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

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Last Chemo is Tomorrow (Hopefully)

Well, I made it. 6 more rounds of Chemo. These have been tougher than the first 6 but it will all be over next week when I feel better.

Yesterday I had a brain MRI and a bone scan with chest x-rays. The brain scan was a "just in case" since I hadn't ever scanned it. The radiologist suggested that I do it to be certain that a stray cancer cell hadn't settled in up there. The Bone scan and chest x-ray were because I started to have pain in my right rib cage last week for no reason, I don't remember hurting myself. He said it's probably nothing, my favorite line by the way, but let's check it for peace of mind. We're looking for bone cancer. I'll get the results of those 3 things tomorrow some time. Probably while I'm high on chemo drugs.

Anyway, radiation will follow chemo assuming I don't have any more elective surgery. I'm seeing a surgeon next Thursday to see what he thinks. Should I take out more chest muscle and maybe skin to be safe or have I had enough done already. This recurrence has scared the crap out of me and I don't want it to happen again, at least not for 20 years. I made a deal with God, I asked for at least 20 years, I'm believing that he heard me.

I'll post again tomorrow night. I'm loopy on chemo night so I mis-spell a lot of things but you get the gist of it. I feel like crap for the next 5 days so, not to make you wait, I do it right away.

Love,
Erica

2 comments:

Jay Are said...

It goes without saying that my thoughts, prayers and friendship are being sent your way.

Janice said...

i am sure he is listening! Love you! You are doing great. Jan

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