I knew the first week Ashtyn was diagnosed with cancer that it was going to be a long road. I also knew that there would be bad days, good days, scary days, peaceful days, unpleasant days, enjoyable days, dark days, and fun days. Today was a good, peaceful, enjoyable, and fun day. Nothing spectacular happened… well actually it was spectacular to me. For her noon … Read More →
Progress
Ashtyn’s white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count have not changed or improved from the time she started chemotherapy 32 days ago. That is what we have been praying for. But guess what? It’s OK. Ashtyn is doing good. Really good. Today her face is perfect. Both the swelling and the rash are completely gone. Today she brushed her teeth and her mouth is free … Read More →
Patience will Pay Off
Saturday and Sunday many people prayed and fasted for Ashtyn. We prayed for her specific needs that her rash would go away, her throat would feel better, and her total white blood cell count (WBC) and absolute neutraphil count (ANC) would go up. Sunday night Ashtyn wanted me to sleep in her bed with her. “It makes me know you are by me and makes … Read More →
From Ashtyn
I was Ashtyn’s scribe tonight as she shared some of her thoughts: I don’t think Ethan and I, or Morgan and I, or Chandler and I, are going to fight much anymore. We are closer now even though we aren’t together. I feel it in my heart. I can feel them with me. I’m glad it’s me doing this instead of them. It breaks my … Read More →
Ribbon Tying to Show Support
Today I was woken up by a phone call from a reporter for Fox 13 News Utah. From 11:45 am to 1 pm Canyonview Elementary School had plans to tie lime green ribbons around the school to show their support for Ashtyn. The news channel was covering the story and the reporter wanted to interview me before heading to the school. She hoped that Ashtyn … Read More →
Consider the Blessings
Ashtyn looks so much better than a week ago. She isn’t nearly as sick, however she still feels crummy. Of course she does. I have no idea what it feels like to have no white blood cells, low platelets, and have a body that is recovering from chemo. Her throat and mouth continue to hurt. Swallowing is still painful. She does try to drink a sip or … Read More →
Ashtyn’s Army
Ms. Fricker, one of Ashtyn’s teachers at Canyonview Elementary school, commented “Know the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child?’ Well, it takes an army to kick cancer’s butt out of that village. Help show Ashtyn she has an amazing army behind her. She is a tough little girl and is fighting one heck of a battle.” She is completely right. Ashtyn is … Read More →
The Routine
I suppose Ashtyn and I are getting into a routine, though it is an unpredictable, unplanned routine that we take minute by minute. Nausea and pain is constantly on our minds. “Where’s the barf bag?” is a question she commonly asks. It’s like her security blanket, whether she is going to throw up into it or not. When Ashtyn does throw up she likes me … Read More →
Stay Positive
Saturday night… I mean Sunday morning I went to bed at 6 am, after a busy night helping Ashtyn. At 7:00 am I woke up to about 10 different medical staff surrounding Ashtyn’s bed moving very quickly. I could sense there was worry in the air. As I watched the organized commotion, I gathered that her blood pressure was low and they were doing all … Read More →
Life Is Good
Wednesday night was awful. Ashtyn went to bed around midnight. I turned the lights off close to 2:30 am, and at 4:30 am Ashtyn woke up and the only thing she could whisper was, “Mom, lay with me.” Sometimes she likes me to lay in her bed and other times she doesn’t I asked her, as I often do, how much pain she was in on … Read More →
