Communication Between Seattle and Salt Lake City

There’s no question that Ashtyn is alive today because of hundreds of healthcare professionals in Salt Lake City and Seattle. She got into remission twice and survived two bone marrow transplants at Primary Children’s Hospital. She was able to get into remission a 3rd time and survive her 3rd BMT at Seattle Children’s Hospital. For the past several weeks there has been communication between PA Sarah, Dr. Mallhi, and Dr. Lamble from Seattle with NP Laynie, Dr. Shyr, and Dr. Maese in Salt Lake City. Preparations are being made to transition Ashtyn’s care to Primary Children’s, a BMT hospital 20 minutes from our home. Even though Ashtyn is no longer in the hospital, she continues to require quite a bit of outpatient follow-up care. We are grateful to have a team in Seattle who supports Ashtyn’s desire to go home and a team in Salt Lake City who are capable and more than willing to manage her health issues. Several days ago Dr. Mallhi, Dr. Lamble, Sarah, Ashtyn, and I had a conference call with Dr. Shyr and Dr. Maese. The purpose was to make sure everyone was on the same page regarding the plan to move forward with recovery in Salt Lake City. It was decided that we can go home December 18th! We are so excited to have an actual planned date to go home! I think the next two weeks are going to fly by. There’s packing to do and a lot of medical appointments. Ashtyn will be getting a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy tomorrow to check for leukemia and cellularity. Next week she’ll see a kidney doctor to discuss her high blood pressure, electrolyte needs, and abnormal urine test. She’ll also see a lung doctor about her abnormal pulmonary function test. Platelet transfusions are still needed at least twice a week. I’m just in awe that Ashtyn accomplished what she set out to do; go to Seattle, get into remission, and receive a 3rd bone marrow transplant. Because of what I’ve seen, I will never doubt this world is full of remarkable people who have a great purpose to impact lives for good.