In the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, Ashley and Andy Adams embarked on a journey that would test the limits of their strength and love. The news of expecting quadruplets brought initial joy, swiftly overshadowed by a heart-wrenching diagnosis: Ashley, at just 21 weeks pregnant, was diagnosed with cancer.
The revelation was a devastating blow for the young couple. Cancer had taken residence in Ashley’s thyroid gland and had made its way to her lymph nodes. Balancing the excitement of impending parenthood with the grim reality of a life-threatening illness became the Adams family’s unexpected challenge.
In the face of immediate surgery recommendations to remove the tumor, a seven-hour procedure posed too many risks for the unborn children. Faced with an agonizing decision, the Adams family prioritized the well-being of both Ashley and their soon-to-arrive quadruplets.
Ashley expressed, “It was scary for the first couple of days, but the rest of the time we put it out of our minds. I couldn’t stress because the babies would have stressed.”
On August 26, after thirty weeks, Ashley Adams went into labor, bringing into the world four beautiful miracles: Wyatt, Rylie, Braelynn, and Samantha. Born about two months prematurely, the newborns were sent to the intensive care unit, where they would remain until Thanksgiving.
For the past two months, the Adams family, a military household, has shuttled between their home on Buckley Air Force Base and the hospital, ensuring both their newborns and Ashley receive the care they need.
Ashley Adams, in a journey marked by persistence and hope, shared on her Facebook page that the quadruplets were conceived after a two-year battle with infertility. The couple turned to Clomid, a medication to induce ovulation, increasing the chances of having multiple fertilized eggs.
However, Ashley’s health journey took an unexpected turn when, at 21 weeks into her term, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Four weeks after giving birth, Ashley underwent a successful surgery, opting to delay chemotherapy and radiotherapy to spend precious moments breastfeeding her newborns.
In a twist of fate, Ashley Adams believes their family experienced a double miracle. Focused on saving the lives of her unborn children, she unknowingly saved her own life. The decision to proceed with the pregnancy led them to the hospital, where they discovered Ashley’s cancer.
“If we hadn’t gotten pregnant with quads, we never would have come to the hospital,” Ashley reflects. “I wouldn’t have had the doctor I had. I never would have found cancer.”
As of September 30, the quadruplets, now five weeks old, are thriving, displaying remarkable growth. Ashley joyfully shared, “It’s amazing how much they’ve changed since birth. They look more like full-term babies than premature ones! Chubby cheeks, double chins, dimples on their big hands – I love it!”
While the Adams family celebrates the health and well-being of their miracle quadruplets, Ashley is on the path to recovery. Having had the tumor successfully removed, she looks forward to beginning physical therapy soon.
HTheir story is one of resilience, love, and the extraordinary strength found in the face of adversity. The Adams family’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, miracles can unfold, and life’s challenges can be met with unwavering courage and hope.