Ashley Jackson discovered that her husband had developed a rare form of cancer, with only a 35% chance of survival, this event has forever changed Ashley’s purpose in life. Not only was Ashley planning her wedding, but she also found herself being a caregiver to her future husband at the young age of 31 years old. Life threw Ashley into a hurricane, and with three years in, Ashley shares what her grief journey has been like and how she and her husband have adapted to this new normal of regular doctor’s visits.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Ashley shares her story of being a newlywed in the cancer ward.
• When you suddenly become a caregiver, your life revolves around the person, and you have very little time for yourself.
• Ashley’s burnout was next level. She couldn’t catch a break.
• Not only was Ashley the caregiver, but she was also planning their wedding at the same time.
• Ashley’s doctor said that they had exhausted all of his options. There was nothing they could do.
• The doctors had to take away Ashley’s husband’s left eye, parts of his skull, and more. He couldn’t get chemotherapy again and the survey they did, didn’t work. Her husband was permanently disfigured.
• It was difficult coming to terms with it from both sides. Ashley’s husband was worried she’d abandon him because he was no longer the man she said ‘yes’ to. Ashley felt like she was marrying a different person. Managing the emotions was tough.
• Ashley has been married for three years and most of their marriage has been dealing with this aggressive form of cancer.
• In May, Ashley had to put her grandfather in hospice care. This was incredibly painful to do.
• When someone is faced with their own mortality, whether it be sudden or through cancer, both options are still horrible.
• Everyone is on their own timeline when faced with grief.
• Every day is a new day. Ashley tries to embrace what’s in store for her each and every day, but sometimes you just need to take a step back and breathe.
• Right now Ashley’s husband is cancer-free, but he still needs regular scans, and those are always filled with anxiety. Will it come back? Or are we okay?
• Ashley shares her advice on how to cope with the flooding of emotions and ways to best manage grief.

 

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Timelessdreamevents.com

Ashley on LinkedIn