Rest is a gift

Madeleine’s Blog

September 3, 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

Doing what she does best right now - sleep!

A few days have passed since the IL-2 has finished, and Madeleine is slowly getting stronger. They have given her more red blood cells and platelets to help get her cell numbers up to a better level. She is still having lots of the expected fatigue (which goes along with having low blood counts from the chemotherapy). And she is continuing to experience some nausea, puffiness, and other symptoms from the IL-2. 

But the good news is that things are slowly getting better! You can tell that things are improving because she looks good enough that I can post a picture!! :) 

Madeleine's dad has now flown back home, and Deanne continues to stay by her side there at the hospital. It has been a long haul for all of them, but everyone has gotten a little better rest during the past day or so. A few hours of sleep makes a lot of difference! (Deanne adds that coffee is helping a lot too!)

The doctors have told them that Madeleine's TIL cells appear to be "reproducing" and looking good so far. This is good news - we want those cells to continue to be there to fight off any melanoma, now or in the future.

Thank you for the notes and cards of encouragement, and for all of your prayers on our behalf!