Can you believe today is the very last day of 2007? My how time has gone by. It seems as if it was just the other day when I was doing my end of year post for 2006.

I must admit, I have mixed feelings about the year 2007. I had many great new experiences, especially on the MS front. I became much more involved with the National MS Society, worked on and attended many programs, started a team for the MS Walk, and much more. At the same time, my health has consistently been a challenge. It seems that when my MS is not rearing its ugly head something else is. And, although I have spent more time in the hospital and fighting to feel better than I would like, I am grateful that I am here and able to fight the fight! Things could always be worse after all. :)

So bring on 2008! I am looking forward to a new year and hope that it will bring many more wonderful experiences, energy to continue to volunteer with organizations like the NMSS, not to mention keep up with my now teenage son. lol Most of all, I look forward to doing my best to live each day for what it is. Happy New Year everyone!
~Jaime

Okay, so this is not about MS, but I thought it was kind of cool. As you are all aware I recently got a new laptop. In an effort to protect it so that it will last longer, I have been doing some looking online for things that will help. I have found some great things, like a keyboard cover so that dust and stuff does not get in under the keys. I will definitely be getting one of those because even though I was careful with my old laptop, after 4 years of having it crap tends to find its way in. By far one of the coolest things that I found though is laptop skins. They have them for the cover (which I was really happy about as I am already finding that it gets dusty, not to mention fingerprints) but while looking for one that would fit my laptop I found a company that makes touch pad protectors. I have to say I never would have thought about that, but is is a cool idea. I use a cover protector on my phone & PDA, so to me this makes perfect sense. Anyway, so if you have a laptop go check them out. After all I am all about doing what I can to make things last! :)

It is great to be back. :) I have so missed the blogging world! As you may have noticed I have been spending the last couple of days trying to catch up with all of you. I have been stopping in to catch up on all of your happenings. Unfortunately, I have been gone long enough that I will not be able to go back and read everything going on (that would take forever) but I got the gist of it and wish you all the best New Year yet!

So, why was I away so long? Of course one of the reasons was because my old computer died on me. I was waiting till after the holidays when things settled down to get a new one, but thanks to my parents here I am. The other reason is all too familiar. My health! Some days I think of it as just a trial in my life and I am okay with it......other times I feel as if it never ends and wish I could just be one of those lucky people who are healthy. If nothing else my hope for 2008 is that I will be healthy enough to stay out of the hospital and resume things as normal (okay, as normal as possible, lol).

This past 6 months has been a challenge. Not just with my MS either. As you all know, I was in the hospital for a while during July. Well, I got sick in September with the cold from hell. The cold itself was not bad at first, however it decided to become a permanent fixture. October brought my one year anniversary of Novantrone. At first it seemed as if I was not going to respond to this treatment (as I had not been doing well since the last one in July) but I must have just been off to a slow start as it finally kicked in towards the end of the month and into November. I was actually starting feel well enough that I got back to some of my regular routine. My mom and I went back to Curves and I even had a great Thanksgiving with my family.

Unfortunately it did not last. Just a few days later I woke up and then suddenly could not breathe. I instinctively started my nebulizer. Fortunately my sister happened to be at my house visiting for the weekend and as I turned blue (as Katie put it) she called 911. A few minutes later when the EMS arrived my BP was high, I was tachycardic and my O2 sat was only 86%. It turned out that I was having an anaphylactic reaction to one of my medications. A medication that interesting enough is supposed to help my Asthma. This is a very rare side effect (only about 1% chance of having it) and so of course I would be that lucky person to actually have it happen. After several days in the hospital on oxygen, nebulizers, high dose IV antibiotics and steroids I was able to go home. It has been almost a month and I still require the use of the nebulizer and oral steroids. Needless to say I will NEVER take that medication again.

Ironically this is the first time since I started the Novantrone that I did not have problems towards the end of the 3 months. I'm convinced all the steroids and other meds they pumped through me helped my MS as well. Fortunately I am feeling much better now and am ready to get back to everyday life. And, all this just in time for my next Novantrone treatment (next week). Such is life!

So, today I am hopeful for a bright new year! Good ridden 2007! I'm looking forward to a happier and healthier 2008. I hope you all are doing well and that the New Year brings you the best. Take care.
~ Jaime

I just wanted to stop in quickly and wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. I hope that you are feeling well and having a great day. :)

My Christmas has been wonderful. I have been spending time with my family, watching Nate enjoy all of his presents, and relaxing. I have to say I have the coolest family around. They just know me so well. My parents who read this blog and have mentioned to me that I have not been posting, got me a new laptop. My old one broke down and we had been talking about trying to get it fixed after the new year, but they got me a new one so I can get back to my blog and all the other great things I used to do on the computer. :)

So, as soon as possible, I plan to get back to it. I have missed all of you and appreciate all the comments and emails. Take care of yourselves and have a wonderful Christmas and the best New Year yet!