Medical Update

Last week we spent 2 days at DHMC with Ashlynn.  On Tuesday she had her Chemo Port installed.  This port allows the vein access without  having to have an IV.  The install for the port went well!  Ashlynn had to go under anesthesia again, but woke up very happy this time.  The port is located on left side of her chest, and is a little smaller than a bottle cap.  While we at Ashlynn's appointment we were able to meet with Dr. Chaffee to discuss Ashlynn's treatment plan.  We learned that before the removal of the tumor she would have been at Stage 3.  During the surgery they were able to remove all of her tumor with a large enough negative margin (area around the tumor with no cancer) and her Lymph nodes had no cancer. this moves her from Stage 3 to Low Risk!

On Friday we went back to DHMC for some more testing to make sure there is no other cancer in Ashlynn.  she had a CT, Bone Scan, and had some Bone Marrow taken.  While she was under anesthesia they drained some more Lymph Fluid from the incisions where her tumor was removed.  Dr. Latchaw only drain 15cc this time, and is hoping we will not have to drain the incision again. When we left DHMC on Friday we already had received the results of her CT and Bone Scan.  Both of those tests showed no signs of cancer.  Monday afternoon we got a call from Dr. Chaffee saying there was no cancer in her bone Marrow! 

Ashlynn is cancer free, and we will start her 46 week chemo treatment on Friday.  Chemo will be done as well to help decrease the chances of other tumors.  The treatments are every week for the first 13 weeks, and then we will have breaks mixed in every few weeks.  The 1, 4, 7, & 10th treatments will be the most difficult treatments because she will have all 3 of the chemo drugs infused on those treatments.  We will be staying overnight this week to see how she does with the first treatment.  We are hoping the side effects are mild.  I'm sure with Ashlynn's great attitude she will deal with everything well, she is such a good sport! 

Overall it's going to be a long year, with time out of work, and LOTS of driving, but all worth it to have a healthy Ashlynn!