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, July 5, 2010

All clear again

Hey everyone,

My scans and chekcup last week were all negative again. That means I made it a whole year past treatment without anything coming back; well, other than the benign scare in March.

My doctor even talked about us discussing long term monitoring on my next appointment, instead of every 3 months. I think I'll start going in every 6 months then on to a year.

I'm so happy thay my port is out, the scar tissue from the radiation was removed in May, and my scans were clear. I'm working out a lot and trying to eat right. I feel better than I have in 2 years. It's amazing!

I can only hope and pray that I'll be one of the lucky ones that makes it well past the 5 yr mark. I am still terrified that something will strike again within the next 3 yrs. I am also very mindful to check often and I always get my checkups.

Well, off to my 20th Reunion in Maine. We'll be with my family for 3 weeks. The boys are soooo excited. It will be nice to hang out at the beach and just be outside.

Love to everyone!
~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