Sunday, September 23, 2012

Endurance!

Madeleine’s Blog

September 23, 2012
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


David & Madeleine
Thanks everyone for your prayers, comments, and encouragements. Madeleine has read your comments, and has received many texts, emails, facebook communications, etc., and each boost of support has helped to lift her spirits and keep her going in this battle. Keep it coming!

Madeleine has made it through the first 2 days of treatment, and is starting the next. Her first night was pretty rough (fever, shakes, nausea, very little sleep), which is not unusual for the first day of treatment. It was so good to have her dad by her side this time (along with her mom), and that was a real  encouragement for her. Here are the two of them (along with her ever-present rolling IV-pole) as they were out walking the halls.

I just received word from Deanne that last night went much, much better! Her fever stayed under control, and they were able to get a great night's sleep (well, as great as you can get with all the required interruptions for monitoring). Having good sleep makes a huge difference in this battle!

We have received some very encouraging emails from so many of you during this time. There are many, many people praying, and even a whole set of people who have volunteered to take an hour on a particular day of this treatment week and pray. Wow! I am astounded to hear of this kind of support - it brings tears to my eyes to see Madeleine fighting so hard and to hear about your prayers, and see your encouraging notes. It makes all the difference.

"Your courage inspires us daily"
On a more humorous note, we received one email that really brought a smile to my face. It read:
"Dear Madeleine,
Each morning we pray for your continued strength and courage." Then it went on to say how at their house now, whenever someone has to do something difficult (that they don't want to do) they have started encouraging each other with the words, "Madeleine Up" instead of "Man Up"! I am still laughing about that one. Their note ends by saying, "Your courage inspires us daily."

Thanks again for all your encouragement during this round. :)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Madeleine, you need to finish up on those treatments down there and get back up to the Santa Rosa for the Segway ride!!! We are keeping you and your family in our heart/prayers.
Love always,
Haas Family.

Anonymous said...

Madeleine, I have just stumbled on your blog through my FB group "Bad Ass Melanoma Warriors" Rev. Carol. It is inspiring and I am now one of your prayer warriors and fellow daughter of God. I too received a melanoma diagnosis last year with surgery. Fortunately my last scans were NED. Keep your spirits up and know there are many fellow warriors holding you up when you are out of steam.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Madeleine, All of us at Olivet are cheering for healing results and no side effects during this treatment round! :) ...for the A+ 5th grade math student with the golden ringlets who always knew the right answer ...even though you were one of the youngest kids in the class! I can still see you, bright and sturdy and STRONG! Have a safe flight back home.
xxoo, Ms. Wycoff (Miller)

Anonymous said...

Hi Madeleine,

At first glance, the photo with your Dad looked like there was a trophy next to you (just looking at top half of photo)! But it was just that darn IV pole! But that IV pole is like a badge of honor and symbol of your willingness to do all you can to beat that dang cancer stuff.
You continue to be an inspiration to many, many people. Thanks for sharing your blog with us and allowing your family to make updates to it.
It was great to see your Dad with you on this trip! You have a special Mom and Dad a wonderful ghost writer! I hear she may be your aunt! I hope that the updates continue to bring positive news; the wonderful treatment and wonderful prayers and prayer groups along with your determination and faith are all that can be done to petition that Great Healer (spoken of in other comments I've seen) in your behalf. Don't give up hope. HE descended below all things in order to be able to succor his people; I'm confident that you are one of his people as are your family and friends. God willing, and with the help of the medical science you will come out on top of this.
Good luck with rest and recovery from this latest treatment. God bless you.

Joe K.