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

Thursday, April 10, 2008

One week after 4th Chemo

I've been doing pretty well since about Tuesday. I had my bloodwork done today and, as usual, my white and red blood counts were down. I surprisingly felt ok? They gave me one of each shot and by late afternoon I felt even better. I played outside with the boys after school. If they had it their way, they'd never come inside. I have my first Lymphodema session tomorrow. Hopefully that will be resolved quickly. (My arm started to swell/retain fluid due to lymph nodes being removed on my left side) I'll update again soon. Love, Erica

P.S. Where'd everyone go? I miss hearing from you.

4 comments:

Just another day in Paradise said...

Its so good to hear you are doing well, even without your mom there. Sorry for the pause in comments, life caught up to me for a while! But you and your family and your dad have been in our thoughts and our prayers. Keep up the good work and we can't wait to see you! Love, The Guthrie's

Laura said...

Erica, I am so glad that you are doing well. You continue to amaze me! I am still looking at your blog every night and praying for you. Keep smiling! Love Ya Girl! Love, Laura

Janice said...

Erica,

I'm glad life is getting a little easier for you. Being outside with the kids helps the days go by faster. We are off to the Red Sox tonight....look for us to the left of home plate.
I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and praying for you. Stay positive and keep smiling!!! Love, Janice

Katie said...

Hey Erica - you are sooooooo close! Keep up the positive thoughts and before you know it, you'll be home free!

Hugs from Maine!

Katie

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