A special thank you.

I just wanted to personally thank all those who have been praying and fasting for Robert and myself. I have felt the power of both today, and I am sure Robert has as well. Thank you so much for the love and support at this time. It means so much to know people love us and care about us so much. Please continue the prayers for Robert. He is the most resilient person I know, he will make it through this. I am so grateful for all of you.
All our love.

The lowdown

I spoke to Ashley around 1:00 this afternoon and this is what she told me that they know so far. The doctors think that both the infection in his blood and his colitis are being caused by E.Coli (nasty dude!) The good news is that Robert is responding to the antibiotics to take care of Mr.E. He is still on oxygen currently, but they x-rayed his lungs this morning and we are waiting to hear the results for those. They are also giving him IV nutrition today. Thank you to everyone who is fasting today, and for all of the continued support, love, and prayers.

Thursday Fast Request

Robert and Ashley just one year ago!

Ashley has asked that people join together in a fast for Robert tomorrow Thursday April, 30th. For those of you who may not know we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also referred to as Mormons. If you would like to know more about fasting please go here.

Robert is still in the ICU today. His kidneys are functioning well again, and they have managed to keep his temperature down and his blood pressure up. Doctors have also discovered the source of his fever. He has a bacterial infection in his blood, this is a difficult thing for him because he is neutropenic and doesn't have the immune system necessary to fight it off on his own. They have him on antibiotics to help him fight his infection. 

The other complication that Robert is dealing with right now is fluid in his lungs. On Monday night (late) Robert's blood pressure started dropping. They believe it was because he had such a high fever all day and he became dehydrated. To bring his blood pressure back up they had to give Robert lots and lots of fluids. This did work to bring his blood pressure up, but some of the fluids got into his lungs. Currently Robert is on an oxygen mask all the time, to be sure that he is absorbing enough oxygen through his lungs. If at any point he is not getting enough oxygen they may have to put him on a ventilator, to help his lungs take in enough oxygen.

Robert also received steroids today that will specifically help to stimulate his adrenal system. Because Robert has been fighting infections and on antibiotics for so long (C-diff and colitis before he even went into the hospital for this round of chemo) his adrenal system isn't working the way it should. This happens to people who fight infections for such a long period of time.

Looks like this week will be a medical update week! They anticipate that Robert will remain in the ICU for the next 3-4 days.

Robert doesn't talk much at all right now. It is too much work for him to speak. He sleeps or is 'out of it' most of the time due to all the drugs and pain meds he is on. His body is using all of its energy fighting right now. The good news is that his white blood cell count or 'numbers' are beginning to come up. Today he is at .3 up from the previous .1! We hope they come up quickly and help him fight off this infection.

Please continue your prayers for Robert and Ashley! Ashley continues to be so amazing as Robert's wife and caregiver. She has such faith in his recovery! Join your faith with ours and fast with us tomorrow if you are able.

Much gratitude and love,

Janelle

Prayer Request

Robert was admitted to the ICU last night. His fever kept going up yesterday, and he started throwing up. Those are sure signs of an infection. When his night nurse came on his temperature had reached 103 degrees. She was unable to get it down with medication. His blood pressure dropped, so he was taken to the ICU. They have managed to control his temperature and bring his blood pressure back up. 

When his blood pressure dropped all of his blood was going to his heart and brain, which left his kidneys with less than the desired amount of blood. Now his kidneys are struggling a bit, so he will stay in the ICU to be monitored for now. They need to make sure he is cleaning his body out well, peeing normally and all that good stuff. 

Robdob is feeling pretty crummy so he has called in Yoda--you know to help with the Jedi-mind healing, Wolverine (he can go microscopic in Robdob's body to fight infection) and the Incredible Hulk (not sure exactly what his helpful skills are--keep you posted on that)! Along with all the BIG GUNS and SUPERHEROES we are requesting PRAYERS! Thank you for those! Ashley and Robert truly feel the power of prayer!

DNA Sunday

Ryan is a super cute and goofy kid, which makes him super cute and goofy in his pictures!

He gets two pictures to show off his handsome mug, for the cute and the goofy!

Ryan Ashworth is the fourth child and middle boy. He has followed in Robert's footsteps with baseball and is a talented player on the Las Vegas High School team. He is funny and crazy. His sisters say he finds way too much enjoyment in torturing them! :) He is 16 years old and watch out he has his drivers permit and cannot wait to get his license! Here is what he has to say:

What is your favorite color?

Green

What makes you laugh?

When I fart by people. (Such a boy!)

If you had to live somewhere for the rest of you life, where would it be?

Not at my house (I think he copied Alycia's answer :)

Which is a better pet? Dog or cat?

Both are good in their own way.

Describe yourself in one word?

Lazy

What is your favorite posssession?

My Xbox 360 (I lose it to Robert a lot!)

I think Ryan is pretty generous to share his Xbox with Robert when he is in the hospital!

What surprises you about your life so far?

My brother.

Favorite holiday?

All day with my Xbox Day!

Worst habit?

Video games

What is something you are really good at?

Baseball

Something no one knows about you?

I pick my nose.

Quality you like most about yourself?

That I am really good at math.

Most happy when?

I am home alone.

Most embarrasing moment?

There are a whole lot of them!

Thanks Ryan!

*Robert is still feeling the crummies. He has mucuositis in his throat--the chemo kills all cells, the fastest growing cells first--including the mucous cells in his throat. The lining of his throat and esophogus cells aren't able to reproduce, so it has allowed Robert to get sores in the back of his throat. This makes it even harder for him to swallow and eat. That made him feel extra crummy this morning, but he is feeling better this afternoon. This problem will go away as his blood cell count numbers come back up. His neutrophil count is .1, so he is still neutropenic. This is the lowest he has been so far, and as low as he can go! There is only up from here! They are hoping his numbers start coming back up in the next five days or so. In the meantime he is sleeping a lot. He has gone within, to practice his health regeneration Jedi mind tricks! Awesome!

Come What May

Here are the absolutely adorable Robdob and Ashpants on their wedding day!

I've never known any couple to have more kissing pictures than these two! Never leaves any doubt how they feel about each other, and this picture is wedding, red-hot!

Well the story here is that Ashley is a bit of a movie buff! And when she loves a movie, she really loves it! One movie that she fell in love with was Moulin Rouge--and it's sound track. The song, "Come What May" in particular. So it was no surprise that she chose that song to be sung at her wedding for the first dance by these two adorable people . . .

Brittany Squires, Ashley's baby sister and Sterling Chase, Ashley's cousin! They were amazing as they sang the following lyrics:

Never knew I could feel like this

Like I've never seen the sky before

Want to vanish inside your kiss

Everyday I love you more and more

Listen to my heart, can you hear it sings

Telling me to give you everything

Seasons may change winter to spring

But I love you until the end of time

Come what may, come what may

I will love you until my dying day

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place

Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace

Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste

It all revolves around you

And there's no mountain too high no river too wide

Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side

Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide

But I love you until the end of time

Come what may, come what may

I will love you until my dying day

Oh come what may, come what may

I will love you

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place...

Come what may, come what may

I will love you until my dying day

Here, of course, are the bride and groom enjoying their first dance as a married couple!

They had no idea on that beautiful day how those lyrics would play into their life. That 'come what may' included leukemia and fighting as a true Super Hero Couple! Their love and strength through this ordeal has been truly inspiring!

Just reading the lyrics wasn't the same for me, so I found this video to post. Not the best sound quality, but a good basic song presentation! I hope you enjoy it! I might reccomend grabbing a tissue or two--maybe I just needed them because I am prego and hormonal.
I think it is more because the story playing out in Robert's and Ashley's lives is so touching. It is real, and sometimes raw, and it reminds me daily to love my husband and family all the time, every day! Come what may!

*Robert is still as healthy as can be expected! Still feeling crummy too! No complications with anything though! He is eating pretty well still, Ashpant is pleased! He has been doing his laps aroung the third floor everyday!

Dollop of Daisy

We welcome Amanda (aka. Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donor Extraordinaire) Ashworth as a guest author on the blog tonight. She shares a little about Robdob and Ashpants superdog Daisy, who is living with the Ashworth Family for now!

Daisy is a fun, loving Italian Grey Hound.  She loves her owners very much and you can tell by the way she reacts when Ashley and Robert walk through the door.  Daisy is definitely a sick person dog. She always without a doubt knows you are sick and comes running to you to comfort you.  It doesn't matter if you have a little cough or a huge cold she will follow you around and lay with you till you are better.    
When Robert and Ashley first adopted Daisy she was so tiny she could go under the couches.  When you run away from her and go on the other side of the couch she would cheat and disappear under the couch and get you from the other side.  When you would run after her she would yet again disappear under the couch so you couldn't get her. 
Daisy was taught not to bite when she plays with people,  but one day one of the siblings were playing with her and she started to bite them.  As they were playing, she would bite down harder and harder and then sibling said "Ouch," and she stopped and licked the ouchie better.  She was taught well by her owners!   
Daisy misses Robert and Ashley so much.  You can tell by the way she follows them to the door when they leave.  When she realizes she isnt going home with them her head is lowered.  Daisy is very loved and we are happy that Robert has her to help him through this life changing experience.  

When Daisy was little she would curl up on Robert's shoulder while he played video games! It is easy to see that Robert loves having her around too! (11/02/08)

*Robert is feeling much the same today as yesterday! This part can be difficult for him, gets him down a little to feel gross, again! Only two weeks in the hospital left! Hopefully these pictures will cheer him up! He is staying healthy, other than the blahs, headache and discomfort! Yeah for that!

Here come the Yuckies!

Robert started feeling the effects of chemo today! He is feeling a little gross, and upon further questioning that means that his joints are achy, he has a headache and he basically just feels blah! That said he is eating more than he was at the same point last time! Ashpants is always pushing for more super food consumption, but is happy with the current quantities that are being ingested. 

They like Robert to walk at least one lap around his hospital floor everyday--helps keep his appetite up and its always good to get the body moving! Unfortunately when Robdob feels gross he wants to retire his super boots until he feels better! Well this time around Ashpants devised a clever plan. You remember the green pee container, right? Well that is a bedpan urinal! Robdob likes to use those sometimes so he doesn't always have to get out of bed! Ashpants plan: everyday that Robert walks at least one lap, she'll bring the pee pan to him! No lap--walk yourself to the toilet buddy! I thought that was pretty funny!

Oh the things we talk about during chemotherapy that would never be appropriate in normal conversation! :)

P.S. Robert & Ashley's nephew is going into surgery tomorrow Wednesday April 22 at 10:30 AM. Karalee Garber's son Elijah is having his cleft palate repaired! Please remember them in your prayers as well. If you want more information on him go here tomorrow afternoon!

DNA Sunday

Anjelica Ashworth is the youngest girl in the family! She is thirteen and tons of fun! She likes babysitting and hanging out with family and friends. She always has a big smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye! Well, I will have Anjelica finish up her intro in her own words (as she wrote them at the top of her questionnaire). Anjelica (Robert's favorite sister) Ashworth! Here is what Anjelica has to say:

What is your passion?

Animals

Favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving

Which is a better pet? Dog or cat?

DOG!

If you had to live somewhere for the rest of your life, where would it be?

The beach.

What is your favorite possession?

My teddy bear, Starry.

Most happy when?

I get rid of waste.

Biggest waste of time?

Arguing (Amen sister!)

Quality you like most about yourself?

My eyes.

The nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Giving birth to me.

Something no one knows about you?

That I love to surf.

Most embarrassing moment?

When I was at a pool party and when someone threw me up my bottoms came off!

Worst habit?

Biting my nails.

Favorite dinner/food?

Watermelon

Favorite dessert/sweet?

Brownies with ice cream.

Favorite book?

Twilight

Favorite TV show?

One Tree Hill

What makes you laugh?

Farts (I'm beginning to think its just an Ashworth thing! :)

What is your favorite color?

Blue

*Robert is doing well. He gets his chemo treatments once a day in the late afternoon or evening. So far he is still feeling well! We hope that keeps up and this will be a speedy hospital visit! I'd like to challenge Robdob to make it the shortest chemo round yet! :)

Green pee, and chocolate shakes...

That's no Kool-Aid... Yes, that would be Robert's green pee. Blue chemo+Yellow pee= yeah... you get the idea. Robert got his first chemo today, 2 bags, one blue, one clear. The interesting thing is I think the clear one has more possible side effects. Go figure. Weird stuff. Robert is doing well. The chemo takes a couple of days until it makes him start feeling yucky. So he has been feeling fine. They are starting him on antibiotics to try to prevent any infections, plus keeping him on the ones he has been taking for his colitis. So we are hoping that will keep it all in check.
Trying to fatten Robert up is no easy task. It's like trying to convince a picky kid to eat their veggies. Ok, I might be exaggerating a bit. But I try to get him to eat everything, literally, and I would say I get shot down on about 50% of things. (Some things I know he doesn't like, but I ask anyway, can't help it. Note, Robert is not about peanut butter these days. More delicious Reese's for me.) He has been eating more, but of course, I wish it was even more. 132 lbs. isn't making me so happy. Luckily he has been more willing to go the Ensure route. I got In-n-Out today, to my dismay Robert only wanted fries and a chocolate shake. What?? No juicy Double-Double? But, I'll take what I can get.

Hopefully this hospital stay will be a short one. Robert and I are in complete awe of how many people are so willing to do so much for us. Thank you for all they prayers, support and love. We are so grateful. We love you all.

Admitted!

So I was right about the sign hanging on the third floor, it still says 'No Vacancy'! But, I was wrong about Robert being admitted yesterday. They admitted him to the second floor late yesterday afternoon! (So much for being informed, ;) lol)! Robert is doing well. They are getting him all settled in and doing the pre-chemo types of things. They should be starting chemo later today or first thing tomorrow! They will move him up to the third floor when there is a vacant room. I'll keep updating as I get more information, and I'm really working on some pictures--I promise!

P.S. The purpose of all my fundraiser dinner typing was to tell you that our date is Saturday May 16th! That much I know for sure! So save the date! Somehow I didn't get that into the post, must by my pregnancy induced CRC (can't remember crap!)

No Vacancy

Is the sign hanging out in front of the third floor at the St. Rose hospital. As of this morning (the last time I spoke with the Ashpants herself) they hadn't been called in just yet. I'll have to call her again tomorrow for an update! I suppose I might feel a tad bit silly if they are at the hospital even as I type and I just am not informed. I pride myself in being informed, you know! :)
Robert is feeling well, just resting! They ditched my dinner plans last night anyway to hang out with the Ashworths, can't say that I blame them! The Ashworth's are a pretty fun and awesome bunch! They were working on a fun picture/slide show/video project for Ken Ashworth's big dinner fundraiser next Friday April, 24th! Oh, and speaking of dinner fundraisers we have a date for ours (put together by the Squires family, and generously hosted by the Ashworth's grandparents). We are still working on the nitty gritty, but hope to have all that information together by Sunday! You'll know as soon as we firm everything up!!!
So good things are happening all around! Thank you for the love and support on the auction! Did I mention on here yet that we extended it for some gorgeous jewelry made by our very own Aunt Lara Squires? Check it out here!

Loves!

Just Snuggle Me. . .

For one more night! I just know that is what Robert asked for, and his wish has been granted! He gets to snuggle his Ashpants for one more night in their very own bed. This happens sometimes when the hospital doesn't have a bed become available on the date they anticipate, so we are expecting the call tomorrow sometime! We will keep you posted of course!
Robert is feeling well today. He has been taking it pretty easy and was tired this evening! I would love them to be granted one more night at home, because when we thought they wouldn't be going to the hospital till the weekend of early next week I made dinner plans with them. Alas I understand that this story revolves around Robdob, and not myself--just know I will make them a yummy dinner either way!
And I'm working on some more cute posts! Collecting pictures and such! Should get fun and funny around this blog!
Loves!

Current News!

The up-to-the-minute information is that Robert will be going in to the hospital tomorrow afternoon to start his second round of chemo. Ashpants and Robdob have their bags packed and will not-so-anxiously await the call that his room and bed are ready! The fun news is that Ashpants picked up a new pair of 3-inch heel, fire engine red boots and Robdob scored a new superhero belt! "Look good to fight better!"--that's what Ashpants always says!

Robert is feeling well these days. He has gained a little of the weight c-diff knocked off of him in their last battle. You should see c-diff--he's barely recognizable and still on a ventilator! He'll know better than to mess with our Robdob again!

Robert is not looking forward to more chemo, but all the Smurfs have been by the hospital to donate again and have called with their best wishes! The super hero friends are getting together to see who is available with the best tools to help Robdob this round! We'll let you know all the famous faces who show up! In the meantime, let's gather the force and prayers and send them Robdob's and Ashpants' way!

Thanks!

Our most recent adventure...

The snow capped mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah! We decided to have our consultation with the Huntsman Center, because we have heard really great things about it. We met at the Clinic and talked to one of their BMT doctors. He went over everything we heard Robert's first time through it, plus some. It can be discouraging, the statistics they throw at us, but we know Robert's are better than what they tell us :D. They are going to be doing some things differently, but we will share that all when it comes. Robert is getting more chemo here late this week or early next week and that should be about 3 and a half weeks. They will let Robert recover for 3-4 weeks and then we will be going to SLC for his transplant, around early June. That is the plan as it stands now. It's nice to have more of an idea what will be going on.
Amanda came with us to SLC to give blood for Huntsman's records, and Linda joined us too. It was a 2 day partay! (Ok, really, not so much. But fun all the same.)
Robert outside the Huntsman Clinic, it is huge!
Our future home for at least 100 days! SLC here we come. (We're just glad it wont be as hot as Tucson! Blah!)

Auction Starts Today!!!

We have started another online auction on my blog. It has even more items than last time! So many people who love and care about Robert donated their amazing talents and time for this event. We just want to give each one of them a big Thank You!

Come check it out here!

DNA Sunday

Richmond Tyler Ashworth (I love that he included his middle name on the questionnaire!) is the youngest of the bunch. He is funny and sweet. He once sat through a chick flick while I was at their house just to hang out with the crowd! Here is what he has to say:

Most embarrassing moment?
When I said the pledge of allegiance, and I was supposed to be saying the prayer!

Most happy when?
Pooping (Such a boy! :)

Biggest waste of time?
Pooping. (Wait, how does that work out?)

The nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Save my life.
(need details on this one!)

If I knew then what I knew now?
I would warn Robert about sickness.

Favorite dessert/sweet?
Chocolate cake

Favorite dinner/food?
Ribs

Worst habit?
I roll my eyes too much!

Favorite holiday?
Christmas

What is your favorite possession?
Money

Which is a better pet? Dog or cat?
Dog

If you had to live somewhere for the rest of your life, where would it be?
In a mansion with everything I want.

What makes you laugh?
Jokes!

What is your favorite color?
Green

There's no place like home...

Yay for being home! Robert and I are in love with our bed, and get very sad when we don't get to sleep in it. So that is probably our favorite part of being home from the hospital. Plus I don't have to eat hospital food. Blah. Well Robert isn't so lucky on the food front for a couple days. This is what his meals are looking like...
Well at least he enjoys the mashed potatoes. Ensure, not so much. I have to force drink him.
Robert is still feeling "icky". But he has been getting better. We're just hoping this infection goes away for good. He has been tired and I have to force him to drink and eat still, but when your food isn't very exciting and you don't feel so hot, it makes it kind of hard. But things are looking up!

We both just want to say thank you so much for all of your love and support. We are overwhelmed by how willing people are to help us in so many ways. Thank you for all the prayers, they help so much more than you know. Much love.