Hi everyone. Things have been going well. My burns are completely healed and I've been hanging out with the kids at the pool as well as getting back in the gym.
I went to Wal-Mart today. On my way out, I ran into the husband of one of my chemo friends. His name is Carl and his wife is Sheila, the lady that I helped calm down on her first day of chemo at the end of last year. He saw me and I said "do you remember me?" He said he did and hugged me. We talked for a bit and then he said, "you know I lost my wife in January, right?" I must have looked like an idot with my mouth on the floor because I said "no, I'm so sorry, I didn't". She had Stage 4 lung cancer, which I know is bad, but I really thought she'd beat it. He said "well, we lost the battle but at least we fought it." The ironic thing was, it wasn't the cancer that killed her. Well, indirectly it did. She got a blood clot in her leg as a side effect of the chemo. I was there with her one day when she was in tears because the blood clot hurt so bad. It broke loose and she had a stroke and died.
That was the last time I saw Sheila. I often wondered how she was doing since I hadn't seen her. I also wondered a few times if she had passed away. Being in the cancer ward is scary. People around you, people you've made friends with, die every day. The nurses aren't suppose to tell you how someone is doing but I could sneak bits of information out of them. One time I asked about someone that had passed away. They told me they had lost 7 patients that week. That was the last time I asked, it was too much to handle while I was hooked up to the poison that was potentially killing these people.
It's a cliche, but Sheila is in a better place. She was in a lot of pain and suffering pretty badly. I hope she's happy and watching her daughters grow into beautiful young ladies. She is missed.
Love,
E
Breast Cancer Survivor
"We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails"
Family photo November 2008
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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
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
3 comments:
Erica - you were an inspiration to Sheila, as you have been an inspiration to us. Stay positive!
Hugs from Maine,
Katie
Now I am depressed. Sheila is lucky to have met you!! Take care, stay strong!! Can't wait to see you in a couple weeks. Have fun with the family this week.
Love,
Christina
oh I am so sorry to hear that. I am so glad she met you and you were there for her..such a positive inspiration during a horrible time for her. You are right she is in a better, happier place where there is no sickness and yes she is looking down and smiling at her daughters. Have a safe trip home...Love, Jan
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