The Follow-Up

Update on Ashlyn: We were hit with some pretty hard stuff today and are in for a rough road ahead. I'm having a little trouble seeing the keyboard as I type this.... :'( :'( Going to be specific because I want very specific prayers for my Ashy Mash.....maybe if we're very specific, it'll change something....or give her more strength to get through it... Good news: 80% survival rate The rest... of the news: She is in at least Stage 2B (speculative at this point).....but we still have to see if it has spread anywhere else. Once scans and tests are completed, we will get a confirmation of her stage. We had more bloodwork done today & she will be having many scans and tests done over the next several days: MRI of brain/neck, CT chest scan, PET scan, bone scan, hearing test, panorex(sp?) xray of teeth. The treatment will be very aggressive and intense. She will be receiving a permanent IV and we have an apptmt tmrw for a consult with the physician who will be putting in a chemo port....surgery for that will most likely be Monday. She will be receiving high radiation & chemo treatments that will result in painful mouth sores that will leave her unable to eat, so she will have to have a g-tube. She will also lose her hair. She's going to be a very sick girl as we try to fight this. She will be in pain and will be on several meds to try to counteract the physical reactions of the treatment. The high frequency of the radiation may cause some hearing loss, which might be temporary....or might be permanent. The radiation may also cause a loss of fertility and hypothyroidism. As far as we know now, she will have 3 rounds of chemo, followed by 2 rounds of radiation plus chemo combined and will begin next week. She is scared. And sad. Sad that she can't go to camp. Sad that she can't continue riding lessons.....her happiest place of all... And sad that she can't play soccer. And mad. And all kinds of things.......and I can't blame her. So much suddenly taken now, and threatening to be taken from her future. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 Please pray for healing and restored health for her. Strength for all of us. And that she....and her brothers, who are also struggling right now....will be able to see & learn & grow through this.....to see for themselves exactly who it is that is responsible for the stealing, killing and destroying....& that in the midst of turmoil, pain and suffering....dreams crushed and stolen, that they would learn to turn to the Giver of Life with it all....who gives so graciously, lovingly and abundantly every step of the way. ‪#‎PrayForAshlyn