The short news was shared this morning on FaceBook. Here’s the full story:
Maggie was taken to Interventional Radiology early this morning. The actual procedure was quick – less than an hour total although while waiting it seemed longer for two reasons: 1) Our girl is having a serious procedure which has proven to be difficult to execute for one reason or another and 2) I was seated by an older woman playing video poker on her phone with the volume ALL the way UP. But, I digress. The doctor reported a flawless procedure without complications. He even had a neat picture on his phone showing the finished product via x-ray. (Radiologists are PROUD of their pictures. We’re glad he shared it.) I wished he had taken video of Simone Bile (the biliary drain) complete a double somersault with a half twist into the red bucket where we know she stuck the landing. We do appreciate the incredible technology used to bring Maggie’s liver back to near normal function, but Maggie will not miss Simone.
Because Maggie is still in-patient, she was wheeled back to her room for recovery. She has asked for pain meds one time after getting settled in her room. She is pain free tonight. The plan is to continue IV antibiotics until the morning. She will have another infusion of the targeted therapy tomorrow before discharge. Once that IV beeps “complete” we’re out of here! At Dr. Saleh’s suggestion, we will remain in town at the hotel Tuesday night. Barring (I can’t say the word so I’ll spell it) c-o-m-p-l-i-c-a-t-i-o-n-s, we’ll leave for the Burg Wednesday morning.
My favorite moment of the day – possibly this entire ordeal came early this morning. When the patient care tech, Olivia, wheeled Maggie into the pre-op cubicle, the nurses and doctors descended to start the set-up, including the questions they are required to ask. One doctor asked, “Do you know what procedure you are having?” Maggie quickly answered, “Internalization of the biliary drain with stent placement.” Olivia eyed Maggie and gave her a “You go, girl!” No lack of patient education with this one.
Another key moment came when the radiology team came in to brief us before the procedure. We had the IR department head leading the team today. Maybe they got the memo that the home team really needed a win with this one. We appreciated talking with him, and, in our discussion, he offered an explanation for the gall bladder event Friday evening. We knew the biopsy bled more than expected. He said, more than likely, a small clot formed and blocked off the gall bladder. The gall bladder’s job is to store bile and dispense it when the body tries to digest. Maggie didn’t eat much, but her supper may have triggered the gall bladder to release and it was unable to do so. At some point, the clot was dissolved by bile but not before causing enough distress to spike fever and ruin plans to sleep and go home. Another member of the team was the same doctor who performed the coiling of the bleeding artery after the ER visit on the 14th. I’m glad we had another chance to tell him a big “thank you”. Hats off to everyone involved in making this – finally – a success.
We have movement in other directions, too. We’ll need a GI doctor proficient in placing biliary stents closer to home as it will need to be changed every 8-10 weeks. Maggie’s GI doctor from Jackson checked on her this morning via text. She has an associate at her practice whose specific area of expertise is placing biliary stents. One less item to worry about. We also need to expedite our transition back to MD Anderson to get back to the job of shrinking this tumor. I sent Dr. Raghav a message via the patient portal to get that ball rolling. I explained we had a planned pleasure trip to Houston centered around a concert on May 12th (Maggie’s Christmas present – tickets to see The 5 Browns – Julliard trained sibling pianists who play on stage at the same time with five pianos) and we would be available the week before or after for a consult. Amazingly, I heard back from him within 30 minutes – How about the 11th? So, we’re going to Houston for fun and plotting out our next steps.
We’re in the midst of another whirlwind. But we take heart knowing in the very midst of the storm, our Lord is there. He can calm the winds or calm our hearts. The result is the same. Right now the pace feels daunting but exhilarating at the same time. Not a second needs to be wasted. We are praying for some calm at home to recharge and fix our gaze toward Houston while we fix our hope in heaven. Thank you for prayers – and for listening. Love and blessings to you!
No words! ❤️❤️❤️
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Know that we all rejoice with you in posts like this one where there is a WIN for the home team…we are all part of your team and proud to celebrate today’s victory! Prayers continue!
I hope y’all have an amazing trip! Y’all are in my daily thoughts and every prayer.
Keep the faith my friends, keep the faith! !!!
God is good and you, Maggie, and Phil are all so submitted to God, walking with Him, focused on finishing this race together and giving God the glory. all along the way. You will never know how your faith has blessed so many. Maggie is remembered in prayer during our office staff meetings and all news shared is eagerly awaited by all. Know that you are loved and have many walking through this with you although unseen we hope you feel the power of the prayers we offer on your behalf.
Thank you Melissa for the great updates! This blog touches my heart so many times~~~love and prayers continued ??❤️
Love and blessings to you guys as you prepare to come home! We continue to stand in awe of Maggie and the beautiful resilience and spirit God has given her for such a time as this! And, the rest of her family are pretty amazing, too!
How we love you and rejoice that the mission was accomplished yesterday!
Asking God for strength and peace for the days to come❤️❤️
Thank ya’ll for sharing this journey with us as we are able to see God’s hand every step of the way!!! Love and prayers!!!
Hallelujah! I continue to ask God’s blessings on each of you.
Praise God!!!! ???????????
Praying here in Pontotoc for all involved. Thanks for the updates.
Oh Melissa. Thank you for the wonderful news that the procedure was a success. Praise God. Continued prayers for each member of the family. Have fun next week in Houston. I would LOVE to hear that concert. I’m sure it will be incredible. I love you.
Thinking and praying for Maggie. Also praying for You Melissa, Phil and Mollie. Love All of you!
So thankful it went well. Praying that every detail just falls into place. And as always for healing.
Praying!
So, so glad to hear. Sure do miss and love you. Always praying!!!
I so see our Lord in every detail of Maggie. It is a form of worship in river when your attitude and spirits are so exalting of the Father while storms brew and send trials. Our prayers are with you all. Every step of the way!
Not river. Ugh.
So happy everything went well .