Friday, March 14th, 2008 - As expected, Mady started the Delayed Intensification phase last Tuesday. Some old chemos, some new chemos... same Mady. She did well, and she seemed about the same as usual--but perhaps a little more tired.
What she was really not looking forward to were the dreaded PEG-Asparaginase hypodermics. In the past, these infrequent shots involved five powerful nurses--two to hold her legs steady and three to administer the three large simultaneous injections. I may be imagining the part about the leg holding, but there were definitely at least three large nurses with syringes. (This is Chris adding my comments- There were no LARGE nurses involved. In fact, the 2 nurses who gave her the shots are very petite.)
She got the PEG-Asparaginase today, and the nurses decided they could put the same amount of drug into just two even-larger hypos (each of which looked like a liter-sized bottle of soda). (AND, the shots aren't liter-sized. This is not to say that I'm not REALLY PROUD of my daughter, because I am. It's just that Mady is beyond it almost. She just gets the shots and moves forward.) Over dinner this evening, I asked her how it went, and she said "It was okay." Then I asked how it compared to the first one, which I remember as being awful, and she said "It's better now. You get used to it!"
Along with reading, music has become a big part of Madeline's life (not surprising for a 14-year-old girl, I guess) and she listens to her iPod quite a bit (also not unusual). She loves to find (and download) new music. This week she even downloaded a few TV shows. And we have held out so long against cable!
ps: If anyone's trying to call us this weekend, our house phone is not working. Our phone is connected to our internet, and our internet is currently down. You'll reach our Verizon voicemail, which can only be checked via the internet (down) or our phone (down). You can reach us via our cell phones though... we look forward to hearing from you! :-)
pps: Did anyone figure out what the diagram was in the previous post? (Me again- The diagram correctly labeled by Mark (a cancer researcher- GO MARK!!!!!) is a drug that Mady is not required to take. It's only required when there is a reaction to the Methotextrate. One less drug. Yahoo.)
Day 187: It's ba-aack (the dreaded subcutaneous asparaginase)
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6 comments:
Big Hugs to you, Mady-Mimi, for being so brave about the huge shots. Do you still have the "chemo-power-puff-girls" I drew for you? The medicine is power attacking and WINNING! Yeah! You are in my prayers and thoughts. I will send you lots of power energy!! Go Mady- WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Jeanne, Ted, Flora
We send loving thoughts and continued ability to develop stamina (ugh.) in this next phase of the treatment And Mady, you get fifteen more gold stars and a purple heart or two. You are our champion, sweetheart.
Hugs for all of you from Texas,
Connor and Donna and Charlotte
You asked if anyone had figured out the diagram in the previous post. While I don't know the chemistry, I believe it represents a small fraction of the network of people who care about your family and pray daily for healing. Here's a quote from Winston Churchill: "If you are going through hell, keep going." On this St. Patrick's Day, may your Irish eyes be smiling:).
MADDDDDDDYYYYYY!!!!!
I can't even read about that procedure without shuddering and cringing and looking away.
And here you are going through these procedures like a champ!
Im not proud of this, but I will say it anyway!
I'm weaker thatn a 12 year old girl!
More power to you!!
we love MADDY!
Happy St Patricks day!
The diagram is leucovorin (folinic acid). It is used to mitigate the side-effects of methotrexate, one of the drugs in Mady's cocktail (if I recall correctly). Unfortunately, about half of the drugs that a cancer patient takes are to treat the side-effects of the drugs that they are taking to kill the cancer. We're working on the holy grail of efficacious anti-cancer drugs that don't have nasty side effect profiles but its not easy.
I won't claim that I recognized the structure. If you right-click on the image and save the image, the file name is leucovorin.
We're rooting for you, Mady
Mark
Not withstanding Chris's updated comments in BLUE.... contradicting Trey's interpretation of Nurse Kratchett and her hench women attacking Poor BRAVE Maddy....
I still cant stand getting shots!
I either giggle uncontrollably or pass out whenever the doctor takes out the syringe or draws blood.
So will say it again!
Out Loud and PROUD!
Im weaker than a 12 year old girl!!!
PS Happy St Patricks day AGAIN!
ERIN GO MADDY!
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