Saturday, June 20, 2015

Continued Improvements

So the last time I posted (which to me doesn't feel that long ago) I left you with a pretty big cliffhanger in the form of a prayer request for an upcoming brain MRI.  We had that MRI on Tuesday and...


*drumroll*


NO BRAIN METS!

Sorry to those of you who assumed the worst due to radio silence.  I wish I had a better excuse, but this is probably what you should expect with me at the wheel instead of Ashleigh.  Thank you for your continued prayers, they are most assuredly working.  Not just for the big praise above, but also in lots of other ways I'll summarize in the next few paragraphs.

The rest of the week has resulted in continued improvements in Ashleigh's alertness, cognizance, energy, and pain level.  We had a catheter installed (inserted? placed? "installed" sounds too engineer-y) on Wednesday to drain some fluid around Ashleigh's right lung.  While there was some increased pain associated with that, it has ultimately resulted in her breathing much easier and getting off of supplemental oxygen entirely.

Her liver function has continued to improve, so it's no longer a concern as of this time.  Her counts are staying pretty steady thanks to booster injections and some platelet infusions.  Best of all, she's up and walking around frequently...really, more like doing laps around the floor to build up her endurance.  If you know Ashleigh you won't be surprised by her insistence to always do "just one more" trip up and down the hall before resting.

With the heavy caveat that we're still taking things one day at a time, the plan right now is to do her second chemo infusion on Monday then get her transferred to an inpatient rehab facility.  She would get lots of physical and occupational therapy there with the goal of continuing to increase her energy and independence to eventually get back home.

There are probably lots of other things a more exhaustive update would touch on, like the difficult tension between trying to plan for the future vs. the significant uncertainties that still exist around Ash's prognosis.  Or, around how the boys are handling this; for the first time, I think Noah is really in tune emotionally with the fact that something is "not right".  Of course as a 2-year-old he is pretty confused and can't understand why momma isn't her usual play-on-the-floor self...but then as a 31-year-old I have a hard time processing it sometimes too, so I can't really fault him.  Anyway, the point is there are still many many things we are praying for, like:

+ That logistics would work out for the plan I mentioned above (insurance and some doctors still have to approve this course of action)
+ For Ash's pain to continue to subside so we can wean her off the IV pump
+ For her to continue to gain strength, independence, and increased mental cognizance
+ For sweet time with family and friends, especially with the boys (we're going to try to take them for a visit tomorrow morning)

In closing, I'll leave you with a few pictures from the last week:

 The Boys visited on Tuesday with my sister (Ash's Brother and Sister-in-Law in the background)

 The great view out of Ashleigh's room
 
First Baptist Dallas's Fellowship Class was kind enough to bring their Tuesday night Bible study to Ash!  She's been a part of this group for almost 5 years now.  We're very thankful for these ladies.

Best friend from college, best friend from high school, and hair gel (Ash wanted a Mohawk).  Ash is super sad to be missing our friend's wedding this weekend, but she was nice enough to come visit Ashleigh on her way to the altar.  Congrats Kris and Dan!

Today a great friend from Florida brought Ashleigh's favorite food from Melbourne, Dakine Diegos.  My sister and her daughter visited, too.

24 comments:

  1. Glad to hear the update Brad - Ash, you and the boys (along with the above prayer requests) are in our daily prayers!

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  2. Praying for you all. Especially that you continue to feel the Lord's presence, peace, and His loving arms wrapped tightly around you. Did you notice the rainbow in the picture of the skyline? A perfect reminder that God's promises are true to those who believe in Him. Peace be with you.

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  3. Thanks for the update. I have been checking frequently. In the photos she looks increasingly brighter...and how do her eyebrows look so perfect?! You all are so loved, I hope you can feel that right now. Hugs from Virginia.

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  4. Brad and Ashley, Great news and Great views!!! Thank you for the pictures. I noticed that Ashley's eyes look brighter in each one. Continued prayers for alertness, strength, comfort, progress, and healing in Jesus' name! Have a great visit with the boys.

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  5. We are continually praying for you in Florida. Keep your faith strong!

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  6. Thank you for this update. You and Ashleigh have been so inspiring. After reading your posts, I feel I am changed. I am now a better mother, wife, and person in general. Thank you, and I will continue to pray for Ashleigh. What a wonderful person she is!
    In His love, Lynn

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  7. Thank you for sharing this. The Ranges and those who love them are in my daily prayers.

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  8. PTL!! Continuing to pray. Thank you so much for the update!

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  9. Do I see a rainbow outside her window? I'm going to say yes. I choose to believe that God is sending you rainbows!

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  10. So thankful for great news and good days! Loved being a small part of getting the Da Kine Gringos to you! But seriously Brad is engineer-y a word? LOL! Thanks for the prayer list! I'm on it!

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  11. Just looked back in the skyline photo and saw the rainbow. Incredible! Post only when you can. We are praying always.

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  12. I pray that everything goes well. Remembering you all each and every day.

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  13. Thanks for the pictures and update. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

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  14. Did you see the rainbow in the picture of the hospital view - a sign from God :) She's in great hands!

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  15. Although we have never met, I have sat here for the last few hours reading your story from the beginning. I can't even remember how I stumbled upon your blog, except that I think it was from a prayer request from another blog I frequent. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing awareness to IBC, I admit until now I had never heard of this particular form of breast cancer. I also wanted to say that I admire your strength and your unwavering faith during such a difficult time, a time when others, including myself, would be tempted to play the victim and turn their backs on the Lord. You have continued to sing his praises and proclaim, "God is Good!" I pray that you continue to have more good days, I pray that your pain is managed and that you are able to spend your days at home with your family. I pray for a miracle!!

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  16. More hugs and prayers coming from Vermont!!!! Love all the smiles on all those faces!!!!! Aunty ellen

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  17. Continuing to pray for you and your family! I hope you are receiving your miracle!

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  18. Saying continued prayers for more good news.

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  19. Am praying that no news is good news.

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  20. Continued prayers that the new chemo is working and that Ashleigh is feeling stronger and enjoying her family!

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  21. Congrats on your courage, strength, faith and wisdom! May God send you a miracle healing. When you get a chance, please let us know how you are doing now.:)

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  22. I have been praying for you since I happened upon your blog. I am also praying that no news is good news. I so admire your hope, courage, strength, faith and love of the Lord. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Praying for strength and healing. God Bless You.

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  23. I have been reading your blog for a little while now and I'm really happy Ashleigh has been having some better days. I went to the same high school as her but didn't really know her well. Just remember she was always smiling bright. Your blog inspires me to stay strong and to be a better person. I will be praying!

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