I’m overdue for an update again. It was a tough week for Maggie. It started on a high note. We reported to the clinic Monday morning for an exam, blood work and a targeted therapy infusion. The infusion was uneventful. We heard good news – her CEA was stable (or ever so slightly lower) when compared to the previous result two weeks ago: 10.7. This gives us some measure of reassurance since we’re probably looking at a break from treatment between this last UMMC infusion and day one of the clinical trial of up to a month.
Once we got home, Maggie rested well until Tuesday evening when some breakthrough pain started in the same right side back area. It progressed rapidly to a high level (Maggie reported a “9” on the 1-10 scale). We became convinced it was a kidney stone (she’s had 4-5 previous), so we consulted Dr. Ross for help in getting pain under control. His suggestions worked (of course), and she slept through the night. We took her to his office Wednesday morning. The ultrasound and x-ray showed no evidence of a stone, but he still wanted to scope her since we all thought something might be going on. However, the scope revealed no blockage coming from the kidneys. A mystery. I love reading mysteries not living them. We basically have no explanation for the pain other than a possible stone already passed or a more intense tumor pain (since the liver and kidney are quite close). She’ll be having a CT scan at MDA next week, and I, for one, hope we get answers for exactly what is causing pain and how we can best treat it – prophylactically and, in the case of breakthrough, getting it under control quickly.
Maggie is now dealing with ongoing unsettled gut. She recovered from C-Diff in time for her Monday infusion to upset the gut balance once again. This is a MAJOR issue for discussion next week. How can we do a better job of helping her gut to heal? Her ability to leave the house and enjoy “down time” between treatments is seriously compromised at this point. And my girl likes to go! I think her first complete sentence ever was “Where are we going?” At the age of two she asked Phil this once at breakfast. He replied, “Nowhere.” And she smiled and said, “You’re kidding, right Daddy?”
Even though she has been homebound, she’s in good spirits. She had a sweet group of friends from her college group at TBC come to visit her Thursday evening. She’s making a shopping list for her trip to Houston. And she’s looking forward to learning the details of the clinical trial. She is blessed with an amazing ability to grasp hope even before it takes definite shape. I marvel and find myself a bit jealous of this. But I’m eternally grateful for it. And chastised. She gets this verse better than her mom does. “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” Romans 8:24 That’s a good place to close. I think I’ll go update my “hopes” list.
Prayers continue????????
sweet friend!!!! THIS POST! Tears!
I’ll continue to hope with you. Praying.
I continue to pray for Maggie & also all the family. Sorry she has had such a rough week. I pray God will bless her with a better one this week. ????????
What a precious attitude. Praying that blessings and grace abound to you all. You are all such an inspiration and a testimony of God’s grace. ????????????????????????????????????
We so love you!!
Melissa YOU are amazing! You get that scripture but you’re eyes are a tiny bit blurry ONLY because it is your baby that you are dealing with and have been for so long now. Your family’s unwavering faith is nothing short of Devine intervention. You inspire us all even when not delivering the best of news. Maggie is also a remarkable sweet girl and our prayers continue for no pain and a miraculous recovery! We pray comfort, stamina and some good times (when possible) in Houston.????????
Praying
Continuing BIG prayers! ????????????????????????
Love the scripture-may we all live that way. Praying for answers to your questions. Prayers.
Love you guys❤️ Praying for a productive week and wisdom for all.
Praying that our Eternal Hope will continue to sustain you and strengthen you.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 KJV
HOPING????????????????????????
Amazing faith & HOPE! Your family inspires us all. May God meet Maggie’s every need!
Praying daily for comfort and healing
I marvel at her! Thanking God for that sweet, optimistic, hopeful personality that she has always had! I love her so much!!!! We can ALL learn from Maggie and her perseverance but you are no slouch at perseverance my dear sister! Although perseverance is a fruit of the spirit, I think it is a trait we received from our mother as well! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming! I’m excited about the prospect of MDA and this trial! Praying for good things! I love you! You are truly amazing. Just look back at almost 4 years and you will be amazed at all that’s been accomplished and I give God the glory but I know who has tirelessly persevered for Maggie and spent untold hours seeking the “Best” plan for Maggie! You amaze me too and I am so proud of YOU! ???? I love you!
I am praying that your trip to MDA will give you answers to source of pain and hope for the future .
Many prayers being offered up for Maggies’ pain, discomfort, and clinical trial. Our devotion this morning said, “There are two things in life you simply don’t have to worry about anymore, two big concerns that you just don’t have to carry. There aren’t two things in all of life more important than these—that grace has purchased for you a place in God’s family and that, because you are in His family, God rules over all things for your good. It is because of grace that your life is under careful administration of the King of kings himself. It is because of grace that on your darkest day, you are still loved and accepted. It is because of grace that when nothing in your life makes sense, your life is still under His control. His love will never fail, and His rule on your behalf is eternal.” Wow!!! We serve a God of grace and mercy!!! Much love and many prayers from The Mills Family!!!