After a year of diligent work and follow-through, my Moscow HSCT treatment phase has finally come to an end. Unlike most patients who receive their entire treatment in 5 weeks, my path was a little off the beaten one.
When I arrived in Moscow, I had 10 enhancing brain lesions. Those lesions were a blessing in disguise being that medical evidence shows the more lesion activity you have, the more optimal your HSCT result may be. That was the upside to my lesion activity. The downside was, based on the high number of enhancing lesions, Dr. Fedorenko thought it wise to prescribe an additional 4 doses of chemo over the next year (1 every 3 months) in order to guarantee capping off the monster that had plagued me for over 10 years and disabled me to the point that I needed to use a trekking pole to walk, due to foot drop, and the dexterity in my right hand/fingers was noticeably compromised.
Two weeks ago today, I had my FINAL dose of the Mitoxantrone (the “blue devil”), and decided that it was time to document and share my entire journey in a YouTube presentation. It’s a condensed version of how it all began, how I got there, the treatment itself, and how it all played out in the end. There are lots of previously unseen photos and I find that sometimes pictures portray a story better than words alone. I also wanted to share a Podcast interview that I recently completed with Healthcare Elsewhere, a program that specializes in covering stories about medical tourism. In that interview, I explain what HCST is, and how it works. You can click on the pic below or the link above to access the interview. One of my main goals with this blog is to bring hope to those who may think there isn’t any left for them. Please feel free to share the link to the interview or my video with a friend or loved one who may be suffering from an autoimmune disease. It may be the hope they’ve been looking for.
Until my next blog post…peace and love from the Pennsylvania countryside!
Hello, Russia! B-bye, MS! 
Thanks Brooke for all your great information that you share. You are so awesome to help others in the midst of your own struggles. I tip my hat as I continue to read and listen to your journey.
Ours is CIDP but it helps to know what we are walking into. Hugs
Best wishes to you, Mary. You will not regret your decision. Quality care and awesome staff.
Oh Brooke – that was absolutely Awesome!! So blessed to have you as a friend! You are such an inspiration and I am sure you will continue to be a cheerleader for anyone going through this horrible disease. I know you are having a blast preparing for Carson’s wedding. Sending many hugs, Brooke, and much love!
Love you, Linda!!
It’s so emotional to watch your video. I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to follow in your footsteps next year.
Sandy, to be treated by Dr. Fedorenko and his staff is truly a blessing. I wish you all the best. 🙂
So thrilled to hear of your success Brooke and it was a pleasure to have you on the show!
Thanks, John! It was a pleasure to be on the show. I just had someone comment on it yesterday. They found it very informative and detailed. Thank you for the opportunity to spread the word on Healthcare Elsewhere.
http://healthcareelsewhere.com/2014/05/07/multiple-sclerosis-recovery-brooke-slick/
You know I see the MR patients struggling with their MS all the time and I tell them to look you up online. You are such an inspiration. I am so happy for you. You are such a kind and wonderful person. I’m so happy you’ve kicked MS in the butt!
I sure do miss you, Brian…and your cologne! 🙂
That is amazing Brooke. For someone that leaves for Moscow in less than 2 weeks you are inspirational. Thank you x.
Your future awaits, Stevie. We were all very lucky to be treated by Dr. Fedorenko. You will love him. Best of luck.