This will be The Cancer Chronicles now.
Well, the new treatment is scheduled. I start Tuesday. Merry Christmas to me! I’ll be at the infusion center all day….the hardest part will be keeping me there. Tomorrow I have a PET scan. I think we are going to schedule another CT of my brain soon too…..I’ve had a gnarly headache today.
I look in the mirror and think: I should shave my head soon before the hair falls out…..this is the one time I could go all “GI Jane” on my head and no one would think I was nuts.
I got some energy back this afternoon and I decided to make some kung pao chicken. I’m trying to gain a little weight before next week.
Instead of asking “why me”….instead I’ll be glad it’s me. My mother said she wishes she could carry the cancer for me……that’s how I feel…..I’m glad I can carry it. It could be my child or my husband or another family member or friend. I’m tough. It will take a lot for it to bring me down. Maybe I’m meant to have this so I can share the whole experience and help others through it……the Donut Chronicles will take a short break for The Cancer Chronicles. I can blog from the Infusion Center…..maybe it will keep me in my chair!
Strength. I am praying for your . A hug.
You an truly an amazing woman!
My Lord, your strength brings tears to my eyes….
🙁 You poor doll. I sure hope that treatment works amazingly fast and you can heal soon. Wish it wasn’t you, but… I’m pretty sure you’re going to kick cancers’ butt so quick and bad it won’t know what hit it. Sorry you’re having to go through this! Dang.
I’ve always loved yr blog but I’m not much of a commenter..but gotta say I admire yr strength and courage in this difficult time..send’n u every best wish and hope for the future :0)
You are an inspiration! STAY STRONG!! Clearly God has a purpose for you and this battle with Cancer! You are doing so much good. I love reading about all of the people praying for you. It shows you how people can really rally together and support each other.. If that is not Love.. I don’t know what is! I will continue praying!
Your are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong as I know you will
I love your outlook! I wish for a speedy recovery! Don’t shave your head yet you may not lose your hair!
You are, and always have been an inspiration to many people. You have more strength than I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
You are friggin awesome! I absolutely love your outlook! What a beautiful person you are! I just know you are the type that, I hope you don’t mind me saying, is gonna kick this cancer’s ass! I’ll throw in some prayers for ya!
Katie
You are amazingly courageous and I will have you in my prayers. My father is battling lung, kidney and now has 10 tumors on his brain. He is almost done with radiation and then he will have a check up scan.
I recently discovered you through FB and your elf on the shelf posts….and so glad that I have….I will be checking in with you and praying for your strength and recovery as well as for your family members. You are strong and you are tough….I can tell from your words.
MJ
Lucky 7 Design
you are a stong women, and very insprational! you are just amazing! take care and prayers!
You rock! Absolutely awesome! My God’s arms constantly be around you carrying you and your family through this. Your spirit amazes me and I my jaw just drops when I think of how many lives you are impacting by telling your story.
We’ll be thinking and praying for you. Do blog if that will make you sit still or better yet, write a steamy love note to the hubster!!!!
Thanks for keeping us updated. I think about you all the time, I guess you are always in my mind since my little girl has worn your clothes this whole week. Praying for a speedy recovery. I recently cut my hair real short. I have always had hair down to my back and have not had bangs since college. I went on a cruise over Thanksgiving week and decided I needed a change… so I told the girl cut it short. I’m still getting used to it and playing around but it is like a pixie cut. The only downfall is, I feel like it makes me look my age.
My prayers for you. Be still and know that he is God and know you have many friends and strangers praying for you. Your blog brings so many smiles to so many.
I’ll be thinking of you. Well wishes! Choose joy. I look at that every day. Love your spirit. 🙂
I follow your posts as often as I can and I must say you are an inspiration and breath of fresh air to me!! When I feel like I am having a bad day and then read one of your blogs it really puts things in perspective!! You are SOOOOO positive and upbeat and you would never know you are going through cancer treatments. It makes me appreciate life because how can I be upset at the little things when there are so many bigger things that could be going on! Thanks for all your positive energy and I am praying for a quick and speedy recovery for you!!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Praying for you dear Ashley!!!
Ive never met anyone with more faith and strength than yourself. You are quite an inspiration to me and so many others. You’ll continue to be in my prayers <3
You’re so amazing…..and obviously tough. I will continue to pray for you!!
YOU are such an inspiration. I am amazed on what a strong beautiful woman you are. We have never met and you have no idea who I am…but I will be thinking of you and praying for you! May god watch over you and your family. xo
You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are a beautiful, strong woman who is an inspiration to all who read your posts.
If they told you that your hair will fall out, I say shave your head. My daughter was 9 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Like you, she had lovely long hair. When it started to fall out in clumps, I took her to my hubby’s barber for a shave! She was so beautiful bald. She fought her battle and her hair grew back even more lush and shiny!
You’re an awesome lady! 🙂 Best wishes to you. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! You’re really an inspiration to us all!:)
I have a friend who has to constantly have kidney dialysis. She takes a portable dvd player and watches movies all day.
Good luck with the scans. I never minded the PET scans. For whatever reason, they just seemed more “pleasant”. I may have just liked the idea of them pumping sugar into my body versus dye! As for the hair — I didn’t mind losing mine. It seemed like the least of my worries — and talk about low maintenance! I loved that part! Although, it did get chilly and I slept in little beanies. You might not get as cold in your neck of the woods! (And if you did — I bet you’d make some pretty awesome beanies!) I’m still sending lots of love and healing energy your way. Remember to breathe. xoxo
You are an incredible person. You have been dealt the shit and you have your game face on for sure. Stay strong woman, you will rock no hair. Thanks for continuing to run a good blog and LBB as a company.
Continued prayers for strength for you and your family!
I’ve wanted to share this story with you, but for one reason or another, hesitated .
I’ll share it with you now in hopes it might add to the peace in your life.
http://thinkingaudibly.blogspot.com/2011/12/if-ever-you-doubt.html
I am awed at how you can tell it like it is without a hint of complaining. I need to learn how to do that.
Your attitude of being grateful it’s you and not someone else is amazing.
Thanks for being so open with your joy!
Praying for you every day Ashley! You are beautiful inside and out, hair or no hair:)
Cutting your hair before it falls out gives you some control over your situation. That’s what I did. Control the things you can like hair & what you eat, & give the rest up to God. And you are right…..it’s not “why me”?….it’s “why not me”? Stay strong & positive and take one day at a time!!
Ashley, I have loved reading your crafting blogs but I’ve been following your recent challenges and you have become not only a craft inspiration but also a life inspiration. Thank you for sharing so much!
Saying lots of prayers, as always. I gave away my first Choose Joy bracelet today, and the reaction of my friend was so reaffirming. She told me that the thought of “choosing Joy” was exactly what she needed to get her through this difficult time she is living through. Ashley, your little purple bracelets are making a true difference, I hope that this positive vibe can bolster you and keep you going throught this fight against cancer. Keep choosing Joy, I know I am trying too!
Ashley…your strength & courage are such an inspiration. You completely, totally, 100% rock, girl. Praying for you and your family…
Ash, I wear my CJ bracelet every day and think of you! So does Jason and we thank you for them. It was so great to get a chance to visit last week. You rock, girl (and the jeggings are a plus)! Love to you from us 🙂
Ashley…As a mom of daughters only slightly younger then you and your beautiful sister I can relate to your Mom wanting to take the burden away. Hug Boo this weekend let her be your Boo Boo Bunny and know that she is your strength too. You are an amazing young woman and your family is blessed to have you giving them strength.
Prayers Ashley….and I am spreading the CHOOSE JOY message!
Carolyn
(oh Boo Boo Bunny was a little terry cloth bunny with a ice pack tummy we put in the freezer to use on little Boo Boos and scraps when Izzy and Julia were little…they loved Boo Boo Bunny)
I’ll try to find the words:
I have never commented here. I never comment on any kind of blog, forum, website, or such. But I find your words stupendously (yes, ‘stupendously’) inspiring– meaning not only that I read them and am awed and impressed and touched by them, but that they take me one step further and actually move me to improve myself and my life. That never happens with me. I tend to be stagnant and defeated in my life, though try as I may, raging against this most debilitating machine. Specifically now, though, I am in a moment of time in which I feel helpless and hopeless. But I see what you say, I see what you do and it makes me try (not just ‘want’ to, but actually ‘try’) to infuse my life with some of that optimism and gratitude and beauty that I see in you, all the way from way over here.
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are an utter inspiration.
(It feels so wrong, me thanking you. I wish I could be the one doing something, somehow for you, especially at this time.)
I just wanted to try to convey to you how moved I am by what you write. There is a very powerful force of nature within you– standing behind you, sometimes, propping you up, at times, pouring out of you like an explosion of light, at times, but always within you– a great, great force.
Thank you.
And all the best to you and yours.
God Bless You! Praying for you everyday and CHOOSING JOY!
Ok so I have no idea how I have not found your blog before tonight…but let me just profess my love right off the bat! I have spent the last hour bookmarking projects…thoughts and tons of other wonderfulness!
GI Jane rocked her look…you would too!
Hugs from your new friend!
I’ve been thinking about you often. I always keep an eye out to see an update from you. If you really are thinking about shaving your head, I strongly recommend donating your hair to locks of love. My daughter did this year and I was so proud of her for doing so. Stay strong…You’re gonna rock this!
Your strength is amazing. The LORD is doing mighty things through your and even your blog 🙂 Keep rockin’ it!!
Choosing Joy,
Leigh Anne
Shave it!!! You ARE G.I. Jane! You are strong! Bring down the cancer like Jane would bring down the enemy!
I am in awe of your strength. In awe. It is nothing short of remarkable what you are teaching your daughter right now.
You go girl! The hand of God be upon you. You are changing hearts through this experience and your willingness to share it with us. Bless and be blessed, blog friend.
You are an inspiration to all who suffer from cancer. Both my mother and sister had breast cancer and survived. My sister is still kicking butt and she always had a positive attitude. She is my hero!
My sister shaved her head during chemo and she looked awesome. She said she would rather shave her head than watch it fall out in clumps. The great thing is that they have the coolest scarfs and hats now that it looks great.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Love, light and prayers going your way!
Your attitude is so amazing. Will be thinking and praying for you. You are beautiful and could definitely pull off the G.I. Jane look 🙂
I love you Ashley and how positive you are staying. You are truly an amazing woman. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you start your new treatment!
Ihad no idea you had cancer… I have been following you since the elf on the shelf pictures.. and I loved all of your posts… my thoughts are with you.. and wow you are full of energy so far… I am sorry that it had to come this time of year.. but the big C… never stops for holidays.. I enjoy your blog.
Sending you prayers! And shave that head i shaved mine a couple years ago for an Alopecia fundraiser and it was amazingly liberating. And you will save on shampoo 🙂 Take care of yourself! Sending many good thoughts your way.
Longtime lurker, first time commenter. You’re awesome in all blogtastic ways. 🙂
Definitely be to go GI Jane now, because you won’t want to be cleaning long hairs from all over your home when you’re on chemo!
If anyone in your circle is a hair stylist – or knows someone who is in hairstyle school – you can have a fun afternoon of trying out several ever-shorter hairstyles. Boo could help you pick wild things you’d never normally try and then you’d have a gallery to choose from once your hair grows back in! And if you want to cut off the bulk of your hair to donate all at once, you can still play with a few pixie cuts before going full Jane. 🙂
I brought my mom to a salon to do this before her chemo started and it made the dramatic identity change into more of an adventure than a loss for both of us. You seem to be finding all possible little joys in this bizarre experience you’re having so I thought you might appreciate…
Ashley, i just started following you and oh my! i loved you before, but i love you even more. I pray for comfort and healing for you. You are incredible and I look forward to hearing all about your triumphant journey! God Bless you and your family!
you are gorgeous … GI Jane or not!!! Ms T here says “What an amazing lady. So calm and confident.” we send you love and sweet dreams angels. hugs too 🙂
Your posts bring me to tears every time I read about your cancer and your father! You have such an amazing outlook and it’s clear that you were meant to chronicle this experience this way. Your father did a great job teaching you how to Choose Joy!
every time i read a post about you and your cancer a couple of things happen. number one, your words always bring me to tears. your strength could move mountains i tell ya. and two, bruno mars voice always starts singing…you know his song, just the way you are?! i always hear him singing so loud. over and over to the words, “girl you’re amazing…” you really are amazing and so very strong.
i will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Ashley, you truely are amazing! You have quickly made it to the number one spot on my must read blogs list. Anytime I feel overwhelmed I think of you and regain strength. You are so inspirational. I choose joy! Xoxo
It’s kind of funny that you would post about shaving your head today… I was just thinking about you while I was nursing the baby earlier, wondering if the dreaded hair loss had begun and thinking about sending you a chemo cap… I have a knitter friend that owes me a favor… Want a hand knit hat to keep you warm?
You are an amazing woman Ashley! And yes, God is using you in powerful ways. I think your testimony is speaking volumes. Sending more and more prayers your way!
Wow … I just love your outlook and everything you represent. Such a inspiration. Thank you for being so honest and open. You are definitely helping me see the bigger picture. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. I would also it were rather me than anyone I love. Get Better Soon … you can do this. x
Praying for you daily! Your attitude about this whole cancer thing is truely inspiring!!! You are a true blessing to those around you for your stength as well as your creativity!!! LOL Hope you have a truely blessed holiday<3
Ashley, you are simply inspiring.
I hope that all goes well for you on Tuesday, even if they have to tie you down to keep you there 🙂
We do not know each other in person, but I follow your blog.
I’ll think about you… send you some strength.
Your strength is so amazing. Reading your story has helped me so much to put things in perspective and love my family and life like I should be. I cant wait for my choose joy bracelets to arrive so I can spread the message with my friends and family.
Sending lots of healing vibes 🙂 and I think the idea above about getting lots of different hair cuts before you shave it all off would be great fun for you and Boo!
I’m thinking of you Ashley.
Stay strong but also give yourself some room to be not so strong sometimes. And allow others to take care of you.
Love from Holland.
Ashley, as always, I have you on my mind and in my prayers. I have always read your blog with such amazement and awe in how you could be so strong and unselfish in all of this. Then one day you you wrote how you were thankful that it wasn’t Boo that was going thru it and I understood completely. I think you are remarkable and when I say that, I mean you are someone to be remarked upon. I spread your “Choose Joy” with all of my family and friends to spread your love, hope and JOY. I pray for love, good health and joy for you and your beautiful family.
Good wishes to you!! Just started reading your blog last week, hope you will get better after your treatment!
Ashley im sending you a huge hug from the UK!!
I love your blog and you have inspired me in so many ways, your spirit and strength brings me to tears. Stay strong you are one amazing woman.
Much love you are in my thoughts.
Katie from lillyandboo.
xxx
I am so grateful for you.
My friend suddenly lost her sister this week. I am grateful you are here and able to share your story. strong, honorable, and not feeling sorry for yourself. I know I would not be as gracious as you are in this situation. Much love and prayers to you.
LONG LONG LONG time reader… Lib
As always – you are awesome and strong and such an inspiration to so many of us xxx
There are no words. You are such an inspiration, you are so strong, so courageous. Praying the new treatment kicks some cancer butt.
Ashley, you are a true inspiration. Hugs, prayers and positive thoughts to you. Hang in there!
1- I love your blog, writing style and photos. Creative, inspiring & fun.
2- (and I hope it’s not creepy to say) You have great cheekbones, so you will rock the short hair.
3- The story of your dad and his passing is important and valuable. Thank you for sharing those precious thoughts and memories.
You inspire me daily. Prayers. Xoxo
I’m speechless. To say you are an inspiration is the understatement of the year. Sending lots of positive energy your way.
Praying for you and can’t wait til next week blog post. You would look great with a shaved head. I knew a girl that would cut her hair super short dye it bleach blonde and wear the most beautiful silk scarves on her head. They would drape down to her waist and then blow in the wind. She was a walking piece of art.
You will be beautiful with no hair! You have changed the lives of so many people so far, myself included. And you still have so far to go! Thank you.
Maybe wait and see about the hair. My mum wore an ice cap through her chemo session.It freezes the follicles to stop it reaching them ! We laughed when she tried it.She got wigs just incase, but she never lost her hair.So it must have worked. My Dad did loose his hair a bit when he had his chemo, so he wore an Elvis hair piece over Christmas. LOL All the best from the UK XXX
Ashley, I’m praying for you. I agree, God is using your cancer journey for His good somehow. You are an inspiration!!!!
You are amazing, an inspiration. I hope I can learn to be more like you.
You never cease to amaze me. Holy cow. You are so brave and inspiring! And I know for a fact that you are changing and helping more people than you know. You have helped me become more optimistic and hopeful for my future.
Hair or no hair, you’re absolutely gorgeous- Inside and out.
Thank you for including all of us on your journey. What an example you are setting for your daughter and everyone else- to place your trust in God. What a comfort it is to know it’s all in His hands and that He will take care of everything. What a hard thing it is to not try and control something that just simply cannot be controlled. You seem to be doing an amazing job at that AND in an incredibly positive way.
My prayers include you and your family every night. Praying for your continued strength and for a miraculous recovery.
I feel that you are an open book and so willing to share every step (good or bad) of this road you are on…. So I have a question – Is this new treatment going to make your hair fall out? and the other one didn’t??
I have a co-worker who just last month went through surgery for lung cancer and she needs to start chemo now – her biggest fear is loosing her hair…. I’m encouraging her to go through with the chemo regardless of what it may do to her hair – any advice??
p.s. – That Kung Pao chicken looks really good!!!
p.s.s – I admire your bravery! Stay Strong (also – I just ordered Choose Joy bands! My co-worker will be the first to get one!)
I have always admired your sewing skills. I know what it is like to have cancer. I have stage 4 breast cancer. I too feel that I was given this burden to bear because I am stronger than anyone else in my family. I was diagnosed about a year ago and after 9 months of cancer free PET scans, it is back. Stay strong and know that there are people praying for you every day. I too have small children and know that I couldn’t watch them suffer through this.
Wow wow wow! you are an inspiration to us all and an incredibly brave women ! Thank you for sharing with us. hope you chicken was delicious and sending lots of prayers your way!!
Hello Ashley
I’m a very infrequent commenter but I have to tell you that I frequently read your blog and I am wishing you such support and postitive thoughts all the way from Oz. Please know that everyone in your ‘wider’ community is trying to ‘choose joy’ like you do in your most difficult time. You are an inspiration to many worldwide and that is a powerful thing.
Will be praying for the best for you. Your strength is inspiring.
Ashley i will continue to keep you in my prayers. Keep your head up and you will win this war
Lots of hugs
Michelle
Stay Strong and from your posts I’ve started reading only recently, I know you will.
I’m sorry you have to go through all of this especially this time of year. Hang in there.
Praying and thinking about you a lot.
Ashley, some days I think “I should not respond to every post” but somehow you inspire me with your words. I hope that you find fun and (lets say joy) in trying some new hairstyles before the hair loss. I would love to make you an upcycled cashmere hat or hats for your noggin during chemo… I am sewing them now so if you would like a couple let me know. I also have an awesome collection of silk scarves that I never wear and would probably work well for a wrap.. I could send a couple of them your way. (Lisa if you are reading send me an address and I will get something off).. Keep up the good works Missy.
Praying for you Ashley! Praying that the Lord continues to give you the strength and will-power to fight through this. And, it is so true about what you said that you are willing to take it over one of your family members. That shows so much love and care for your family and they know that! You amaze me everyday when I get on your blog and see the different things you are doing, while going through chemo. Stay strong!!
I have been diabetic for almost my whole life and I’ve often felt the same, that I wouldn’t want anyone in my family to have it and there was a reason it was me and not them. I am praying for you. Your sweet attitude brings tears to my eyes! I know you are responding to most messages but don’t wear yourself out! My feelings will not be hurt one bit if you don’t!
We better be the first to know if you shave that gorgeous head of yours!!
Thinking of you!!!!!
You’re most definitely an inspiration, and that cancer isn’t going to know what hit it. Stay strong! <3
You have amazing strength. What an inspiration you are. Good luck! Can’t wait to see what the center inspires you to blog about! My FIL has been battling for years. He’s on a test drug. Last resort. He’s still working, playing tennis, riding his horse, fishing, loving, living. He’s a fighter too. No. Not a fighter. A warrior. Just like you.
Ashely the Warrior Princess
Perhaps you could make a princess hat or crown for when you lose your hair!
Continuing to keep you in my prayers, oh strong spirited, joyful, inspiring woman! You are truly appreciated for just being you!
Wishing you and your family much joy each day, and may God continue to bless you daily with reminders of His love for you.
You are so amazing and inspiring! I know you may not feel that way, but I’m sure you are helping others out there…..your family is lucky to have you!! I’ll be praying…..
I came across your blog this week. I believe it was through another blog and it caught my eye because it said you made clothes for babies and you have the big “C”. Well my mother just became an Angel of ours on October 25th. C took over our lives for almost 4 years. Originally diagnosed as Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct and liver cancer. My mom was 56, way to young, but her babies are all grown. We have to tell ourselves that, eventhough I’m only 25. There’s a bigger purpose 😉
I don’t mean to bore you with my story but I am really insipred by you. You show a strength that’s amazing! My mother did too. You never heard her complain and always stayed positive. She had her moments, my superhero was weak at some point or another but yet she held herself together and was strong for her 4 children and 1 grandbaby.
I see that same strength and courage in you, it’s definitley admirable! This is why am I following your blog and truly commend you for opening up on something so personal that unfortunetly A LOT of people can relate to.
You are in my prayers and I know God will lead the way. I’ll put a word in with my Mami to look after you too. 🙂
-Crystal
Ashley- I think about you constantly (in fact it’s been a good distraction with some personal things are going on in my life!). My family has had to deal with cancer in various forms and I can tell you from experience, your strength is holding them together. You are here because you are meant to make a difference. Through this blog, your “Choice Joy” campaign and your generosity to help various charities and families in need it makes me stop and think about the things I do in my life.
My SIL has had MANY health struggles and as a result she developed (severe) alopecia. It’s taken her years to become comfortable without a hair piece. I will never forget what she said one day when we were talking about being sick and losing her hair, “I was fine until I started to lost my hair. I knew something was wrong inside but no one else did…now without my hair, people see that something is wrong, I look sick on the outside”. Please stay strong, you are SO beautiful!!
Prayers and hugs to you, Ashley. I’m not glad you’re going through this, but I imagine you are helping so many others along the way as you chronicle your experience and face it with courage.
Your positive and strong attitude have impressed me. I follow your blog weekly, and am inspired each time I visit. I am a breast cancer survivor (only one year out) and am so overcome with fear sometimes I can barely breathe.
Thank you, thank you for chronicling your journey and sharing your hope.
I’m sending light and love from NC.
~Melisa
NC
I am Always thinking about you and praying for you and your family
You Sweet Girl… The Lord is Definitely using you in a Mighty way!!
I cant tell you enough on how you inspire me in Every way!!!!
I also wanted to thank you again for re sharing my Deer printable 🙂
just an FYI– we FINALLY moved to NC!! my cali blood is not used to the cold but i still love it it here 🙂
Love you bunches!!!!
xoxoxo!
Keren
I don’t know what to say because you seem to be taking everything really great. You are a very strong person and you make me feel so ashamed every time I complain about the small problems that I have in my life. Hugs to you and may you always find comfort in the Lord 🙂
Your strength is inspirational! My thoughts are with you & your family. Kickthat cancers butt!
Good luck!!! <3
YOU are amazing Ashley!!! I am here in Texas cheering you on girl!
You are such an inspiration. I have been following you for a couple months and everyday I log on and see that even though you are sick, you continue on and share your story. I pray for you and your family, and I hope that you get better soon! Thanks for being such a great inspiration, and sharing all of your talent in crafts.
thoughts from France where you inspire and uplift! Merci. Courage!
Continuing to pray for you and your family! “May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may He lift up His countenance upon you and give peace” – that perfect surpassing peace that only He can bestow upon you and your precious family.
there are no words big enough but i will try – thank you for the daily inspiration whether it be with unbeliveable projects that truly enhance life or your general outlook that has taught me so much in the short time that i have been following your blog. thank you for sharing all that you do with us. i am praying for your speedy and complete recovery and that you continue to have the strength to fight the cancer with all your might.
Just want to give you some hope and a special message of prayer.
My cousin has been battling stage 4 breast cancer since last year and in November got very bad news. I called her today and she was on her way home from out having lunch and said everyone’s prayers have helped her so much that she feels really good right now. I have been fervently praying for a miracle for her and I feel that the Lord is listening to my prayers and all the prayers of her family and friends. I will continue to pray for you and your family and ask for a miracle for you too! I know all of us readers have been praying for you and that the Lord hears your family’s prayers and our prayers as well. I know he loves your positive spirit and loves that you are so inspiring to all! Sending you lots of hugs and prayers from just up north of you in Walnut, CA
Your spirit, strength and attitude continue to amaze me. Praying for you like crazy, friend!
As always, reading and following you.
My father was on Methotrexate and as much as he feared the side effects, I’ll tell you, he felt good on it. Hoping the same for you,
I’ll check in tomorrow and see what you blog about…
You are so inspiring. I hope that you stay strong, you have so much support from your readers – we’re behind you every step of the way.
Katie x
You are truly amazing. What a positive and healthy way to look at having cancer, you carrying it and fighting it rather than watching someone you love and cherish have it. I will continue to think of you and your family.
It’s okay not to be strong all the time – that does not make you less inspiring, less tough, less amazing.
You have an army of love and prayers mobililized all over the world 🙂
xo Julia
My good friend jennifer carmine-swett aka “Lotta” passed away on Tuesday from a long battle with cancer as well… I seen you tributed your traveling journal to her. The people who follow you were placing comments on her guest book on caringbridge.org website because of your tribute to Lotta. I don’t know if it’s my place to say thank you but I am thankful and even tho Lotta no longer has to fight I know shed want us to continue prayers, faith, and strength for others. You posting lottas story and caringbridge website on yours has brought so many wonderful people to her story and I must say your peeps have now brought me to you. she said the sane thing, choose joy… That I will do not only for myself, but for both of you!
Corey Bohmbach
Hugs, Ashley. You are going to do great on Tuesday. My methotrexate was IV and I was there anywhere from 4-6 hours a day and I promise you, it truly went fast. I napped…..had my laptop…catched up on everything……and then it was time to go home. Praying for you sweetie. xo Amy
Check out Kasey Van Norman on you tube…she is probably your age and going through chemo also. Very inspiring…I’m sure you both would be a wonderful support for each other and like you she is VERY real. She too is the mother of younger children. You are so surrounded with prayer and believing God to heal you completely. Love ya Ashley!
Beth
Somedays I feel as though there are so many outlets for people to vent and whinge, facebook, twitter, blogs, IRL……. Then there is this space….. where I feel as though I am reminded of the true meaning of it all. Your happiness and positivity are a reminder of what it’s all really about. Thank you.
I am so glad that i found ur blog. I have been following you for months now. And with every post u write I feel I am stepping away from the negativity I have created for myself! I am amazed at how positively u look at life! so much energy, so much positive feelings! I am praying that you will get through the sickness. And I am so sure that you will!
Hi Ashley, I absolutely think you should go GI Jane.
See if you can get your hair styled on Monday, and get some nice photos done. Then get it short later in the week. A elfin/pixie cut would look great on you. Don’t be surprised if Boo wants her hair short too.
Are we going to see tutorials for bucket and cloche hats? Or trilbys/fedoras?
Good luck.
Claire
Hola chica guapa!
Your energy, strengh and positivisim will beat the cancer, It’s meant to be.
Maybe this can help you with your hair. A friend of mine wore it and she didn’t lose her hair at all:
http://www.elastogel.com/product-catalog/cancer-care/hypothermia-products
And now it’s your time. Please ask us for wathever you think will make you happy: songs ,videos, pictures, letters, recipes…anything! we all will be glad.
Stay strong chica guapa , tu puedes!!
Hugs from Spain.
Hi Ashley!
I have only been following your blog a few months, just before you found out about the cancer. I LOVE opening your pages to see whats new!
I am so happy to read this post today and see the comments you made about not asking “why me”. My youngest son just had his 2nd birthday. He was born with tons of health problems, all serious but not life threatening… until you put them all together! It is a miracle that he is here today. That I get to spend this Christmas playing with him instead of begging for his life.
This being said, I never asked God why did he do this to my sweet baby. I only ever asked for strength for him to make it to the next day, and then the next week. I am so thankful to see that I am not the only “crazy” person out there that can be optimistic that the outcome will be Gods plan!
Thanks for allowing us all to read parts of your story. It gives me strength to know I can carry on to another day.
Alicia
I felt the same way when I was diagnosed with cancer and given a pretty grim outlook. It was so much harder on my husband, kids, and mom and dad. I just had the attitude of ok let’s just deal with this and move on.
Try and keep your positive attitude! Like I had a doctor tell me, don’t get caught up in all the statistics that get thrown at you. No matter the chances the doctors rattle off, that’s all they are – chances. Just keep doing what you have to do!
you are making other people feel different about their lives by the way you are living, and sharing, yours. that is sooooo awesome.
love you!
love,
maryann
I too havecancer. Spine pelvis femur. Had breast cancer. Had moreradio this summer. Notgone back to work. Crafting instead best of luck Tuesday
You are truly inspirational! You are going through the fight of your life, and you are able to take a positive look at why you were chosen to experience all this. I am praying that you continue to have strength, and that you win this fight sooner than later!
Take care!
You are amazing.
Rock on lady. Rock on. Kick cancer’s ass!
You are an amazing woman. I read a few of you’re posts and I’m just in aw over how upbeat you are. I pray that should I ever end up in a similar situation I will handle it with as much grace and courage as you are. You are truly an inspiration. God bless you.
Thank you for blogging. My friend, Twinkle Toes, told me about your site. I am just beginning my journey. (first treatment is Jan 12). May God continue to hold your hand and keep you strong!
You are such an inspiration to me! you are making people to believe that we can overcome any problem if we just believe in ourselves. Keep fighting!!!
Love!
I feel so small in front of you. You are very brave and i really admire you.
I am sure that its just a temporary storm, that will only make you stonger and wiser.
Love
I have been reading your blogs on this site and I think that you are amazing. In September 2011 I went into the hospital thinking I had pneumonia when in reality I had congestive heart failure. I contracted a virus from the Day Care where I work and have been diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy. A virus attacked my heart and when I went into the hospital I only had 10 percent ejection fraction. I am now up to 45 percent and getting better. I never once thought why me. I was just glad it was not one of my children, husband, or family member also. We women are strong and I am glad to see the spirit you have. With God all things are possible and I believe that with his grace you will be just fine. God Bless You and your family.
while looking for the thing to be be thankful for in all things when i was diagnosed with breast cancer, immediately, i was truly thankful that it was me and not one of my family members. may god give you the strength you need.
Hi! I just recently found your blog and I wanted to tell you I am praying for you. To give you some encouragement, I also wanted to tell you, a very close friend of ours found out in October that she had Triple Negative Breast Cancer, which is one of the most aggressive. She also just found out last week that she is cancer free!! I serve an AMAZING God! He can do the same for you! 🙂 Well, that’s all! Keep your head, brighter days are coming! 🙂
ashley, you go girl! I have been dealing with cancer and Chemo for almost a year. Attitude is everything. When my hair started to fall out I asked my 22 yo son if I should shave my head.he was very practical and said long would be easier to clean up when it fell out. He was right.
You are on the. Right track. Keep it up. I have been looking for my next tattoo. And wanted something small and meaningful. Would u mind if I used choose joy?
Dana