One thing I really love about Loma Linda is how quickly they encourage you to recover. The same day I was moved from ICU the nurse said to me “just so you know, you need to get up and walk at least 4 times today.” Huh!? Are you serious?! Of course it’s scary the first time….but after that I’d get help out of bed and baby step around…..catheter, IVs and all…..no shame in my gown flapping open accidentally. No wallowing in pain or self pity allowed. Like with my c-section I’ve learned little tricks to help me get up…..like bending one leg and using that to pull my body upright.
Each day I try to do the same thing….get up and walk a bit. Today I walked around our pool 15 times….the safety fence is the perfect hand rail. 5 times around and then I’d rest on the lounge chair in the nice weather until the next 5 laps. You’d think I was on vacation or something! Ha! You can see Diesel following me from a distance in the background under the lounge chair:
Lisa said this needed to be the photo of the day……to show my OCD with numbers. I carried a big piece of chalk and each time I walked by I made a tick mark on Boo’s easel chalkboard. I had to end in a multiple of 5 and I kept having anxiety that maybe I’d missed a lap and it would only be 14 laps…..wouldn’t that just be the end of the world?!
Listening to music as I walked I started making up funny names to tag my posts with like: Mission Kick It’s A@# and Operation No Compromise (from Whale Wars). It’s just another adventure right? That’s how I’ll treat it right now….like a mission…..maybe that will resonate with Boo better. We are on a big “mission” to help mommy recover. Any name suggestions out there?
P.S. It’s kind of fun having photographer around to help me remember these things…..laying in the sun soaking up some Vitamin D and listening to my iPod, I opened my eyes to see Lisa on the ground with her camera shooting Diesel and my little nap. Sneaky but funny.
I’ve linked all the posts about my recent health “adventure” and the loss of my father here. Thanks for reading…..I hope my stories will help others that might be going through similar experiences.
I think your beautiful, inspiring and I love ya Ashley <3 Keep it up!!! Go team Ashley!
I totally do the same thing with numbers… can’t have the wrong amount. Ha!
Wow. That’s great that Loma really pushes people… but, mean, makes me realize I can’t complain much. Goodness. Glad you’re able to get up and around a bit… I can’t imagine how difficult this all is for you, but you’re probably the bravest, most positive person ever! 🙂
Please tell Boo she is the head cheerleader for “Team Ashley”, whatever you decide to name your mission 🙂
I love this Ashley!! I think you’re amazing.
How about Mission Possible….. In all things teaching lil Miss Blue, that in the face of things pleasant and not so pleasant, things are possible, if only a moment, a tick mark, or a breath at a time……..
Best of wishes to your hubby, you and your lil Miss Blue…… from a partner, a mother, an RN, and a Survivor……..
You’re just beautiful, your grace and spirit is amazing.
When I was going through my “mission” we pretended I was Captain “C” and I had radioactive powers from all the radiation. It was pretty much awesome. We ended up giving super hero nick names to everyone involved. It added a little fun to the mix.
Glad to see you up and making a mission out of it.
You are such a wonderful role model to Boo!
Karen
Mission SO possible!
You are a treasure, Ashley! Keep up that progress & outlook. No doubt you are in good hands. xxx ooo
Keep it up girl!!!!
I just found your blog from a friend of mine and wanted to say you go girl! I’m now a proud member of Team Ashley or whatever you decide to name your mission 😉 Best of luck!
I was just coming to your site to see if I could get a dress for my lil one since I love your designs. I was so shocked to see your news. Your story is very inspiring and you are always just so real. Please know that you are an amazing person and there are many people out there cheering you on. Would love if you keep us updated so we can share in your journey.
Go Ashley go, what an inspiration you are to Boo and all of us 🙂 xoxox
I wish I were that pretty when I’m not feeling well. Keep it up!
Ha Ha Mama Kat, I have to agree 🙂
My dad just had major open heart surgery fri and they moved him to icu and within a day had him walking I was in complete shock that they would push him so hard so quickly but it really seems to be working:) I am a new reader of your. Blog but I went back and read from the beginning I am so greatful to have found you, please know that I am praying for you and your sweet family daily
Siobhan
operation quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog…just kidding. [ever see that ESPN commercial? it was just on. lol.]
anyway i say your mission can be called “operation hole in one.” first, in rememberance of your father [this way hed be with you every step of the way…or ever shot 😉 …not that he isnt, anyway.] second because a golf game is long, but its fun and peaceful and calculating, and the ony winner is yourself and the only enemy is the course…and thouh the course can be trechorous, and SOME say it can beat you, in reality as long as you finish every hole through #18, you really beat the course, and youll beat this. 🙂 also, im pretty sure youre a hole-in-one to all your readers, friends, and family. and it can be a fun game for boo, too! a lil put-put hole in the yard would be a great way for her to help “celebrate” with you after/before each chemo threatment. and when youre all healed and back on your feet with all of this behind you, when you finally beat the course named “cancer sands,” you and mr. LBB can take boo out to a real put-put course and get a donut on the way! 😀
good luck in your journey, no matter WHAT you name your mission! 🙂
Your slippers are charming 😉
xox
You and I must be long lost sisters. I would be making those tic marks too – I can completely relate. I think you should call your mission, “Mission Choose Joy.” It will remind you what your dad would be saying to you right now. I know he’s watching your every move and sending you all his love. You’re doing a great job getting back on your feet – carry on!
you are doing incredible, Ash! Rock on girlfriend. You are gonna kick this things A*#!
you’re doing so great!!! after my c/s i was such a baby about walking around. you are doing a great job! keep it up.
Nothing like good ole natural vitamin D! And vitamin D will help you kick that cancer right in the ……. so keep up the good work!
Keep going Ashley! From one Mom to another, you are loved and prayed for girl!
You are such an inspiration!
Love how positive you are! My husband is a psychiatrist at Loma Linda!!
Awesome job Ashley!!
Wow… you amaze me again and again! 15 laps around the pool… that’s a really long distance!! Really love your positive attitude towards life and what you did actually really put me to shame (I refused to go home from hospital after my c-section after 5 days, because there are nurses there taking care of bb… and I didn’t want to walk… :p)
but you are truly truly amazing… i have so much to learn from you each day 🙂
Misson ReGroup……regroup your strength, your family and friends,your faith and fun.
Hugs and prayers, Susan
I think you are INCREDIBLE. Truly. The past several weeks I have been going through a tough time of realization in facing my illness and what it is doing to my body and what that means for my little family. I have let it wear me down and I’m ashamed to admit that. But you? Look at this fight you have, this strength, this grace. Thank you so much. You really have no idea how much you have helped me lately.
xo.
You are doing so well…… just remember that it is okay to have a bad day, hour, moment. It is great for you to document this journey so that in time to come you can read over what you have written and what people have said to you. I am so proud of you for letting us into your life at this very hard time.
Beautiful, what supporting and adoring “fans” and followers you have! I love all these ideas for mission names, so inspiring!!! You are a beautiful person and your blog is wonderful! Good job on the physical therapy and the continued perserverence through every minute of the day because even at our best, life is a challenge!
Here’s some happy pixie dust toy uo and yours and may you continue each and every day like there is a better one a comin. Great blog and photos, and well EVERYTHING 🙂
Hi Ashley,
I just came across your blog probably around two weeks ago. It’s funny timing because two short months ago my Dad was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. As you personally know how diffcult it is, not only for yourself but your family as well. I have found great inspiration at how you are approachinng what life has thrown at you. You have found the silver lining in things that every day now I seak to find because I know God puts them there for us. I had a good laugh about your post about poop, because in our house we celebrate when he’s pooped. lol A funny thing where we find joy now. On monday he goes under for a very big surgery to remove his spleen and will have to do a lot of slow recovery that you are facing right now. Thank you for your joyful and realistic view on this difficult process. Know that despite the cyberspace difference you and your family are in my prayers!
Hello Ashley,
I only know you through your blog but I think of you daily and pray for you. Get well soon.
Blessings,
Heather