I Am The Herd

By mitchbre

1 min read

Lately the term thinning the herd has been used more times than I would like to hear. With the coronavirus spreading all over the world it seems that there are people that think only the strong and healthy will survive and the rest will be just thinning the herd.

My body is severely immunocompromised

I am not one to voice my opinion on public forums but I have to say this time I can't be quiet. You see, I am the herd. Yes, it is true. I suffer from multiple autoimmune diseases, MS being one of them. Right before this quarantine started I had just finished six rounds of iv chemotherapy and just recently I have started weekly chemotherapy injections. My body is severely immunocompromised but that doesn't make me any less important.

I live my life in a constant quarantine

There are so many people out in the world just like me. Babies, children, moms, dads, and grandparents who are just doing what they can to stay safe, continue with their medications and just live. To be referred to as cattle that are disposable literally infuriates me. I live my life constantly like I'm quarantined, so all of this being safe, wearing masks, and not being in large crowds isn't new to me. Like everyone else who is immunocompromised, I am just trying to get better, go in remission and mainly trying my best to live life for my family and myself. I'm sure if it were your wife, husband, parent or child you wouldn't be so quick to thin the herd.

Everyone is fighting their own battle

My health is very private and personal to me, but I am so insulted by the words of some. So, here I am, part of the herd, fighting with all I have. Let's be kinder to one another. Like I've read before, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

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Janus Galante Moderator
You have every right to be insulted Michelle Barton, and rightfully so. This is a platitude that can be extremely hurtful especially to those who have actually lost someone, much less to those who are struggling just to do what they need to do everyday just to maintain a semblance of normalcy. You ARE most certainly a part of a very BIG herd that stand together, faces toward adversity come what may. We stand with you and we always must stand together and help those stand who cannot on their own. Thank you for this inspiring story! Janus
Kim Dolce Moderator & Contributor
Michelle, so well put! You humanize the weaker members of the herd and the value we all have. I hope you'll share more of your thoughts with us here in the future. Best, Kim, moderator
eggladym1 Member
Thank you Michelle! I don't wish MS on anyone, but wouldn't it be great for those who think the "broken people" are disposable, to experience MS and all that we deal with on a daily basis for just 1 day! These people need to be careful with their words. They may be 1 of us some day. I never imagined I would be dealing with MS. But here I am. Spent 10 years thinking I was losing my mind, then finally in 2006 it decided it was time to "show itself" and that's when I was diagnosed with MS. I've had 2 neurologists and all they want to do is put you on so many drugs. I was on Copaxone, after 11 months, became allergic. Tried Rebif, same thing. So after weighing the pros and cons of the drugs that were left, I decided the other drugs were too risky. I've not taken anything since 2008. Did great until a flare up in 2016. It's getting harder to do some things, but I will tell you the same thing I tell others that compliment me on how well I get around and my positive outlook. Every morning when I can put my feet on the ground and move, I praise the Lord and give him thanks for giving me another BLESSED day!
ctlh Member
Well done Michelle. Growing up my mother taught me this quote (Erma Bombeck?) Lord may my words be sweet today for tomorrow I may have to eat them. Or something like that. Best wishes. Catherine