We’re at UAB. It’s hard to stop an unfolding story long enough to get word out, and, because much has happened, this update may be long and disjointed (not helped by my lack of sleep). I’ll start with Maggie’s condition right now: she’s fine and in transition from an overnight stay in ICU to a regular room.
Yesterday we heard the results of the CT scan. The new tumor activity revealed on her March scan was confirmed. The scan also showed the result of her current liver enzyme/jaundice issue. The tumor is pressing on her bile duct causing obstruction. In consultation with Dr. Saleh, we opted to remain here at UAB for a “routine” endoscopic procedure to place a stent in the obstructed duct. This was performed late yesterday afternoon. The GI doc performing it discussed all possible complications. He was not successful in placing the stent but made a pre-cut in the area to allow insertion during another attempt after several days. We left around 7:00 and returned to the hotel to rest (and stay close within a half mile – just in case;) with plans to go home the next morning. We weren’t settled in before Maggie began to throw up significant amounts of blood while passing more blood through her bottom. We quickly aborted plans to drive to the ER and opted to call an ambulance. She was stabilized with four units of blood and taken to Interventional Radiology to have the artery feeding the bleeding area closed. This bleeding was one of those rare complications discussed and can be attributed in part to the cancer-compromised condition of the liver/abdominal tissue.
She is resting well and is much perkier today than last night, although I must say, she never lost control/awareness/alertness/ or her cool. She’s my hero. And I might add, able to deliver a funny line under extreme duress. This conversation occurred in the ER:
Doctor: Do you know where you are?
Maggie: Yes. The ER at UAB.
Doctor: Do you know your name?
Maggie: Margaret Hanberry.
Doctor: Do you know what month it is?
Maggie: April.
Doctor: Do you know who the president is?
Maggie: (With annoyance creeping into her voice) The president?
Doctor: Yes. The president of the United States.
Maggie: (Clearly annoyed) Donald Trump. As weird as that is.
Back to the update…
We will be here for several days. Doctors are discussing the best approach to getting a stent into the bile duct. That procedure will not be performed today – she needs rest and nourishment. I will update again with more definite plans when we have them. As you can imagine, I left out many of the details. I haven’t had much processing time. It was a frightening night, but we were never unaware of God’s all comforting presence. The EMT’s and UAB staff – ER, IR, ICU, our Phase I team are incredible. Watching the drama in the ER was eerily like watching TV and playing a part at the same time – in a script all too real. We felt prayers even when we knew the specifics were unknown to most. Thank you for doing your unfailing part to keep us ever before the throne.
Oh my! Prayers….
Continuing to pray for Maggie and your family.
Praying for you’ll. Thank you God for them feeling your presence.
Covering your sweet family with prayers…..and Melissa, thank you again for the updates.
Oh my….my mama heart…. thankful…May God continue to hold you each in His strong right hand!!
Praying!
I’m so sorry all this is happening…. I am praying continuously…..
Praying earnestly!
Praying, praying. So sorry this has happened. You and Maggie are heroes!
Oh my! What a night! Paying for yall!!!
Prayers for you, Maggie and your family.
Leave it up to Mags to throw sarcasm at the ER Doc!!! Love you girls. Praying for better days ahead and relaxing restful times. Praying….
Oh my…..what a scary night for y’all. I am so very sorry. We will be praying for all of you, especially throughout this weekend….and beyond. Maggie is my hero and her parents are pretty special folks too!! Love from The Barrons……..
Praying, loving, believing.
My goodness. Hate to read about this scary “bump in the road.” PRAYING Maggie gets that rest and nourishment… and the strength she needs each day to continue traveling this journey. “May HE strengthen you, Maggie, with power through HIS Spirit in your inner being!” (Ephesians 3:16) 🙂
We are praying
Oh, Melissa. In all circumstances you continue to give praise to the Father. I will certainly be praying for Maggie and your family. Love you.
What an amazing young lady your Maggie is. You all are amazing. Your faith has made my faith grow. Prayers continue for Maggie and the entire family??
Bible Fellowship Praying for Maggie
We hate to hear about this ER/ICU scary night. Continuing to pray for you, Maggie, your medical team, and your family.
We are praying for success of procedures. We are praying for you, and your entire family. I asked God for his blessings during this holy time of the year. Thanking God for Maggie’s attitude and character. ❤️
Continued prayers ❤️??
Our family’s prayers are with you, as you stay strong in your faith…
What a nightmare. Praying for all of you.
PRAYERS DAILY!
Praying for Maggie and your family.
That Maggie is something else!!!!! What a God girl!
None of this has caught our Abba Father off guard! He holds sweet Maggie in His hands!!! Praying for healing and strength!!! Love and prayers!
Praying for Maggie and all her family.
Maggie is a hero! I have not had the privilege to know Maggie and her family, but all of you are on my prayer list daily! Does Maggie realize what a very special person she is to so many? What an outstanding example of Christian faith! I don’t understand Gid’s plan when a young, wonderful Maggie has to go through this journey. Continued prayers and love!
Thanking Him for being The Shepherd Who carries you close to His heart! Isaiah 40:11
Praying His healing!