrh. It is an oil that for those with MS or a neuropathy like pain that you can rub on bottom of feet for temporary relief. It is said to be a Chinese medicine that works. I did google it and found an oil on a website. If I find it at a health food store locally, I will update. I am all about the little things that can make a difference and am thinking of trying this out. Just wanted to pass the info along to others to help with your symptoms as well.

Quote

"Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful." - Hazrati Pir        Inayat Khan

My Talk with High Schoolers

Today, I got to speak with students at Oswego East High School. I have spoke to this health class now about four times. And I love every time I go. It is so fascinating to me to watch the responses of the students when they see me walk in and look fine but then hear my story and then know, I am not healthy on the inside. I share with them my story on how I was diagnosed, how my life has changed since then, how I live with the MS, and all things involved with the disease. Then the students ask me questions. Some are funny and some are serious. They truly seem to care about my life as the questions pertain to my well being. I love the fact that I can teach them about the disease, which a lot of them had never heard of. I love the fact that I have a possibility of inspiring someone, if they are listening haha. It is nice to get the awareness of the disease out there and the pay it forward attitude of any disease out there. To help others and to give. I hope to continue to speak to classes and hope one day be able to speak at other school and events as well. Thank you to Lauren Anderson for giving me this opportunity~

Mozzarella Chicken

Ingredients:
1 egg
Bread Crumbs
6 Chicken Breasts
1 1/2 cups Marinara Sauce
1 envelope of Onion Soup Mix
Mozzarella Cheese


In bowl whisk together 1 egg and 2 tbsp water.
In another bowl mix 3/4 cup bread crumbs (I used Italian style bread crumbs) and soup mix.
Dip chicken in egg mixture then into bread crumb mixture.
Grease a 13X9 inch baking pan and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. 
Pour marinara sauce over chicken, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for another 7 minutes. 
Yum!! You can also add mushrooms to the sauce if you like them.

Find something that makes you Happy!

Do you do something that makes you happy? We all need those things in life that we enjoy, that we look forward too, that we know can lift our spirits. What is yours? Or if you don't have any, why not? Life is full of crazy days, crazy nights, be here, be there, do this, do that. What ever happened to the things in life that make us happy and be a better person? Because we all know when we are happy, so is everyone around us. Who wants to be the grump in the group or Debbie Downer all the time. I know I for sure do not want to waste anytime or energy being that person. So my challenge for you is to go out and find something, anything, that makes you happy! Have fun!!:)

Quote

"God will bring things out of you that you didn't even know where in you."- Joel Osteen

Look to Others

Today while I was grocery shopping, I hear someone whistling. I first thought who is making that noise? Then when I turned the corner I see a man minding his own business grocery shopping and whistling. He had the calmness and happiness about it. He was truly enjoying himself and having a good time. I thought, " You know, that is what life is about. Whistling and enjoying all that you do." It brought a smile to my face in which I smiled to him when we crossed paths. He had an attitude of life is good and I am living a good life. Now call me crazy to think all of this just by a guy whistling. While others may have been annoyed by his action, I look to it with insight and fun. So thank you man at the store for making my day and making me realize that life is good!

Celebrate all that Life has to Offer

Often times, we look past the little things in life that make the BIG picture.  We need to celebrate those things, events, people, accomplishments, and everything in between. Celebrations can come in all different ways. It can as simple as a note to congratulate to a dinner to celebrate. But the point is, to remember all the things life has to offer! 

Quote

It's not who you are that holds you back, it what you think you are not.

Your Health is your Second Job

We all have our careers we do everyday. But now especially with a diagnosis, but life in general too, your health is your second job. Whether you make time for this new job or not, you better start. For me and my MS, any doctors appointments I have to go to, I look at it as doing my "job" in keeping healthy. I do not look at it anymore as a chore, rather than a job well done by doing the best I can in it. I look at it as I am lucky to have the time to go to my appointments and lucky to continue to fight. If you look for the good and the positive in your new job, it makes it almost enjoyable in a weird way. It makes the time sitting at the doctors office more like "me time" rather than " I do not have time for this" attitude. If you feel like you do not have time for your health, you better make it. No one is going to do that for you, so you must! Stop for a coffee either before or after to enjoy, bring a good book, bring a journal to write in, or people watch (that is always funny or you can notice someone who has it way worse than you do, but let's go with the funny things you can see). So are you ready to take on your new job with determination and positive attitude? I hope so!

Great News!

I have such good news to share with all of you! I had my MRI yesterday and had great results. My MRI showed no new lesions!!!!! That means I am doing great with my treatments! He said that my MRI look incredible! YIPEE!!!!! I am such excited that the new treatment is working and keeping me on track. I want to thank everyone for their support! It means the world to me! I am just so blessed to have great things happen and to be able to have everyone in my life too. Hugs!!!

Quote

God specializes in surprise endings.

Reflection

This Wednesday will be my fourth MRI since I have been diagnosed. I am so anxiously awaiting this appointment. I am hoping to see nothing new on the MRI. I am hoping to hear, you are doing good, keep it up. I am hoping to hear, keep on the Tysaburi and life will go on. As the appointment approaches, I can't help but to reflect on how the past four years have been. I know I have a positive attitude and am a fighter, but to be honest, the past four years have been hell with my MS. I cry about how it was, now realizing it all once it was over. Now doing this new medicine that does not make me like the Avonex did, is such a blessing. For four years, every single week, EVERY SINGLE WEEK, I was sick for two days if not more. I took my shot in the leg or arm every Sunday. I knew that after I took the shot, I had about three hours before I felt like a semi- truck hit me and then ran me back over again and again. Or it felt like someone took a baseball bat and just hit me over and over again. It was awful. I tried all the medications I could to get over the "hump" like the doctors called it but they either made me more sick or did nothing at all. It was almost an out of body experience that I could just not wait for it to be over. The pain would wake you up at night so sleep was not always the answer. It was miserable but it was the only thing I knew what to do and just did it. I would look at others and always think, if you only knew what I have to go through each and every week, your small problem would be nothing. No one could possibly understand how it felt, unless Avonex reacted to them the same way. Some MS patients felt like this others were able to get through these side effects. I was not a lucky one and am just so lucky for the new drug now. I do not want to sound like a complainer with all this. It is just a good feeling to finally really tell everyone how it was. I know I would say it is all good but it wasn't after four years of having to do this. I did not have it in me anymore to keep this going. I would panic and think this is not how I want to live for the rest of my life. So when I had three relapses in a row, one too many I know, when I was told it's time to do something else for you have progressed, I was actually relieved. How horrible is that? I had to progress in order to get a new drug. As crappy as that is, I am forever greatful for new and better medication. So going in to my MRI appointment, the results just have to be good! I do not ever want to have to go through the past four years again. BUT, if I have to, I WILL! My life is too amazing not to! The fight will go on regardless. The fight will ALWAYS go on:)

Car Magnets

I came across this website in an MS magazine and thought I would pass it along. It contains those ribbon magnets that you see on people's cars. I have never seen an MS one but would love to! So I thought to pass this along and we can bring more awareness to others by little things like this.

www.msmagnet.org

My Idea

So my idea of one day getting a optic nerve transplant seems like a good idea today more than ever. One day this will be a procedure, well at least I hope it will be. I know it may sound way more difficult than I am hoping but it would be nice. With that said, today I had my big eye exam appointment. I received good news and not so good news. Good news first. Right now my eyes are stable. That is always good to hear that you are good right now. Bad news. I have more permanent damage in my left eye and permanent damage now in my right eye. I can't say that I am shocked because I had three relapses with optic neuritis in December/January. So that really was not a surprise but yet it still is a kicker when you hear the words "permanent damage." Last I knew, the word permanent means forever. Damn it. But what can I do besides what I am doing. Hopefully this new treatment decision will help prevents less damage from happening, not just in my eyes but all over my body. I did ask if I could go blind, and he said worst case scenario. I like that answer but crap that is still scary too! I better really start enjoying that sensory and not take advantage of being able to see! So all of you please do too! So, next appointment is my MRI next week. I look forward and dread that appointment all at the same time. Fingers crossed and pray, pray, pray!!

Quote

" Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

Someone Always has it Worse

At my treatment on Monday I sat with two other women getting an treatment infusion as well. As I sat there reading my book I overheard the two women talk about their disability checks, their insurance, and so forth. These two women have known each other from getting treatment done at the same time. I would say one woman was in her 50's and the other in her 30's. I could not help but listen to their conversations and think, holy crap! Will I one day have to worry about this or be in their position? The older woman could not walk without her walker and was unable to work any longer. The other woman had a drop leg, or at least it seemed like it and was having other issues as well. I sit there, and panic. The thoughts rush through my head of all sorts of thoughts that pertain to all they are saying. And to them, this was just conversation and probably comfort that someone else is going through this as well. Another woman I have had treatment with is in a wheelchair that supports her neck. She is always smiling and in good spirits. Another woman has had two different cancers and MS, and still has a great, whatever attitude. With all this said about the woman I have come to know in the past six months, I want to say how proud I am of each one of them. I am proud they are taking action with this new treatment and not giving up. I think if they can do this, so can I! As scary as it is to see and hear all this, I have to remember how lucky I am to be in the health besides the MS that I am in. I am reminded how life can change in an instant, and that things could be a lot worse. Someone ALWAYS has it worse than we do. We just loose sight of that sometimes. Don't let that happen to you. Remember that your life is good and enjoy it. I get a constant monthly reminder that others are fighting this disease in their own "health" way, some worse some better. Either way, as hard as it is for me to see and hear all the negative and bad things this disease can do, I will always give MS the biggest fight I have in me. I have to! Life is too good not to!

Quote

Attitude defies limitation and exceeds expectation.

Fatigue

I know I have written about fatigue before, but I had to share this explanation of fatigue that could not be more dead on. 


"I am exhausted to my very core. The kind of fatigue that comes with a chronic illness is hard to describe if you have never experienced it.  It's not about being sleepy or sluggish.  It's not the kind of fatigue you feel if you've missed out on one good night sleep or had a particularly harrowing day.  It's not the afternoon slump that can be relieved by a cup of java. It's an all over heaviness that makes it difficult to move; it is a fogginess that drapes itself over you and prevents your from functioning normally; it's a complete and total inability to fight sleep. It is debilitating and often the most troubling symptom of MS. It is turning out to be my biggest foe." - Written by Ann Pietrangelo in her book No More Specs


Ann could not have said this any better. I have always wished I could explain how the fatigue with MS feels and never knew how. Well, she did it perfectly! This exact feeling happens all too often and with this heat, it has been happening more and more. Thank goodness it is suppose to cool down a bit, at least get rid of the humidity! Haha! Like we can control the weather, I wish! Just thought I would share this explanation of fatigue with all of you.

Resources

For those who have been diagnosed with MS and those who have loved ones with MS: there are so many resources out there for help with MS. The sites that have been helpful to me are the following.

MSActive Source

National MS Society

MS Maze blog

No More Specs book written by Ann Pietrangelo

Care2.com, search for MS articles

Momentum Magazine

I am sure I am forgetting some more and will add to the list when they come to me. Resources are out there to help. Sometimes it takes a bit of digging around the internet and bookstores, but they are there. I hope yo get this blog more exposure and out there to be on a resource list one day, so tell all!! Thanks!! And I hope those sites help you!

Quote

" Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt

Sweet Potato Fries

One or Two Sweet Potatoes
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Cinnamon


Cut up one to two sweet potatoes in length wise, french fry size. Place in bowel and drizzle olive oil all over coating each fry. Place on baking sheet laying out each piece individually. Salt and pepper the fries then shake cinnamon on top. Place in oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping them after 10 minutes.


Tip: Place fries on Reynolds Non Stick Foil to make clean up easier and no mess.

Caregivers

There are many definitions of the word caregiver. But in each and every sense of the word, Thank you! Caregivers, give there time, strength, emotion, and courage to those who need it. It is not an easy or sometimes pleasant job, but people do it anyways. I want to thank all of those who have been a "Caregiver" to me over the past years with my MS. Special thanks to my amazing husband, Nathan for all the things he does for me. I sometimes think, I can't imagine watching him go through some of the things I have gone through. But with his strength, courage, love, and support, I know we can get through anything in life, as long as we do it together. He is everything to me and I will never be able to show him how much I appreciate all he does and being the person he is. My parents have been a huge support and caregivers as well. I am sure it was so scary for them when their child was going through all this. But as usual, they showed me strength and courage as well. They have that personality to make the best out of every situation and just make things work. I will never be able to thank them enough either. Other family members have also been great support and caregiving to me. Cards, prayers, gifts, and thoughts never go unnoticed. Its the little things that people do that mean the most. I thank them so much for everything too. Through all this, I hope to be a caregiver to people. I want to pass on the gift of strength and courage that I was so fortunate to receive. I am one lucky gal, and only hope all the wonderful people in my life know how much I love them and how much the caregiving means to me and my fight with MS. Love you all:)

Quote

" We can at least slow down and make the process of life a better fit for ourselves." -from the book No More Specs

We all have Choices to Make

Each and every day we make choices. We are making choices from the moment we wake up, deciding to wake up at that time or not. We choose to get up with the alarm or choose to sleep a little longer. From that moment on, we are making choices throughout the day without even realizing that we are. Ever thought about that? And with every choice comes a consequence, sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes indifferent. When we truly realizes the choices we make in our lives and become aware of it, life becomes more clear. We make better choices for ourselves, the world, and the lives of everyone/ everything around us. Now, I did not have  a choice to be diagnosed with MS. But what I do have a choice in is how I live my life with MS, how I handle my life with MS, how I choose my attitude with MS, and so much more with being diagnosed with MS. I am constantly choosing to better my health each and every day and I choose to live the best life I can. I choose to live this disease to the best that I can handle, and choose to NEVER GIVE UP! How do you choose to live your life?

Quote

Optimism is a cheerful frame of mind that enables a tea kettle to sing through it's in hot water up to its nose.  (Such a cute quote:) haha)

Don't Quit

This poem is in a book I am reading and wanted to share it.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, 

when the funds are low, and the debts are high,

you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit, 

rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns

as every one of us sometimes learns,

and many a failure turns about,

when he might have won had he stuck out;

don't give up though the pace seems slow,

you many succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

and you never can tell how close you are,

it may be near when it seems so far;

so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

it's when things seem worst,

that you must not quit.

-Clinton Howell

Quote

Maybe good things happen to those who wait, but the best things come to those who seize the moment and make it their own.

10 Things to Live by with MS

I found these rules in an MS Magazine and ripped it out and put it on the side of the fridge to look at each day.


1. Take your time, deservedly
2. Nap, necessarily
3. Limit yourself, for yourself
4. Prepare, always
5. Use aids, ably
6. Go anyplace, safely
7. Research options, smartly
8. See medical professionals, professionally
9. Compete, gently
10. Save, wisely


Wow! Couldn't be a better way to put it when dealing with MS. 

Quote

"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." -Joseph Campbell

Be a Leader in Life

Be the Leader in your own life. Take your life by the horns and go with it. But make sure it is the life YOU want to lead, not what you think it should or what others make you think it should be. We are given this one life, it is precious and unique. So what are you going to make of yours? Lead your life in the direction in which you want it to go. Surround yourself with the people who will encourage this and make this happen. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, and loving people. You may lose some people along this way, but that is okay in the long run. The negative and non-supportive ones are only holding you back. You will be happy in the end when you take that  leap of faith and make the life you have always wanted to have. I once read that, if you like what someone else has or is doing, mock that and surround yourself with the things you want. Now let's not get too greedy or ahead of ourselves, but in moderation. For example, you see someone who has it all together. Ask them how they did it, did they get an education to get that position, did they work other jobs to get to where they are at, did they fall down and get back up, ask, and you will find out what it takes. Lead your life before it is too late. You deserve the best life that you can lead. So go and get it friends!

Quote

Be the person you would like to be remembered for.

Yummy Chicken

One of our favorite recipes:)


Ingredients:
Chicken Breast
Terayki Sauce/Dressing
Swiss Cheese
Pineapple Slices
Bacon


Chicken breasts marinated in Tyeraki Sauce/Dressing ( Newman's Own is a great low sodium dressing) overnight is best or at least a half an hour,


Grill until chicken is done,


Grill pineapple until golden,


Cook Bacon to your liking,


Start adding it all together! Place the grilled pineapple on the chicken, cover with swiss cheese and bacon, and Enjoy!!

Quote

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

A True Fighter

Yesterday, heaven got another beautiful angel. My friend, Jeanette passed away with a four year battle of various cancers. I know she is no longer in pain and suffering, the thought that cancer took another person just sucks. Jeanette was an inspiration to me. I owe her my attitude towards my MS. Jeanette was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months before I was diagnosed with MS. I would listen to her at work talk to her clients. She was sooo strong, she made humor out of it, and she had the strongest will power to FIGHT! I remember her words when I was given the diagnosis, you have MS. I remember thinking, I can fight this, I can do this, all thanks to her encouraging words. Now cancer and MS are completely different, I get that, it is her words and attitude that I thank her soo much for that I idolize. Her words and attitude will never be forgotten. I know I am not the only one who thinks this. I have been fortunate enough to help her with her clients along her journey. So getting to know them and talk how amazing she is with them will keep her spirit alive. This Friday, we are walking in the Relay For Life in honor of my friend Megan's mom, who was an amazing fighter as well. We know have another fighter to walk for too!

Quote

The most powerful story you can tell is your own.

Goal Setting

Setting goals is one of my favorite things to do. I set goals for the year, for the month, for the week, and sometimes even for the day. When you write your goals down or type them in, either way, they become alive and out there for you to accomplish. When you visibly see the goal written out, the challenge is on. I either cross the goal out or put a check next to it. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction is worth it. I encourage you to think of goals you would like to accomplish for yourself, your marriage, your family, your job, and your life. Write it down, and make it happen. I am so excited for you already to get the goals done!

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When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

Beat the Heat

Summer has arrived! I know we all have been waiting for it since we have had such crappy weather. Well with summer weather also comes complications with those who have MS. The heat is brutal to our health. It makes us so fatigued, sends us into relapses, and we just don't feel as good. Plain and simple. Summer is full of fun and activities, but now having MS, that kind of puts a damper on the fun at times. So here are some tips to beat the heat.


1. Drink LOTS of water
2. Keep your home cool with the air conditioning and/or fans going
3. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods of time
4. Keep a hand held fan with you, even one with a mister to cool off
5. When outdoors, wear a hat to shade your face
6. Know when you can't handle the heat any longer and go to a cool place
7. Run cold water of hands, face, and back of neck
8. Wear plenty of sun screen to avoid sunburn


Hey just because we have MS doesn't mean we need to be cooped up all summer. Just be smart about it, no your limits, be smart, and STAY COOL! Happy Summer!!

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We make our fortunes, and call them fate.

Keep On Giving

Have you given anything lately? If not, I challenge you today to give. Give a smile to someone walking by, hold a door for someone, give a donation to a cause or someone in need, give to your church, give your time to help out those in need or those alone, whatever you do...give! If we give, the world will be a better place. We need to give in order to receive, remember that. If you would like to give to a cause, my friend Megan is accepting donations to the American Cancer Society in honor of her mom, Lora who passed away this past October. She was a wonderful women who gave her life to the children she taught and her family. You can make donations on the Relay For Life website under team name Lora's Fighters. You can also contact me for 50/50 tickets as well. Thank you!! And please pass the good on forward and give!

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"The trick is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."- Jillian Michael 

Friendships

Friendships are so important. And there all kinds of friendships: the ones who you talk with and do things with all the time, the ones you catch up with now and then but are always there for them, the ones you just see every once and a while but hope they are always doing well, the ones who you see at work and have that work friendship, the ones who you meet and feel like you have known them for a long time. Friendship comes in many different colors, ways, and definitions. But no matter what, be a friend that you would like to have. Everyone's lives are busy, we all have things going on, but if we make an attempt in friendship, even in the smallest way, we will all be better friends and have better relationships all around. Have you told a friend how much your friendship means to you or how much they mean to you? Do so today!!

Protein Pancakes

1 cup low fat cottage cheese
3/4 cup whole oats
2 eggs, 1 egg white


Blend all together in blender. This is now your batter and pour onto pan like regular pancakes. I spray the pan each time with Pam Cooking spray for each one so they do not become a sticky mess. Add a little butter and honey, peanut butter, or sugar free syrup. Don't overdue it on the toppings though, you will defeat the whole purpose of a healthier choice pancake. These are also great to pop in the toaster to heat up and go!

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You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it.

Treat the Symptoms

I sometimes like to think, I am a superhero and do not need any help. I like to think I can just deal with it or handle things on my own. Let me tell you, at times with MS, that is just not that possible. I have been learning and accepting that there are medications and things out there to make the symptoms of MS more manageable. Even if in the back of my head, I feel weak or somewhat giving up, I know how important it is to accept and do something about. I bit the bullet and talked to my doctor last week about taking something for a few issues I have been having for a while just tried to avoid being a "pill popper." I know I am not, and need to get that mentality to out to stay strong. Who cares what you have to take and how many medications you take as long as you stay strong and healthy. So, I feel like I hit another milestone of victory in this disease by managing and treating my symptoms. Hope to keep the fight alive and the acceptance of change possible.

Pork Tenderloin

This is my FAVORITE Pork Tenderloin Recipe


2 tablespoons Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
2 tablespoons Canola Oil
2 tablespoons Ginger
2 teaspoons sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Pork Tenderloins (1 lb each)


Marinate the tenderloins for 8 hours or overnight
Grill covered on medium/hot heat for 25-40 minutes or until thermometer reads 160 degrees.


I like to eat this with asparagus on the side. Sooo yummy!

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"You can be deeply certain and slightly doubtful. You can be scared and really, really ready. You can give it your all, and then give it over to God. You can have everything to lose and everything to gain." - Danielle LaPorte

Enjoy and Embrace the Little Things in Life

I owe the title of this post to our Pastor at our Church. She has MS as well, and her sermon last Sunday was about her diagnosis with MS and how it has impacted on her life. She passed around these flower twigs from the trees behind the Church. Her point of that was to look at the twig. But really look at it, look how beautiful and delicate it was. To really take the time to look at things in different, appreciative ways. She could not be more right. When a disease or anything in life, alters your perception and view on things, you become more aware and more appreciative. I ask that of you, enjoy the little things in life. Take the time to see these things in your life. Don't let the small things get by, enjoy and embrace them. I promise you if you do this, you will have a better look at how amazing your life is!

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When you truly believe God has no limits, you have the courage to move forward.

Life is What you Make of It

Life is what you make it. Isn't that the truth? If you want a good life, a great life, make it happen! Surround yourself with all those things and people that would make that happen. There is so much negativity in this world today. Just watching the news will prove that! But try not to loose sight of the good in this world. There is so much hidden by all the bad news we constantly hear. There are amazing people out there, I have seen that first hand with my MS WALK Fundraiser and MS WALK. We have now totaled over $18,000 thanks to the generosity of amazing, good people! Your life is your life, no one else's. So make it the most you can. Write your goals down, what you want to achieve, what you want to become, what you want to accomplish, what you want to do. And write, write, write. Add to it, and never loose sight of it all. It is true if you write it down, you will make it happen. I think you should all choose to make your life the best! You deserve it!

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If we wait for things to be perfect, we will never accomplish anything.

Just do your Best

Sometimes in life, we just need to learn to "Just do your Best." We all can not possibly control all aspects of our lives. We can not possibly get all the things done we want to get done in a day. So when you take the motto of doing the best you can, what more can you ask of yourself? It is sometimes a peace about it knowing, its all good and nothing to stress about. Maybe none of you put this kind of pressure on yourself, which is great! But if you do, I hope you take this motto and always remember that. And at the end of the day, we all should do our best! I am so proud of all the things my loved ones do. They are such hard workers and put their best foot forward no matter what. Nathan is my idol in this area. He is the hardwst worker I know. I am forever thankful for that and so lucky to have the best husband ever!

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Be open, accepting, and giving whenever possible, within your own health boundries.

MS WALK 2011

I want to send out a HUGE Thank you to all my family and friends that came to the MS WALK 2011 in St. Charles, this past Sunday. It turned out to be a beautiful day and so much fun. It is such a joy to see how many people came together to walk in the fight against MS. I can't thank everyone enough for the support. It means the absolute world to me. I truly feel so blessed and honored to have the most amazing people in my life. I know everyone is busy with their own lives and have so much to do, so to take the time out and do the walk was just awesome. I truly can't thank everyone enough. It is times like this that really want me to do more in this world. When you see the impact of giving and generosity, you can make this world a better place. The people at the MS Society also deserve a shout out and thank you for all their hard work and time to make this events possible. I also want to let you all know we have raised almost $18,000 for the MS Society for new research and medications. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! Hugs and love to all of you!!!!!!!

Chicken Tortillas

Chicken Tortilla Recipe

Chicken
Low Carb Tortillas (favorite is Buena Vida brand by Aztec)
Black Beans
Shredded Cheese
Salsa

Cut chicken into small pieces and cook. Spread black beans on tortilla the layer with chicken, cheese, and salsa. Wrap and place in baking dish. Make as many as you would like then put in oven for 15 minutes to heat up. You can add sour cream, quacamole, or any fixing you would like to this recipe as well. Enjoy!

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"Be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi

You Can't Judge a Book by it's Cover

MS is just like the saying..."You can't judge a book by it's Cover." My favorite thing that people say is, "You don't look like you have MS." I loove that! I hope to NEVER look like a have this disease. However, sometimes you want to say in return, "If you only knew how I feel." But since I do not like to bring on the negative I of course never say that but do quite often feel that. MS is a painful disease at times. Sometimes you body just hurts and aches all over. Sometimes something is numb, something tingles, you feel weak, and you just don't feel right. There are times I can not figure out what it wrong but just say, something doesn't feel right. It is then that you have to take caution and not overdue it. There is something going on inside, but it can be taken care of if not gone unnoticed. And no one would ever know this is going on with your body because you look fine from the outside (depending on the symptom). With that said though, that is when the disease can make you feel in a way "lonely." No one really knows except you with the MS what is going on inside your body. And not to be mean, but for those who don't have MS, no one can really understand what it's like or feels either. That is kind of lonely then too. I have learned to talk about it and not keep it all in. Well I am trying to work on that. But at the end of the day, as long as I can walk, talk, and function, even if it is in a different way than others, then I am happy!! Life is good then!

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Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones.

Take Time for Yourself

I know this may sound like a task you do not have time for but my advice to you is to make the time for yourself. It may sound like you don't need to do that but come on, we all do. And it doesn't have to be much. We all can be better at our roles in life if we take the time out, even just 10 mins a day. Make it a task in your day called "Me Time" and notice how much better you feel. And please do not feel selfish or bad you are doing this. I know it can feel like that but once you get into the habit you will not feel like that anymore. If you want to be the best you can be to others, be good to yourself and everything else will fall into place. Enjoy!

Pizza Recipe

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

3 cups of cauliflower
3 cups mozzerella cheese
3 eggs
Garlic Salt
Oregano
Parsley
Pizza Sauce
Any pizza toppings of choice

Boil cauliflower til soft to touch but not mushy. Blend cauliflower, cheese, and eggs together. Lay out flat on a pan, but do not push on mixture. Only pat it out. Cook on 400 degrees for 20-25 mins. Place your pizza sauce and mozzerella cheese on crust. Add whatever pizza toppings you may like. Place under broiler for 15-20. Check on it to see how well it is browning. You can also use Alfredo sauce for a white sauce pizza too. Delicious!!! And low carb crust! Can't beat it!

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Never frown, you never know who will fall in love with your smile.

Your Health Team

When it comes to having health issues, you become part of a "team." This new team you are on consists of all your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, counselors, trainers, dieticians, and so forth. Anyone and anybody that keeps you healthy and moving. You have to make them part of your team and know who to turn to when. Sometimes you may only need to contact your nurse, other times you have to see the doctor. Either way having an organized list of names and numbers will keep you well and have piece of mind. It is a good idea to make an emergency contact list in case you are unable to do this. Having a "team" makes me feel like whatever is thrown my way, there is someone there to help. I hope you all make your team list and remember to use it!

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Never, never, give up!!

Support Team

We all need in life a support team. No matter what you have going on in your life, it always helps to know you have the support of your family and friends. I thank all my family and friends from the bottom of my heart for all their love and support. I thank all those out there I don't even know who support the Fundraiser, and who support the National MS Society. Because of them, I have the feeling of paying it forward and support any organization out there. If you do have a health condition, there are support groups out there that can also help as well. I have found many support groups or discussions online about things that can be very helpful. So, if you know someone going through something, let them know you are there for them and pray for them. That never hurts anyone and they will appreciate it even if they do not know you do! And never forget to...pay it forward!!!

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"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Gratitude

I have this feeling of a great amount of gratitude about my new medication. I feel so grateful that research is being done everyday for new and better medications. I do have to start off saying that I was always very grateful that there was even medication out there when I was first diagnosed. The first doctor told me I was lucky there is some sort of medication to slow the progression down. I remember thinking...Oh yea, real lucky to have just been told you have a disease that could put my in a wheelchair one day. But then shortly after that, I do remember thinking, he is right. People diagnosed 10-20 years ago were told they have MS and that was it. Now, there are medications to not only help slow the progression down but also to help aid in the symptoms that come along with having MS. I was able to start a new treatment called Tysaburi in March. After four years on a treatment called Avonex, I have been switched. The past four years with the first treatment were fine, but awful as well. I was sick every Sunday nigh and Monday for four years. The medication gave flu like symptoms. And the not so fun feelings of being hit by a truck, body chills and aches, headaches, and nothing but feeling like crap. For two days. I had enough. But kept fighting through it thinking it had to get better. Well then in October of last year, my optic neutitis flarred up again, and then again twice in December/January. Now the doctor said, time to talk new treatment, this is not going right. So he suggested the new medication. I could not believe there was something out there that would not make me sick. It is a once a month iv injection for about two hours. It is incredible. I sit there, take a break, and pray that this is working and thank God that I feel like I got my life back. No more two days a week out, no more feeling like I have the flu every week, my life is back!!! I am sooo grateful for this new medication. Life is good! I hope others will be able to take this path one day too. And keep your fingers crosses my MRI in August will show this is working!!! Please please please!!!

Get Moving!

Get Moving is a motto I hope to drill into myself more and to others. We all need to be doing some sort of physical activity as much as we are able. Even just a brief walk around the block is fine, just get moving! 30 minute exercise is something everyone can find time to put into their day. If you think you can't, find the time! Your body will thank you for it! Exercising provides you with more energy, weight loss, strength, confidence, and overall good health. Of course, consult your doctor if you have any health conditions to make sure you are doing the best exercise for you. Not all exercising is the same for everyone either. Some like to run, some like to lift weights, yoga, biking, and more. That is the beauty of being active. You can do whatever works for you that you like and fit your needs. If you are doing something you enjoy, you will stick with it. So if you are in a workout rut, switch it up, find something new, and remember to...keep moving!!

This Thing Called Fatigue

So there is this thing called Fatigue that I never really understood until my MS kicked in. We all get tired and run down. It is a way of life for some people. But this kind of tiredness is different than the norm. It is a feeling of, why can't I shake this, why am I so tired, why do I not have any energy? Not even the strongest cup of coffee can do anything about it. I have fought this feeling and still do, I will admit it. I like to think of myself as a go go go kind of person. Well dang it, when fatigue hits, there is nothing you can do about but take it easy and not overdue it. Trust me, easier said than done. I have come to notice and be aware when this is happening and try my best to rest more and not do too much. Again, easier said than done. But it is a must to do! With having cronic fatigue, I have learned some valuable techniques that can some what help. The main technique is what I eat. I try to eat a lower carb diet. Think about it, if carbs make you sluggish and full, why make the feeling of fatigue even worse with foods like that. Now carbs are good as long as they are the good carbs. I like to eat the foods that energize me, not bring me down. Lower sugars, no pop( that was the hardest one!), more protien foods, and water. Again, everything is good in moderation. My husband Nathan finds recipes of different healthy foods for us to try. I have so much fun learning the new recipes and trying them out. Some times I think, I do think this will be good, and it is! Our favorite is cauliflower crusted pizza! Every Sunday I make this for us to have for lunch during the week. And it is yummy!! I will post recipes soon! Fatigue with MS can also come from being over heated. Heat is not a fan of those with MS. So on those hot summer days, drink plenty of water, limit your time in direct sunlight and/or heat, keep a fan by you (they make hand held ones too), and listen to your body. Some days may be harder than others so be aware of how you are feeling. Those with MS, we can live just as normal as others, I think we live smarter actually:) You just have to adjust to keep you strong and healthy.

I am grateful for being diagnosed with MS

I know call me crazy for the title of this post but it is true. I am grateful for being diagnosed with MS. Being diagnosed changed my life and who I am today. I do have to say that I do not want this disease by any means. However, I did not get to choose to be diagnosed with this. So, with that said, I might as well make the best out of it. At times I feel there is no good to come out of having this disease, but there is always good in life. God gave me this disease for a reason and along the way here I have found a few reasons why. Here are a few of the things that I am grateful for. Each day waking up and being able to walk, talk, function, is a blessing. I never thought about that before. I took advantage of waking up each day and going about my merry, worry free day. Now every morning I am grateful for no new symptom holding me back to get moving. There are some days that are not so great, but I only look to the good ones. I don't take anything for granted anymore. Life is too short to be worried about useless things in life. I worried so much about everything until now. I first, can't take the stress on anymore, stress is horrible for MS. I capture what life brings, and let the little things go. I know easier said than done but it can be possible. I have to thank my husband for guiding me in the "let it go" area of all that. He is the one who always puts me back where I need to be. Positive and no stress. I am grateful for realizing who is your support system in your life. Who are the ones who are there for you, those asking how you are, those wanting to help, those saying prayers. You never think about these things until something like this happens. But let me tell you, having that support system means the world to me. And I will never be able to thank those enough. I am grateful that I have found my purpose in life. To be an active, healthy, positive, determined, and loving person to all. And that is because of being diagnosed with MS. For that, I will be forever grateful to be a better person and make a differnce in this world. Well, so I hope!:)

Welcome!

Hi Everyone!
I wanted to start a blog about my life with MS. I feel I have so much to share with those who have the disease as well as family and friends of those who have MS as well. I hope to make a difference in others and make others with MS to not feel alone. I have learned so much not only about my disease but about life along my journey with MS in the past four years. Please feel free to email me with any concerns or questions at marcirolison@hotmail.com. Hope you enjoy the blog!