[Wrapped In Ivy] Good News / Bad News
Good news first.

I finally spoke with my neurologist today. My MRI comparisons actually showed no significant changes in the progress of my disease. There are still some active lesions going on, but nothing new. This was great news! And it gave me the confirmation I needed to go forward with the treatment plan I was leaning towards.

I did a lot of research on the new medication she suggested for me. I read forty
different patient experiences on this drug and spoke to five people I know personally who are currently taking it or have taken it. I got very little positive feedback. Most people experienced side effects that were bad enough to hinder daily function. Of those who chose to stay on the treatment, they had been in much worse shape prior to starting the treatment (some were struggling to walk) and this drug
made a significant improvement in their ability to move and function. They felt the trade off on the side effects was worth it. And I would be inclined to agree.

However, I am not quite so progressed. While I definitely struggle with certain physical activities, the side effects, I feel, have the potential to put me in a worse state than I'm in now. I simply can't justify making myself feel worse and I want to feel as good as I can for as long as I can.

As such, Nick and I felt we wanted to give the treatment I was originally on another try. Our research found that the reactions I was having were not uncommon and they seemed to be innocuous. My doctor agreed that there was most likely no harm in
giving it another go. If I have more problems, it's time to move on. But I feel it's worth a shot. So we're moving ahead. Whew!

Okay, now the bad news.

As I'd mentioned previously, I was torn over the decision to take a new job. The new job would mean lots of sacrifices, most notably a huge cut in pay. But it would get me off my feet and offered amazing benefits. After much agonizing, praying, and even a tarot reading, I decided I would accept the job were it offered to me. And it was
looking good. They asked me in for an interview, after which they gave me a tour of the building and even the benefits packet which contained all the options available and their costs. They called all of my references over the last few days, and it was sounding like they were definitely interested. I was getting excited for this new
venture.

Today, however, I received their form letter in my email explaining that they did not feel I was right for the position at this time. Bugger. Seemed odd to me that they would go to all that effort if I wasn't right for the job. But...the job market is saturated right now. There may very well have been someone else more qualified. Or more in need. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't awfully disappointed, but perhaps it just wasn't meant to be right now.

Still, all things considered, I'm feeling pretty good. My energy levels have been
inexplicably up the last few weeks, which has also significantly buoyed my spirits. It's been a long time since I could adequately make it through the day at work, and I've been able to make it up the stairs without help once I get home. I've even had the energy to cook dinner. Talk about the little things. But it's been a long time since I've felt this good, and I'm going to appreciate every little bit.