Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In June 2015, I collided with a driver who ran a red light while under the influence. At impact, my knees hit the dashboard – the moment that altered the course of my life. The impact that’s believed to have instigated the growth of Aggressive Fibromatosis – a type of Desmoid tumor – a type of Sarcoma – a type of cancer.
The tumor grew to the size of a grapefruit behind my left knee and the growth left me on crutches for nearly 9 months. After extensive physical therapy to relearn how to walk and two rounds of chemotherapy totaling 19 months, my condition was finally deemed “stable”.
In looking to the internet for support, I was shocked by the lack resources and accounts that shared the honest path of a cancer journey. So, I decided to start one myself. My “chemo diaries” started as an account just for me – a way to document the daily ups and downs of my journey. This account eventually evolved into a community for those walking through cancer and chronic illness.
It has become a pathway that allows me to use my professional experience in mental health, and my personal health journey, to help others work through and overcome the trauma associated with illness, whether it be through sharing my story, one-on-one interactions or speaking at conferences about trauma and illness.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been several challenges along the way.
1. Overcoming trauma. My cancer journey began with a life-threatening car accident. Four months after the accident, I woke up one morning unable to walk, leading to a diagnosis of incurable cancer on 11/11, a decision for chemo treatment 11/13, port-a-cath placement 12/2 and first chemo on 12/10. I was unable to walk for nine months.
2. Chemotherapy. My first round of chemotherapy was 24 rounds for 8 hours every Thursday. Chemotherapy is as hard as it sounds. During chemo, I continued to work full-time as a Director of a foster care program, while going through rigorous physical therapy to relearn how to walk. After I completed 24 rounds of treatment, my cancer was stable for 18 months, before I resumed a twice-daily oral chemo treatment for 12 months.
3. After-chemo. Many expect treatment to be the most difficult part of the cancer experience. Unfortunately, I’d have to say “after-chemo” is actually the most difficult part. When the physical battle is over, the mental and emotional battle begins.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My goal is to help others overcome their challenges and trauma through a multidisciplinary approach. Ultimately, I use my personal experiences, my professional license, and my NASM knowledge to help other people who are trying to thrive through challenges.
I currently hold an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and work with individuals who have experienced trauma. I also hold a National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer certification, with a specialization in Corrective Exercise and Fitness and Nutrition.
Very few individuals hold dual certifications that focus on both mental health and physical health. However, healing from trauma requires all areas to be factored into a treatment plan. I am most proud when I receive feedback from individuals about how they have benefited from my story of my professional expertise.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My parents valued traveling. My father, especially, valued traveling to third world countries with a heart to help people who may be less fortunate. From an early age, I began traveling to rural Haiti at least once a year. From these trips, I developed a love for adventure, a heart to help others, and an enthusiasm for travel. I also learned early on that happiness does not come from wealth, as the people in rural Haiti are some of the most joyful people I have ever met. To this day, I still travel to Haiti, as it’s one of my favorite places in the world.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9548155644
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @chemo_diaries
- Facebook: @ashleyschemodiaries
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