Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Welcome!



So do not fear, for I am with you
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God
I will strengthen you and help you
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Isaiah 41:10

Madeleine’s Blog

January 16, 2012

Welcome!

We are setting up this blog for all of you who want to keep updated with what is happening with Madeleine. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement. Feel free to write some words of encouragement to Madeleine in the comment area below, and she will read them while she recuperates. Thanks everyone!

As many of you already know, Madeleine has been diagnosed with melanoma. She had a mole taken off last year, and tests revealed that there was melanoma present. The doctors did tests on the surrounding lymph nodes (which came back negative) and took off more from where the mole had been, just to be on the safe side. In the months that followed, however, a lymph node on the same side of her neck began to swell. That lymph node has now been shown to have melanoma as well, and they are now testing to see if it has spread further.

She has an appointment this Thursday (1/19) with a melanoma specialist down at UCSF in order to get his recommendations. On Friday, she is scheduled for a major surgery to have all the lymph nodes taken from the left side of her neck. At this point, the doctors expect that she will be in the hospital for a few days, and then home for further recovery. As soon as she is able to have visitors, we will let you know, but cards, texts, and emails would be great for wishing her well.



21 comments:

Katherine said...

Madeleine, you are SO brave and I am soooo proud of you for the positive attitude you are keeping as you go through all these complicated tests and procedures. You are quite the trooper :)
We're praying for you like crazy. You are strong, and God's got a tight hold on your hand as you walk through this with Him. Love you :)

Christine said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Keep up your great attitude and your faith. We love you!

Uncle Tim and Christine

Delta73 said...

Praying for you! We are always here if you need us.

-Tim

Unknown said...

Hey Matty- Its your favorite fitness from Montecito. Seeing you in class kicking.
A--, puts a smile on my face. Especially when I say "Thats not what I showed you" You are my humor every time I teach. As I shared with you when I had my stroke 6 years ago and not able to walk or talk for 6 months my faith and Gods help brought me through. He never gives us more than we can handle. You are my Rock Star! See you Tuesday!
Love Robert

Auntie Leslie said...

Hi Sweetie,

This is so great that we have a place to write to you! We all love you very much and are sending tons of positive thoughts your way.
There are lots of Minnesotans praying for you :)
I will see you soon!
Remember you are never alone for HE has his arms wrapped around you.

Unknown said...

You are in my Thoughts and Prayer Sweet Girl! You always make me Smile!
Love to you Cindy XO

Anonymous said...

Madeleine, I work with your Dad. I just want you to know that I have had you and your family in my daily prayers for healing, acceptance, strength and peace. Be well.
Sincerely,
Ann

spectors said...

Madeleine, Norma and I are Hoping everything turns out well for you. We loved your visits to Bishop and hope to see you here again. We feel like You are part of our family. Your folks are wonderful people. Your dad is from Bishop and our son Joe was his old buddy. Their pain and strength translates and comes thru you We love you as our grandaughter and hope it goes well. Norma and Spec

Ian Latimer said...

Muchacha Sucia! You have all of my support! Best wishes, I'll be checking up on you!
Ian

Rachael Cresta said...

Hey Maddy it's rachy...I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE YOU and am praying for you to have strength and courage for surgery tomorrow and to have a peaceful night sleep tonight. You're such a strong person and I am lucky to have a friend as great as you. I know you can make it through this and I can't wait to see you cause I miss you! Anyways good luck tomorrow and love youuuu <3

Unknown said...

Be strong Sweet Girl you are in my every thought! XO

Debra Agee-Burton said...

Dear Madeleine & family,
we're praying for you, all of you, as go on this journey you have not chosen, but know that you are not alone. The Lord is with you every step of the way.

Thinking of you,
Debra Agee-Burton & your fellow Cove-ers

Auntie Leslie and the gang said...

WE love you so much!!!
Hugs, Hugs and More Hugs.

Judy Kenneally Miller said...

So glad to hear the surgery is over and that there were no other cancers on her other side.

Madeleine, you are a brave girl and your courage is admirable to all of us. We will continue to send you strength and prayers as you recover from your surgery.

love, Judy, Michael and Kendra

Julianne Bonta said...

Maddy,

All of us here in Michigan and Indiana are holding you and your family in love.

Cream of wheat! Grandma Bonta (your great Grandma) used to fix it layered with sugar and milk. Delicious!

Hugs and smiles,
Cousin Julie

Cindy Williams said...

Hi Miss Maddy! I hope you get one more day with the care of the wonderful nurses so Mom & Dad can have another day to be cared for also. Sweet Dreams XO Cindy

Sally said...

Hey Madeleine,

So glad to hear everything went smoothly. I am thinking of you and praying and sending all the best energy to you!!

Love,
Sally, your swimmin buddy:)

Anonymous said...

Wishing you all the best Madeleine!
Praying for you!! and know all of us here in Montecito Heights Health club are rooting for you. We surround you in Love and healthier days ahead!
With love,
Linda Swisher and friends

Dave & Cindy said...

We are thinking about you each day and sending our prayers! ! Love you Sweet Girl. Dave &Cindy XXOO Have Sweet Dreams

Anonymous said...

Mattie: So that is what your friends call you! I am now your friend. I received the blog from my niece... now pay attention... My niece Christine... married to your Uncle Tim... Prayers from Ohio. Your faith driven, power driven attitude will allow you to achieve great things. God Bless you as you speak at commencement... Commencement... THE BEGINNING!
Love, Aunt Beverly

Fiona said...

Hi Madeline-
It's Fiona, remember me? I honestly don't know what to say. You're someone who helped shape my life. Seven years of elementary school friendship isn't easily forgotten, even though we've lost touch through middle school and high school. I was surprised not to see you at swim team, and it wasn't until recently that I found out why you'd disappeared. Keep on fighting, Madeleine. I believe in you, and I'm praying for you. Your childhood friendship helped make me who I am today, and for that, thank you so very much. Never give up. I believe in you.
-Fiona