I initially did not meet the criteria for Dr. Burt’s Study at Northwestern because I hadn’t had a relapse in over 3 years. I re-submitted right after I had a relapse in May. Following that I quickly received the paperwork for the possibility of getting invited to come for an evaluation for the study.
I sent my initial email to Northwestern on June 22nd and was contacted within a day to send my Eval paperwork to them. However, I sat on it a bit because my father was going through eye surgery.
Once I knew that my dad was going to be ok, I sent over my paperwork on Sept 7th, I and received the news on Sept 13th, that they wanted me to come come for a formal evaluation! Once they received my medical records a few days later, they asked me to come the next week, Sept 20th and 21st!
I was accepted for treatment by Dr. Burt on a compassionate basis, as I had failed all of my medications and am still showing activity of my RRMS.
I received a phone call this morning letting me know that they want me back on November 23rd for the additional testing for insurance approval. It will also serve as part of my initial testing for the transplant.
Hubby decided that we should take the boys with us so that they can see Chicago before it gets too cold and before I go through my transplant. I’ll also get a chance to enjoy the sites with my boys.
So, we’ll be having a Happy Thanksgiving in Chicago!!!
I’ve finally stopping crying tears of joy so I can post now!
All I can say is this is truly incredible that I have been accepted for the stem cell transplant at Northwestern in Chicago. I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to cure and stop my disease progression. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and prayers. I believe the man upstairs was listening.
My journey will most likely begin in November, since I have to wait until mid November to meet the 6 month washout period from my prior medication. My Ty washout is done November 13th because my last infusion was May 13.
Again, thanks to everyone for the support and love ❤️ especially my sweet husband and my parents. I couldn’t do this without you!
