The Plan

After two hours and forty-two pages later, we walked out of the clinic tonight with "the plan" for Maddy's treatment. There are parts of the plan that we do not even want to think about at this time. The doctors go after the cancer cells with a vengeance when there is a relapse since these cells obviously are resistant to the standard treatment. Unfortunately, this means that there are a lot more side effects and risks associated with the treatment. Russ and I are trying not to think too far ahead and just need to take each day as it comes. Thinking ahead hurts too much! Maddy had to come tonight so the doctor could explain to her what was going to take place (this is a requirement of their protocol). As usual, Maddy was very quiet and did not ask any questions. She seems to just take it all in and we aren't exactly sure what she is thinking, but she continues to be strong and brave.

Maddy will start the first of a three month induction cycle on Thursday. The first month will consist of weekly chemotheray through her port and into her spinal fluid along with a few other drugs including steroids. The second and third months are even more intense and will have us spending more time in the hospital.

Julia will also have blood work done on Thursday to see if she is a match for a bone marrow transplant. We found out today that there is about a 25% chance that Julia will be a match. If she isn't, it looks like a transplant will most likely not be an option and intense chemotherapy over two years will be the plan.

We are thankful again for everyone's thoughts and prayers! While we thought we were nearing the end of this journey, it appears that we now have yet another mountain to climb. We could not do this without the continued support from all of you.