There have been some breakthroughs in the last two days. 1. Her bone marrow aspirate came back showing 0.00% leukemia! That’s the purpose of a BMT and we’ll celebrate it every time! 2. Even with Adenovirus, and after two months, she is no longer strictly isolated to her room. She can be wheel-chaired off the unit, go to the outside patio, and walk the halls when ready! 3. She was accepted into the SPRINT program: Short-term Pediatric Rehab Intensive Therapy where rehab doctors partner up with BMT doctors and utilize physical and occupational therapy to help Ashtyn improve her abilities to walk, move, and get dressed. Over two months ago Ash walked, without help, into the hospital, showered and used the restroom on her own, and was completely independent. Within one week she couldn’t walk and by week two (August 10th) she was as dependent as a baby. She is now working on gaining it all back. At this point she can only walk a few steps with a walker with someone by her side in case she falls, and becomes out of breath getting in and out of bed to use the commode. We’re bringing independence back! 4. Ashtyn has had a blank expression on her face for awhile, hasn’t verbalized ideas, feelings or opinions, and doesn’t get on her phone to socialize. In connection, her physical therapy progress has declined. Surrounded by love and support from nurses and a nurses aid, Ashtyn opened up tonight about some of the things she’s been thinking and feeling. I’ve always gone in-depth explaining the medical implications of fighting cancer and getting a BMT. It’s important to talk about the psychological effects as well. This is a topic I will definitely go into in the near future. Until then, Ashtyn is going to start seeing a psychiatrist who specializes in pediatric oncology!
You would not believe how much love and care surrounds this girls and for that I am grateful. Tonight I asked Ashtyn what she’s grateful for: 1. Nurses 2. this hospital 3. my siblings. 4. Marlie (dog) 5. modern technology.
Physical Therapist Madeline
Nurse Ashley
And outside.
And outside.
Nurse Jen
CNS Teresa
Doctor Adam Lamble
Nurse Bri
Doctor Faucette
Nurse Anna
Doctor Babcock
