October 30, 2016

Today was exactly the kind of day Ashtyn needed. Calm. Giving her a chance to get physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. It started out after having a great night. She slept pretty much through the night. That was a first in 1 1/2 weeks. Ashtyn was able to sleep in, for the most part, until noon. Physical Therapy stopped by to take her for a walk. The task did not excite her at all. However, she got up and did what she knew was the right thing. It's hard for a healthy person to comprehend how difficult it is to support 100 pounds and walk after being knocked down completely and unable to walk for two weeks. A walker was given to Ashtyn and was told they would walk out into the hall and back. After getting out of bed and situated, a mask was put on her face, she picked up the walker and unsteadily started walking quickly out the door. She obviously wanted to get it over with asap so she could get back in bed. Ashtyn took a break after walking a minute or two and then walked slower back to her bed. I was very impressed with her strength. At 7:00 pm she took a dreamy sit down shower. She loved feeling the warm water spray on her body. Throughout the day she had been thinking about shaving her head. During the shower I asked if this was the night to do it. She said yes. Her boyfriend Caleb and his mom Jacque arrived at that time. I asked them to get a chair ready for Ashtyn. After her shower she walked to the chair, sat down, and with concern asked, "Mom, should I do this?" I asked her if she wanted to look at herself in the mirror. She nodded. A mirror was handed to her. Ashtyn was completely stunned and saddened at what she saw. Last she remembered, her hair was long, straight, and beautiful. Now, there was hardly anything left and had changed her entire appearance. She cried for several seconds and then courageously said, "Yeah, let's shave it." We got the clippers ready and handed them to Ashtyn. She quietly began to shave. After a few strokes she handed the clippers to Caleb and asked him if he would do it. He took the clippers and continued shaving her head. It became a little painful at the end so I finished the job. Once in bed Ashtyn went through several emotions. Sad. I encouraged her to cry. Angry. I encouraged her to be mad. She wants to go home. And that's a good thing. We all want her to go home. The fight is in her. She will fight everyday and each day she'll be one day closer to going home. Prayers of the day: 1. Keep progressing without any set backs. 2. For a healthy liver. 3. To get in remission as soon as possible so she can get a bone marrow transplant and go home for good.