Hi 🥰
I’m back home from New York and getting reacclimated. I slept in today—and honestly, it was needed. Newborns are a lot of work, even as a grandmother! This Bella got to take many sweet naps with Meadow (which I loved), but the parents definitely handled the heavy lifting. Still, I’m feeling it.
One small win I’m proud of? I unpacked my suitcase!
When I visited for Meadow’s birth in January, I didn’t even unpack—just packed around what was already in there. So today’s a small victory, Sunday.
So with a little sleep and a checked-off to-do list behind me, I’m ready to jump into today’s share.
Day 18: Understanding Immunosuppressants in Lupus Care
While lupus affects everyone differently, one thing many of us share is an immune system that’s working a little too hard. That’s where immunosuppressants come in.
These medications help reduce the severity and frequency of lupus flares by dialing down the immune system’s overactive response. They’re often used when lupus is more aggressive or affects major organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, or brain.
What’s powerful about these medications is also what makes them intense: they’re used in cancer treatment, too, and that alone can make them feel scary.
I was on methotrexate injections for a while. Giving myself shots each week brought real anxiety. It felt like crossing a line from managing a condition to treating something more serious, because it was. I often dealt with infections and swollen glands, and learned quickly how important it is to monitor your body and advocate for yourself while on these meds.
Common Forms and Medications
🟣 Oral immunosuppressants – Like methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran), and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
🟣 Injectables and infusions – Like cyclophosphamide or biologics such as belimumab (Benlysta)
They don’t completely turn off the immune system, but they do lower its strength, so regular monitoring, bloodwork, and infection prevention are essential. These drugs can offer powerful stability for people with moderate to severe lupus—but it’s rarely simple.
💜 Where We Are With Fundraising
We’ve raised $2,969.55 so far and will continue until May 31 in support of the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.
Each donation helps fund education, advocacy, and support programs for those navigating lupus, many of whom don’t have consistent access to care or community.
👉🏽 https://linke.to/2025lupuswalk
If you’d like me to write a future blog post delving deeper into immunosuppressants and how they’ve shaped my journey, feel free to reply and let me know.
xoxo
Jowanna
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