Chemo drug #1 - Check!

Madeleine’s Blog

August 24, 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 had a rough couple of days dealing with side-effects from the chemotherapy. She is on two different drugs (cytoxin and fludarabine) in order to suppress her immune system in preparation for the TIL cells that will be infused on Thursday.

Fortunately, she has now made it through the drug that has the worst side effects. She has also finished the three evenings of Penguin Cold Caps. The Penguin caps required some extra energy, and a very cold scalp (!), but in a way, they were also a good distraction.

Madeleine is pretty tired and weak right now, and may receive some red blood cells tomorrow to help out. (This is an expected part of the typical TIL therapy process.) The doctors and nurses here monitor her side effects and keep a close eye on all her counts, and she is being given several medications to help make the side effects more tolerable.

Madeleine went into this treatment knowing that this fight would be like a marathon, where you need to keep pushing through the symptoms and enduring until the treatment is completed. When you come to the end of your own personal strength, you have to rely on strength from God, and strength that comes through the prayers and encouragement of the people around you. We are so grateful for those of you who are at home, or in other places, who are pulling for Madeleine.

Please continue to pray that Madeleine would have peace during this time, and that God would grant her endurance, strength, and periods of rest during this battle. Thank you!