Stronger every day!

Madeleine’s Blog

September 5, 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

Receiving another encouraging gift

Madeleine had been feeling fairly poorly (fatigue and "bone aches" from the shots they give you that stimulate your bone marrow to start producing more white cells). But, last night and today there has been a huge improvement in her fatigue!   

She is no longer "neutropenic" (low white cell counts) so that makes a big difference in how she feels. She even went on a long walk last night and also today, where before that would have just been impossible a few days ago. This is a big step toward her getting ready to go home - she also needs to have stability in her other blood counts. They have been having to add platelets, so we are hoping those will also stabilize soon. If they do, then she may even be able to go home early.

We continue to be blessed by so many people's kindness... This time by a 14-year-old girl from Virginia who doesn't know Madeleine, but wanted to send a gift to encourage a young person battling cancer. She sent Madeleine a beautiful bag (pictured) filled with all different kinds of makeup and other fun items. Madeleine has already made good use of that. :)

Dart gun hits its mark!

Yesterday, Madeleine recovered enough that she was no longer needing to sleep as much of the day. As her Facebook post put it, "I'm awake enough to realize that I am bored out of my mind!"

Just at the right time, she received a boredom-busting gift from her cousins: a Justin Beiber poster and a couple of nerf dart guns to go with it . It didn't take them long to get the poster up - and the nerf guns loaded...!

If you look closely, you can see that one of the darts has found its mark. (Not sure if the marksmanship should be attributed to Madeleine, or to Deanne, but it looks like they had some fun with it.)

Thanks again, everyone, for your prayers, gifts, and encouragement!