I woke up with a rockin' headache which told me that I was dehydrated. My stomach was queazy too. I decided to keep my appointment for fluids and nausea meds to be safe.
I went in and there was a lady, named Sheila, there for her first treatment. She was asking about what to expect and what it feels like so a few of us were telling her what to expect. She seemed ok while they did her fluids and her nausea meds but when they brought the chemo out she broke down and started to cry and pray to herself. She was there with her husband and her sister. I would guess they were in their 50's. I wispered to her sister and asked if it would be ok if I went to her and she said yes. I got up and dragged my chemo pole over to her and hugged her for a little bit and gave her some encouragement, that she would be fine, she could do it, and that I'm hear to help. I gave her my card with my cell # on it and told her to call if she needed me. They thanked me so much for being an inspriation to her today. I'm going to make her some bandanas for when her hair falls out. Anyway, I felt good about being able to help her today so I thought I'd share with everyone.
Then I came home for a nap, which was good because it's 8:00 and I still feel good right now. The priest from our church called while I was resting. I had been trying to get in touch with him but our schedules were overlapping. I needed some guidance in my faith in God and how to pray and overall what to do. I met with Father Richard at about 2:45. We talked for an about an hour. I'm really glad I did go. I was a little bit scared at first but it was a very nice meeting. He helped me beleive that God is always with me no matter if I can hear him or not. That he does hear my prayers and to keep talking to him. He also told me not to think about dieing right now, to live my life and take care of my family. That helped a lot. We did my confession, which was nothing like the scary confessional from childhood, and he forgave me for my sins. I am very happy to be part of the church again. I truly feel that it was a major part of me that has been missing over the past 10 years.
He also told me that they added me to the prayer list for the parishioners with illnesses which is great. The more prayers the better.
Thanks for keeping up with me!
Love,
Erica
Breast Cancer Survivor
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
1 comment:
Erica,
Your pictures are beautiful! I'm glad to hear you have your faith still...it will guide you and help you stay strong. Keep praying..prayer is very powerful. It willgive you strength you never thought you had! I'm gald you are staying hydrated. You sound a little more positive. I was glad to hear that fight back in your voice. We are always thinking about you..Stay positive!
Love, :)Janice
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