What's Going On

Hello from Ashley!

If you are reading this, you are aware of what's been happening in our lives for the last month. To recap: In mid October, I had a biopsy on my left breast that didn't result in great news. After several meetings with amazing doctors, nurses, surgeons, and support people, I have decided to have a bilateral (double) mastectomy, immediately followed by implant reconstruction (same day). My Goal: to give myself the lowest possible chance of having to deal with this again. My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11. I will stay in the hospital for 3-4 days, and then begin a lengthy recovery at home. I am so incredibly lucky to have the support I do from our family, friends, my Keeper's family and most of all from Jason. He has been so amazing throughout this roller coaster ride.

In spite of everything, I truly believe that I am one lucky woman. I am surrounded by people who love me, love Jason, Sadie & Chase, and who continue to prove time and time again that they will go to any length to see us through to the other side of this challenge; the side where I am free and clear and healthy! My Keeper's family (Danny, Eli, Scott, Dianne, Mike, Sam, Josh, Delle, Kim, Sue, Amber, Sara & Molly) is so helpful in filling in the gaps, making me laugh, and keeping things in perspective. God love all of us crazies!

Whether you are geographically near or far, I sense all of your love and support and I appreciate every bit of it. I am starting this blog to help all of us, me included, sort through all of the information that will be dispersed in the near future. Of course, I am not known for my consistent email capabilities, but I will do my best!

As far as how things are really going, they are going pretty well. Sadie knows I am going into the hospital to have a bump taken out, and that I will be very sore when I get out. Her concerns are how they will get it out, and naturally, if it will hurt. And most importantly, if she will have to spend ALL that time at home with Dad! Overall, I think she is acting like a regular 5 year old that thinks she's in charge of the world. Yes, she's a touch more fragile, but I think we all are. Chaser is doing well, and will probably feel the brunt of this when I come home, unable to pick him up for a good couple of weeks. I am not looking forward to this reality. Jason, as I mentioned earlier, has been so terrific. He has been working so hard to finish up projects at our house, in addition to juggling the rest of his work. I think this is so much harder on him because there is so much that falls onto his plate with me out of commission. I need to keep him healthy and sane throughout all of this and I'll employ any help I can get. I can't imagine what this is like for our parents, simply because I can't imagine if it were Sadie or Chase. I love all of you.

As for me, I feel terrific. Nothing hurts, or feels different, and I think this is the most difficult part. I am having a hard time understanding that next week, I will walk into Dartmouth Hitchcock feeling this good, and walk out in rougher shape. On the flip side, I think that once this is out of me, I will feel much better. Time will tell. The plan for post surgery is not certain yet, and most of it will depend upon the outcome of my surgery. I'll keep you posted.

Love and thanks, Ash