Saturday, September 7, 2013

Heading home!!!

Madeleine’s Blog

September 7, 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 the "outside world" :)
Madeleine gets to fly home tomorrow - four days early! Her blood levels have come back to normal, she feels quite a bit better, and it is time to go home to complete her recovery.

Deanne and Madeleine went out to celebrate tonight at a restaurant in Bethesda, and even got to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

It definitely feels a little different to have the freedom to go outside once again after so many days in the same hospital room and environment. It is also very different (and enjoyable!) to have new choices of things to eat, and the desire to eat food as well.

We are all relieved that Madeleine made it through the treatment so well, thanks to answered prayers, encouragement from so many people, and the excellent care of the doctors and nurses at NIH.

In a month, Madeleine will be back for a few days of scans and also apheresis (where they run your blood through a device that gives the doctors an idea of how the TIL cells are doing). This means that she'll have to keep the "port" that they surgically put into her neck until after that visit.

So, the treatment part of the TIL therapy is completely over, and she has moved into the observation and assessment part of the trial. Thank you for your continued prayers for Madeleine - we are praying that those TIL cells will continue to mobilize and fight any remaining melanoma.

4 comments:

Dave Cindy said...

Those TIL Cells have entered a body that doesn't know the meaning of sitting around!!!!! They are gonna work like they are in a HIT Class!!!!! Kick'in ***!!! So excited to see You Guys!!!

Stacey said...

For a second, there, I thought you were wearing a graduation hat in the picture, because you'd "graduated" the treatment phase...but, now, I see it's some umbrella in the background. Okay, yes, I need glasses. But, you know, congratulations on "graduating" the treatment, anyway! So glad you're coming home! :)

Unknown said...

It was great to see you and your mom today. You look terrific. Clearly the tests and treatment are no match for your beauty! You're just glowing Whoo hoo, rah rah, go get 'em, you valiant warrior cells!
Love, Karen

Unknown said...

You are soooo very strong and you truly are an inspiration!!! I continue to pray for you daily and I know you know you have a beautiful angel by your side along the way!!! Hang in there and knock the heck out of this beast!!!!
Erika xoxoxo