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

Friday, March 6, 2009

Final Chemo 3/5/09

Well, I had my final chemo yesterday. My mom and Angela were there with me. Jason had to work; someone has to in order to keep the insurance! They skipped the chemo graduation ceremony this time since I'd seen it before. They just hugged me and gave me a pretty Faith T-shirt. They're from a company called "Prayer-Wear". I'll find the web site and post it. They make pretty trendy T-shirts like the swirly, burnt outs, but they have Faith or Prayer or other scripture lines on them. They're kind of hidden in the design though. I love them.

It went fine, same as usual. I'm not too nauseated this morning yet but I've only been standing up for about 30 minutes. It's a cross between motion and morning sickness. It'll get worse the more I move around over the next 3-4 days. I have fluids and nausea meds in about an hour which will help. I also have the nurse coming Sat & Sun for more.

It's a nice 80 degree day here again...sorry Mainers! Provided it stays that way I may spend some time outside in the fresh air.

Per my last post, my 3 scans were all negative which is a huge weight off my shoulders. I was really worried about the brain scan. I've always said "I have a brain tumor" because of my migraine headaches. Well, I don't! Thank God.

I have a surgery consult next Thursday just to put my mind at ease that I don't need more surgery, I hope. I'm just starting to freak out like I did last time. Once the chemo ended, the tumor started growing again. It's scary to think about. I want chemo to stop because it sucks but at the same time, there's no cancer there if I'm getting chemo. Psychological, I know. I will get over it in time.

Thanks Everyone!
Love, Erica

2 comments:

christina said...

I am so glad you are done your last chemo, yeah!!!!!!!! I think the weather is coorperating for you so you have a chance to sit in the nice sunshine, although I must admit I am very jealous. Stay strong, I think about you several times a day. Miss & love you!!!!

Janice said...

Erica--so happy for you. Now you can relax and enjoy your family and the sunshine. Funny i always say that to because of my migraines..now i feel better--thanks! Smile and celebrate you deserve it :-)

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