Good Counts Today

We have been feeling great this week. It has finally sunk in that Ashley is done with chemo. We feel so relieved knowing that she has completed the 27 weeks (which actually became 32 weeks) of treatment. We are still so grateful to God who absolutely amazed us by showing his complete protection over Ashley for the past 7 months.

Ashley went in today for bloodwork. Her ANC was 1380, which is very good after having received DOX-O last week. Praise God. She really handled this last chemo well. She only had a little tummy ache on Thursday afternoon, and was fine by Friday. We thank God for that.

The doctor told us that we won't need to come to clinic next week because her counts looked so good. Ashley and I are thrilled!!! This will be the first week that we will not have to go to the hospital in 7 months!!!! YEAH! I think we will have to celebrate by having a little tea party next Wednesday at 9:00 am.

We have an ultrasound and CAT-SCAN appointment on Wednesday, March 14. Please continue to pray that all cancer cells in her body have been destroyed. Also, pray that those counts keep climbing up. Her doctor said that her body will probably take until June to be able to fight a cold or infection like a normal/healthy person. She still suggests that Ashley starts school right after Easter, since influenza has finished it's course by then. We will have to continue watching for fevers, but the doctor believes that the benefit of Ashley going to school outweighs the risk of her getting a cold. We have seen how God has protected her in our own home from sickness, so we will trust Him with this too.

I will let you know how Ashley's ultrasound goes on March 14th. Keep prayin'.
If anything comes up before than I will let you know. Thanks for covering us in prayer! It has been fantastic!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

ASHLEY GOT HER FINAL CHEMO!!!

We are so excited!!! Ashley is finally done with her chemo treatments!!!
It is really so amazing to us! We have to tell you that God has again, protected her from another illness in our house. Cade had a fever on Sunday, and we thank God for his continued protection over Ashley for 7 long months!!!!! I remember the days at the hospital, when Ashley was diagnosed with cancer, feeling so overwhelmed, and how God gave us a peace that we couldn't explain. We felt concerned about how we could ever get through the months ahead, but He was our source of strength. We were reminded by God to take it day by day. To ask Him for help and He would answer. And I remember thinking that if Ashley could stay well throughout this treatment, it would be a miracle from God. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

We are so thankful to every one of you who has been reading Ashley's blog and who has been praying for Ashley and our family. We know that God has heard you and we hope you are encouraged by His answered prayers. So many of you have blessed us by sending cards, bringing meals, giving gifts, and calling us right when we needed encouragement. Thank you!!

As for today, Ashley's ANC was really good (1200). We will go to the hospital for the next 2 weeks to get her counts checked, and in 3 weeks, she will get her ultrasound and CAT-SCAN done. YEAH!!

Please continue praying for Ashley. The chemo she received today (DOX-O), is very strong and can affect the heart and other organs. We ask God to use the chemo where it needs to be used and to protect her organs. Also, Ashley's ANC (infection fighters) will probably be pretty low for the next few weeks, so pray against fever, infection, and illness.

GOD IS SO GOOD!!


ASHLEY IS SOOO HAPPY TOO! NURSE JOAN GAVE HER A BALLOON, TODAY!

Happy Valentines Day!

We have had a really good day. We hope you have, too.
We are so grateful to God for another miracle. Ashley is still well and did not catch the flu (type 1) from Megan. We have had them separated since Friday night and today Megan was finally able to go back to school. The doctor told us that it was really good that Ashley didn't get the flu. We praise God for His awesome protection over Ashley. "He has done great things for us and our hearts are filled with joy."

Ashley has had a great day. Her ANC was 900 and everything else (RBC and hemoglobin) are still looking perfect. Next Wednesday, is the scheduled final chemo day. She will be receiving DOX-O. We pray that her ANC will be high enough for chemo and that she stays well and free from fever or illness.

We look forward to completing chemo!! This last week was very difficult for us, with Megan being sick. Fear started to creep in and we felt overwhelmed. But we remembered that God is all powerful and that He hears our every cry and request. He brought us comfort through yet another storm and reminded us to rely only on Him. That nothing is impossible for Him. That He is the Healer. To trust Him. To call to Him. To cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. We are grateful!

Thank you everyone for praying for us. God answers prayer!

PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray for Ashley. Her sister, Megan, has Influenza Type A. Everyone in our house has received the flu shot, including Ashley, but this flu is not one of the flus that the shot covers. So, we are asking God to do another miracle in our household. He has provided for our needs and we are so thankful for the many times that he has already protected Ashley from illness and fever. We pray that God will continue to put a hedge of protection around Ashley, guarding her from this flu virus. We know that God is in control.

The Countdown Begins

Ashley had another good appointment today and I am reminded how far Ashley has come during this process of treatment. At the beginning, I remember how she would cling to me and refuse to get out of her stroller to get weighed. Many times, she wouldn't even acknowledge the doctors when they spoke to her. But now, she definitely feels comfortable around all of the nurses and doctors at the oncology clinic. In fact, last week, she told one of her favorite doctors (Dr. Krouse) that she loved her.

Ashley's ANC today was 1006. We expect her counts to go down a bit next week, but we are praying that they will be up enough the week after so that she can get her final chemo! The final chemo (DOX-O) is scheduled for February 21. We can't wait to complete the treatment!!! Ashley handled this last chemo well, with very little nausea. She has experienced some stomach aches this past week and some tiredness. Please pray that her tummy feels better.

We are all feeling good this week. No one in our house has a cold! Continue praying that Ashley stays well and doesn't get any fevers, illnesses, or infections. Also, with soooo many sicknesses going around at Megan's and Tad's schools, please pray that they will not get sick or bring anything home.

I just have to say again, that it just amazes us how God has persistently shielded and protected little Ashley these past 7 months from any sicknesses or fevers. We know that nothing is too hard for Him and we know that He hears all of your prayers and ours too. Your prayer support is such an encouragement to us!!!! THANKS!