Ashley Update 5/16

We continue to get great news on Ashley! Yesterday, she and Robin went for her weekly IV treatment. Given her great response to the medicine, Dr. Graham is stopping the IVs (we're at about one month instead of the planned three) and will continue her on oral prednisone. Up to now, she had been taking orally 60mg of prednisone daily (along with the weekly IV), but starting today she will decrease by 10mg every ten days and then will remain at 10mg for two years. As her dosage of prednisone decreases she will lose some of what little puffiness she has gained and her skin will start to clear up. 

In addition to the prednisone, she will begin giving herself a weekly shot of methotrexate. Fortunately, it is a low enough dose to not cause her hair to fall out or other side effects.

Ash also asked when she could start working out and the doctor said he will allow her to walk about 15 minutes a day.

The jury is still out on whether she will be able to make her planned mission trip to Italy at the end of June. She is looking so forward to the trip. Dr. Graham said he still wants to follow the swine flu before he gives her a final answer. We told him we will go with his recommendation, so we'll see.

It's amazing how everyone still mentions that they have Ashley on their prayer lists and I know that the power of prayer and the healing power of God will totally cure Ashley. Thank you so much for always asking about her. We really appreciate knowing that everyone still thinks of her.