Ashton loves to learn – he is a total nerd! He loves all animals, dinosaurs and books. He loves every Jurassic park movie and we hope to take him in June to see the latest one. He has been wanting to go to Sea World to see ocean animals so that is a new goal I have for us.
Ashton was diagnosed with Leukemia in November of 2021. As of July, he kept getting sick 1-2 times a month and we kept being told it was a viral infection. He was negative for COVID, flu and strep . One morning after he had seen the doctor the week prior I saw the bruising and petechiae on his skin and in the back of my mind I instantly knew. I Knew his diagnosis before the ER told me. He was rushed to the hospital with a Hemoglobin of 4 . He also had rhino virus. P flu, and the start of pneumonia.
Ashton has been getting chemo weekly at infusion but he also gets oral chemo every night. I, as mom (a nurse) can’t work right now because I have to stay home with him and my 1 year old. Ashton is immunocompromised and I can’t and don’t feel right having him back in school yet with other kids who are constantly sick. We are on the tighter end of things financially because I don’t work and we have been waiting to hear back from medicare for disability.
The doctor gave him the OK to be with others who are not sick but not closed in with large crowds either. His knees tend to hurt some days so he doesn’t walk far. He also has an NG tube for meds, hydration and food. I see this world as a much dirtier place now so I am constantly cleaning, especially when his blood counts are low. He got sick once and I don’t ever want him to get sick again due to germs around him.
When Ashton was diagnosed he shouldn’t have been walking. He was feeling so bad on the inside but he wouldn’t let on. On the outside he seemed fine. He was tired but fine. He is honestly a warrior, a fighter and my inspiration.
Hope Session by Courtney Taylor Photography