Ashton’s goal was to be OFF the crutches completely before January 2012…AND he worked and pushed himself so hard, that he did it well before then. I am so so PROUD of my son. You go ASHTON!!!!!!!

View the new photos on the photo gallery at CaringBridge –

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ashtonrichards/journal

Saturday, December 17, 2011 9:51 AM, EST
written by Lori Van Dien

Note From Mom-Also, Please See New Photos!

Curletha Robinson Campbell (Taken from Mom’s Facebook Entry)

I am so excited…Ashton is doing much better. His energy level is rising and he is using only one crutch, some of the time. He is recovering from last week’s nasty chemotherapy. Today we got a good blood count report from the Dr… and we are continuing on our way to a good healing…it is wonderful to see him walk through the house without crutches and he says he feels good! What a blessing…we serve an awesome GOD!!!! HE is a healer…!

In July, I was a basket case when Ashton was first diagnosed with cancer…but Today…December…I feel safe and sooooo much better because I NEVER EVER LET GO OF GOD’S HANDS…during this entire time! I am STILL holding on…

The medications must be administered every six hours, which requires waking through the night, and allowing the medication to come to temperature. The medicine is syringed into the device that was placed in his chest. This required training from a doctor and nurse who came from Miami to explain the importance and teach us the technique. We are dizzy from the various medications, pain, antibiotics, sleep medication and high dose vitamins and supplements Ashton is required to take.

We look forward to complete healing and destruction of this thing. Ashton is fighting with all that he has and in the meantime, we are trying to continue enjoying outings and life in general. There is no way to ignore all the symptoms and constant treatments, but we feel a great peace of mind.

We especially thank the many people lovingly helping us, and kind contributions from organizations in place to help families in this type of case. While no one can take away the situation, you do provide a loving cushion for us to soften the harshness of this process.

Again, thank you so very much to everyone. May your lives prosper in health and happiness for your selflessness and love.

The surgery the doctors scheduled for today was cancelled. The bacteria that was attaching to the knee hardware has somehow worked itself out!

Originally, when the doctors reopened the wound, they inserted a wound sack to drain and heal from the inside. Upon monitoring the area, they found the bacteria had attached to the hardware and they were going to completely remove and replace the metal and plastic knee. After four weeks, Ashton’s body had begun accepting and healing around the new hardware. He has suffered the pain of having the area handled three times, and today was going to be the fourth major invasion of the wound.

We were not looking forward to the setback of another surgery and recovery period.

So please join us in grateful thanks to God, because today, the doctors decided that the hardware is bacteria free, they cleaned the area, and cancelled the surgery!

Ashton is on pain medication because the constant attention to the wound caused a lot of discomfort. But the good news is that he doesn’t need another major surgery!

Thank you again for all your support for this family. We are so grateful and looking forward to a speedy recovery. This is a wonderful way to start our November.

Aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments are completed for the bone cancer and will resume for the cancer in his chest. When first diagnosed, doctors discovered the bone cancer had metastasized (spread) to the chest, to dime-sized lesions. Chemotherapy should work to shrink and hopefully they will disappear or turn to scar tissue.

The first surgery was performed October 7th. This was a twelve-hour radical removal of the bone, and the cancer, the 22 cm incision travels from below the knee to the upper thigh area. The length is due to the doctors constantly checking to ensure total removal of the cancer cells going up the leg. The surgeons cut out the entire knee, which they replaced with a metal and plastic knee.

After observation, we were safe to return home with instructions to return if a fever developed. Once he felt sufficiently rested, Ashton attended a football game and enjoyed a happy outing with friends this weekend, October 21-23. We are all grateful for the outpouring of support from his friends.

While the surgery was successful, and readings showed no further cancer present, Ashton developed a fever. Fevers indicate possible infection. We brought the fever down, but returned to the hospital to be safe.

Tuesday October 25th, the doctors reopened incision and drained the infection. Ashton’s body is young and strong, but these processes are extremely taxing for any person. He gets depressed and tired, but is still excited about getting through this to continue a happy productive life.

Today, Ashton is recovering from the second surgery on his leg. During the second surgery the infection was cleaned out, and a wound sack was inserted. The incision was left open for observation.

Unfortunately, doctors discovered that the bacteria has formed in two places, one type of bacteria has attached itself to the hardware.

Monday, Ashton will undergo a third surgery to replace the hardware. We are praying for total success and freedom from further infection.

The road is long and tiring, but in the midst of it all, our family is realizing many wonderful blessings. The many acts of kindness toward us and some unexpected financial help have touched our hearts deeply.

In our next post, we will update Ashton’s progress and hope to spend some time discussing the various outreaches of support we receive so that other families can find similar help during their experience with family health setbacks. We are so grateful for the skilled medical staff and their attentiveness to Ashton’s wellbeing.

We send love and prayers for happiness, peace and health to all our family, friends and supporters.

There is a donate button on this blog if you wish to donate directly to help offset the many expenses incurred during this difficult process. http://ashtonrichards.wordpress.com/

Use Paypal securely above. And we thank you for your much needed help, Curletha.