Chemo Round 48 is in the books, and we’re resting tonight at home. This admission was uneventful (a good thing) but not the least one plagued by side effects. Maggie had a persistent nausea the entire infusion. We’re thankful this one is finished so the recovery will start. Her appetite (still returning from C-Diff) was no match for chemo. I know she’s ailing when I don’t have to make any muffin runs to McDades. And she only managed one order of hot cakes from McDonalds. I know we Southerners place too much stock in appetite as a barometer for well-being, but, dang, I like to see her eat more. We’ll just continue to pray for her gut to heal.
We’re excited for Friday – Groundbreaking at Batson – and Saturday – Jingle Bell Jog. We’re hoping Maggie makes a quick recovery to enjoy both days. (She won’t be running Saturday). I’ll share a full report of both since these events are near and dear to us and will forever be linked to Maggie’s journey.
At this point in Maggie’s treatment, we have no idea how many more chemo rounds she may have to face. We’re basically controlling the growth and spread of her cancer. Like many families, we’re waiting for the next big breakthrough. We have a good idea what we’re expecting – immunotherapy. Therapy that works with the body’s own ability to fight an invasion. Melanoma, lymphoma and a few other soft tissue cancers have responded amazingly well to immunotherapy drugs. You can even see the commercials on TV for them (Opdivo and Keytruda). Colon cancer is different in two ways. The tumors are dense and the cells look a lot like the normal cells from which they arise. This means they hide much better from and resist antibodies and drugs trying to destroy them. In our visit with Dr. Saleh at UAB last week, he gave us the good news that researchers are getting VERY close to figuring out how to get around the stubborn defenses. He doesn’t have a clinical trial to offer us at UAB. YET. But Maggie will be the first on the list when he does. In his frank but always compassionate way, he looked right at her and said, “You just have to stay alive long enough. It’s almost here.” The simple truth often sounds blunt, but we love hearing these words of hope from front line researchers. I get frustrated seeing some of the stories (on Facebook, for example) accusing drug companies and medical researchers of being “in it” for the money. Sure, profit is always of motive for any company. Why would they do it all for free? HOW could they do it all for free? But in our almost four year experience with cancer treatment at research hospitals, we’ve only met the most selfless, generous, and compassionate people to be found. They have one goal. Saving lives. Yes, they have to feed their families. But, I promise, they could do that in a more lucrative position with better hours. And much better parking. They are heroes.
Our full hope is in the One who numbers our days as surely as He numbers the hairs on our heads. He is with Maggie in the depths of suffering. He is ahead of her in the days to come to bestow His healing on her. And He is behind her to guard her every step. We trust His plan.
Thank you for listening to a bit of my heart tonight. And thank you for your prayers.
God has Faith in sweet Maggie! He will never ever leave us. Philippians 4:19! Hugs to all????
Still praying ????????
Thank you for this update!!! So encouraging!!! Praying for major breakthroughs and anticipating all Christ is going to do in and through all this!!! Y’all are precious and your faithfulness makes much of the mighty God we serve!!! He indeed numbers our days and His plan is perfect as He is perfect!!! Continued love and prayers from our family to yours!!! Can’t wait to get Abby and Maggie together!!! ❤️
Praying for the $$$ to bump this research into a high speed chase… for healthy competition between researchers… we don’t care who gets there first…. just get there!!! Praying for major breakthroughs and “aha” moments for the brains behind the research!!
Thank you for the update and for sharing your heart. I echo your opinions about the researchers and developers of new drugs. I believe they want cures almost as much as we do. I benefit regularly from new and innovative drug therapies! I praise God for them all. Continuing to pray for your family <3
Love to you all. Praying daily, will not let up. ????
Praying for breakthrough
And THANK YOU for sharing with us. Continued prayers for Maggie and the Hanberry family ????????????????????????
Thanks for update and sharing your heart and journey. We serve a great and awesome God who has a plan for each of us. Prayers.
Praying for y’all. Keep fighting, and hopefully that cure is right around the corner.
Well said! Still praying ????????
Keeping the faith Melissa. You have given me encouragement on a “heart” matter. May God continue to bless Maggie and her team of caregivers.
Praying and praying with the many others. God is in control. Romans 8:28
I pray for Maggie and her family daily.. God in his infinite mercy has given Maggie’s family, friends, and aquaintences comfort to rest and trust in him.
We are praying for Maggie and all of you. Bless her young heart through this terrible journey. Praying for the trial which is best for her. <3