The 5:00 am alarm came early, and we made our way to the clinic for our 8:00 am appointment. Maggie’s counts were determined to be solid enough for a chemo admission. We were on the 3C floor at Batson by mid morning with chemo started shortly after. Maggie is tolerating this round (so far) very well with little nausea and discomfort. Several years ago when she was getting oxaliplatin as one component of her chemo, Maggie stumbled upon an effective treatment for the neuropathy and cold sensitivity that is the most frequent and debilitating side effect of the drug. She requested pain medicine for another issue and was given morphine. The morphine dose instantly calmed the neuropathy and continued to keep it under control. (Maggie researched this later and found several scientific studies confirming this observation). We’re thankful, once again, that morphine works so well to reduce/eliminate what would be (and was before she made her discovery) a painful condition. She is resting well and even had a decent appetite for supper.
We are guardedly optimistic that this chemo is proving to at least be effective at slowing disease progression. Maggie’s CEA (tumor marker indicative of tumor burden) showed a measurable decrease from two weeks ago (prior to starting this course of treatment). It will another measurement in two weeks to confirm this trend, so we’ll remain guarded but still celebrate some good news! Maggie finally has been noticing relief from the fluid retention that started building up during her last infusion. Her kidney output has improved substantially. And she has not experienced any breakthrough pain episodes for nearly a week. We’re thankful!
Today we were able to express our family’s appreciation for Dr. Collier and the incredible nurses, doctors, and staff at the Children’s Cancer Center. We also used the occasion to officially congratulate Dr. Collier on becoming the newest director of the clinic (seems we’re not the only ones who think he’s special). He’s known near and far as a true Star Wars fan, so we planned our gift accordingly. This past April, I ran the Star Wars 10K/Half Marathon at Disney World giving thanks for this remarkable doctor and team with every mile. My participation was a family effort as Phil covered the temporary home front in Houston, Molly covered the permanent home front in Hattiesburg, and Maggie
kept the fight going at MD Anderson while I took a quick trip to Orlando. This morning, we presented the race medals. (Shoutout to my talented framing friend Tim at Frames and Panes in Hattiesburg for the amazing work). What’s a celebration without cake? Another talented friend, Courtney Fortenberry, created something special to add the proverbial icing to the cake of this occasion. It was a huge hit!
It’s been a looooooong day, but if every day that started at 5:00 a.m. ended with this much joy, I’d do it every morning. (Maybe. Phil, don’t start making plans to make my coffee this early every day just yet!) We’ll be here on 3C until chemo finishes Wednesday. If all goes without a hitch, we’ll return home then. We’re continuing to pray for chemo to be effective: minimally intrusive in its side effects but maximally destructive to cancer. As a society, we often phrase our attempts to beat a cancer diagnosis in terms of battle. War. And in a sense that analogy fits. Our friends at Batson are definitely the Light Side pushing back darkness for scores of kids and their families. But whether or not we finish with a cure or remission, we’re all winners for having known those who dedicate their lives to giving their patients a fighting chance.
So glad to hear things are looking more positive. I will continue to pray.
Praying for simplevchemo with NO negative side effects. Praying for continuing marker number improvement. Praying for travel safety. Praying for Drs and nurses who care for Maggie and you. Giving thanks for neropothy relief. God is good.
Amen….prayers for a comfortable night, minimal side effects and brand new mercies in the a.m. keep the faith my friends!
As always, your posts are inspiring! I know God’s heart smiles that in these trials you’re so careful to show gratitude and find every blessing. I’m so thankful to have “cyber met” you through Caring Bridge. Your faithfulness and spirit has been a blessing. Love & Prayers. ❤️????????????????
Continually praying for all of you.
Melissa, thank you so much for the updates.
Maggie, I’m praying for you. YOU are a trooper!
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Thrilled to hear Maggie is feeling better and markers are down! Praying for God’s grace and healing. And again Melissa you amaze me thinking of others during his time. God Bless the Hanberry Family!
Sounds like an incredible day!!! Praying for minimal side effects and that chemo would win the battle over the cancer cells!!! He is Lord over EVERYTHING!!! ❤️
My prayers are always with you. Love y’all.
Yaaayyyyyy!!!!!! Hang in there Maggie!!!! Melissa, you have to be exhausted but you really do radiate grace…Jesus’ grace…. everywhere you go. Please give Dr Collier all my love!!!!! He’s amazing. He blessed me and encouraged me more than he knows when we were down the hall from you. God bless y’all!!! You are loved!
Such good news. Praying daily. Wonderful
Place to be if you’re sick.
Praising Him!
Prayers continue????????
Thankful for the good days. Continued prayers from the Carter family.
Loved reading this post… full of such hope and spreading happiness through this time and this trial. Blessed are those for having encountered the Hanberry Family just as much as you all are cared for and blessed by them. God is good 🙂 Continued prayers in this fight!
Love and prayers….continually.
Praying for you Maggie and also want you to know that my mother, AKA Mamaw Doby, always ask about you and has you on her churches prayer list❤️???????? love you and praying for you????????❤️
You have proven again that,God answers prayers. We continue to pray.
It was great meeting you, Phil and Maggie on Monday at Batson’s. So glad to hear you received some good news.
Will be praying for Maggie.
Praying
Encouraging report. Praying regularly!