Update

Madeline's appointments yesterday went well. The surgeon was pleased with her healing so far, and put her in a knee brace and an ankle/foot support. Her leg weighs about 25 pounds less without that huge splint! She can start to put a little weight on her left leg in about a week, but he told her to take it easy for a few more days. He also signed off on starting chemo next week, which made her oncologists happy. 

The preliminary result from the pathology is a necrosis rate of 85-90% which is great news! She will start chemo again this Tuesday and have 12 more rounds over the next 18 weeks. In about 80% of osteosarcoma patients cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, so they do chemo after the surgery to make sure the cancer is gone for good. It looks like she will be done with chemo in mid-April if we stay on track. 

She is in good spirits despite being couch-bound for a few more days. Her head is very fuzzy, which is a good reminder that her hair WILL grow back when this is all done. The foot drop is making her pretty upset, but I think once she can bend her knee, she will see that the foot drop isn't that bad and the doctor was pretty sure she will be able to compensate for it and resume her regular activities. There is also a tendon transfer surgery that would fix it that she could have once her treatment is over. 

Thank you for praying over our girl. Looking forward to the weekend at home, and then starting the next phase. One step closer to the finish line! Enjoy the weekend!  

Go ARMY, beat navy!!!