On March 8th 2017 Ashtyn received her second bone marrow transplant at PCMC in Utah with hopes that cancer would never return. On March 8th 2018 she started the clinical study drug Venetoclax at SCH in Washington with hopes again to get cancer free for good. Cancer is a constant emotional rollercoaster that has to be balanced every single day. My days are spent with feelings of ease that everything is going in the right direction intermingled with moments that cause me to worry. That’s just the way it is when fighting cancer. We’ve learned the best way to cope is to settle into the consistent inconsistencies and go with it. Yesterday Ashtyn expressed how she handles the emotional balancing act. There is nothing she wants more than to live a normal life on earth where she can go to school, become a nurse, get married, have kids, and travel the world. The importance of keeping a positive attitude instead of fearing the future is always on her mind. Ashtyn feels if she gives up the fight mentally, she could easily die. With that understanding she pushes out any of the countless negatives that could so easily enter her thoughts and replaces them with excitement for her future and all the blessings she'll enjoy after this battle is won. Along with emotional and mental, there’s also the medical balancing act. Everyday there is efforts being made to manage the treatment that kills the leukemia cells as well as the ongoing neutropenia that comes with it. Neutropenia is the absence of white blood cells called neutrophils that are responsible for fighting infections. It's likely Ashtyn will be neutropenic for near four months which puts her at great risk. It’s not just risks of illnesses common to the general population but also infections that come from the normal “germs” in her body. She also has a central line that increases the risk as well. Becoming cancer free may seem like the number one goal but staying infection free is just as important. The scenario that gives Ashtyn the best shot at surviving is to end up cancer free as soon as possible, staying healthy and free from infections, allowing her to move forward to another bone marrow transplant. I think we are on track for that to happen. Please keep her in your prayers that she will get cancer free as soon as possible and be protected from complications and infections.
This is the liquid chemotherapy study drug that
she drinks daily. Come on Venetoclax,
destroy those leukemia cells!
Getting a CT scan to rule out fungal infections.
We hope results come back negative because
fungal infections are nothing but trouble.
Her room at night with a soothing blue light.
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