Hey friends, happy Monday!
We are back to normal (as normal as 2020 allows) over here today!
You guys…I have no words! Your prayers gave Ashby such peace last week! Seriously, it had been a hard few days leading up to the surgery, but the morning of, she had this amazing calm and peace that ONLY comes from the Holy Spirit. Praying for Ashby is the number one thing you can do for our family and because you did last week, she did so much better than anticipated. I cannot not give God all the glory for that and thank YOU for being faithful to pray. We were checked into the hospital by 9:30 and then the surgery began at noon. The number of texts messages from my friends and family, the prayers, the love and support…you would think that after 21 other surgeries, we’d not need this kind of encouragement, but it’s actually the opposite. With each one, it gets harder, so we appreciate the support even more. Andrew stayed in his car in the parking garage the entire day since only one parent at a time was allowed to be in the building with her. Right before they took us to the surgical floor, he came up and spent about 30 minutes with her, but then after that, we swapped spots again, and my sweet husband waited it out in the parking garage.
Ashby’s surgery went well. They didn’t get to do everything they had planned, BUT they did a lot and were also able to remove TWO nasty clots, so it was all very successful. I absolutely love her hand surgeon (and her other surgeon at the other hospital too, but this guy is my fave!!). He’s the captain of this ship and guides and directs us all as we make Ashby’s vascular malformation as safe and healthy as possible for her to live a happy life free of complications from clots and aneurysms. In pre-op, he asked Ashby what kind of cast she wanted him to put on and she said “Halloween”…well, he laughed and was like “I’ll see what I can do”. After the surgery, he joked that he was in the OR for four hours but only one of those hours was surgery and the other three was him trying to figure out how to make a Halloween cast. Bahaha! He had another fellow scrub in who he knew was “artsy” to finish it up. How cool is that?! She LOVES her jack-o-lantern cast so much!!
Ashby was out of surgery and back in our room around 4:30 on Wednesday. She and I cozied up, spent the night and then came home mid-morning on Thursday. She was in pain and sick to her stomach post-op, so I’m so happy we were there in their care. When we got home on Thursday, it was a revolving door of friends dropping goodies off on our porch. About every five minutes, someone would have dropped off Starbucks or a gift, there were pajamas left, toys, things to color, goodie bags, cookies…it was like Santa and his elves were hanging out on my street! Even though Ashby was still a bit groggy and not herself, she perked up every time I opened the door and discovered another treasure on our porch. I am so, so, so thankful for my sweet friends who orchestrated all of that!! There was even a beautiful quilt dropped off at Andrew’s office for her…it really blew my mind how many people reached out and loved on her.
I MUST GIVE A MAJOR SHOUT OUT to my sweet bestie who orchestrated all of it. I one hundred percent understand how it seems like Ashby is having “just another surgery” and it can really seem “very routine”. I totally get that!! The thing is though…to this eight year old girl, there is nothing routine about it. There is nothing simple or ordinary. Each one takes a mental and physical toll on her and for whatever reason, number 22 was the final straw that broke the camel’s back. She was not happy about this surgery and in a very sad place. Erika knew that (and was seeing that in the days leading up to the surgery), so she was calling my mom, my sister-in-law, my mother-in-law, Ashby’s speech therapist, her teacher at school, all of our friends and encouraging them to make it a huge day (I only learned about this AFTER the fact), and it was literally a parade of fun all day long. We had balloons delivered, cookies, ice cream, coffee and Starbucks goodies, crafts, toys, homemade quilts, pajamas, comfy clothes, SO MUCH that just made Ashby feel not only special but remembered as she stayed home and recovered. I love you so much, Erika!! I am so fortunate to have so many people love our kid so hard.
So, here we are today…she’s going to head back to school this morning in her cast (which she’ll wear 3 to 4 weeks). This surgery was 20 other procedures in the making. It’s pretty incredible when you stop and think about it…
The day after Ashby’s very first surgery in October 2015. During this surgery, they removed veins from her hand and upper shoulder (when you remove and/or cut away veins, you have to make sure you re-tie the ends so everything circulates) and took out two aneurysms (one near her lung). After this, we needed to have another surgeon use different techniques to shrink her veins and remove clots so we could do this again. They estimated we would do that six times…
…we did it TWENTY.
With each procedure, they not only shrunk veins, but they caught and removed numerous clots as well. After 20, they were ready to remove more veins in this last surgery. It’s all very incredible when you stop and think about it. That’s such a tremendous amount of pain to undergo in a short amount of time.
Ashby will continue to heal from this surgery, and then we’ll make a game plan moving on. I so desperately wish there was an end to all of this, but there’s not. We’re just going to conquer every step along the way as we continue to do everything we can to keep our girl safe and healthy. I am so thankful that God doesn’t reveal all the details upfront. I think Ashby and I both would have been paralyzed with fear had we known five years ago what we we had in store…each step along the way we felt the Lord walk with us, and looking back, we can see how far we’ve gone down this road. This is a long road for us to walk, but our plan is to walk it together with God by our side.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, friends. We love you all so much!! xo
Erika Slaughter says
Oh my goodness! You’re so sweet! I’m so glad it helped her have a little to smile about in the middle of recovering. And your family happens to have so many people who love you!! It was so easy! I’m so glad Ashby is doing so well. That cast is amazing!!
Sarah Dizard says
Wow!! Amazing girl and mama!! And love hearing about the people who love on you and the surgeon taking her cast request so to heart brings tears to my eyes!!
Staci Hays says
That made me have tears Erika Slaughter. I hope everyone is blessed with a friend like you.
Praying for you Shull family.
Kristin A Lyngaas says
It really is so incredible what they are able to do. Prayers for healing from this surgery. Prayers that she doesn’t need another one for a long time. God bless you guys ???
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’m so glad to hear the surgery went amazingly! Ashby is such a brave girl, she’s done so well! ?✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Aparna says
That’s a huge number of surgeries for anyone’s lifetime let alone a little girl! Good thing is children are really resilient and they bounce back soon. As parents, it’s tougher for us to see them go through so much pain. I have gone through Lot of medical issues in the past two years and I felt too, that I could get through it all only because of my faith in God. I feel when we go through difficult times, we need some kind of faith to get through it, some people call it prayers, others call it positive affirmations but the bottom line is that we need to believe in that power which gives us the inner strength.
Glad to read that she’s doing well. xx
Sam says
So wonderful to hear the update on how it went! God is so Good! Prayers for continual healing and for the future as well! What an amazing little girl, momma, family, and friends!
Margaret says
So glad Asby has you & Andrew! God certainly new you all neede each other to do this life together! My faith gets stronger every time I read your blog. Thank you! Hope you get more pumpkins out !
Margaret says
So glad Ashby has you & Andrew! God certainly new you all needed each other to do this life together. My faith gets stronger each time I read your blog,thx. Hope you get more pumpkins out! It is going to be hard to top that cast pumpkin! The kindness of that dr!
Elspeth says
So happy it was a success’ continued prayers hung out to you, your family and Ashby as she recovers!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jami says
So glad sweet Ashby is feeling well, will hold you both and your family in our prayers. Besties with big hearts are the best kind of Besties ◡̈
Laura says
The Lord is a light unto our PATH – so we can see next steps and know he’s there, but we can’t see the whole road ahead… which it sounds like was a blessing to you all 5 years ago. So thankful they caught those blood clots this time! Thank you for sharing this update! Now we just need a picture of her cool cast!!!
Monica says
Your love, courage, and faith throughout this journey is so inspiring. As we all navigate through our own sometimes calm and sometimes turbulent waters of life it is much needed to hear other stories to help fuel our own patience and strength. Thank you for sharing. As always, Ashby and your family are in my prayers!
Carly says
God is so so good. Thank you for sharing this update with us. It is amazing how much I was waiting for you post op update on someone I don’t know personally. Going to keep lifting Ashby up in prayer and for the future road she has
Randi jo rooks says
Awww praise the Lord !!!! Such a beautiful testimony . The way you’re walking this out with Ashby will be so formative to her faith and love relationship with Jesus her whole life . Great job leaning on Him and loving each other through it.
To Ashby: You’re truly a special little beloved child of God. You are courageous! That doesn’t mean you’ll never have fear … you are just learning how to deal with it and continue Walking thrift it with the Lord !!! Your whole life you will be able to look back and see – God is faithful, had always been, and will always be faithful to you! You can trust Him!
Dana says
So happy to hear that you guys are on the other side and it went better than expected. What a gift to have such great friends and family, too!!
Connie says
Crying tears of happiness to hear how God has worked in this little girls life. God bless her and your family always! You are such an awesome family and love that you keep Christ at the center of it all! ?????????
Debbie E says
That sweet girl is amazing!! And such an inspiration! ❤️
kathy says
Praise God! So good to read this.
Nicole DiDonato says
God bless her!!! Ashby is going to do great things in life, I just know it. So happy to read she’s recovering nicely.
Rachel Shafer says
So glad the surgery was successful! And what an amazing friend you have to orchestrate all of that for your sweet girl! Continued prayers for your Ashby and your family.
Corbie Baugh says
Tears for me too. Loved this update. Way to go Ashby! U are amazing!
ND says
I was praying for Ashby and thinking about the stress on her as well as the rest of the family and it occurred to me, where would this little girl be had she not been adopted?
When you, as her parents, are stressed out over what comes next, just remember, at least she HAS a ‘next’. It could very well not be the case.
Kelley Sawyer says
Thank you for this update!! I’ve been wondering how she’s doing! Ashby is the most brave person I know! Yay for Ashby day with all of the delivered treats! So fun and well deserved! Can we see a photo of her cast without the sling? I want to see the Halloween cast!
Carly says
Oh my goodness! Her sweet little face! So glad God has her and your family and has provided friends around you who are tangible testaments of His love!!
My 8 year old has a lymphatic malformation in her neck/chest area, and she goes to Children’s also. Years ago, her vascular team mentioned Sirolimus to us as something that might help shrink clots/cysts. We’re in Waco and didn’t want to drive the 2 hours weekly for her to take the meds, but recently, as she’s gotten older and her cysts have affected her more, I’ve been thinking about pursuing it again. ALLLL that say ?, I wonder if it’s a med that could benefit Ashby too?! It has some side effects so it might not be worth it, but I wanted to mention it anyway!
Bless you all. It’s so hard to have a medically fragile child. My heart is with you ❤️.
Sarah says
Thank you for sharing this update. My heart is full of joy hearing that the surgery was successful. Continued prayers through Ashby’s recovery and for peace in whatever way you move forward. xoxo
Lindsay D. says
Ashby is such a blessing to my life! What a brave girl she is!!
Elizabeth Kelly says
I’m so glad there was a bright spot to her tough day and what a wonderful friend to put it all together! Continued prayers for her recovery and the road ahead. She’s tough!
Ralinn says
I’m so glad this surgery was a success. This would be a huge number of surgeries or an adult and sweet Ashley has conquered them all. Lord, continue to bless Ashley’s healing and give her strength each day. Bless all of you Shay.
Janie says
Ashby is brave, strong & definitely “MY SUPER HERO” ! I’m so glad God put Ashby in your families loving arms.
Paige E says
OMGoodness, sweet Ashby. I’m so thankful she is a Shull and surrounded with great healthcare and loved on by such a wonderful family and community. God knew exactly the right family for this special little girl.
Jennifer Goodwin says
This brought tears to my eyes. What a brave and strong little warrior you have there in sweet Ashby. I cannot imagine all that the Lord must have in store for her life, but I know He will do big things through her. She is such a testimony to the joy of the Lord! I’m so glad she’s going back to school today, I know that makes her happy. Thanks for always sharing your life with us.
Trish says
Shay, Ashby is amazing! And watching your people support you all is a sight to behold! Will continue praying for Ashby! ❤️
Serena W. says
This warms my heart! Having such an incredible support system is such a gift! Continuing prayers for her recovery and hoping you are drinking a PSL and listening to Fall Harvest in the background. 🙂
Katherine Burgess says
Oh my goodness, I am just crying this morning. What a precious girl and what a BIG GOD that we serve. Continuing to pray for you all.
Molly says
I’m so glad Ashby is in good spirits! What a comfort your community has been for your family this week! A true blessing! Ashby’s story continues to be an encouragement to me – praying for the seasons ahead, I know God is doing great things through her life!!
Kayla Bruce says
Wow. Truly in awe of her and your strength! Our baby Coco turned one yesterday, and this year has really taught me how deeply mamas feel for their babies. Blessings and peace to you all as you continue to walk this road!
Sheaffer Sims says
Ashby gets so much respect from all of us, but so do you and the rest of the family. You keep your head down, you trust in God, and you take care of that little girl like you were made for it. And you know what, I guess you were! Your girl is incredible and so are you! Love you! xoxo
Jeanie says
I’m so glad sweet Ashby came through with flying colors and is doing so well. Once again, she killed it. She is amazing!
Libby says
So glad all went well! Nothing warms a mama’s heart like others loving on your kids. I hope her recover is quick and without complications.
Jess Burkell says
Sweet Ashby! This brings tears to my eyes! I’m so glad she is doing well. I have 4 kiddos myself and 2 have had complex medical situations – one being childhood cancer that required a lot of procedures and surgeries. So I can completely relate to all of this. Having a support system truly makes all the difference. One of my biggest takeaways during my daughter’s cancer battle was that we just have to SHOW UP for our friends and family when they are facing the hard stuff in life. I’m so encouraged to read about how your friends show up for Ashby (and for you!). I truly believe kiddos like Ashby, who overcome so much at a young age, will have such a love and appreciation and trust in Jesus because they get to see early on how He loves and cares for every detail. God bless your sweet family!
Jordan says
So happy to hear the surgery went well! Ashby Shull is the BRAVEST girl! But I have to say that her mom and dad are pretty brave too!
Pam Douglas says
So glad another successful surgery is behind Ashby. Praying for a swift recovery.
Andrea says
Wow! So glad Ashby is feeling better and that she will get to go back to school (I’m sure she’ll get lots of compliments on that festive cast!) I’ve been so worried about her. And I think that if everyone had a friend like Erika that world would be a MUCH better place!
Mix and Match Mama says
I couldn’t agree more!!
Paula says
I am so happy to hear Ashby’s surgery went well. I am so touched by all your good friends and family! It is so sweet to see everyone rally around Ashby & your family when you needed them most. And NOTHING about surgery is routine, let alone twenty one! That girl is tough. She doesn’t always feel it I am sure, but goodness she is. Her journey speaks volumes to so many and will continue to. God is good.
BTW…that cast is so cute! What incredible surgeons!
Dawn Richardson says
Ashby you are SO brave! I am in awe of you…So thankful her surgery went well. Now go rock that Halloween cast Ashby!!
Lizzie says
PTL! You’ve been blessed with a strong little girl. Continued prayers for Ashby.
Heather Leggett says
The Leggett Fam has been praying for Ashby (and you all!). So glad it went well and she got her Halloween cast…which is amazing!
Anneka says
I’m thankful Ashby’s surgery went well. Poor sweetie, that’s a ton of procedures. Prayers for continued recovery. I’m glad she was able to stay to regulate her pain and nausea. What a warrior!
Jamie says
Aww, sweet Ashby! You girls both have such strength! Is she ever able to feel the clots or can they only be detected through her procedures?
Mix and Match Mama says
Sometimes, we can feel them but for the most part, they’re very wrapped up in her lymphatic system.
Audrey Grone says
I am in tears reading this. Shay, you are the mama she needs!!! Oh my goodness, the strength and bravery in that little girl is incredible. Thinking of your family extra!
Tammy Carlisle says
Big prayers from Waco, TX.
Jackie says
What a wonderful community you have around you and Ashby! I’m so glad she’s heading back to school and loves her cast, and it’s so wonderful that so many people brought her treats after surgery – she’s one lucky girl! Sending love and healing from NY! xo
Tanya says
Praise God is all I can think to say after reading this post. Thinking of your family!
Kelly Davis says
Sobbing as I read this… from Andrew sitting in his car all day to the parade of love from friends… sobbing! And not helped at all by the fact that in the background pandora is playing Bethel’s “See the Victory”! Such a perfect song for reading this post. Amen!
Maggie Eterno says
I’m so happy she is doing well and back at school! Thankful that God doesn’t tell us all the details, but is with us every step of the way. And what amazing friends to do all of that for her. So sweet!!! Prayers for continued healing and for guidance as you take the next steps.
Shevonne Latter says
So happy to read this Positive little
update Nd am so Happy that you’re on the other side of #22
What a Brave Brave Girl Ashby is and so glad that she was made to Fell Extra Loved and Special in this time – she sure deserves it all as do you Mama and Papa
Praying for a great healing and recovery and as always a clearer and less difficult path forward – Ashby is so Blessed to Have your Family be Her Family throughout her lifetime in facing this battle Always in our Prayers ?????
Sara says
She’s so brave. It’s interesting, I really noticed in a recent picture that her arm/hand looked so much better! Visually, it looked smaller, more “normal.” I was hopeful for her that meant things were good but alas, another surgery for the sweet girl.
Kay says
Shay, I’m just so happy to hear that surgery went well and she’s back at home! I’ve been wondering and praying since your last post how things went, just like I would my own friend or family member. Continued prayers for you all. I love her smiling picture with her pumpkins and Starbucks, just like momma. Love to you all!!!
GiGi says
I think I would have broken long before surgery #22. Ashby is a strong little warrior! I can’t help but think what might have been had God not brought Ashby to your family. It brings tears to my eyes every time! How sweet and thoughtful of Erika to organize all the surprises during her recovery. My prayers continue.
MAUREEN WERNER says
I originally discovered your blog about a year before you adopted Ashby London. I remember seeing your Mudroom with her name already displayed on a chalkboard above the hook for her little backpack. I fell in love with her beautiful name and our family started praying for her right away and we followed your journey to get her in China and all the years that have followed! We are so happy that Ashby is doing so well. She holds a special place in our hearts, in fact I borrowed from her name this past December when we adopted a sibling set of 4 children to add to our family of 7 children and make it now 11! My youngest daughter is 2 year old London Ashby…We will keep praying for your beautiful girl and your whole family!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwwww! That just melted me. xo
Peggy says
As someone who has clotted for nearly her entire life and has had numerous hospitalizations, I understand your stress as well as hers. I prayed all day for a successful outcome and will continue to pray for all of you.
Peggy
Eileen says
You family is an inspiration to all of us. Sorry you have to experience this. But we know who holds the future and He wants to be our strength.
Praying for your family and sweet Ashby.
Debbie says
I’m so glad that Ashby is recovering well! Praying for her and your family!
Kimberly Penson says
This made me cry. I remember my gasp years ago when I saw you and Ashby for the first time. I’m glad it went well and will continue to pray. What a brave strong girl. God be with your family!!!
Janet K Inman says
I am so glad to hear how well Ashby is doing today. She is quite a tough little girl! I pray she continues to heal well and feels all of the love and comfort He is giving her.
God Bless.
Janet
Carol Scott says
Love reading about your amazing family and God Bless Ashby, what a. sweet little girl, so wonderful to see her surgery went well. God Bless your family. God is great!
Rochelle Kennedy says
I’m so glad she’s on the mend! What a tough little girl!! It sounds like you all have the best support system. We’re actually waiting on a callback from the vascular clinic at Scottish Rite for my 3 month olds first appointment and I take great comfort in reading your comments about them and how they treated you guys!!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Wow reading this just makes my heart break for Ashby to be going through all of it, especially as a child! I’m so glad she felt the love from her people! You were definitely meant to be her mama Shay!
Karah Stracener says
Oh sweet Ashby, she is such a warrior. I am so glad she is healing well. I love that the surgeon granted her wishes by making her a Halloween cast. Continued prayers for her and you mama.
Robin says
How strong you all are as a family not to mention the bravery of Ashby facing all those surgeries. A supportive community whether it be neighbors, church family or others can make all the difference.
I read this post a day late on Tuesday after looking at Facebook. Strangely enough I stumbled on a post from a mama in the next community over from mine who has a special needs daughter as well. (Her little girl, Avery has Dravet’s syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy.) That mama’s strength and your own are beyond impressive!
By the way, Avery’s mama has a blog called Gracefilled Growth you might enjoy reading.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Robin. Sending you a big hug right now. xo
Miranda says
You are an amazing lady with a precious family. What a blessing you are to this beautiful little girl.