Maggie is home and sleeping in her own bed tonight. Yesterday we reported to the UAB clinical trial department for a blood draw. We were introduced to several employees from the marketing department. Maggie agreed to allow them to shoot video of her in several phases of the drug trial – giving blood, having an infusion. She will be interviewed when we return in several weeks. The footage/comments will possibly be used in fund-raising/promotional efforts. We’ll let you know as we learn more. We spent the evening at the Galleria taking a break from election craziness. Then we went back to our room and stayed up way too late watching election coverage.

We reported back to the clinic at 7:30 to begin preparation for C1D1 – the first day of the first cycle of the trial. After an exam by Dr. Saleh, the first dose of the oral drug was administered followed by an infusion of Benadryl and the “mab” drug. Maggie was closely observed for the full hour infusion and for an additional hour upon completion. She exhibited no sign of reaction and tolerated both drugs very well. We made the decision to return home today since she was feeling ok.

Maggie will continue to take the trial drug at home, and we will return to UAB in two weeks for the next infusion. She will be closely monitored for the second infusion but will have that requirement dropped if she remains reaction free. Two small lung nodules have been identified as the markers which will be followed for response to the chemo treatments. She will be scanned every five weeks to check progress.

We are thankful for a smooth process today. The staff is extremely professional, caring, and friendly. We miss our Batson friends (and plan to visit them soon) but feel God has prepared the UAB situation for us at the this time. We pray for healing through the treatments, new relationships to enrich our lives, and opportunities to share God’s amazing love.

We’ll keep you posted! Goodnight.