Ashley's Passing

Dear Friends

Ashley’s battle with cancer ended this morning at 4am. Thank you for all your prayers through this five year battle. Ashley’s motto during this time was “I spit on cancer”. And while it may appear that the cancer won, today she is celebrating her victory with her Lord, in a place she described yesterday as a beautiful place to go to. Today she is no longer spitting on cancer but celebrating life with our Savior.

Again, thank you for all your support and prayers.

Love

Lenwood and Kathy

Psalms 27:1-4 - The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

Specific Requests plus Thoughts

Hi.
I've been able to visit with Ashley the past couple of days. It has been good to see her. Some specific prayer requests that I would like to mention would be to pray for her headache to go away. She has had a headache for several days, which has been pretty bad. Also, her sodium levels are low. They are trying to get the levels up to where they need to be. They are increasing a little each day, which is good, but please keep praying that they continue to get better.
On another topic, thank you for your prayers for Ashley. We do appreciate it! Please continue to bombard the throne of grace on her behalf and the behalf of her family- they need His strength, as well. Please pray for wisdom for Ashley's doctors. Please spread the word about Ashley. Ask all the Christians you know to pray for Ashley, please. We believe in the power of prayer. We know we have a God Who loves us and hears our prayers. Praise Him for that! We also know numbers don't really matter; however, please ask people to 'follow' this blog. It is a way that Ashley and her family can see and 'get to know' those who are praying for her. It is a way to be a blessing to them! If you don't know how to 'follow', leave a comment, and I'll respond and help you. Also, if you have a Facebook page, I've started a Facebook group called Praying for Ashley. Please feel free to become a member on that page as well and leave comments to be a blessing and encouragement to Ashley.
Please let Ashley and her family know that you love them and are praying for them. Leave them a Bible verse or a part of a hymn, perhaps. My desire- to be a blessing. Let's strive to be a blessing to this family-- yes, my family! Thank you!

Update on Ashley - 8/10/10

Dear Friends

Past week has been busy, and Ashley’s comfort has diminished somewhat. Biopsy on her right hip bone last Tuesday, followed by two more MRI’s, another CT scan, X-ray, plus numerous other test, all trying to understand the underlying cause(s). The muscle tightness she was experiencing in her back has moved around to her chest, which is really uncomfortable. They did find a med that helps relieve this, but side affect keeps her real drowsy. In addition, trying a new pain med, to replace one she is currently taking, again, major side effect is drowsiness, plus nausea.

Results from the hip biopsy – pathologist says that her cancer is now in her bones. Her cancer doctor said that he was not expecting this. Did mention one treatment option that has a major side effect of significant tiredness. This was late last night, and did not have time to discuss at length.

Again, thank you for your prayers, and words of encouragement.

Lenwood and Kathy

Psalms 23 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside thestill waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD ! for ever.

My Visit with Ashley 8/3/2010

Hello.
I went to visit Ashley last night. Yesterday she had her surgery. They took a piece of her hip bone and the marrow to test. We won't know anything for a couple days. So, please continue to pray for her. She seemed like she was doing pretty well. She was tired coming right out of surgery, but it was so good to see her.
Again we ask that you will please lift Ashley, her family, and her doctors up in prayer. Please pray for wisdom. Please be a blessing to Ashley by leaving a comment to let her know you are praying for her. Also, again, please spread the word and have other people pray and become a 'follower' of this blog. Thanks for all those who pray! You are a blessing; please continue.

8-2-2010 - Update

Ashley's surgery postponed til tomorrow in order to make sure her platelets are in order. Plus need to make sure the blood thinner is out of her system. Location of biopsy is still the lower back or one of the hips.

Still battling the fluid -' back to 100 lb. legs'.

Pain is basically under control, other than discomfort from fluid. One shoulder though is still feeling 'weird' - using heating pad to help relief the 'stiffness'.

Again, thanks for your words of encouragement, and for your prayers.

Sunday 8-1-2010 Update

On Friday, it was 'felt' that the fluid retention was now under control, so her meds were reduced. Mistake - by Saturday morning, her legs/feet were almost twice normal size from fluid. This cause considerable discomfort and pain - "Feel like I've got 1oo pound legs!!" Doctors increased meds, and along with a blood transfusion, she is now feeling much better, and in better spirits.

Surgery 'tentatively' scheduled for Monday am, with site location either hip or lower back. These are felt to be the 'hotest', thus, best location to hopefully determine underlying cause.

Thank you for your words of encouragement, but most of all for your prayers.