Since Ashley’s initial surgery on February 25, there have been many appointments, consultations, and additional testing as we searched for more answers. Ashley has traveled between Iowa City and Mayo Clinic to meet with specialists and determine the best path forward.

After further evaluation, Ashley has now been officially diagnosed with metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma. Doctors are still working to determine the exact primary source of the cancer, but they are very confident that it is primarily appendiceal in origin rather than ovarian, as originally suspected.

The cancer has unfortunately spread to several areas including the uterus, ovaries, liver, diaphragm, omentum, and peritoneum. While this news has been incredibly overwhelming for Ashley and her family, they are grateful to finally have more clarity and a treatment plan in place.

Ashley will be undergoing a major surgery next week called a debulking surgery, along with a procedure known as HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy). This surgery is an important first step in her treatment as doctors work to remove as much of the cancer as possible and directly treat the abdominal cavity with heated chemotherapy.

Ashley will be continuing her care primarily at Mayo Clinic, where her oncology team will be leading her treatment moving forward. The road ahead will be long and challenging, but Ashley and her family feel confident and hopeful being in the hands of such an experienced medical team.

Ryan, Ashley, and the kids are incredibly grateful for the love, prayers, and support they have already received. As they begin this next phase of treatment and recovery, your continued support means more than words can express.