Friday, February 4
Melissa, Aimee, and I went to Bravados, the wig store, again today! Aimee was so helpful! Melissa chose one, ordered it, and also picked out a ball cap! Matt and Aimee generously paid for it all for her! Melissa yelled at them and then cried and hugged them.
Melissa, Aimee, and I went to Bravados, the wig store, again today! Aimee was so helpful! Melissa chose one, ordered it, and also picked out a ball cap! Matt and Aimee generously paid for it all for her! Melissa yelled at them and then cried and hugged them.
In the afternoon, we met with her oncologist, Dr. Philip Bierman and her case worker, MaryBeth Hohenstein. He agreed with the diagnosis from the biopsy – Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 4. Her bone marrow tests, heart and lung tests were all good! We were so happy to hear that!
Melissa with her brother Matt
Me and Melissa
All of us!! Aimee, Matt, Melissa, Me (Maggie) & Dad (Steve)
Matt & Aimee. These guys drove eleven hours to be here with Melissa. Brightened her day and lifted her spirits!!
Melissa began her first chemo treatment this afternoon. Her treatment will be every other Friday for 2 months. Then a Pet Scan to determine how the disease is going! If it is improving, she will continue another 4 months of the chemo treatment. If it is not improving, a more aggressive treatment will take place.
Throughout these past 10 days, the support of family and friends have been overwhelming! We thank all of you! Melissa is a strong, positive girl! Her faith in God is so strong! A very special friend, Mark, has been her guardian angel! He went to UNL with her, was a member of the same fraternity that Matt was in, and has always been a good friend. He had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Stage 2, when he was at UNL. He had lost his hair while on treatment. The whole frat house, shaved their heads, including Matt, to show their support! Mark has been in remission for 5 years! Melissa contacted him last Friday to tell him of her diagnosis! He has been in contact with her daily! I call him my “wing man”!
Another wonderful support for her is a girl named Joelle who lives in Arizona. She too, had Hodgkin’s and is a survivor! She and Melissa email daily and talk about ups and downs! Melissa is so appreciative!
okay, that picture of all 5 of you isn't going to be your Christmas picture is it????
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you look fabulous and I know you are going to beat this,also! My friend's husband, who had Hodgkin's, had the same dr. He is now 7 years Hodgkin's free!!! Know that there are so many people praying for you and sending positive, healing thoughts your way.
ReplyDeletePam, John, Jen and Jeff
To all the Mahers,
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous website and we are along for the journey. You are ALL getting daily prayers and we are sending the positive vibes with your attitude for successful treatment. I am going to look for hats and scarves for you to accessorize. This is going to be journey that may set new fashion trends as you set an example for others. See you soon! Love and healing prayers, Julie, Steve, Nick and Emily
Aloha from Maui! We are praying for you and know that God has got you in the palm of His hand! Be strong and courageous, Melissa and we look forward to meeting you one day!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Juliana and Ben Massenburg
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to finally get to put a face to my new "pen/chemo" pal. :)
As you know, I've been there, and I remember all those feelings you are having......and all the uncertainty that comes in the beginning. And please know and believe, it is all going to be okay.
Whatever you are feeling is right.
Whatever your day brings you is okay.
And whatever you believe is good.
Only YOU can determine your path.
Allow others to support you along the way, lean on your loved ones and let them help. It's not easy but you can do it. Always remember, you're not alone. All of us are here for you!
Stay strong, positive and beat the crap out of your cancer!!!! :)
Your newly found Hodgkins survivor friend,
Joelle :)
Hello from Pennsylvania and God bless all of you! I am one of Barbara Maher Smith's daughters - so Steve's cousin. We will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a journey you have had so far and you have in front of you. Thank you for sharing with us. Lots of love to you.
Jennifer Ballenger
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you and your daughter Melissa are alot alike- strong and positive. Our prayers are with you daily. God bless you all.
Chris Boyles
You are all so strong and positive! That's the power of prayer! Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us on your blog--we're all thinking of you and praying for your continued strength and successful treatment.
ReplyDeleteKathie Magnuson
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI posted a comment yesterday and realized that I posted it probably too far down into the blog- so sorry! I am your father's cousin in Jacksonville, Florida and want you to know that you are in my prayers and your strength and positive attitude are so beautiful. I have many friends here that will be adding you to their prayer list as well. God Bless you and my love to all of you!
Paula Mathews
Our prayers are with the Maher family as you journey with your precious Melissa. Stay strong and together you will beat this. Hopefuuly you will feel the prayers of this community supporting all of you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Melissa. I'm a friend of Aimee's family. I've been praying for you since I heard about your diagnosis. Five years ago my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4, Hodgkins and Non Hodgkins aka Composite Lymphoma-extremely rare. His chemo cocktail was "CHOP+R". His oncologist declared him cured in December, 2010! You will beat this too. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Sincerely, Donna
ReplyDelete