Last Day of Chemo

We have finally made it to week 48 of chemo! The whole past year has been a long, busy, blur for us.  We couldn't be more thankful for everyone who has helped us along the way.  I was thinking back to the week Ashlynn got diagnosed, which was also the week my father passed away from Colon Cancer at age 52.  We had just ended a 2 year battle with ups and downs, and then found out 2 days later that we would have to start the journey all over again, to say the least we were overwhelmed.  Thankfully this journey has had a much better outcome, and I know this is because Ashlynn has her Grampy watching over her every step of the way.  Although the two of them only got to enjoy each others company for 11 short months, they will always have a special bond.

Over the past year we have driven over 12,000 miles just back and forth to the hospital, spent 7 nights at the hospital, Ashlynn has had 2 surgeries (Tumor removal, and placement of her medi- port, a third scheduled for July 8th), 2 blood transfusion, 1 platelet transfusion, countless hours spent hooked up to an IV pump, and many hours spent feeling under the weather.  Even with all of this going on Ashlynn has still been able to lead a very normal life for a toddler.  She has meet all of the major development milestones, and even exceeded quite a few of them!  This whole situation has molded Ashlynn into quite an amazing girl.  She is always happy, and has no problem going with the flow.  We are looking forward to seeing what the future will bring for our sweet girl!

Now getting to the actual last treatment.  Treatment 48 was another long one.  We planned ahead and brought lots of games to help pass the time.  We also ordered cupcakes from Sweet Olive Bakery for Ashlynn's team.  They have taken such good care of her, it was time for us to do something nice for them.  Ashlynn did a great job drinking her water on the way to the hospital, and she was hydrated enough when we arrived.  Chemo got started on time, making our day a little shorter, and by shorter I mean we were at the hospital for 10.5 hours instead on 12.  Nana kept Ashlynn busy for most of the day so I could get some work done.  Ashlynn did a great job all day, there were a couple points when we thought she might get sick, but she pulled through!  It was almost as if her body knew it was the last treatment!