Time has flown since Maggie’s most recent admission for chemo. And we’ve been having some fun. After discharge, it took most of the following weekend for Maggie to recover from her treatment. But recover she did. Just in time for a much needed trip to the beach. This past Monday all four of us loaded up for a rare full family getaway to Orange Beach. As Phil loves to say, we are the palest family on the sand! We do love being at the beach more than on the beach. We stayed through Thursday morning – and put a check by every item on Maggie’s wish list. (Playing miniature golf, eating good food, shopping at the Wharf, listening to waves from the balcony, and sticking feet in the sand and surf). She felt surprisingly strong for the majority of the trip. She’s dealing with some post-travel/vacation food tummy issues this weekend but is, overall, amazingly well. She has not had a single breakthrough pain episode for nearly two weeks! We’re hoping this is related to a tumor burden in decline (since her CEA has dropped). 
Maggie’s next admission for chemo is scheduled for this coming Monday morning. If her counts are where they need to be, she’ll have a 48 hour infusion at Batson. This will be her third treatment since returning from MD Anderson for standard chemo. The plan is for a total of four treatments before returning to MDA for assessment. This trip to Houston is scheduled for the week of July 24th.
Maggie’s outlook and attitude remain remarkably positive. Her optimism and hope are contagious. Her ability to live in the moment sets the tone for our days. We can relax and enjoy our time together. I remember reading Tony Snow’s “Surprising Blessings of a Cancer Diagnosis” written as he battled colon cancer. I thought at the time: Blessings? Cancer? Really? Now I finally understand. We find blessings sprinkled in generous measure throughout our days. Maybe we look for them more readily. I’ll take it.
Thank you in advance for prayers as we approach Monday. For controlled side effects, effective treatment, rest, and peace. We’ll post when possible from Batson. Good night.
Still holding the fort down in Pontotoc for the Hanberry clan! Keep the faith!!
So thankful y’all had a fun get-a-way to the beach!! Praying for controlled side effects and effective treatment for Monday! ????????????????????????
What great family time y’all had. Somehow being at the beach is so calming. Prayers continue for the upcoming treatment????????
Prayers….
Thanks for specific prayer needs! I will pray..
Praying for the good times to keep outnumbering the bad! ????????????
God has richly blessed you in finding joy in all situations! This post is hopeful and I give thanks for that! I continue to pray for each of you.
Wonderful get.away. The beach is always fun especially when you are with family. Praying for a good Monday. Loved the encouragement in the post. God has richly blessed all of you.
Thankful y’all had great family time!! Continuing to pray for every need in Maggie’s life and for needs of the family to be met. Love to all of you
So glad you enjoyed the time together at Orange Beach. Continuing to pray for renewed strength and healing for Maggie. We will be at Batson’s tomorrow for Cealey’s next treatment. So thankful for the wonderful care they are providing for our girls.
Wonderful trip and many memories! Through God all things are possible. Hope progress continues for her. Give Maggie a high 5 from her fan. Love you all!
There is just something special about being at the beach. So glad all of y’all were able to go. Praying for little side effects but maximum results from chemo. Love to all. ????
Oh praise the Lord for family time at the beach!!! Praying for treatment to be effective and minimal side effects!!! Love you all!!! ❤️
So thankful you continue to find those treasures called blessings. Glad for the special time away. We are praying for the treatments to be effective with minimal side effects.
So glad for the beach trip. Praying!