One year: It was one year on June 28 since... - My MSAA Community

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One year

CalfeeChick profile image
CalfeeChickCommunityAmbassador
β€’24 Replies

It was one year on June 28 since I went numb. Many of you have heard my tale. I was athletic, 68-year-old long distance bicyclist averaging 150 to 200 miles a week! I spent most of the last year sitting up in bed, keeping my feet warm. Thank goodness I wound up with excellent doctors at the MS CLINIC at UCSF. Many MRIs with and without contrast, 35 vials of blood, spinal tap, nerve conduction test, optical nerve testing. Started on gabapentin and quickly moved up to seven capsules a day. Received tentative MS diagnosis in Dec. Definite diagnosis of lesions in T2-T5 spine. No changes in over six months of MRIs of 20+ white spots in my brain. Started modafinil at the beginning of April, gradually getting more active. One of the best things I can say is that I have found MSAA and this talk forum.. πŸ’žπŸ˜πŸ‘ I am happy to announce to all that I will once again be able to rejoin my bicycling group as a support driver as they ride down the coast of California to raise funds for a well-deserving charity! It will be a six-day 360 mile ride, camping at night, finishing the last day with an overnight stay at Universal City! This would've been my 10th year riding the event! I am thrilled to participate in any manner.

We leave in 2 weeks! Loving and thanking you all for your encouragement and support. πŸ’žπŸ˜πŸ¦‹πŸŒˆπŸš΄πŸ½πŸš΄β€β™€οΈπŸš΄πŸ½πŸš΄β€β™€οΈπŸš΄πŸ½πŸš΄β€β™€οΈπŸš΄πŸ½πŸš΄β€β™€οΈLynn

There is life after diagnosis !!

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CalfeeChick
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24 Replies
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erash profile image
erash

Yay! CalfeeChick

Not for the journey you've been on for the past year but for where you have arrived and for blessings on your travels ahead! Take photos to share, enjoy and be safe 🚡

Iona60 profile image
Iona60

CalfeeChick So glad that you have found a way to particiapate and stay a part of this group. This is wonderful news.

Royjr profile image
Royjr

That's good and it sounds like fun. Enjoy yourself and be safe.

melack01 profile image
melack01

CalfeeChick I applaud you. You've come a long way! To be able to join in on something you loved doing must be wonderful. Maybe next time you can ride some of it.

Morllyn profile image
Morllyn

CalfeeChick I know that you are overjoyed to get to participate! Good luck my friend!πŸ‘πŸ˜ƒπŸ‘

Remember to not push yourself more than you should.

SueAB profile image
SueAB

@CalfeeChick , You are living proof that there is a life after an MS DX !! We may not have the life we had expected, but we can make it a good life! DEGU - Don't Ever Give Up!

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp

CalfeeChick , what an amazing journey! How happy I am that you have made incredible progress over the last several months! I hope this trip will be rewarding and full of great memories! Thanks for sharing your story, which is so inspiring and encouraging!

jimeka profile image
jimeka

CalfeeChick go for it girl, have the best time, really enjoy yourself, forget about everything and just think about yourself. I can't wait to see the photos. Blessings Jimeka 🌈 πŸš΄β€β™€οΈ ⛺️ πŸ¦‹

cheshcat profile image
cheshcat

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

jennie62 profile image
jennie62

CalfeeChick have a great time with your biking friends and take lots of pictures to have wonderful memories and of course to share here!

Jennie

Raingrrl profile image
Raingrrl

Hi @CalfeeChick! What good news that you have found a way to continue to participate in your bicycling group and can still experience the trip with them. Have a fabulous time!

mrsmike profile image
mrsmike

So happy for you! Have a wonderful trip and be safe.

goatgal profile image
goatgal

CalfeeChick There is indeed life after diagnosis! MS humbles us all by forcing us to face our limitations, teaching us that we are not invincible. But, as we all also know, we may temporarily withdraw (or be forced to do so), reconoiter, study the terrain that lies ahead, and reengage with life. You are both proof of this and an inspiration. Send us photos, take us along for the ride!!!

angelite profile image
angelite

So pleased for you, Calfeechick ! Enjoy, drink it all in and make new memories : ) x

Eleyne92 profile image
Eleyne92

Yay!!! So good to hear you can still enjoy an activity that means so much to you. Have fun!

Karen-x profile image
Karen-x

Wahoo Lynn. Life with MS is about perspective and moving forward. Enjoy your trip. Enjoy your friends!!

gatorman15 profile image
gatorman15

Have a wonderful trip!

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Of course there is Life with MS silly!😊 We just find other ways to do things.😊

You have come along way, baby!πŸ˜ŠπŸ˜… Like the others said lots of pics CalfeeChick

J 🌠

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51

Congrats. Have a good time for us all. Be safe.

BigMar7 profile image
BigMar7

Calfeechick, I am so happy for you! Have fun! πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ˜€

Amore55 profile image
Amore55

I am so excited for you! Good for you to find a way to participate in something you cherish. Have a fabulous time! Love, Kelly

johnMSAA profile image
johnMSAAPartner

This is such good news CalfeeChick ! So glad you are back in the saddle again; and if this My MSAA Community platform had anything to do with it, even more amazing!

Keep us all posted on your bike event this month! Any funds you can raise for ANY of the MS organizations (whether MSAA or other Coalition orgs), you know firsthand will go to good use!

- John, MSAA

CalfeeChick profile image
CalfeeChickCommunityAmbassadorβ€’ in reply tojohnMSAA

Not quite back on the bike, but will be driving a support vehicle. Of course I will always recommend MS as a fundraiser for the group, but the final decision is out of my hands. I'm not soliciting funds here, It wouldn't be right when we all need to support MSAA. I have been recommending to all my friends and family, Facebook friends that shop on AmazonSmile that they can designate MSAA as their charity. Many did not know they could designate a charity for a percentage of their purchases to receive some funds.

johnMSAA profile image
johnMSAAPartnerβ€’ in reply toCalfeeChick

Still counts, nice! You're already a hero in my book for getting back into the event ten years running!

And yes, the AmazonSmile charity pages are such a great and easy way for anyone to support MSAA and the MS community. Awesome that you continue to spread the word!

- John, MSAA

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