Monday, March 3, 2008

March 3rd

It is always easiest to remember what just happened. That is certainly the case looking at this last week. Today Ashley seemed to really coordinate with eating and swallowing. If you think about all the mechanics involved it helps you to appreciate what Ashley has to think through and then hope all the signals get through. Gee, I thought remembering all the steps (and properly executing) for a good golf swing was difficult.

Ashley have been taken off of a three different medicines since being home and has had the dosage reduced on another. She has not had any problems with digestion and she seems more alert. We will be pursuing treatment for stiffness in Ashley’s neck and right arm, but with Ashley’s reduced episodes involving spasms we are on hold with the procedure for an internal pump to provide that medication.

Ashley had several visitors this weekend and enjoyed the company. Her mother and I even managed to slip out to dinner on Saturday night for our 25th anniversary. We went to a restaurant that Ashley chose and we both agreed it was an excellent suggestion.

We expect Ashley’s standing frame to arrive at our home this week. A standing frame is a device that Ashley sits in and then via a pneumatic pump raises her to a supported standing position. Currently when we transfer Ashley from one spot to another we usual support her in a standing position for a few minutes. Now she will be able to put weight on her legs and feet for a half hour a couple times a day. It helps her circulation and also helps her build muscle tone.

Had it not been for the rain today it would have been a great morning for Ashley to get out for a walk (nearly 50 degrees), but now a cold front is coming back. Spring will soon be here and you can count on Ashley wanting to get out in it!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ashley-

That's awesome to hear about your continual progress! Your hard work and strength is amazing, you truly awe me. Also great to hear that your beautiful smile is back! Nicole on the other, just got her braces back on for the second time! haha but she's taking it well! I'll be gone on spring break next week but I'll be home the following two weekends so I will be sure to come see you and the fam then. Can't wait to hear about more good news!
Miss ya
Jess McComb

Anonymous said...

ashley, i had so much fun comming to see you!! i work both days this weekend, but alex and i are going to try to come see you soon!! i am so glad you are doing great, and i hope the weather gets better for you. =) today is my first track meet! ahh im nervous. okay well have a great day! have to get ready for school.. boo! haha i love you!!

<3 Jesssssss

Anonymous said...

Ash--

Hey girl, heeey! I saw your daddy and brother at mass on Sunday-- I was sad you were not there! And tell Austin to stop looking to old! I wanted to stop by this weekend, but we got home (FW) late on Saturday and left in the afternoon. I won't be home until Easter, but I hope I can come see you then.

Nick (my sister), Grant, and I went to the Ben Folds' concert-- it was amazing! I wish you could have been there, you would have loved it! He puts on quite a show. The guy who opened for him was TERRIBLE, though! That was on Friday.

On Saturday, we went to PU's last home basketball game. We were a little shaky the first half, but we prevailed in the second. This is amazing for two reasons. One, we almost lost the first half to NORTHWESTERN. Really, now. Come on. How could I stand up to Greg Huffman if PU lost to N'western? Second, we are NEVER a second-half team. We always lose in the sendcon half. But, whoosh, don't worry, we made it. That was Nick's first PU game, and she really enjoyed it. We took her into the "Paint Crew," (named after Matt Painter, our coach--- and when we had Gene Cady, it was called the "Gene Pool") which is the Student Section you see behind the hoop. She had a really good time; she was clapping her hands and doing all of the cheers with us.

Saturday night we came home and hung out with Blake Arnold and Chloe Lallo. Yes, they're still together and as goofy as ever. Grant and I really enjoy hanging out with them.

Oh, speaking of which... Grant asked me to be his girlfriend... so looks like I'm off the market again. SO WEIRD! But he's a good guy and always asks how you're doing, and what updates there are to give, and asks what he can do to help out. He has hopes to meet you (I tell him so much about you!), but he understands that everything is on Ashley Time, and he must be patient.

I'm excited for you to get a new piece of work out equipment! That's great! And listen, don't tell anyone, but I STILL have trouble coordinating my eating/swallowing skills. As a matter of fact, just yesterday I was eating salad and watching Lewis Black's stand up routine, and I laughed at the same time I was swallowing and a piece of lettuce got stuck in the back of my throat. So, you're doing better than I am!!

Miss you so much, continue your amazing progress, you're doing so well!
LOVE YOU!!
Emily*

P.S Please tell your parents to call my Ma. She apologizes for not getting in touch these past few weeks, but my dad had surgery on his shoulder and his arm is still in a sling for another month. And you know what a grizzly my dad can be! But she would LOVE to come over and sit with you! PLEASE CALL!

Anonymous said...

Hi Ashley
Great to hear about your progress. With being at home and the weather (hopefully soon) will be warmer for all to enjoy the outdoors. Last week Aunt Kathy and I were in Florida at your Grandparents for a few days. It was great to spend time with them. Everyone is asking about you and are encouraged to see how you are doing. We plan to come up some weekend soon for the day to spen time with you and the family. we love you and will see you soon.

Uncle Dave...

Anonymous said...

Ashley,

You are making great progress! Keep up the good work.

Dan and Paul have finished their wrestling season. Neither made it out of sectionals, but they have high hopes for next season. They have started lifting weights for the fall season. Dan plans on playing football and Paul has mentioned cross country. Time will tell.

Love Jeff, Becky, Dan & Paul

Anonymous said...

Ashley,
You & your family continue to be in our thoughts & in our prayers. We are SOOOOO "very happy" to read of the progress that you are making!! - BLESS YOUR HEART -
And "Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary" to your Dad & Mom!!!!
Mary, I sent our CRHP team #10 this blog to see these updates...

Love from, Keith & Michelle
+Joshua in Heaven, Matthew & Amanda
The Amstutz Family