Monday, July 29, 2013

To NIH we go - final pre-trial scans & decisions

Madeleine’s Blog

July 29, 2013
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

Enjoying some time between treatments :)
We just got the word from NIH this morning: Madeleine has recovered enough to go back and start the next phase of treatment.

So, tomorrow morning at 8 am, we will be flying out to Maryland to do all the updated scans, sign the forms, and be randomized into the TIL trial.

She will report to NIH on Wednesday morning for a long list of baseline scans: PET scan, ultrasound-guided IV, blood tests, EKG, chest x-ray, MRI, and she will finally get the drain out that was put in after her liver surgery. Those tests will be read, and if all looks ready to go, then she will sign the authorization form and be "randomized" into the TIL trial there at NIH.

The randomization will be to see if she will be in the side of the trial that has full body radiation or not (both sides of the trial get two kinds of chemo plus high dose IL-2). The radiation side of the trial has more potential side effects, but also appears to be giving a higher rate of response to the therapy.

After the randomization decision, the plans are for her to fly back home on Friday. But if she is in the radiation side of the trial, then she will need to stay a few more days for shots and other kinds of preparation for therapy before coming home. One thing we are learning with this treatment is that our airline flights are always sort of "penciled in" - open to needing to reschedule at the last minute as the need arises.  :)

Please keep Madeleine in your prayers during this intensive week. Join us in praying that she would have grace to make it through all the tests and scans; that she would be officially qualified for the TIL trial; and that she would be randomized into the side of the treatment that would be best for her treatment and complete healing. Thank you, everyone.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Madeleine,
It's Michael's mom, Diane. Your blog is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing. As you have asked, I will be praying for you this week as you are facing your final pre-trial scans, tests and decisions. I will pray that you have the grace, strength and courage to overcome all of the obstacles that you will be dealing with this week. I will also continue to pray for your complete healing, for a tangible experience of God's love and peace and that you will be placed into the treatment program that is the best fit for your needs.
Bless you,
Diane Severi

Unknown said...

You're in my prayers, Madeleine. I'm sending positive thoughts for comfort your way, too, especially this week as you you're poked and prodded again. There's a bunch of people in CT praying for you as well.

with good wishes from a Cove member,
Karen Boga