Breast Cancer Survivor

Breast Cancer Survivor
"We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails"

Family photo November 2008

Family photo November 2008

Monday, March 24, 2008

I feel GREAT!

I can't believe it but I actually feel like I've never had Chemo before! I cleaned my house like a crazy person today, it felt great (and I hate to clean). I think, as my mom put it, I took her going back home to make me feel better. No, not being mean, but I have to get up and get moving and not lay around all day while she did everything. It made me finally get my energy back. Well, until next Thursday when I have Chemo again anyway. I just thought I'd put some positive info on here. Prayers are working!!! Thanks!!! Love, Erica

Monday, March 17, 2008

Monday after 3rd treatment

Yesterday was yucky, my body hurt so bad to touch. Will tried to hug me and it was agony. I was in bed all day. It's better today thank God. I had fluids again this morning which helps me out a lot. My appetite is good even though some things taste funny and leave a nasty aftertaste in my mouth. It goes away about a week after chemo. I then revert to eating like a pig since I eat chicken soup for 5 days straight. It's all I really want the week of chemo, chicken soup and grilled cheese. It's like having the flu. Anyway, I'm a little tired still. I fell asleep watching Scooby Doo with Will last night. I'm yawning trying to get this out right now. I'll up date again in a day or so. Talk to you soon! Love, Erica

Friday, March 14, 2008

3rd Chemo Treatment 3/13/08

I had my 3rd treatment yesterday. It went well. I went in for fluids and my white cell shot this morning. I've felt good, even laid in the sun for a bit while the kids played. I'm trying to tan my WHITE head! Tomorrow and Sunday should be my down days. I'll be tired and the sore body thing will start again. More fluids on Monday and Thursday if I need them. Everyone here but mom is on a Z-pack for upper respiratory infections, fun fun. I swear, I'm moving into a bubble! I'll update again soon. Love to all, Erica

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Great Day

Today was a lot of fun. I Got the boobs filled up again, they don't hurt as much this time. I will, however, be glad when these rocks are out! I scheduled my implant surgery for June 25th, yahoo! Then mom & I took the boys to the Dallas Arboretum. It's a beautiful botanical garden that I take pictures at every year around Easter. Since Chemo is tomorrow, I rushed out today so I wouldn't miss the tulips. The kids cooporated a little, as much to be expected. I'll rotate some pictures this week in the top spot where the 3 of us are now. That's going to be my new spot for rotating photos, the ones on the right will remain the same. I'll update some time this weekend with how round 3 goes (I'm trying Laura; ha,ha). Love, Erica

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Another week down

Well, I was doing well until my little germ carriers brought home the stomach bug last week. Of course I got it and have been sick to my stomach all week and I still am. Will's over it and I think Nathan is about to be. With my low immune system it's just lingering. I feel hungover, that yucky I don't want to even think about food feeling. I was dizzy and really sick at first but I'm doing better. Hopefully it will dissapear before Chemo next Thursday. Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers. Love to all~Erica

How it all began......

Welcome to my website! This site was created by my wonderful friend Angela to keep everyone I love updated on my “Journey” beating Breast Cancer.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on December 19, 2007 @ 4:30 in the afternoon. It was quite possibly the worst phone call I’ve ever received. The doctors kept telling me that I was “too young”… it’s probably just a cyst or a fibroid (benign tumor). So, I had convinced myself of the same. Imagine my shock and fear when the doctor said “I hate to tell you this, but it IS cancer.”

I didn’t really know how to react. At first I cried a little. Then, I was ok. Then cried some more, then, ok. It wasn’t until I saw the surgeon and learned of the best option for survival, a double mastectomy, that I really broke down. I had a meltdown for a couple of days and then I was fine. I’ve been pretty good with it ever since. I know that I can beat this sneaky disease and I will live a long life with the loves of my life; my husband Jason, and my 2 boys, Will & Nathan.

Jason had a hard time at first. He just kept thinking the worst, that I wouldn’t make it. He’s doing much better now that we’ve seen all the doctors and the prognosis is good.

The kids don’t really understand. Will (who’s almost 4) thinks mommy is having an operation, that’s it. Nathan just turned 1 so he just wants to be held all the time. That will be the hardest thing on me. I love to hold my babies and I won’t be able to pick them up for awhile.

Thankfully, my mom, Kathy, has come to the rescue. She is here as long as we need her. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful mother and family. My sister is coming from Alaska, pregnant and all, to help out too. My dad is coming back soon and Jason’s parents, Rick & Jan along with his whole extended family are just a phone call away if I need them. Unfortunately, my brother, Steve can’t come although he wants to. I even have my friends from Maine that want to come and help! Thank you Christina and Nikki for offering. My friends here, Angela, Oti, Julie & Niki are all on standby also. They’re ready at a moments notice for whatever we need. I love you all, I can’t say how good it makes me feel to be loved.

Everyone I know is praying for us which is so wonderful. I appreciate all the prayers. Only God knows what will happen but I’m confident that he will pull me through.

Anyway, I hope you log on to find out how we’re doing down here in Texas. My surgery is January 9th @ 7:30 a.m. I’ll be in the hospital for 2 nights.

I hope this site can help anyone else who gets this horrible disease, although I pray that none of you ever have to experience it.

Love to all!
Erica