Time. Four simple letters carrying the weight of the world. I’m thankful to the King of the universe for taking that weight from our shoulders and replacing it with peace.
We had our follow-up visit with Maggie’s oncologist, Dr. Raghav, and his staff this afternoon. Her CT scan performed last Thursday showed minimal growth of lung spots when compared with the CT two months ago at UMMC. No other tumors were detected – liver malignancy is still microscopic as it does not show in her scans. This is extremely good news as it shows low volume and slow growth for her cancer. Stated another way, there is no urgency to resume standard chemotherapy at this time. We knew coming out here we would not find a magic bullet. Surgery is the only surefire cure for cancer, and Maggie is not a candidate for surgery now. Her cancer is systemic and will have to be treated as such. Chemotherapy.
In our “let’s kill cancer” fight mode way of thinking, we wanted to return to the FOLFIRI chemotherapy (48 hour infusion regimen) which had reduced her lung spots and held them stable for months. However, we now understand that would potentially be burning a bridge we can use more effectively later – as in when we find experimental therapy no longer working. Her cancer will eventually morph and develop a resistance to any chemo drug. We want to delay that as long as possible. So, that means no return to Batson for front line chemotherapy right now. With the lack of urgency removed from the equation, Maggie will be taking an eight week break – no treatment of any kind. This will allow her body to continue to heal from past therapy and surgery and strengthen for the road ahead. The “meantime” will not be idle. We will be actively evaluating clinical trials to find one as close to home as possible. If we find a good match, we’ll try to join. We know one is coming up at MDA in eight weeks for which she would qualify. We will have our next appointment at MDA in late November for a scan, labs, and further clinical trial discussion. If we don’t find a drug trial before, we have that good option. And these drug trials are exciting and promising. Maggie’s cancer does not respond well to targeted therapy (those “mab” drugs) which is the newer line of offense. The clinical trials involve using already approved targeted therapy in conjunction with a drug which makes the immune system help the targeted therapy work. Smart medicine.
Once again, the three of us were in absolute agreement on the “right” direction of treatment presented to us. We came to MDA seeking help in making an informed decision and peace once the decision is made. Mission accomplished. God’s timing is perfect. In small ways and large ways He actively worked to show us this:
-Medically: We have further confirmation Maggie’s treatment plan up to this point has been ideal in terms of decisions and execution. Thank you, home team (Batson/UMMC)! Maggie’s break for the last surgery means she does not have to wait any longer once we find a good clinical trial. She is strong and will continue to get stronger in preparation for the next season.
-Recreationally: When we arrived Wednesday night, Maggie found out the Kellogg’s Tour of Champions with olympic gymnast past and present was scheduled for Friday night in Houston. Her wonderful daddy took her on a date to see Simone Biles and company in action. We chose Saturday to visit the Galleria. Once finished, Phil wanted to show us Second Baptist Houston and the beautiful stain glass in their worship center. We arrived 30 minutes before their Saturday evening service. We chose to stay for church. We heard Dr. Ed Young preach and he prayed with us at the back door. Phil had a friend contact him via Facebook and ask if we had any interest in seeing the Houston Texans play Sunday. We would be the guests of Schlumberger in their corporate box. Would we?!?! We just happened to be staying 1 mile from MDA and 1 mile from NRG stadium. We have been able to enjoy Hermann Park in less than a five minute ride from our hotel. We’ve been encouraged here by old friends and new. We feel refreshed physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
We’re resting tonight in Houston and will leave early (really early) for the drive home. We have one more chance to eat tex-mex before having to consider Molly in our dining plans (she can’t eat it). But, I’d give it up to be home with her now.
Thank you all for prayers during this trip and throughout our journey. It’s not nearly over. We’ll continue to do our part to give Maggie the best care possible and leave her days – their number and quality – in the Lord’s hands. Goodnight from Houston.
Continued prayers for continued strengthening and good health!
Continue to pray for complete healing for sweet Maggie?Safe travel to you all! Thinking about you, always…,,
I find your visit to MDA very encouraging. We continue to pray as do MANY people. As you know God is in control. This eight week break will be good in many ways for all of you!
So encouraging, have prayed God has control of all. Glad your having fun too.?
Thank you Melissa for the update, God is in control just be careful coming home and enjoy sleeping in your bed. We Love you all and Prayers go out to you!
Prayers for you all continue.
I still pray for yall every day!
Oh wow!!!! Sounds like a successful trip all around!!! So thankful for that peace and that you have direction!!!! God has got this and we will continue to lean on Abba Father who created this universe and perfectly knit sweet Maggie for His purpose!!!! Continued prayers for God’s perfect plan in all of this!!! Love from our family to yours!!!!
I am praying for you all daily. We serve an awesome God !
So glad that you all have peace. Prayers for continued peace, strength and healing.
Good night and prayers for all.
Thank you for the update. You are continuing in our thoughts and prayers.
Praying for rest , peace, and healing . With love and hugs!!
Prayers being answered and prayers continue for Maggie and all of you??
May God continue to bless you in his own unmatchless perfect timing and his way.
I feel like I am getting smarter and smarter reading your posts, Melissa!!! I really appreciate you educating and informing us so well. Instead of just thinking your readers would not understand all the medical procedures and terminology, you have instead included us in the learning and been a wonderful teacher. I have been encouraged to educate more and explain more about Carson’s disease because of you. I have always thought no one would want to know all the details, but how wrong I have been….because I LOVE learning about Maggie’s details and it makes us all feel a sense of having a part in her life and healing! Your positive, upbeat post encourages me and yes, I love your closing sentence! No bettter place to be! Give Molly hugs!
This makes me happy☺️! Continued prayers. Glad you were able to enjoy Houston.
These detailed updates help me know how to pray- thank you. Am thankful you have clarity in agreement of next steps.
Thankful for all of the wonderful doctors and other medical personnel that God has chosen to help Maggie. We continue to pray for strength ,peace and healing.