Coping With Cancer: A Personal Journey

More than a year and a half has passed since receiving a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer at age 40. My story of developing cancer of the appendix, a rare condition, was shared in February. As a wife and mother to a three-year-old, and a journalist at Fox News for over 16 years, this diagnosis hit hard. Joining the unexpected group of adults under 50 facing cancer, the news came as a complete surprise to my family and me. The shock was heightened by an earlier rare diagnosis during my pregnancy. In the summer of 2023, minor abdominal discomfort escalated swiftly into a tough battle with cancer.

Since my diagnosis, I have learned a lot about life, faith, and personal strength. Despite often questioning my ability to persevere, my young daughter reminds me of my reasons to fight.

Ashley credits her sense of well-being to spending significant time outdoors.

After a year and a half, I generally feel good both physically and emotionally. By October 2024, after 24 rounds of chemotherapy, I sought a second opinion. This led to a visit to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, resulting in a new treatment plan that required a vital surgery in February. Though still recovering, new strategies are in place.

Last year involved lessons beyond managing bi-weekly infusions. I learned to live life while fighting cancer and not letting it define or defeat me.

Common questions about remission highlight a misunderstanding. Although my case remains serious, most fears I faced at diagnosis didn’t come true. Concerns about losing hair and chronic illness haven’t materialized. Apart from cancer, I feel healthy.

Ashley enjoys teaching her daughter snowboarding to embrace family time together.

Worries about extended recovery in Texas proved unfounded. Amazingly, I returned home just a week post-surgery due to a great medical team, a healthy diet, physical activity, and time spent outdoors. Grateful for my supportive husband and daughter, and many prayers, I thank each new day.

This journey has offered insights into appreciating life’s simple pleasures. Remaining active as a family enhances our motivation, with no reason to delay living fully.

Ashley with her husband and daughter.

As a former competitive skater, being on the ice offers comfort. Experience in the sport taught resilience—falling hard and getting up, as life demands. Gratitude guards against fears and negativity, reminding me of new friends and supportive survivors since my diagnosis.

My quick surgical recovery is attributed to healthcare professionals, a healthy lifestyle, prayers, and family support. Traveling to Texas imposes separation from my daughter, but loving grandparents ensure her happiness.

Although away, valuable couple time, favorite Houston spots, and gifts for our daughter enrich our trips. The uncertainty of the future challenges me, yet staying present deters stress and anxiety. My step-by-step journey aims for strength over fear, crucial in removing fear’s grip.

Handling cancer daily involves emotional and physical reserves, drawing strength despite doubts.

Ashley finds strength in her daughter, her greatest blessing.

My days blur between wanting time to fly and patience wearing thin. Yet joyful moments with my daughter, like playing pretend games, persist.

First advice received when diagnosed was pivotal: respond proactively, not reactively, to what happens. I embrace this by viewing cancer as an inconvenience, determined to progress with medical guidance, prayer, gratitude, and faith.

Health, body, and soul are priorities—alongside nature, exercise, writing, music, and fulfilling roles as sister, daughter, and friend. Above all, being a mother to my precious daughter matters most.