Chemo update and some highlights

Madalyn started her first round of chemo therapy on Wednesday. They gave it to her at two different times. The first one didn't phase her. She continued to play and eat as normal. The second time was a little bit harder. It ran for seven hours and it did make her start to get nauseous. She threw up 10 times in a two hour period. She was given some Benadryl to take care of the nausea and slept throughout the night without throwing up any more.
One of the times Madalyn was throwing up her NG tube came out (the tube that has been putting sodium back in and helping to stabilize the levels enough so that she doesn't have any more seizures). The nurses decided to keep it out and just watch to see how her sodium levels did. We are excited to say that her levels have stabilized and have even risen the last two times they checked!
Yesterday was a little lighter of a dose, only having to run for 2 hours. They are still giving Madalyn the Benadryl to help with nausea though. Instead of making her drowsy like it does most people, Madalyn has decided to fight her exhaustion and play, play play! I think Terrell is more worn out than Madalyn!
The doctors told Trish & Terrell that she will most likely start loosing her hair any day. Terrell cut some of her little curls to save. We will miss her cute brown curls but know that she is beautiful even without them (she was bald when she was a baby). We now just have a good excuse to go buy all those cute little beanies and get some good use out of them!
Saturday will be her last day of chemo for this month. Sunday she will be given meds. to boost her immune system and her blood count. After that they will watch to see how she does for a couple days.
Madalyns amazing Neuro Surgeon, Dr. Walker comes in to check on Madalyn everyday and she blows him kisses. He is already talking to T&T about when they will need to bring her back once she is out of the hospital. Trish was joking that they are unnecessary appointments, he just wants to see "his Madalyn"again! Madalyn has also made some friends with several of the nurses taking care of her. There are many who just love to see Madalyn totting down the hall waving and blowing kisses.
One highlight for Madalyn last week was a visit from a golden retriever named Colonel. It is a dog they bring in to the hospital to help cheer up kids who are staying for longer periods of time. Madalyn loved it!
We are so grateful for the wonderful doctors working on Madalyn and the great care that has been given to her, physically and in thought and prayer. Thank you!