IL-2...and some blessings

Madeleine’s Blog

August 30, 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

Madeleine is currently on her 4th dose of high dose IL-2, but we just got word that she will delay the next dose until morning so that she can get a good night's rest. Last night was very tough with lots of side effects, but today has been a better day so far.

We know that with IL-2 things can change with each dose, so she is being carefully monitored before each new dose is given.

Feeling better between doses

(The maximum number of doses to get to is 15 doses, but if there are complications it is not uncommon to need to stop earlier than that.)

As Madeleine began to feel a little better as the day went on, today's mail was delivered. Among the items was a box from Tiffany & Co. It was sent to her from the woman who had helped Madeleine at Tiffany's when she was trying on things during one of her off-treatment times here in Bethesda. The box contained some special hand-made headbands, some pretty catalogs to look at, and a very nice necklace. It also had a special note of encouragement.

It continues to amaze us to be the recipients of so many people's kindness. Early on in this phase of treatment, we had someone volunteer to cover the cost for the dry ice needed for Madeleine's Penguin caps (not an insignificant amount) - and this was from a person who had never even met Madeleine personally!

There have also been people who have brought meals to our home to help keep some "normalcy" there while we have been here attending to Madeleine... People who have sent cards and notes of vital encouragement... People who are praying - some of whom we have never met, but who are helping us in a way that is unseen, but so necessary in this fight...People who have given to help practically and financially...wow!

So many have reached out to us with such a generosity of heart that it has amazed us (and at times brought tears to our eyes). In some of our most difficult hours, we have been blessed by this outpouring of support. Thank you.