Remicade Update & Thanks :)

Many people have been asking how my first Remicade infusion went yesterday and that means a lot. It went as well as a 4 hour IV infusion in New Jersey could have gone! ;) 

It being September 11th yesterday, we drove under this flag
on the George Washington Bridge (it was much bigger
and more striking than it looks). It gave me courage.

Aside from the 2 hour trek to Jersey - some silly insurance hoop - I had the company of my mama as usual (thanks again, mom!), the center was comfortable, and the nurse couldn't have been nicer. He got the IV in on one stick (a rare event for me) and, in stead of feeling anxious, I mostly just felt hopeful. As my friend Cathy updates us on her success with Enbrel , I've found myself growing increasingly hopeful about the quality of life Remicade might afford me. This may be over the top and cheesy, but it felt like there were possibilities dripping into my arm instead of just medication. As I watched the bag emptying above my head, I imagined the city blocks I might be able travel, the floors I'll sit on without becoming stiff, the ball games I'd play with my dogs, the long walks  through Central Park, the energy I'll have for family, friends and of course for John. I sensed potential yesterday and, while I'm trying not to build my hopes too high, I've got to believe in my doctor. I've got to believe in my body.

Maybe it's just the dork in me,
but this made me laugh

I also met a great girl named Julie who was sitting across from me receiving the same medication. She's 19, a sophomore at Penn State, an avid volunteer, and living with Crohns Disease (an inflammatory bowel disease). I really enjoyed getting to know her story. We swapped e-mails and I'm hoping she'll be appearing on this blog as a spotlight soon. Ordinarily, my infusion should only take about two and a half hours, but I did have a slight allergic reaction to the first dose (a few hives and a numb, tingly mouth), so I got some allergy medication and an extra dose of steroids. I'm told this can happen the first time, and I'm feeling good today - those steroids are incredible, albeit not something I can stay on. I'm also told the Remicade could take up to three months to do it's thing, so this will be an exercise in patience and in faith.

Thanks for reading and for caring about my story. You all give me great strength.

Love,
Maya