Author: ashley

A couple nights ago I couldn’t sleep at 4am, but the baby was sleeping well. Praise God! I was thinking about a strange and funny thing that happens to me everyday. I thought you guys would find it funny. I will be sitting because I can’t do much else and all of sudden I feel something touch my right leg or arm. I think oh my goodness what is that?! I look down and it is my left leg or hand touching the right side of my body! It is so strange and funny to experience this. It is like Matthew 6:3. Do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. I literally dont know what my left side is doing! Lol. So weird. The left side of my body feels like Thing from the Addams family. This experience is getting less frequent as I have gained more feeling back, but still startling at times. Just wanted to share something funny coming from all this. I do have more to share that I will post later today. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Praise be to God! Thank you to everyone for prayers, meals, calls and visits. I love them all. You all have eased this cross so much. I still have not heard from the neurosurgeon. I called today and left a message. I will call again tomorrow. I will post an update as soon as we find out anything. Please pray for my mother in law’s boyfriend (Marco) a few days ago he had 2 strokes and was in the hospital. He went to a rehab facility tonight. He is coherent. We don’t know the full extent of damage but he is walking leaning towards the right and not steady.

I went to my new primary care doctor and everything was good. My recovery is going very smoothly. Praise God. I have gained more mobility in arm, hand and leg. I couldn’t hold anything in my left hand or touch each finger to my thumb and now I can. I could barely lift my leg off the bed and had to use my hands to put my leg on the bed. Now I can lift my leg about 6 inches and I can put my leg on the bed without using my arms. I put my pants on by myself! I’m a big kid now! I can’t get my shirt on yet but I know I will be able to do that soon. I’m so thankful for all my little victories.

I had a visit from a home nurse who assessed me. She told me my incision was 14 cm long, ½ cm wide and I have 18 staples. I didn’t realize how big it was. Yikes! She recommended 2 days a week of PT and OT and 2 days a week a nurse coming and checking on me. I thought I was fairly stable on my feet but she said I wasn’t. I also overdid it the day I went outside and hurt my good calf. I could barely walk the next day. I am much better today but it still hurts. Maybe once that heals I will be steady. God has given me so many blessings.

Oh I stopped taking Norco and I finally slept much better last night. I have been able to manage pain with only Tylenol. The last and biggest change is that I came home tonight. It was wonderful to be at my parent’s house, but very difficult for Damien and the kids. My parents were incredible. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything. They were always serving and helping and never complaining. I am a little nervous about coming home but it will make everything easier for Damien. The man is a saint. I could not have asked for a better husband, friend, and partner in life.

The kids missed me especially DJ and Isaac. They were struggling to keep themselves together and were so excited when I came home. We did our bedtime routine in my bed and they fell asleep next to me. Damien can help with the baby in the middle of the night, so Leah can get sleep and a much needed and deserved rest. She has been watching kids and taking baby duty every night since Marco was in the hospital. The baby got sick so he was fussy all night last night. She also has midterms and 2 presentations tomorrow. Please pray for her to do well on everything. I will hate for her to do poorly because she has been taking care of everyone else.

I have been reading a book given to me about unifying our will with God’s Will. It is very good. I also received another book about surrendering to Jesus. I don’t know who gave that one to me, but thank you to whoever it was. I’m looking forward to reading it! (Sorry books are still in the car and I can’t remember titles). May God bless you all! I love you all dearly.

Your sister in Christ,

Ashley Dennis

Dear friends, I’m sorry we haven’t posted an update in a couple days. Things have been busy. I want to first Praise God for all His love and Graces he has poured over our family. We are so unworthy of it all. To God be the glory now and forever! We have settled in nicely at my parents house. I’m so grateful to them for providing us with a room and going above and beyond to serve us and help with kids with no warning. They have been incredible. Allowing visitors anytime so don’t hesitate to come, driving kids to snd from school, work, and events, making meals for Damien and me, just serving us in any way they can all day. Wow, we are so blessed.

My headaches have become much more manageable. I can handle sound and light. I have been taking adventures down the hallway to keep moving. Yesterday the boys got to spend all day with me. They were so good! I have amazing kids. We made a train and chugged down the hallway. They played dinosaurs with me and cuddled. It was the best. I finally got to shower and wash my hair. It was one giant rats nest. My husband tenderly and patiently washed it for me. Did I tell you I have the best husband in the world? He is non stop serving me and the kids. After my wash, which felt divine, my mom called her friend who has also been our hairdresser since I was in middle school to see if she could cut my hair. This amazing woman showed up 30min later, gave me and the little boys a nice haircut. See how blessed I am! I feel so much better and love my hair cut. The rest of the day was filled with friends and kids. It was perfect. Leah spent time with me sitting on the bed talking and doing school work till 10:30p. She is the best daughter. She is working so hard to help and keep up on school work.

One difficulty that I am having is sleep for a variety of reasons. I cant sleep more than an hour, maybe 2 at a time. I can’t get comfortable, my head hurts, or just plain insomnia. I never really experienced this before for so long. Any suggestions? Last night I started getting little tingling sensations all over both sides of my body. Hopefully that is a good sign! Today Deacon Chris Pagel is bringing us Holy Communion. I can’t wait. I’m going to try to venture outside to get some vitamin D and watch the boys play outside. Nothing much besides that. If you want to visit please call me. I’m so happy and my recovery is going well. God is good and the family and friends he has put in my life are amazing. I want to brag about my mother in law Kari. She is with all the kids including the baby in the middle of the night. She is managing the house and getting things cleaned (which has always been a huge struggle for me). She is incredible and we couldn’t get through this without her. My dear friend Diana has been coming over after work and will be with kids most of the weekend. My second mom and friend Joyce has been coming over almost every day to help with the girls keep up on school work, cleaning, organizing, and anything else we need. God has truly given us a village of love and support, which eases the suffering tremendously.

Yesterday my neurosurgeon Dr. Timothy Lucas called me to see how we were doing. He was so kind. He said he had not received my biopsy results yet but he is OCD and has been constantly checking. He is going to call me the minute the results come in, most likely not till Monday. Monday morning I have an appointment with my primary care doctor and then an appointment with Dr. Lucas to get all my staples removed on Oct. 21st. Things are moving along and I’m leaning on Mother Mary, God and my village to get through. I’m always offering up everything for all of you. Please be assured of my prayers. Everyone is struggling through so many trials, but God is with us and He will never abandon us. I love you all so much and appreciate every prayer, sacrifice, meal, text, phone call, and visit. I will update again tomorrow after my appt. May God bless and reward you all abundantly. Your sister in Christ, Ashley

6:15 PM   – Dear faithful prayer warriors and dear friends,
I wanted to post an update and try to express my extreme gratitude for all your prayers, sacrifices, calls, texts, all the people who have jumped in to take care of kids, and support us.
I’m so blown away and in awe of all of you. I know you are all carrying me through this. I praise God for his infinite mercy. God has been so good to me.

I know Mother Mary has me wrapped very tightly in her mantle. She is holding me close to her Son. I am so blessed and cared for perfectly by everyone.

As I was pondering this difficult time a communion song came to my mind. Here I am Lord, is it I Lord? I will go Lord, if you lead me. I have heard you calling in the night.

Every word of that song is what my soul is saying. He hears my cry and he will make my night bright. Jesus, I trust in you, even when I don’t understand.

Before this suffering I never understood how suffering could be a blessing, but I understand now. It has been a blessing.

I see how God is working, directing and so lovingly caring for every one of us. I’m sorry if this is scattered, I have so many thoughts that I want to share and I’m not good at putting all my thoughts into words. I’m not sure of the journey that lies ahead but I know God is in control and His will for my life is what I want.

Of course, I pray that it is not cancer, that I will be restored to full health very soon.

As for an update, I was released from hospital yesterday around 1:45 PM we went to a hotel in Costa Mesa for the night. The transition to the hotel was much more difficult than I thought it was going to be. Once I was able to get settled it was wonderful. I was able to sit in the jet tub and finally clean myself up. I relaxed with lavender Epsom salt that Laura brought me. It was perfect.

Damien and I were able to get some rest and sleep without nurses, poke, prods, nuero checks, etc. This morning we left the hotel and came to my parents’ house. My parents live 30 seconds from where we live so it is such a huge blessing to be here.
I’m close to the kids but also have a quiet place to rest and recover. The kids came over and I was able to sit and spend time with them. It was so nice. I also got to hold my baby boy. It felt wonderful to be with everyone.

I will have lots of doctor appts and therapies to do in the coming weeks. I know I am in the perfect place and we will persevere through this with God’s love and guidance every step of the way.

I thank God for sustaining me, holding me, loving me and putting all of you in my life to love and support us. I want to thank so many people. I want to thank my parents and my mother-in-law Kari for jumping in and working so tirelessly to care for all the kids, getting up in the middle of the night with the baby and doing everything at home. I want to thank my kids, especially Leah and Eden. I’m so proud of all of them. they have all stepped up so much, helping wherever they can. Leah and Eden have been staying up with baby in middle of the night to give Kari a break.

It has been an incredible sight to witness. I’m so blessed; I will never be able to express my full gratitude. I want to thank all my friends, Laura, Maryann, Alberta, Elise, and Lauren Rubal for dropping everything to help us with anything we need no matter the hour of the day or night. I’m so unworthy of this perfect loving care. I don’t want to forget anyone because every one of you are holding us and supporting us, loving us so perfectly. Please accept my meager thank you. I am praying and offering up my sufferings for each of you.

May God bless you all abundantly. Our community is so beautiful and priceless. I have had people I don’t even know come see me in the hospital, encourage me, drive my kids to co-op, bring meals. How blessed am I?! God is so good. Thank you, Lord, for my life, for the crosses you gave me. I pray I will bear them as a worthy servant so as to hear the Lord say, well done good and faithful servant.

I love visitors and hearing from all of you so never feel like you are intruding. We will continue to keep you posted on what’s happening. Please be assured of our prayers for all of you. Please message any prayer requests and we will be praying for you.

I love you all.

god bless you all,

Ashley

8:00 AM   – Ashley will most likely be able to leave the hospital today provided the pyhsical therapists think she is good to go. We were able to speak to the neurosurgeon this morning. One blessing that has come out of having this surgeon in particular is that his own wife went through a similar surgery. He has, slowly (I think to balance reassurance and worry), shared his own story with us.
He told us that his wife was unable to speak for one month after her surgery. Even though he and his wife knew that this was a potential side effect it was still really scary for both of them after. All this is to reassure Ashley that it will take time for the feeling in her leg, hand and face to return. She will have good days and bad days but ultimately it is expected that she will regain feeling. They’ve started to back her off some of her medications, specifically the steroids they were using for inflammation and the anti-siezure medication. It seems the steriods were causing strange dreams and visions that consisted of scary faces coming toward Ashley.
We both thank you for all your positive thoughts, prayers and material support! We will never be able to thank you all enough. She has been fantasizing about getting in a jet-tub and getting clean! She’s also been able to hold baby Kolbe here and there over the last few days and he should be spending more time with us today.

9:30 AM   – The pysical therapist stopped by and took Ashley for a walk. She was able to get around well but got tired pretty quickly. She will have to have a walker for a bit after leaving the hospital. They’re encouraging her to keep moving part, even if shes can’t feel them. That being said, both the neurosurgeon and the physical therapist have cleared Ashley to leave! Awaiting next steps.

10:30 AM   – The rest of yesterday Ashley concentrated on resting. Small things like talking too much or chewing would bring the headache back on. I will have to ask her to confirm but I believe this is the most pain Ashley has ever been in. She is a woman who will take the least ammount of Tylenol possible after giving birth to a child but she has willingly taken whatever they will throw at her for the pain after this surgery.
Last night she was able to get up to use the restroom twice. The difficult part is getting up but once up, she feels better walking. This morning the physical therapists came in, evaluated her and took her for a short walk. They’ve asked her to start moving as much as she’s comfortable with, and maybe a little more. They’ve also taken her down for another scan. I am not sure if we will be released today or not. They want to get her pain under control before she leaves. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
P.S. Alberta, Ashley said that the chicken soup you brought was “The best soup I’ve ever had in my whole life”. You could just see the relief wash over her entire being as she was sipping the broth.

12:15 AM   – After surgery Ashley had a drain installed in her skull that drain to a bulb. They want to remove it at 1:00 PM and it is said that it can be painful. She is asking for extra prayer during this time as she is afraid of the pain. She also wants everyone to know that she is offering up her suffering for all of your intentions.

2:30 PM – The drain has been removed. It was tied in with stitches and run under her scalp, above her skull. I was surprised at how much it resisted removal with the tube stretching before it started sliding out. Ashley was strong throughout it all. She is able to receive visitors and talk and finds it comforting. She still does not have feeling in her leg or hand but she is able to walk and the therapists are impressed with her strength.
For the morbidly curious, here is a photo of her incision and the drainage tube that was removed.

7:30 AM   – Last night at around 1:00 AM Ashley was very pleased to find out that she could have her arterial IV catheter removed hours ahead of schedule. The catheter was really bothering her but they were using it to monitor blood pressure and potentially deliver some meds. Watching a catheter come out of a artery is very different than an vein.

Ashley is in more pain today than yesterday but doing well. The pain is coming in the form of a persistent headache which is exacerbated by chewing food and talking. The numbness in her leg and arm have not abated and seemingly are worse. The neurosurgeon let us know even before the surgery that this was a possibility. The neurosurgeon explained that it may take some time for the brain to find it’s way back to it’s original place and shape. She will have the rest of her scans here in about 1/2 hour and the plan is for her to leave the ICU this afternoon. Ashley just wants everyone to know how thankful she is and appreciates the continued prayer.

11:00 AM   – Ashley has left the ICU, had her follow up CAT scans done and is now resting in the nuerology ward. Hopefully here she can start getting some real rest without being bothered too much. She really misses baby Kolbe.

About 6 months ago Ashley began feeling a numbness on her left leg. At first it was thought that it was due to her pregnancy with Kolbe and the way he was sitting. Post partum, the numbness did not go away, rather it began to spread to other parts of her body. After getting an MRI done it was found that she had large fluid filled cyst on her brain.

On Friday 10/3/25 Father Anselm with the Norbertines ministered Ashley with the sacraments of confession, holy communion and annointing of the sick. Later that same day we went to the ER at Hoag Hospital and Ashley was admitted to the hospital. 

Today, 10/5/25 at approximately 7:35 Ashley was wheeled back to the operating room where they will remove part of her cranium, drain the cyst and remove a nodule that is filling the cyst with fluid for biopsy.

• 7:35 AM – Ashley is wheeled back to the OR to begin the proceedure. While she is anxious she is assured by all of the prayers and the confidence of the medical professionals. We are told the procedure is going to take about 2 – 2 1/2 hours with some preparation beforehand and post operative monitoring after. 
• 8:22 AM – Ashley is under general anesthesia and doing very well. 
• 10:22 AM   – The surgeons are finishing up the surgery and closing up now. A sample of the nodule was sent to pathology for testing and we should get some preliminary answers today. 
• 11:04 AM   – The surgeon called and said that everything went well and that there were no surprises once they were able to look at her brain. Her brain looked very healthy. The cyst collapsed completely and the nodule was able to be completly removed. Ashley will be waking up in the next few minutes going to ICU. They will perform a routine CT scan to check for blood in newly vacant space the cyst was occupying.  The hospital will also complete a couple of othe routine chest and abdomen scans, tomorrow. She was given lots of numbing medication for local pain. 
• 11:11 AM   – Ashley has landed in the surgery ICU, awake but still groggy. I should be able to go and see her in about 1/2 hour! 
• 12:00 PM   – I was able to speak to Ashley over the phone. She is awake with a headache. She is going to get her CT scan right now and should be done in about 20 minutes. 
• 1:00 PM   – Ashley is back from the CT scan and settling into the ICU room and eating chicken tenders. The doctor said everything went as well as it could!

• 4:00 PM   A Message from Ashley:
  Dear friends, Thank you for wrapping our family in prayer and supporting us through this difficult time. God is so good and merciful to us. I thank him for His love and perfect plan. I am offering up everything for each of you and your intentions. I love being a part of this community. Our community is beautiful. It is not perfect, we are all sinners, but God is with us and has given us each other. Im grateful for all of you, all our friendships and love we have for each other.
  
  Thank you for all the text messages, phone calls, visits, delicious meals, encouraging words, generosity, sacrifices and, love you have given to our family. It all means so much to us.
  
  Jesus, I trust in you. Knowing you are all praying for me is so incredibly comforting. Thank you. I will be praying for you.
  
  It will be amazing to be able to feel my leg, arm and tongue again! I look forward to seeing you all soon and Praising our Lord for His miracles and healing. God is a God of miracles and Im so unworthy and blessed to have experienced so many of them during this time. God Bless you all and may our Lord reward you all. Keep the prayers coming please.
  St. Faustina pray for us.
  St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross pray for us. All Angels and Saints pray for us.
  God Bless you,
  Ashley Dennis
• 9:15 PM   – Ashley will be spending the night in the ICU tonight, as planned. She will have “neurochecks” every hour till midnight. She is in pain but as usual, she’s being a trooper. If all continues to go well she will go back to stay where we started here at Hoag in the neurology ward. As of now it looks like she should be able to leave here Tuesday. Regarding the nodule, we will find out in about a week what it is made of. Good night everyone and thank you for your prayers and support. With Love, DnA