Progress, slowly but surely.

Hey folks, it's been a few days so I figured I'd give an update. Things have been getting a little better every day, so I've kind of just been living in the moment, you know? But I figure we should share the good progress news with everyone so we can all feel the joy. :)

Every morning the neurology and hematology teams come in to visit us, give us a report on how she's doing, mention anything concerning and for the last few days they've said nothing but good things, really. They say her white blood cell count is looking good. They're keeping an eye on her platelet count, but they say its within a good range, and have been giving her some when they need to bump it up. They've been giving her electrolytes when they determine she's a little low, but nothing alarming. And they've been giving her chemo, of course, which takes a little out of her in the evenings but not too bad. This coming week, when they've determined the danger of bleeding has passed, they are going to resume the blood thinner medication, gradually and carefully, in order to resume helping her body absorb the clots in the sinus arteries. The doctors say they the clots are shrinking, barely, but that is great according to them. As long as they aren't growing, which they're not.

As Ashley is recovering from the surgery, her pain is coming down to lower levels, so they don't have to give her such heavy duty meds to reduce it, so she's able to stay awake during the day more and get back into a routine. The doctors are emphasizing her getting up as much as possible; going for walks, sitting in a chair for meals, etc to stimulate her muscles and help with her recovery. Of course when you're recovering from surgery in the back of your head/neck area, the stiffness makes most movement painful and difficult, but Ashley is a fighter and has been, a little reluctantly, getting up and out of the hospital bed and room. Today, for instance, we went (with sunglasses) outside and sat in front of the nice fountain near the main doors to the hospital. It was sunny but nice out so we sat under an umbrella and enjoyed the warmth. She liked it. Also, we checked out the hospital gift shop because, as those who know Ashley know, she likes giving presents and was browsing to pick out souvenirs to give her niece and nephews.

Ashley had had some pretty troublesome nightmares a few nights in a row and that was keeping her from getting a good night's sleep, but they have since subsided. Also she is eating more regular food: PB&J sandwiches, goldfish crackers, chicken nuggets, etc. You know, good ol' comforting favorites. :)

Each day has its challenges, of course: pain spikes, feeling exhausted or weak from medicine/recovery process, etc. But the nurses are continuing to do everything they can to ensure she's comfortable and the doctors assure us that she's making excellent progress and they say she has a very good outlook.

So things are looking up, although we know this chapter isn't over yet, but through your love, prayers and support we are powering on and pushing through it.

Straight from the mouth of Ashley, "Thank you so much for the love and support. I can feel it and I can't imagine anyone going through something like this without it."

~Wes