Friday afternoon from Batson:
Maggie had her clinic visit with Dr. Collier this morning (more on that in a minute), and we came prepared for admission. Her pain and discomfort have steadily worsened requiring more strong pain meds to keep her comfortable. Through many tears yesterday we became resigned to missing the Orlando trip. (Molly will still go and be our eyes and ears on the ground). Phil loaded our bags in the Tahoe and we arrived at the Children’s Cancer Clinic (CCC) for our 10:00 consult. I think the best way to describe our joy and peace in being back is experiencing “medicine for the soul.” Have we mentioned how much we love Batson? (You don’t have to answer.)
We were not only on the same page with Dr. Collier – we’re keyed in on the same word. We agreed on the treatment plan – Folfiri (which is a 48 hour infusion of three separate drugs: 5-FU, Irinotecan, and leucovorin given every two weeks). This is the regimen that brought her to the point of being – what we thought at the time – in remission in April 2016). This chemo cocktail never stopped working as we discontinued it due to her full response to it. Tumor activity started only when it was withdrawn. As we discussed pain management it became apparent Maggie would rest better if admitted with a PCA. This also would allow her to have her initial CT scan and get started on Chemo this weekend (the alternative was Monday). So, we’ve settled in on 3C with a pain pump, laptops and books. We’re thankful admission was handled through the clinic – for quick and smooth process. Now we don’t have to dread the thought of another ER admission.
I do have to brag on UAB and MDA. They were super responsive to our request to have all recent records sent to Batson. That was done ASAP with assurances of providing anything we needed. Dr. Collier had all relevant information to research our options and guide us in a decision. We were on the floor by noon. Now we relax and let the Lord and good medicine do its work. I can’t impress upon you strongly enough how relieved we feel to have chemo starting in 24 hours. Please pray it works to quickly begin shrinking all tumors – especially the one with a stranglehold on the bile duct – the probable source of the pain. We are thankful Maggie’s labs all came back pretty solid. Her liver chemistry is normal indicating a functioning bile duct. Her blood chemistry is in a good position for the start of chemo. Please pray also for minimal side effects. We know from past experience the drawback of this regimen – nausea/diarrhea. And please pray her appetite continues to rebound. Good nutrition is vital to keeping her strong through the rigors of chemo.
As we settle into our 3C room we also sense our spirits on the verge of finding a new/old routine. We are comforted gaining a foothold on familiar ground. We’ve missed that for the last few, turbulent months. Home is where our hearts find rest.
We’ll keep you posted.
Praying.
Oh Melissa Praying GOD will be with Maggie, you, Phil and Molly every step he has planned for her!
Praying for you Maggie❤️ & for all the hands that contribute to your treatment. Love to you and your mom & dad❤️❤️
Continued prayers…..lots of them ??????
Many, many prayers being said. Y’all are such an inspiration. I’ve said it before, my faith has grown stronger because of Maggie and y’all . Prayers will always be going up.
Praying for Healing, Comfort and Rest… Healing of the Body, Comfort for the Heart and Rest for the Soul…. God Bless My Hanberry’s….
Praying for all of you! Thanks for the update.
Melissa, praying God gives an extra amount of peace, strength and to feel the presence very near! We love you all!
Melissa, praying God gives an extra amount of peace, strength and to feel the presence of the Lord very near! We love you all!
Praying fervently that God continue to be with Maggie, He Is forever Faithful!❤️??
Continuing to pray for Maggie and her family??
Our prayers continue.
Praying!
Praying for you Maggie and your pain and chemo treatment
Praying for all of you and an extra on for Maggie.
Thanks for the update, we’re praying for a good weekend and complete pain relief. God bless you.?
Praying for the Hanberry’s and the good folks at Batson who take care of you. Keep this truth close to your hearts, “My grace is sufficient for (all) of you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Cor. 12:9
Praying that God’s power will be perfect for each of you, providing just what you need, exactly when you need it. Have a blessed weekend!
Praying, praying. So glad y’all feel peace where you are. Praying the chemo does its job well. Prayers & love from a fellow Temple member.
Praying
We will be praying for minimal negative effects from the treatment. You all are in our prayers.
Keeping the faith and praying for a comfortable and healing weekend for Maggie.
Blessings to you that only our loving Lord provides. I am praying that the chemo regiment attacks all cancer cells and provides healing.
You are the most incredible family and testimony of relentless faith. God bless!
PRAYING THAT THE CHEMO DOES IT’S JOB, AND PAIN SUBSIDES!
Praying that God will keep your hearts and minds in perfect peace as you trust in Him for wisdom, guidance and healing.
Praying for Maggie’s healing and comfort and a peace that passes understanding for Maggie and all of her family. Also praying for her medical providers.
Prayers as always! We love you guys and are comforted knowing you are on 3c!
Will continue praying!
So thankful for the peace you have with this decision!!! Thankful for God’s leading!!! So sorry about Orlando but God is in the middle of everything!!! Love from the Mills Fam!!!❤️
Praying for Maggie and you all, thankful for team at Batson, and for the peace only God can provide!
Praying!
Praying for y’all. We know you guys are in great hands.
I’m praying for you all and for all who are caring for Maggie! You are all in the best of HANDS!!
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” Deut. 33: 27
So glad you’re “home”!!! Praying as always.
Praying for succesful pain management and that your sweet family ties at Batson will boost the healing process for you all?