Stem the Tide: Bridget’s HSCT Blog

Six month post-transplant update: Filled with Optimism 6 months ago I underwent a stem cell transplant with the hope of stopping further progression of my MS.  Last week I was in Seattle for appts and I’m very encouraged with how things are going.  Things are happening!  Slight progress tells me that I’m not what they would call a “non-responder”, meaning the transplant was a success. My neurologist appt showed I am back to baseline with my walking. Baseline- meaning pre-transplant.  There are two parts to recovering. First is recovering from the chemo and transplant. My hematologist is happy with my numbers and I was able to start getting my childhood vaccines, all of which were wiped out from the transplant process.  The second part is to work on my MS symptoms. Many have improved since the transplant. Heat-tolerance, fatigue, brain-fog, bladder issues, numbness, the list goes on…..all showing improvement.  The main issue now is how to deal with prior dam...

Here we are in Yakima for a valentines weekend. I got my Covid and flu vaccines and have been more comfortable getting out and about. We had a great dinner at Cowiche Kitchen and saw the BEST live music across the street at Kana Winery.  I usually wear my bald head with pride but it’s fun to wear a wig and do “hair and makeup” once in awhile. I also had some appointments in Seattle and was able to finally visit my parents.  I also got to see some of my besties for a fun Galentine’s day.  I’m noticing an improvement in some symptoms. I really only tell Jeff when I notice little things here and there. It’s hard to share things in my blog because I’m so early in my recovery. But I have a lot of hope.  I’m still working out at home as I’m not ready to use our neighborhood gym just yet. At six months I can start getting my childhood vaccines again. By the end of 2 years post-transplant I will be caught up on everything. But, that’s a long way off so we are still trying to...

Hi everyone. Happy new year. Wanted to send an update since folks have been asking. Question of the day…..every day…..did the transplant work? We are still wondering that ourselves. The more I read about post -HSCT life, the more I realize that patience is my new best friend. I’m no better, no worse. I do have more energy than before so that is a win. I also feel like my balance is better. I’ve had no falls in the 12 weeks since my transplant. I take that as a sign I’m heading in the right direction.  TJ, Nicole, Cameron and Emma have all been able to visit. We were able to spend time with them over the holidays which was awesome. And while I’m not golfing (yet) I’ve been able to get out and ride along and enjoy the sunshine here.   As always, thanks for following along.  Cheers to 2025! Xo

 Hi everyone, We are home and happy to be here. I wish I could give some amazing update but the truth is, it’s going to be a few months before anything changes. I am seeing my Hematologist and checking my bloodwork. That’s really all there is to do.  I’ve started MS Gym, which is an online program for all levels and of people with MS. They’ve partnered with my neural sleeve company (Cionic) and they understand the needs of those of us who are post-HSCT.  I’ll also start seeing a Physiatrist to help get my strength back.  It’s going to be just the two of us for awhile here. I’m actually fine knowing I don’t have to cook for thanksgiving. Missing the kids but happy to have this time to heal.  Happy Thanksgiving to all,   Bridget 

Well it is a darn good thing that I’m not at all competitive because it seems I’ve somehow finished in last place down here. Dead last.  In my football league that I’ve been in for over 20 years you actually win money if you come in last. Here, the only thing you win is an extra day in prison paradise. ☹️ No worries though. I just needed an extra day to recover and I’m told this is a sign that my stem cell transplant was successful.  We are very excited to go home and start the recovery stage, albeit a day late and a couple hundred dollars short (I decided to splurge on first class seats- we’ve earned it, haven’t we?) I’ll try and keep this blog updated so you can see how I’m doing at home.  As I said in a prior post it may take a year or even two to know what benefits I might see from this.  To all who’ve followed my journey and sent messages of support and encouragement, it really has meant the world to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.   Xoxo Brid...

That’s my title down here at Clinica Ruiz. My main job is dialing “606” and saying something like this: “Hola! Caregiver will have the braised pork loin dinner with mashed potatoes and street corn and I guess throw in one of the banana split desserts (see pic below). For the Patient, just toast again with PB&J on the side. Room 406. Gracias!” As we all know, Bridget is determined and a fighter and those are the reasons we are here fighting back at this disease. This last week has been rough as she had an uncomfortable port put in her chest on Sunday, and then on Monday had her stem cells removed for three hours, followed by another five hours of chemo. Got back “home”  at 10 pm and then headed back out for the final 5 hour round of chemo at 8:30 AM on Tuesday. Wednesday is the day we’ve been waiting for which is known as the “Stem Cell Birthday!” Her stem cells were successfully “rehabilitated” and put back in her body. The port was removed, pictures were taken, and smiles and ...