In honor of Ashley Green
NC State senior Ashley Green has always been fascinated by the study of medicine. Her interest led to her decision to major in biochemistry and attend a Physician Assistant program after college. Early on in her college career, she discovered another reason to attend PA school – she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
“After being a cancer patient myself, I am now strongly considering becoming an oncology PA,” says Ashley. “Being able to relate personally to a patient better equips one in treating that patient.”
A dancer since age four and a cheerleader throughout high school, Ashley felt confident that she would continue these pursuits as an undergraduate. However, at the urging of a friend during her freshman year, she joined the school’s rugby team instead.
It was after a rugby tournament in Boone, NC when Ashley noticed that her neck was swollen. She also started itching all over her body. After two biopsies and a bone marrow biopsy, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at Stage II B was diagnosed. A mass 12 centimeters by 12 centimeters was found in Ashley’s chest. “That explained a lot,” she says, “because when I was on the rugby team, I had not been able to keep up.”
Of the bone marrow biopsy, Ashley wants others who need this procedure to know that “it really is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.”
Having support from friends and family helps a lot, she says. Her mom has been by her side every step of the way – her mom and one of her friends were with her during the bone marrow biopsy and even watched the procedure. And, when Ashley decided it was time to shave her head, two of her friends and her boyfriend shaved their heads too.
When it comes to sports Ashley is an ardent ABC (Anybody But Carolina) fan, but when it comes to her care at UNC she doesn’t hiss and boo at all. “The nurses really do make it better,” says Ashley. “I know when I come here I will get the best treatment from any of the nurses on the floor.”