thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving holiday is upon us.  A time to reflect on all the blessings we have in our lives, extra time spent with family and copious amounts of food placed before us on which to gorge ourselves.  Tradition.

While I've always considered myself and my family to be blessed, sometimes it takes a crazy occurrence in life to allow one to see how true that fact is.  So many, many things that have been brought to our attention during our time with Madi's illness.  I could sit here and try to list all of them, but I won't.  (You can thank me later.)  One I wanted to acknowledge on the blog, though, is the support we have received from all our friends, family and even complete strangers.  There is no way we could go through this time with out everyone holding us up and cheering us on.  Thank you!  God has blessed us beyond measure!

So..... What's going on with Madi?  Her treatment was this past Monday with Vincrystine and an increased dose of Methotrexate.  She really has been handling everything remarkably well.  Her spirits are up and so are her numbers.  (Funny story - When praying one night at the supper table, Madi was, of course, mentioned.  As soon as Kevin finished, Olivia looked at him and said, "We don't need to pray for Madi anymore.  Her numbers are fine."  Amazing what they pick up on, huh?)

Madi has to wait for her blood test results before she can have her treatment.  During that time we work on school, play games, play with toys or watch movies.  This time she got to go in the craft area to paint.  A great way to pass the time!

 She also got to decorate a canvas with gems and letters.  The activities are definitely fun for her, but they also help her work on fine motor skills.  Double bonus.

 Since it was Munchy Monday, the doctor's office had Imo's pizza brought in for all of us in the office to eat.  While Imo's isn't my favorite, it was free and filling.

Blood levels:

WBC - 4.0
Hgb - 11.6
Plts - 376
ANC - 1700

Tuesday was physical therapy.  They really put her through her paces!  Treadmill frontward, backward and sideways.  She even sprinted for 20 second intervals.

Elliptical front and back for several minutes each.

A few leg presses.

A little rock climbing.  Ms. Jenn not only had her going up the wall, but also going from one side to the other.

 

And whatever this is.  She also did crunches and a lot of rolling on a ball for balance and core muscle control.

Physical therapy has been a lot of fun for Madi, which helps in so many ways.  She is excited to show the rest of the family all the things she does in her sessions and always ready to go back for more.  Her next appointment will be in two weeks, she is improving so quickly.  

Madi's next appointment is next Wednesday.  So, until then, have a safe holiday and enjoy all the blessing (large and small) in your lives.  Love to you all!