Wednesday night update from Batson:

IMG_2358-minMaggie was able to get chemo starting in the clinic Monday morning and was moved to the floor mid-infusion that afternoon. Monday was a pretty rough day – she had mild anaphylaxis again with chemo #2, Iranotecan, requiring a pause in the infusion, exam by the doctor, and administration of more Benadryl (some had already been given as a pre-med). She also developed the other known side effect of this drug – diarrhea – much earlier than usual. We are thankful for quick acting medicine used to counteract much of the unpleasantness. Once we moved to the floor, she was able to get comfortable and rest much better.

Tuesday was pretty much a blur for her – she slept most of it away. Today has seen her awake more but with a rather heavy presence of drugs in her system – an accumulation of pain, anti-nausea, and antihistamines. I told Molly her sister was as, for a lack of a better word, STONED as I have seen her through any of this 3+ year ordeal. It was amusing at times. I’m posting the attached picture (with her blessing). I picked up hot cakes and apple slices from McDonald’s (her go-to chemo meal). She likes to tear off a piece of hot cake, roll it up and dip it in syrup before taking a bite. I’m sitting nearby (on my big, comfy couch) reading. Every time I look up, she’s asleep with either pancake chunks or apple slices on top of her blanket. I get up and return them to the tray. Sit down and read. Check on her. See her asleep with food sprinkled around. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. It was comical. If you look closely at the photo, you’ll spot the apple slices. She finally gave up on her attempts to eat and took a nice, long nap. She woke up hungry and much more clear-headed. Her appetite has been refreshingly robust if a tad leaning toward the sweet spectrum. Let’s just say, Otis Spunkmeyer should have stellar third quarter earnings.

Maggie’s infusion was completed late this afternoon. She really wanted one more night of IV hydration and rest before making the trip home. We plan to leave in the morning as soon she polishes off that breakfast muffin. We have a restful weekend in our forecast. Next week, we’ll return to the clinic for lab work. It is also time for a CT scan to determine if this chemo is being effective. The scan will most likely be Friday, 8/11, but I’ll update with full information once we have a schedule.

 

Thank you for your prayers and support. We appreciate the time you take to stay informed and involved in Maggie’s ongoing treatment. We count our friends among life’s sweetest blessings.