Step of Faith

As I return to my blog, I've taken some time to read some previous posts that I've written. It has highlighted so much of how I've changed over the years. My journey has been filled with ups and downs, light and darkness, joy and sadness.

My very first blog post, The Battle Begins, was a step of faith that I took during a very raw time in my life. I continued to be open about my journey in subsequent blog posts, and have striven to carry that vulnerability into more of my interactions.

As I would expect happens with most writers, I have drafts of thoughts and ideas that vary from unfinished to simply never posted. Some, I may not return to, but others will be shared on the blog. I don't have the desire, energy, or recollection to recount everything I might've written about over the past couple of years, but there are some experiences and lessons that should be shared.

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

Ultimately, I'm not sure where writing will lead me. I'm taking another step of faith in getting back to
my blog and sharing more of my journey.

If there are any topics that you struggle with in your own journey, feel free to reach out or comment. Sharing our stories and supporting one another along our paths is powerful.

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Chronic Migraine Warrior Returns

I have been away from my Chronic Migraine Warrior blog for quite some time... a couple years!

Over the past few years, I shifted my energy and focus away from the blog. During that time, I moved to a different state, took a closer look at all aspects of my health, and continued my patient advocacy work. Lots of change and learning!

I feel the nudge to get back to writing... and my blog is here and ready. Let's see what happens!

"Courage, above all, is the first quality of a warrior." - Carl von Clausewitz

Two More CGRP-Drugs Approved by FDA

May 17, 2018 was a Momentous Day for Migraine: First CGRP-Drug Approved by FDA. It was the first FDA approval in a new class of preventive medications developed specifically for migraine.

The month of September has seen the FDA approve two more CGRP-related medications.

On September 14, Teva announced the FDA approval of Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm), "a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor" (https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180914005613/en/). It's available in monthly or quarterly doses, via self-administered, subcutaneous injection(s) from pre-filled syringe(s). The list price is $575 per monthly dose and $1,725 per quarterly dose.

On September 27, Eli Lilly and Company announced the FDA approval of Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm). It will be available as a once monthly, self-administered, subcutaneous injection. The first month will be two injections, followed by a single monthly injection.(https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8386051-lilly-emgality-fda-approval-migraine-treatment/)

The CGRP class of medications work to stop CGRP protein from binding to the receptor. Aimovig, is a monoclonal antibody against the CGRP receptor. Both Ajovy and Emgality are monoclonal antibodies against the CGRP protein. There is one more medication that targets the protein that has not yet been approved by the FDA.

Further reading:

• https://www.neurologylive.com/clinical-focus/galcanezumab-fda-go-ahead-migraine-prevention?utm_medium=email
• https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/new-anti-cgrp-migraine-treatment-options/
• https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/cgrp-blocking-antibodies-qa-with-dr-david-dodick/

Each of the companies that have come to market with CGRP medications for migraine prevention are offering patient support programs, specifically for those with commercial insurance.

Here are the links for the different medications that have been FDA approved:

• www.aimovig.com
• www.ajovy.com
• www.emgality.com

Momentous Day for Migraine: First CGRP-Drug Approved by FDA

Huge news! Today, the first-ever preventive developed specifically for migraine was approved by the FDA.

"The drug, Aimovig [erenumab-aooe], made by Amgen and Novartis, is a monthly injection with a device similar to an insulin pen. The list price will be $6,900 a year, and Amgen said the drug will be available to patients within a week." (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/17/health/migraines-prevention-drug-aimovig.html)

This new class of medications targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is believed to play a critical role in migraine. There are three other drugs in this class that are aimed at FDA approval in the coming months. During clinical trials, all of these meds have done remarkably well: more effective than the meds currently used for migraine prevention, and with fewer side effects. This could be life-changing!

Further reading:

• https://www.amgen.com/media/news-releases/2018/05/fda-approves-aimovig-erenumabaooe-a-novel-treatment-developed-specifically-for-migraine-prevention/
• http://www.businessinsider.com/fda-approves-amgen-novartis-preventive-migraine-medication-aimovig-2018-5
• https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/cgrp-drug-migraine-facebook-live-recap/

Migraine & Headache Awareness Month 2016

Today is the first day of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM) 2016.

The theme for 2016 is Rule Your Headache Disorder: Be actively engaged in your treatment.

Let's spread awareness, diminish stigma, and foster hope and understanding!

This post was written as part of the Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM) Social Media Challenge.

Grateful for Being Able to Drive Today

It's been a rocky week. Up one day, down hard the next, repeat. I hope that doesn't happen and wreck my day tomorrow, but I'll take things moment by moment.

For now, I'm grateful for my husband being home from his work trip, and for the things that I was able to do / accomplish. 

I drove more today than I have in almost a year! I went shopping a little today, on my own. It's amazing how independent I felt to be able to drive, take care of things at the pharmacy, and browse / shop... all on my own! I looked back at a previous post I wrote about a similar experience several years ago, Update: Driving Myself (3/25/13).

I was on the phone a lot today, which I don't particularly like... especially when a lot of it was dealing with insurance companies that can't quite interpret the verbiage of my coverage with them. But, I was able to talk with a friend today, which was wonderful! I hope to be able to talk to another dear friend tomorrow. 

My heart is full of gratitude for the little things that can sometimes feel so big!