The lesions are active! The lesions are active!

The title of this post is meant to be read with the same enthusiasm as "The British are coming! The British are coming!" but, obviously, I don't have the ability to reach through the computer screen and force you to do that....or do I....? (mmmmwwwaaaaahhhhhahahahahaaaa!)

I had a big day at the Partners MS Center yesterday morning. First, an appointment with my neurologist, Dr. Lopez-Diego. Unlike all too many doctors, she is always on time, always dit, and always shakes my hand hello and goodbye. I like these qualities in a physician. She acts like she is an expert that I've hired to take care of something outside my skill set...which she kind of is. We are partners in treating my MS. Also, she's a woman and probably a little younger than I am. Dr. L-P definitely perpetuates the stereotypes that female doctors are more empathetic and humble and younger doctor's are more progressive and open minded.

Although I was anxious to see the MRI results, I first had the overall neurological clinical workup. I did the walking down the hall on my heels and my toes thing, the flipping my hand over and back, and all the other tests of my reflexes, strength and vision. These vision tests frustrate the hell out of me since I can't read any of the letters on the card with my nerve-damaged right eye, but I still have to cover my left eye and try anyway. Next time, I think I'm going to memorize the card and pretend I can read it or maybe I will read something that isn't there. I could say: "Why it's a miracle! I can read it! It says I A M B L I N D I N T H A T E Y E!"

After the neurological games, we sat down to look at the MRI results on Dr. L-P's computer screen. Although the neurologist and radiologist are not in complete agreement about the particulars, there are definitely more lesions on my spine and in my brain and the contrast shows activity (whatever that means) in at least one of the lesions.

The radiology team and the neurology team are going to have a pow-wow this week to compare the old MRIs and the new MRIs side by side so they can agree on a final report. I guess there's no such thing as a dissenting opinion when it comes to MRIs.

So, what do these results really mean? Dr. L-D believes that the thrice weekly Rebif injections and monthly solumedtrol infusions are not working as well as she had hoped. I get the impression this is supposed to be bad news but I'm not feeling bad about it. Perhaps it's denial. Perhaps it's just my fabulous, optimistic attitude. Either way, I'm focusing on the positive:

1. Once Dr. L-P changes my treatment, I will no longer have to give myself an injection of Rebif 3 times a week. Can I get a Whoot-Whoot?!
2. I will no longer have to go into the MS Center once a month for infusions of solumedtrol.
   
3. I will not have to get blood tests every couple of months to make sure the Rebif isn't damaging my liver

So, what's next? As soon as the MRI results are finalized, I'm going to stop taking the Rebif and start one of two possible low-dose chemo drugs: Rituxan or Cytoxan. I asked Dr. L-P about Tysabri but she doesn't feel comfortable with the 8 US cases of PML--a very rare, but deadly brain infection. I am leaning toward the Rituxan since you only have to get 1-2 infusions a year and hair loss isn't one of the possible side effects. I may have MS but I am still vain enough to want my hair.

The funny part about all of this is that I feel great. My vision sucks but I don't have fatigue, leg pain, headaches, or any numbness. Physically, I have absolutely no complaints. Seriously, until I open my eyes and have trouble seeing things in the morning, I can easily forget I have MS. Although this could just be the calm before the storm, I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.