How is DJ doing?

[Sarahsmom46]

Has anyone heard from our dear DJ lately?  I haven't seen any update or post from her for ages.  Any news?

Julie

[Lulu54]

I picked up the phone and called her a day early, just because you all were asking.  She continues to struggle with a bunch of problems.  She just found out the thyroid treatment did not work and she will need to decide to undergo another round of radiation treatment or skip the treatment and try some pills with all sorts of nasty side effects.  

Her secondary insurance has notified her doctor and her that they no longer will cover her morphine because it is not medically necessary.  That gets a giant WTF? from me.  They have also refused to pay for another pain medicine that has helped with spasms of the colon.

She said the hugs have been constant for the past few days and she is in a lot of pain.

BUT she did not once complain to me about any of this, she just stated it all as matter of face - instead, she told me that she feels blessed that her daughter is there to help, she has a personal attendant to help in her home, and has some insurance to cover some of her drugs.  She also said she continues to feel thankful that she has a medical team that cares about her and is making the effort to help.  She pointed out that so many people are on their own and have no one to help or to turn to.

As I have said a number of times, for a woman whose MS has caused such horrible physical problems - the wheelchair, the constant catheter and infections, the never ending spasms and  even the emergency tracheotomy - her positive and upbeat attitude are a source of inspiration.  If anyone I know has a right to be angry about this disease, it is DJ.  But she doesn't let herself succumb to it.   I have learned a lot in my friendship with her.

And she said she would try to get on the computer this weekend, but that is not  guarantee.    I gave her your best messages and she felt bad that she has let so many messages from all of you go unanswered.

[michelleric]

Please tell her I am also thinking of her.  Send her my best...tell her my thoughts and prayers are continuously withnher.

(thanks Lu)

[Wobbly]

Please give her my best and tell her my prayers are with her and thoughts as well.

wobbly

[Lulu54]

I usually talk with her on Thursdays  and I will definitely pass on your messages.  She always asks about the forum and the people who are familiar to her.  

[HVAC]

Tell her I am thinking about her. I miss her. She is the "Example" for all of us in dealing with this disease. GOD BLESS HER.

Alex

[meg321]

I am glad you asked about DJ....Lulu, would you please tell her I also miss here please.  I always got so much inspiration from her..

thanks Lu !

meg

[Lulu54]

It touches my heart that you would ask about her, Julie.  She is one brave woman, and always has an upbeat spirit and joy about her, despite being confined to a wheelchair and unable to do much for herself.  How she does this without being angry or openly bitter about what MS has taken from her continues to amaze me.  I don't know tht I could be so gracious.

DJ has undergone thyroid radioation treatment that is hopefully working. Cancer is much scarier to her than this MS crap.  

She swears to me that 2012 will be better, and her health will turn around. Can't you just hear her cheerful voice saying that?   We talk at least once a week and I will let her know you inquired about her.  Unfortunately her vision has made it almost impossible for her to focus on words onthe computer.

best,
L