Support Registry Update

One week post op 🖤

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Today officially marks one week since my brain surgery, and it feels like a good time to share another update. 

It’s hard to believe everything that’s happened in just seven days. Recovery certainly hasn’t been easy, but I’m so thankful to say that I’m starting to feel so much better. Every day my left side gets a little stronger, and those small improvements have become some of the biggest victories. 

One of my favorite moments this week came from Aaron last night. Right after surgery, my left hand apparently felt so cold. Last night he laughed and said, “I think your left side is finally warming back up!” We both got such a good chuckle out of it. It’s amazing how something so simple can feel like such a huge milestone. 

I’m also becoming much more independent. I’m walking around more, going up and down the stairs on my own, and Aaron is very reluctantly starting to give me some of that independence back. I know he’s only trying to protect me, but it feels so good to be able to do more for myself again. With every little accomplishment, I feel like I’m getting another piece of myself back. For the first time in a while, I’m finally starting to feel human again. 

This week is going to be a busy one. I have my first physical therapy appointment, a radiology appointment, and, hopefully, I’ll be starting immunotherapy. To say I’m anxious would be an understatement, but I’m also incredibly eager to get started. Every appointment feels like another step forward, and I’m ready to keep fighting. 

Before I wrap up, I just want to say thank you again for the unbelievable support surrounding the fundraiser and the shirts. Seeing so many of you wearing them, sharing them, and purchasing them has meant more to me than I can ever put into words. 

There are only three days left to order a shirt before the fundraiser closes on July 8th. I’ll attach the link to this post, and if anyone has any trouble accessing it, please let me know and I’ll be happy to help. 

I also want to give a special thank you to the amazing people who designed and organized these shirts. They are so beautiful, and every time I look at them, my heart is full. It means so much to me that they drew inspiration from the shirts I made for my dad back in 2018. It’s such a meaningful tribute that has brought everything full circle in a way I never could have imagined. 

Knowing that 100% of the proceeds go directly toward helping my family as we navigate this fight takes such a weight off our shoulders, and I’m beyond grateful for every single person who has supported us in any way. 

Thank you all for continuing to pray, reach out, donate, encourage us, and walk alongside us. I truly feel surrounded by so much love, and it gives me strength on the hard days. 

One week down. Many more victories ahead. One day at a time, one appointment at a time, and one step at a time. 💛 


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Comments

Michaela Johnson 25 days ago

Such a good update!! Glad to hear you’re healing & braving the future! You’re so strong!! Eager for you to continue on your healing journey!! Shirts ordered woo!

Irene Bubnack 24 days ago

Dear Ashlen, It's so good to "hear" from you and know that you are finding joy and strength in regained accomplishment, new abilities, and opportunities that this challenge time has brought into your life. I'm so happy you are finding the support (of all those who have been touched by your journey in the last eight days) as a source of strength. In your career and in your circle of family and friends, you have been a light of support for others. Lean in now and know that we've got you, Aaron and your wee little ones in prayer, and our continued support (even from afar). You are in my daily novena & our family prayers. Blessings, Irene & Mike Bubnack