Ashley had an appointment with her Neurologist on Monday. It went very well. In fact he noted marked improvement in Ashley’s range of motion and the decrease in the spasms. These are significant gains that we have noticed since Ashley has been home. It is reassuring to have the doctor see the improvements as well. It also means that she is becoming less reliant on medications and some of those have been reduced. We anticipate that some of the side affects like drowsiness will decrease and this will have an increasing positive impact on her recovery.
The therapists are also noting Ashley’s improvements in therapy. She has been home for just over three months and we have not had any set backs. The nicer weather is providing us with an opportunity to get Ashley outside more often and that has to be stimulating. It can also be tiring; she is ready to call it a day earlier then when is has been indoors all day long (other than commuting to therapy).
Ashley will be making a road trip one day this weekend and she is looking forward to it. Please pray for her to have a safe and enjoyable time.
Ashley
ALS Walk
Joining the "I Sherwood Walk" for Aunt Donna
Go ND
There is nothing like game day at Notre Dame
Go IU
First time watching the game with Miles. He was always filming while a student.
Valpo Popcorn Fest
Hanging with Orville
TMA Camp in Kentucky
Ashley with Michelle and Jordan
A Great Day at the Pool Beats...
Hey, I'm working here!
Six Years Later... Still Motivated
The eyes and smile say it all
Way To Go Bro...
I taught him everything he knows
Ashley with Her Walker
Continuing her efforts to fully recover
Christmas in Florida
December on the Beach
Reporting for Beach Action
Someone has to enjoy it!
Ashley in Holly's Wedding
A whole lot of pretty
Go Bulldogs
Ashley & Miles Cheering on Wade and the Dogs
TMA Camp 2012
Dressed for the Western Theme
Proud Papa with Ashley
Keeping Dad Smiling
Spring 2012 in Chicago
The Sign Says it All!
February in Naples
Some of our WestWind Friends
January in Miami
Visiting George, Ileana, Ana & Tony
Always Connected
New Netbook keeps Ashley Connected even on Neighborhood Walks
Not now. I'm buzy.
Ashley Meets Dr. Lugo
Mary, Ashley, Pauline and Al Lugo (also an ADEM victim)
Let It Snow
Ashley and Mom Sledding
Imogene's Antlers
Ashley in a play with others using communication devices
Ashley standing and providing her own balance
How I Spent My Summer
Nothing Beats Being at the Lake
Ashley's Corrective Castings
A 3-4 week process to correct foot posture
Family Portrait on Serenade of the Seas
Recognize the backdrop? From a ship no longer with us
Ashley's Van
God Bless the hundreds that helped us get this van!
Christmas Morning
Tis the Season
Christmas Carols Pay a Visit
On the Treadmill at Therapy
Victory Junction Gang Camp
Mary and Ashley in the Village Area
Adam's Car
Ashley with our Crew Chiefs Katie and Matt
Two Important Men (and a dog) in Ashley's Life
Sandy, Dr. Kerr and Kazu
The Whole Family having Fun at Victory Junction
Ashley and Dr. Sim
Dr. Sim is the Medical Director of Victory Junction
Bowling at Victory Junction
On Horseback at Victory Junction Camp
Ashley after her first horse ride
Ashley Walking
She is working without a net!
Summer Tuesdays Friend's Night
Boating on Lake Freeman
Sandy & Austin at the Neuroimmunological Symposium
Sandy has done so much to guide and help us
Ashley Hits the Pool!!!
Ashley & Austin get a Mother's Day Hug
Ashley's St. Mary's Pals Visit
Andrea and Kelly Drop by before Heading Home
Ashley & Mom Watering the Flowers
Spring is here!
Ashley in Her Standing Frame
Ashley's Restored Smile
Dr. Teel's handy work has Ashley smiling as bright as ever!
Ashley gets a Visit from Emily
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Ashley's most prolific blog comment-maker checks out Ashley's new digs
Ashley and Mary react to the news they are coming home!
Ashley and her Dwenger High Pals
Ashley's award winning smile is back (no braces!)
Ashley and Mom at an RIC Live Christmas Music Event
An example of the Support Ashley is getting
One of several posters, cards and letters sent to Ashley as Christmas approaches
Ashley's view of Water Tower Place from Northwestern Hospital
Ashley's Christmas Tree
Transfering to a Car
This 'car' sits on the 12th floor of RIC
A Family Walk in Chicago
Along Lake Michigan with Mom & Dad
Ashley and Dad
At the Park with Mom and the Grandparents
View of Lake Michigan from Ashley's room at RIC
Early Birthday Party at Select
Nurse Carol (share's Ashley's B-day) and the staff celebrate
Ashley's View at Select in Ft. Wayne
Visitors during Therapy at Select
Ashley & Mary Fly in from Virginia
View from Ashley's room in Virginia
E-cards pinned up in Ashley's ICU room the first week in Virginia
11 comments:
Hi Ashley,
We're so glad that the weather has perked up and you are enjoying it! I could tell you have made great strides when I visited last week, but it's great to hear it from your Dr. and therapists. We are busy getting ready for Angela's First Communion. She looks adorable in her outfit from Vietnam and she is excited to wear it. Have a great road trip this weekend, you will all be in our prayers. Love, Aunt Lynn, Uncle Stan and Angela
Hey Ash!
I'm so glad that you're getting outside and enjoying the weather. It seemed like the entire student body was outside this past weekend. It's so hard to get work done when it's sunny out!
It sounds like you are improving every week. Keep up the hard work! Have fun on your road trip this weekend, and get excited for May 10!! Only two and half weeks until I get to see you :)
Love,
Kelly
Hey, girl, hey!!
ROADTRIP!!! Sounds awesome! I'm jealous! I want to come home so badly. This is the last week of classes, and it's finally an "easy week." I had my recital on Sunday, two shows, and it went well, but I'm so glad it's finished. Afterwards, I went to Molly Rondot and Audrey Waggoner and said, "Well, girls, with two weeks left, I finally have a freed-up schedule!" Their reply??-- "Great timing, Em. It's the end of the year!" Haha. Oh well. I'm hoping for good grades this semester, and that makes it worth it.
I'm really happy that your doctor is pleased with your improvements. That's so wonderful that you've had no set-backs! Yay! And decreasing your medication sounds like you're making some really big strides. We all know meds are helpful, but they can also block a lot of progress too! Hooray for being able to cut back on those! That means you're doing so well!
Keep up the good work, sweetheart. I'll be home May 3, for good, for the summer! I can't wait to see you. I hope you can make time in your busy schedule to see me. I'm incredibly excited.
Love you much!!
XoXo,
Emily*
HI Ashley,
Yesterday we were with your Grandparents - Dan and Jill, everyone we talked to were very happy to hear about your progress. Everyone always asks and say they are praying for you and everyone. I am sure you will have a great time at Lynn's this weekend = nice to go on a Road Trip. Looking forward to seeing you this summer.
kathy and I love you.
Way to go Ashley! Keep up the great work and progress. You are such a miracle and inspiration to everyone. Gob bless...
Ashley,
Road trip! Awesome! You know I love a road trip! I am sure this will be the first of many.
My students and I pray for you daily.
God bless,
E. Martin
Hello Ashley,
As Willie would say "on the road again"..enjoy your trip and take time to look at the beautiful tress & bushes in bloom. "One of the wonderful creations by God". John & I took a road trip last weekend for his 60th Birthday and it was great! Always nice to get away.
You have a good time and you will be in our prayers.
With love, Laura
I am so glad you will be taking a road trip here at my house! I am glad that, thanks to your road trip, you'll be here with me for my First Communion! It is tomorrow that you'll be here, right! Aha! i knew I'd be right on that one!I can't wait to recieve the host and look out at your (hopefully) smiling face! I found a card from you to my mother saying, "Thanks for coming to my First Communion, Aunt Lynn! Love, Ashley" in a dusty old box. Mom and I decided to show you it tomorrow! Can't wait to see you! Love always, Angela
Hey ASH!
Taking a little "roadie" this weekend, huh? SO fun! Speaking of roadies I was think of you every time I drive past the starbucks in gas city and about the several road trips to that construction company in John's truck to get chlorine!! We only got lost that one time, and its out in the boonies! And it was a beautiful weekend so far and I'm glad that you got to see that firsthand....God sure did give us a masterpiece to enjoy, and its days like these that I can really appreciate that. God also gave us all a masterpiece when he blessed all of those you LOVE you with YOU! I know you've heard this on and off for the last 9 months, but Ash you truly are an inspiration to me and so many others!
I'm so encouraged by your continual progress, getting off those meds means you'll be able to do so much more.. GO ASH!
I'm just getting ready to start my last week at school for this semester so things are a tad crazy, but in 4 days it'll be over and I'll be home, so I want to come over and see your progress!!
Keep smiling, lovie!
Love always!
Rach
Dear Ash,
I love you so much and I miss you already! Please come back really soon! Please! Pretty please with sugar and whipped cream and cherries and chocolate on top?! Please?! Love you, Ang
Dear Ashley,
I really miss you a whole lot! And you've only been gone for about 3 hours! Please comce back super soon!
love,
Ang
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