Diagnosis: Choriocarcinoma. I had new scans yesterday and this afternoon my family and I met with Dr. L, my new oncologist. The scans show that some spots that were previously on my lungs have gotten smaller but a few new ones have shown up. There’s also a new 4cm tumor in my pelvis area (near where the old one was that was removed with my hysterectomy). The area on my liver hasn’t changed.
Dr. L wants me to start on a much more aggressive chemo regimen known as EMA/CO as soon as possible. I’m also doing a PET scan this week so they can try to get some more information about my liver. Dr. L is certain that my cancer is Choriocarcinoma and I’m stage 4 Gestational Trophoblastic Disease….the good news is that the rate is about 80 to 90% survival as long as it’s treated early enough. There will be a plan of attack by the beginning of next week. I’ll count my blessings: I have a treatable form of cancer and I have friends and family to rely on throughout!
Boo made me a “shot” advent calendar last night: Mommy, every time you have to go and get a shot you cut one of these strips off with scissors okay? I’ll just tape this to the back of your door.
I love her little tired smile:
A quick note to my friends and family: I will not be sending Christmas cards this year. Ha.
Well, I’m exhausted today….so off to bed. I’m on my 7th week of current chemo and it seems to wipe me out a little more each time. I’m not scared for what lies ahead just a little anxious to get it behind me. Anyways, thanks for reading! Love to you all….
XOXO,
Ash
P.S. We got a HUGE box of CHOOSE JOY bracelets delivered today!
I think and pray for you and your family often. Keep that attitude and spirit it can only help.
Thank you for the heartfelt update. You are always in my thoughts, and I think of you often for inspiration.
Positive, healing thoughts, prayers and energy coming your way Ashley! Thank you for sharing so that we have the opportunity to share our prayers and energy in return, you continue to inspire me (((HUGS)))
I’m checking in daily, a supporter from another continent. You’re amazingly positive and an inspiration to all. Stay strong! XX
Praying for you Ashley! God is in control and has reasons that are sometimes beyond our human comprehension so our faith has to get us through these times. I’ll continue to pray for you and your family.
thoughts and prayers sweetie!!!
ashley. you & your sweet family are in my prayers. gosh, your girlie is so adorable and i love that she has the same giving caring spirit that you possess. xo
You are an amazing lady! Keep up your positive outlook! 🙂
sending good thoughts & prayers your way. you truly are an inspiration.
Praying for healing. Your attitude is amazing but I’m sure there are hard moments as well and I pray that you’ll feel great peace.
Kick that cancer’s ass Ashley!!!! You and your family are in my thoughts! We are Choosing Joy here in Maine!!
I also check in daily- your attitude is amazing
Sending you and your family lots of love. xoxo
Ashley, your positive attitude never ceases to amaze me! You and your family are in my prayers… Sienna is such an amazing little girl, what a sweetheart!
wow, you amaze me, girl!
What a strong, beautiful personality you have.
And LBB is a great site. Very encouraging, very informative. I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs.
Hoping that the chemo does not wipe you out too much. Praying you have the courage to continue with each day and continue to find new joy in the funny & sweet things that (all) kids do.
Find much strength from the love in that tired little smile & be blessed.
Thinking of you and praying for you Ashley…you make me realize all the little things I find so challenging and difficult in my life are just that “little”. I feel very ashamed of myself for wallowing in self-pity…and allowing myself to be unhappy…God Bless You.
Oh my goodness. I hope it just gets better from here on out! You are such a trooper! I am so glad that it is a treatable cancer. You scared me there for a second when you said stage 4. I will be thinking of you and your family. Love Boo’s smile!
Rediscovering your blog recently has really had a huge impact on my life!!! I am choosing joy and not allowing anything to hold me back. I’m very grateful to you for that. I posted about you, your blog, and Choose Joy on my blog sweetlilyou.com, and a friend was also so inspired that she shared it, and in turn a friend of hers (who’s husband just underwent a kidney transplant) was also inspire to CHOOSE JOY! Anyway, I just wanted to say “Thank You” Prayers, positive vibes and pixie dust to you!!
ugh….my heart sank as I read this, but after talking to you on the phone yesterday I was prepared for some not so great news! Well, Justin and I sent out Christmas cards for the first time this year, so this will make up for the absents of yours! You should get it in the next couple of days! Love and miss you!!!! Can you send me some choose joy bracelets asap! Everyone in my office wants one! PS….I love the shot advent calendar Sienna! I’ll try to call you tomorrow 🙁
continued prayers for you, ashley.
st. peregrine ~ pray for Ashley!
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty,” “The Wonder-Worker,” because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.
For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.
Amen.
oh dear. I am sorry to hear. were you on etoposide with your last round of chemo? I know that one will mess with your tummy :(. continuing to pray for you .
You have been in my thoughts, though I don’t know you personally. Sending positive energy your way. Take good care.
I’m a new follower, I’m so amazed and inspired by your story. Please know my family and I are praying for you, for full and complete healing. Thank you for Sharing your story, blessings x
You are a strong and amazing woman, you can beat this no matter the odds because you possess so much positivity and that is what beats cancer! Be well, rest lots, and push for the progressive treatments that are being discovered daily!! We were given a less than 5% chance for our Son and now he is 16 and 7 years in remission! You have the same attitude…give me what I need to get this behind me, and that will serve you well! ((hugs))
Wow Heather!!!
Stay strong! You’re one amazing momma who has touched so many with your posititivity and great outlook on life. I feel blessed to have fallen upon your blog a few months ago. thank you for being you and doing all the amazing things you do! You’re in my prayers.
Shine on Ashley! Your positive outlook is contagious! Thank you.
Hey Ash! I haven’t gotten to comment as much lately, but I’ve been reading and praying and thinking of you. I’m thankful you have such a terrific medical team and that they are getting the info they need to get u well ASAP. Sending lots of love and warm fuzzy feelings to you and your family.
TX sized hugs to you!! You’re in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Ordered my bracelets today. Will look at them & think of you & your amazingness.
Thoughts and prayers Ashley! I think of you and your positive attitude often. Thank you for being such an inspiration to others.
prayers, prayers and more prayers.
Your joyful tone is evident in every post- even these ones which I’m sure are tough to write.
You have encouraged me to choose joy, and to keep my hands busy doing things to help others find the joy in life too.
God wrap His loving, healing arms around you
x
Praying for you and your family. Lots of love to you and your sweet little one.
Thinking of you and your family and wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas. You are so strong and brave.
Ashley, I am praying for you,and your family. Your such a upbeat beautiful person. I read your blog everyday and feel like I know you. I feel your presence in my home when my granddaughter wears your dresses, makes me happy to see that, like your sunshine and happiness surrounds her when she wears your dresses..you have taught me so much and continue to do so everyday! You are in my prayers..God bless you Ashley.
Thank you for your updates!!
Know that even as you struggle you inpire us to lead a better life. Thank you. Blue skies ahead.
I so wish that you’d gotten better news. Your attitude is so inspiring, I don’t know how you do it. And that sweet girl of yours, give her a hug. Get well…..
Another Texas size XO and prayers of healing and gigantic cancer booty kicking powers! You are an inspiration to your little girl~showing her how to fight with strength, humor, and faith! Blessings.
Thinking if you and your family, you are strong and you will get better !!! xxxxx
I have been following sometime now and am always amazed at how strong you are and your determination to beat this nasty cancer!! You inspire me to be a better person and a better mom. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us and I know your dad is watching down on you and your family giving you heavenly strength to carry on and as you said “get this behind you!” You and your family remain in our prayers!!!
Oh you are such a beautiful woman. You really amaze me. I hope that your treatment goes well and you know God is watching and we are praying for you.
Praying for and thinking of you — thanks for the updates! Stay strong – so many lives that you have touched and you have no idea – now it’s our turn to hopefully touch and bless you through our concern, thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!!!
Your an amazing women and mother! Thanks for sharing…
Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you guys. Thanks for the update…sorry it wasn’t better news. You hang in there girlie.
You’re continually in my prayers ashley!!!
Hi Ashley! I don’t obviously *know* you but I started following your blog because of all your bloggy friends who are sharing your story across the blogosphere. I am thinking about you and praying for you to have the strength you need and for the doctors to have the wisdom they need.
Praying for you, Ashley! Thank you for demonstrating how to choose joy and inspiring so many. Take good care!
My prayers go to you! You will beat this nasty cancer. Be strong and stay positive.
I’m praying for you daily sweet lady! I pray that you are completely healed , have a restful wonderful Christmas full of joy and love.
Praying for you and sending positive thoughts your way. The St. Peregrine prayer that Lena posted helped my mom through chemotherapy too, hopefully it will bring you comfort too. Much love.
gotta love that smile. what a great kid. 🙂 much love for you!
Those are some scary, scary words there. You are so brave and sound so great {in a blog post, but still.} Those odds are awesome, praying for you!
You are one strong cookie. Sending lots of hugs your way I will continue to pray for you and your family
Thank you for being such an inspiration.
You have a huge heart to be sharing such a personal experience.
Claim your healing everyday! The word is powerful.
Many blessings for you and yours today and everyday.
prosperity, peace and love
Denise
Praying for you Ashley!
I thought of you today…and pray for you often. Sorry I couldn’t get the actual link to paste…
http://pinterest.com/pin/48976714667176325/
Ashley, bless you for taking the time to update us here. I am sorry you have to be going through all this, you have given me so much inspiration, I am trying hard not to let little unimportant things get the best of me, I just keep snapping my little Joy bracelet and say to myself “Choose Joy, think of Ashley, if she can be so upbeat with all that is on her plate, I can choose not to let myself get all worked up over nothing”
I am praying for you, rest all you can!
yeah! the link works!
Sending good thoughts and lots of prayers your way!
You are amazing and your little girl is too (a shot advent calendar–so sweet and clever)!
Good thoughts and prayers sent your way.
Ashley, I just want to let you know how often I think about you — not for the disease you have– and will beat– but for the courage and positive outlook you have! I’ve had a rough couple of weeks and can honestly say your moto of “Choose Joy” has gotten me thru. Thanks girl, for being so dang amazing!! And don’t send cards– just send the bracelets. I ordered them and am planning on randomly dropping them in friends mailboxes without telling anyone who it was. Going to put one in the mailbox of one friend who has recently turned very nasty ….hopefully it will have a big impact on her.
Praying for you and Choosing Joy daily. Live it Sister! xoxo Simone
I’m a fan of your FB page from a giveaway and somehow stumbled onto your blog once I started reading your cancer posts on FB. I was diagnosed this year at age 35 with ovarian cancer and have been undergoing treatment since May. I can so totally relate to so much that you say. It kinda sucks! But we keep on for our kiddos and family.
Anyway, don’t want to be stalkerish. 🙂 Just wanted to say I get it.
Thinking of you and admiring your positive attitude & spirit!
Sending you love & prayers. Thank you for keeping us all updated as you are in many of our thoughts. Wishing you a fast track to putting this behind you & wish there was an easier way. Keep strong lovely lady you are doing an amazing job. And get yourself plenty of rest. Loads of positive vibes are heading your way. xxx
Praying, praying, praying like crazy!! Thinking about you ALL the time, friend. xo!
Your positive attitude is so inspirational. God Bless You!
Sending you pure WELLNESS thoughts.
Imagining the cancer in your body blowing away like a dandelion on a windy day.
every time I read your blog you inspire me. I don’t know if I could be as strong as you if I were in the same situation but I sure hope I would.
Ashley
More new-blog-folliowing love from Texas. I’m a 24-year survivor of stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and know that you are strong. Hang in there Ashley – I know that sounds trivial but you do have to out one foot in front of the other and just LIVE!!
Huge hugs To you and your precious family
Dana
Thumbs – Up!!!
I love your spirit, Ashley. Praying the new treatment will obliterate the cancer cells in your body.
P.S. That sweet girl makes me smile.
great news:-)) love to you and your family xoxo
Praying for you and your family and sending hugs your way. Your attitude is amazing and inspirational to me.
Ashley, you continue to inspire me! Your faith is strong, your outlook is bright, and I love that you can keep your humor through this trial. I’m praying daily for you and your family. Thank you for inspiring me to always see something good even in troubling situation!
good luck Ashley- hopefully the new cancer regimen will kick your cancer to the curb
I sure hope you slept well Ashley. Thank you for the update, I will pump up the prayers to go along with your pumped up treatment!
Have you heard of Kris Carr’s DVD and books about Crazy Sexy Cancer? May be perfect for you. She, too, is a warrior who kicked cancer’s butt!!
Sending Archangel Raphael’s green healing energy your way…
Ashley,
Thank you for sharing your story….keep working hard to kick cancer’s butt! My thoughts are with you and your family – stay strong and positive….
you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.
You are so brave and it’s beautiful how you inspire your daughter to do sweet and beautiful things for you. The power of prayer is strong and you are a strong woman, I am always amazed with your positive and uplifting words. I am constantly praying for you and your family. God Bless you and keep you strong. You are amazing Ashley!
Hi! I’m new to your blog and I <3 it! So inspiring! Hope you beat this soon – All is well 🙂 thank you Cherie x
I pray that you are ALL BETTER soon! I love your attitude, your motto (Choose Joy), and your encouraging spirit. You are making a difference! May the Lord fix you all the way up quickly and completely, and bless your family with all that they need in the meantime.
Love, Maryann
p.s. Love the “advent calendar” that Boo made!! Precious photo of her, too!
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Your strength and optimism is absolutely inspiring. Just amazing. Stay strong.
dan
Wow. I’m sorry to hear that the cancer is still present, but glad that you have a very treatable form. I’ve been thinking of you and will continue to send warm thoughts your way.
Continued prayers. Just keep making/creating things…it will make you feel better. 🙂
Hi Ashley. I read about your blog and the difficult time you’ve had on another blog, and started reading yours about 2 months ago.
My heart really goes out to you and your family, and I am very moved by how you are handling this and spreading your message of joy. As so many others have said too-you are such a strong person and are so positive-it really is inspiring. I’m sure that your faith and positive attitude are making all the difference for your body as it works to heal. You are in my thoughts and prayers- take care of yourself and keep working on feeling better soon! Hang in there!
Not many can say THIS to you- But- “Been there, done that!” I started EMA/CO on 5/19 and ended on 8/4. It’s HARD, but, like you said- it works! I was stage 4 too and am now in remission!!! (And even have a few inches of nice, soft hair back on my head.) I am here if you EVER want to talk!! ([email protected] or 360-263-4826) I’ll be praying for you- this is the TOUGHEST thing I have ever done, you are in for a rough ride, but God will see you through!!
Praying Ashley!
Bless you all.
i am reading your blog from Istanbul. Everytime i am here, reading you, i am sending you my most positive thoughts and prays. I know that these days will pass, and everything will be ok like before, i am sure.
love
ipek
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers xx
Dear Ashley, the cancer will soon realize that he doesn’t stand a chance against you, and he’ll leave for good.
Best wishes from Germany
Anke
Keeping you & your family in my thoughts & prayers. Hugs. Thanks for keeping us informed. Jenn.
I just wanted to wish you the very very best. My brother was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, which had gone undectected for between 3 and 5 years. He was given, at best, one year to live. Three years later and half a stomach less he is cancer free. He also had spots on his liver and in his lymph nodes and is still on chemo. So it really works.
Patti xxx
Don’t you worry! We are all here for you. I know its not much but I know you will get through this. You have the whole darn internet pulling for you!!!
I am so glad your outlook is so good. You are blessed with a great family and what sounds like great doctors.
Here’s to looking forward to days when you can blog about “remember that time I showed you my butt while getting a shot?” LOL
Hugs
Kerr
Wishing you speedy recovery times and hopefully the new chemo will work super fast so you dont need to be on it for long.
Stay strong…your family will always be by your side! Above all, your daughter will make you smile even on your most tired and grueling day. You are in my thoughts and prayers….God Bless!
oh, I can tell you are exhausted from this post. I am glad that they are giving it a name so they have something to target. Maybe the next craft should be a target like at the shooting range! My prayers and Sienna could not be sweeter with her tear off Advent. Hugs, Bev
Stay rested and continue to let others do for you. Praying for you and for your family. I know that God is using you to help so many others though this. I am just honored to be a “blog” friend of yours. Boo is so sweet handling this in her own way. Lilly Kate did things like that when we were trying to figure out what was wrong with me, it always gave me a different perspective. Instead of just wanting to give up, it made me want to stay strong and fight. May God bless you today and may you feel better and not so tired.
Hang in there girl! Keep trucking forward with that awesome positive attitude you have…..man , you are certainly a source of inspiration. Keeping you in my prayers XO
Praying for you! I lost my sister 2 years ago to breast cancer. I love choose JOY! is it weird to say I love you too? Can I do anything?
I follow you every day, although I don’t always leave a comment. I just want you to know that I am praying for you and your family. You are a true inspiration and I will pray daily for your continued fight.
Hugs,
Laura
I’m sorry to hear the less than stellar news…but I will be praying for you! Keep the faith and positive attitude and there is NOTHING you can’t do!
All the best!
Keep up the fight!!!!!
Praying for you and your family and thanking God for your strength of character.
Hugs!
Healing thoughts and prayers.
I’m praying for you. With Him all things are possible!
Ashley!! Wow, what an inspiration and example you are! May the Lord bless and keep you, and wrap you lovingly in His healing arms!! Praying for you today! <3
Tons of prayers are being said for you and we believe in a mighty God! Choosing JOY here in Kansas!!
as a nurse, you read all about being positive is such a huge aid to beating cancer. keep believing. eat healthy. and continue getting support from your family. my sis was diagnosed, originally, with stage iv colon cancer at age 37. that is a death sentence. somehow she beat it and the doc said her tumor didn’t spread as it should due to her diet. he even did a paper on how family support increases the survival rate. please rest as much as possible and abuse your family and friends for baby sitting/house cleaning, etc rights. have a wonderful christmas. this is a start to a new life. and welcome to the amazon warrior club. you are in the fight for your life and you will succeed. and if you get any battle scars along the way (my sis has a doozy, damned vertical line that literally makes an arrow to her woo – ha area. i told her it was a convenient map. she did not find this funny), they are yours to own to show the world you are the supreme warrior. our prayers are with you (hey, prayer circles help. try it).
Sending you lots of positive thoughts, you are touching so many people through your posts, I hope we can give you something back by praying for you and sending you all the positive thoughts we can. You will beat this!
Ashley, I have been following you for a long time, you are such an inspiration, and have made me branch out on my sewing. I love knits now! All my daughter’s friends love your patterns! I have been a lurker until now, and just had to let you know that for everyone who comments here, there are probably 10 times that many that don’t comment, but continue to pray for you and your family. My husband grew up in Charlotte, and we live here now. I will keep praying, and you keep fighting. I know it will all work out in God’s time! xoxo
PS- Our sermon this past Sunday was about Joy, I am planning to give your bracelets to all our pastors. 🙂
Let me be the 112th person to tell you that you are amazing! and i will be praying for you and your precious heart along with all these people. have a beautiful Christmas!
i am inspired and can’t wait to share your bracelets with my friends.
love, beth
Thanks for updating us Ashley. Every morning when I come into the office, first thing I do is get my coffee and check your blog to see how you’re doing. You never disappoint, let me tell ya! I feel like we should be comforting you but instead you’re comforting us.
We love you out here!! Can’t wait til you’re finished with all this!
Love Patti
from the 26th floor
of a big ugly building in NYC
Praise God that you have been able to get some updated information on your cancer and that it looks treatable and the survival rate is high. You are a fighter and we all know you are going to beat this and show it who’s boss. Hang in there, wrapping you and your family in prayer. 🙂
Praying for you to have strength beyond strength, courage beyond courage, peace beyond peace, hope beyond hope, faith beyond faith, and unspeakable joy. Praying that God’s love surrounds you now, even where you are, in this moment. Praying that you get to rest, that you get to see a rainbow today in your normal everyday life. So glad I have gotten to “know” you. *Keep the faith*.
-Prayers for you.
PS- Me and my Loo both say hi. Isn’t it funny that you call yours Boo and I call mine Loo?
Prayers for you..I believe that you will get through this and one day it will just be a memory for you to share with others 🙂
OK, now the prayer chain gets much more aggressive to… Change in protocol for that too.. I will be sending you positive thoughts and Karma every day. I hope you are a little more rested today.
Thinking of you and hoping that you will get better soon. ((((HUGS)))) to you and Boo.
Hi, I’m new here! I love your blog! I am so inspired! You are in my thoughts and prayers, you go girl, kick that cancer to the curb! Honestly, you are very inspiring and courageous. xo
Lots of healing thoughts and wishes for you. I hope you’re feeling a little more perky and more like yourself soon. Your Boo is adorable to make her mommy a shot calendar. 🙂
Ashley, you continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. Thank you for helping all of us to continue to choose JOY!!!
I think of you everyday 🙂 I also thank you for helping all of us to choose JOY!
I’ve been following your blog for a long time now. I wrote you after your father passed away and got a very sincere response from you. I just wanted to come out of the woodwork again to say one thing: You are one amazing girl!! Keep up the good fight and know that you have more people on your side than you can even imagine!
Sending you lots of prayers, healing thoughts, & love!!! You are one tough cookie & so very inspiring! Thank you for being so open & honest with your readers. We are ‘here’ for you cheering you along each step of the way! Cancer should know better than to mess with YOU! 😉
You rock. What more can I say?
Love and light for you always.
My new motto:
Get up
Kick Ass
Repeat
Thank you for being so open and sharing. It’s inspiring.
I’m happy you know what you are fighting. Sounds like you are surrounding yourself with a great team of doctors who have a plan. And you have surrounded yourself with a worldwide support system as well who have come to care for and love you. Remember…when you are weak-we are strong. I’m sure you are going to have moments when the going gets tough but remember, when you are at your weakest, there is probably someone in the world praying a prayer just for you. Praying for you BY NAME. That’s good stuff. As good as any meds there are. Sending you love and prayers today and always…
Count me as another prayer partner to get you healthy and strong! Peace, love and blessings to you and your sweet little family! Bless you for choosing joy! You continue to inspire me and so many others. In HIS name!
Sending good thoughts your way. You inspire me with your positivity! Thank you so much for taking the time to share.
While I’m sure this wasn’t what you wanted to hear….know that there is a plan. And you are so strong and can kick this cancer’s butt. As I sit hear reading your blog I’m listening to iTunes and Martina McBride’s song came on…..”I’m gonna love you through it”…you have touched so many through your blog….and while I’m a follower in Texas know that I’m here praying and spreading your “Joy”. While your road to recovery is a tough one know that you are not along and on those days you need help lean on us (your followers) as we have you and we will lift you and carry you through it!
Keep on being you and choose Joy!
Prayers as always from Texas.
love you ashley! take time to love, care, and nurture yourself!
sending you healing, love, and prayers.
My heart broke a little when I read this post, but by the end, your positive attitude made me feel better. That’s an amazing thing.
Keep that attitude, and take care of yourself.
Keep strong, Ashley.
Bless you, Ashley. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Wishing you the best.
ashley, your positive, sweet attitude is an inspiration to me! sending prayers and good thoughts your way.
Ashley, you are so positive throughout this whole thing and that is so inspiring. Good luck with your next chemo. We’ll say a prayer for you.
Thinking of you and wishing you more JOY this holiday. You are amazing.
Ashley, Mucho, mucho prayers are being sent your way. My dad is fighting lung cancer right now so we are waaayy familiar with your journey. You are a natural born warrior. Big hugs and blessings, Carolyn
Love your positive attitude about everything. I strive everyday to be positive, but it is hard for me. Just one look at Boo and that’s enough I am sure to get you going through everyday. She is such a thoughtful little girl. And it is amazing how fast she is growing up. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family this holiday season.
Ashley, you will beat this! Sending prayers that the new chemo will do its thing and not take too much out of you. Let everyone spoil you as much as possible. Give Boo a hug. xoxo
Well shit! (sorry about the bad language..it’s just the first thought that came to mind) But as I read your post through the next thought was, “Well Great”….an 80 to 90 percent treatable is definitely a high-fiver!!! Looks like the Lord is not going to let you off easy….but he’s got you in His hands and won’t let go…so you just do what you have to do and God will take care of the rest and all the rest of us will just love you through it! Love and prayers as always, Nancy
I’m a new “follower”. I just wanted to say that I love your blog. I love that you’re so open and “out there” with everything. It’s very refreshing and I’m so, so sorry about your health issues. I pray that you’ll continue to keep your sunshiney outlook. It really makes you get a little perspective when your Starbucks order isn’t exactly perfect, right?? I also placed an order for the Choose Joy bracelets and I’m over the moon excited to get them. Purple is my favorite color + everybody needs a little joy. It’ll remind me all the time to not sweat the small stuff. I hope you have a lovely holiday season.
Ashley, hated to read this update, but love that you continue to focus on the positive side of things. Its such a great lesson for all of us! You are SO brave and strong, and I hope this next leg of the journey passes quickly for you and your sweet little family (that daughter of yours is beyond precious). I will be keeping you in my prayers.
I wish cancer would get cancer and DIE! Cancer Sucks~~Choose JOY!
Our prayers, & thoughts are with you and your family Ashley!
Choosing Joy in Kentucky
Praying, praying, praying for you. You continue to inspire me in so many ways. Lots of love to you and your family this holiday.
I just said a very bad word when I read this. I should really use my indoor voice more. As always I send you love, light & joy!
I ordered my choose joy bracelets. I’m so excited to receive them & I can’t wait to pass them out. :0)
Be well sweet lady,
Michele
Hey Ashley, Once again, I’m beyond impressed with your positive attitude while sad at the news that there are still tumors and that you have to undergo more aggressive treatment. I continue to think of you, pray for you, and check in here about daily! Wishing you nothing but joy and a speedy recovery. xoxo, Sara
good luck I hope things go well for you I will keep you in my prayers
You are the strongest person I know. I am praying that the new treatment will bring about a speedy recovery! Your little girl is adorable. I love her sweet idea of the shot calendar! Sending you hugs!
I’ve followed your blog for a while but have never written to you. I’m constantly amazed at your strength and attitude. My mother is currently fighting lung cancer so I can understand all the emotions you and your loved ones are feeling. I hope you and your sweet family have a very Merry Christmas! Sending special Mississippi prayers to you!!
ashley~big hugs to you. i am sorry but it sounds like they have a plan and with really positive results expected. keep smiling. your little one is beautiful. prayers to you and your family during this trying time. you are a brave soul. xo
I will continue to pray for you and your family….you are such a beautiful person…. Your honesty and your ability to tell it like it is without bitterness is moving… You are a blessing to all that cross your path… I totally believe in the power of god and positive thinking and it’s ability to heal… Have you considered acupuncture … I know that the idea of another needle can’t be a great thought but alternative and natural medicines are highly under rated… I have a condition that affects my bladder and causes alot of pain and I went to the acupuncturist for three months and got it under control… Just saying don’t be afraid to venture outside the boundaries of traditional medicine… Praying daily for you!
Dear Ashley, thanks for the head’s up about the tribute to your dad, which we did watch. He sounds like an amazing guy; you are blessed to be his daughter.
Sending you Empire State of mind hugs today, especially in light of the news. Keep Choosing Joy, dear heart! You continue in my daily prayers. Love to you!
You. Are. A. Rockstar. New to your blog and loving each & every post — and completely in awe of the strength, humility, and grace with which you confront cancer, motherhood, life…. Keep it up, you are absolutely an inspiration.
Hi,
I (obviously) don’t know you and in fact know very little about you…but I stumbled across your blog one day and I read it every few days when I sit waiting for my hubby at the bus stop. I wanted to tell you that today’s post made my heart ache for you and your family. You are an inspirational woman. I will be praying for you.
Prayers going up for you!
Ashley, I have a near relative battling stage 4 esophageal cancer and yes, the chemo wipes him out more and more – cumulative unfortunately. And he too had to move to a more aggressive chemo but – it’s working!! I will pray for you, your husband and your sweet little daughter who is trying to comfort and help you! With God all things are possible! Rest in Him!
Hi, Ashley
You pop in my mind and I pray for you and your family. Believing with you and stand with you. You are a sweet and precious woman and mom. I am wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.
Vanessa
Thankful that you got more answers although not the best answers. Go kick some cancer butt! I am praying for you always.
Thanks for the update, Ash. I’ve been wondering about you. I think about you constantly. Hang in there. Thank you for your positive attitude!! xoxo
Sending you prayers and love. Thanks for sharing your journey with us 🙂
Praying for you right now.
Dear God,
Please be with Ashley as she continues to walk through her treatments with her head held high. Her faith is unwavering whatever the news. Please give her the strength to heal. She is loved so much by her family and friends. Please give her the strength to continue to spread joy each day.
In Your Son’s name I pray,
Amen
Our pastor’s wife just said something the other day about stopping right where you are and praying with or for someone, not just telling them you would pray for them.
Ashley, wish I could be there to be one of the one’s to take you wherever you need to go. Miss you and love you very much!! I know some days it’s hard, but keep on smiling. You have a beautiful smile.
Kiki
You are such a positive person, don’t know if I could be the same. Let your friends and family take care of you. Positive thought coming your way from Eugene, Oregon.
Ash~ covering you with prayers for strength, healing, and peace. For ALL that you do to inspire me and brighten my day… I hope this prayer gives you comfort knowing so many are lifting you up!
I am praying for you Ashley. You positive attitude continues to inspire me…..I am here if you need anything…..there was a girl on my molar pregnancy board who went through the EMA/CO. She went through methotrexate, act-d…..and then tried the EMA/CO and her numbers fell FAST. She also was diagnosed with Chorciocarcinoma. Please let me know if you would like to get in touch with her.
Thinking of you. xo Amy
thinking of you & praying for you.
I pray for you and your family all the time and will continue to do so! I love your optimistic attitude 🙂 you are such an inspiration to all the women out there going through a similar situation. Keep on choosing joy!
xo, karli
Sending prayers to you and your family…
My dear Ashley, All my prayers are being sent your way. You are so dear & I love
you so much. Aunt Sharon
When I commented on the joyus pictures of your parents I was not aware of your battle. I clicked on “Choose Joy” button and then ended up reading all the other posts. WOW! Yesterday’s news. WOW! I read up on the disease. A rare disease for a rare (in a very good way) woman.
I love your Choose Joy campaign. I have trigeminal neuralgia and my attitude has changed 180 degrees because of Choose Joy.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, us desert-rat (I live in northern LA county) mathematicians have to stick together after all.
Keep fighting. Thanks for inspiring me.
Debbie B
Over here in Texas, thinking about you and yours. What a beautiful little crafty daughter you have making a LOOP ADVENT for you…so amazing. God has a purpose for you, Ashley….what a PIECE of WORK you already are with that ELF on a SHELF! 🙂
How awesome the power of prayer. You are in mine.
Oh Ashley! I am glad that they are doing more scans and plan to be more aggressive! Here is a prayer I’ve said for friends when facing the fight against cancer-I believe it will help and heal you 🙂
‘Catholic prayer for those dealing with cancer’
O Saint Peregrine, you have been called the ‘Wonder Worker’ because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more; you were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction, ask of God and Our Lady the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to You (names of those for whom you are praying, including yourself). Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing praise to God for His great goodness and mercy. Amen!
That is good news that they have a plan of action for you. Your heart must melt everytime you look at Boo. Holding all you guys up in my prayers.
Love you, sweet friend. This is a door that will open to the next spectacular chapter of your life – leading you to your life’s purpose. I’ve always said that you are so unique – God hears you. – Jen miller
Prayers and positive thoughts for strength from your supporters in Reno!! We’ll pray for you all the way through this to the positive end!!
Praying for your strength and physical endurance. So glad you have such a great network of family and friends. Keep on believing!! I am!!!
Another prayer partner is storming heaven with prayers for you and your family. You are a precious child of God and He will watch over you. I don’t know you personally but I care so much about you. You are amazing.
I’m just one more person who has been through this stressful journey as a bystander. I’m honored that you have shared, and I pray daily for your complete recovery.
Wow, this support group is amazing! Restores ones faith in mankind! I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, and you certainly are doing a great job in the handling department! My prayers continue for you and your family. May you and yours have PEACE and JOY during this Christmas season! God Bless!!
My fervent prayers are with you and your family!!
Sending a ton of prayers your way. May your positive attitude and joy shine right back at you 100 fold! Your blog, craftiness and spirit are a blessing to all who stumble across them.
Praying for you lady!
Ashley, you are so strong…keep it up. I have to tell you that your little girl so dang cute, I too and enjoy her smile. I am sure her smile and laughter keep you going strong also. Good luck with everything, you and your family are in my prayers. Sending love from the South. Us GRITS have to stick together! Merry Christmas!
I am a Brazilian and I follow your blog for some time, today I came across this post, I send my prayers and good energy for this moment.
Sorry for my “English Google”.
Bear hug!
Patty
Sempre rezando e com a certeza absoluta da sua cura total! Força e coragem!
Aqui do Brasil (RJ), um grande abraço e energias positivas sempre!
Praying for you Ashley. You and your daughter 65and husband and the rest of your family. At the age of 56 am learning more about love and life and gratefuleness than I ever imagined. Love and blessing to you during this Christmas and prayers for your healing during the coming new year.
PS: i just ordered a pkg of your Choose Joy bracelets and will be spreading them among my friends and family. I will wear mine constantly in your honor.
(plus “Joy” is my name…hahaha!!) Seriously, your message is so important.
Much love and good thoughts and energy to you.
love, Joy
Ashley, been following your posts and I pray and think of you every day. You are so brave and strong.
P.S. we are cousins, but have only met I think twice. Your mother is my second cousin. I feel that through your posts I am catching up and getting to know you.
Love to you, and prayers to you healing.
Vicki
Je continue de penser à toi et à prier pour toi et ta famille. Ton attitude est remarquable et tu es un modèle. Merci pour les bracelets “choose joy”, je le porte avec fierté.
Marie-Josée
Choriocarcinoma? Kick it in the ARSE, woman!!!! Praying for you. I see a lot of you in that sweet little girly. She watches her mom’s generous, creative spirit and gives it right back. Keep your chin up, but keep leaning on God for those extra tough days.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers! Boo will keep you strong!
You really are one brave soul, my friend.
Sending healing love your way. I am sorry I could not be there today – the girls had their Christmas shows. I tried to make them forget about rhe show; but I lost in the negotiations. I will be there tomorrow. I am going to help you beat this battle. I helped my Daddy; and I will help you.
Hugs and prayers to you and your family, I know you will all pull through =)
You are an absolutely inspiration! I got my braclets in the mail yesterday and can’t wait to pass them out.
I just came across your post and I just wanted to tell you that you touched my heart. You are very strong and inspiration. My prayers are with you and your family.