Latest Update on Ashley

Now, I know I just started this blog and basically gave you a 'run through' on what is going on with Ashley. Now, let me give you an update. Ashely was accepted and went to Boston, MA for about two months for a trial drug. However, it had to stop for her because she was experiencing some pain not just in her joints (some of the others were facing that, too!) but also in her muscles. They didn't know why that was happening. They speculated that maybe the trial drug was 'eating' her red blood cells. As you could imagine, that would be painful! So, that medicine ended for Ashley.
This week she began having a lot of pain again and swelling. She was admitted to University of Virginia (UVA) hospital. She has been there since Wednesday. They have done testing. They did a bone scan and found some 'hot spots' on that. I guess, as best as my mind can understand, they saw some things that concerned them. So, they did a bone marrow biopsy on Friday, July 16, 2010. I actually went up to see Ashley on Friday(and brought her Chick- Fil-A- she loves it and doesn't have one close to her!), not knowing all of that was happening. I was excited to be able to see her. She was a little nervous about that, but they were able to give her some meds to calm her down a bit. After she was through with the biopsy, she said it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. So, that was a blessing!
She also had an ultra sound done on Friday, too. So, Friday was a busy day for her! I haven't really talked to her today except through text and she said, "..."I'm doing much better today." We won't hear anything back from her tests that she had on Friday probably until Tuesday or after. Please keep Ashley in your prayers. Please pray for her physical and emotional strength. Pray for her family and friends. Pray also for the wisdom for her doctors as they take care of her. Of course, we know that God is the Great Physician. We rejoice in that fact! He is the One Who holds Ashley in His hands!