A little break...and some encouragement!

Madeleine’s Blog

August 27, 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 has made it through the first two chemo's, and is now in the "pause phase" while the doctors wait for her white cell counts to drop in preparation for her TIL cell infusion on Thursday. She feels a lot better right now, and was actually released to go on a brief visit outside the hospital today. It will be a while before she can do that again, so she took advantage of it!

She and her mom and dad went out to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, and spent some time at the mall. In the past week, there have been many days that included very little sleep for everyone. But now they all have had some better rest and refreshment. Here are some pictures from today's trip to the mall:

Madeleine with pictures & cards from home

When Madeleine got back to her hospital room, there was mail that had arrived for her. She set right to work decorating the wall in her room with the pictures and cards that had come.

Among them were pictures of her family, brother Max, "adopted parents" Dave and Cindy, friend Kaila, and finally, her fellow melanoma warrior, Amanda Vaughan Salyer. (Amanda and Madeleine met while they were both doing Biochemo for melanoma down in Riverside. She was always one of Madeleine's biggest cheerleaders, and I imagine she is still cheering for her, now from heaven!). It is such an encouragement to look at this wall and feel all the support and love from family and friends.

There was also a little note from a very special nurse who has been a real encouragement to Madeleine at NIH. Her note reminds Madeleine that (as she looks ahead to the coming treatment) her attitude should be, "I can do this!!"

I know this wall of encouragement will continue to grow and expand each day as even more letters from home arrive. Thank you for all of your encouragement and prayers.