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, February 16, 2009

Monday Post Chemo #5

We just dropped Dad off at the airport. We were sad to see him go. I feel like I didn't even see him, although I did, for the 5 days he was here. I spent most of Friday-Sunday in bed and my nausea meds make me goony. I don't remember very much, which is good, I'd hate to feel sick to my stomach for 72 hrs straight. The boys had fun with him.

I'm really wiped out today. I'm not as nauseated, just exhausted. I can function but I can also sit down and fall asleep in 2 seconds. If I'm sitting or laying down it's better but with a 5 and 2 yr old that's difficult. Oh well, it will get better each day.

My hair has started to slowly fall out. I can't believe I made it 5treatments and NOW it's going to go. I started to find a few on my pillow and then more and more in the shower. Last night they would come out in my hand when I ran my fingers through my hair. I'm just hoping it won't ALL fall out, maybe just thin some. I'm not shaving it this time. We'll see, at least I look OK bald!

Mike Fox (a friend from home) told me that he and his wife just did a Susan G Komen 5k on the cruise they were on a few weeks ago. Thanks guys, that's awesome! I didn't realize that Holland America cruises do that on their ships. I think he said it was 9 laps around the ship. Jason and I talked about it and I think we're going to try to take one of their cruises and do it too. We welcome anyone who wants to go! It would be a blast with a bunch of people!

Thanks for the letters, cards, emails and calls. They all mean so much!

Love,
Erica

3 comments:

Dawn DiBiase said...

You continue to inspire us all Erica. Thanks for sharing your story - you are a remarkable young lady. With love and prayers, Dawn DiBiase

Katie said...

Home stretch Erica - you are almost there!

Hugs from Maine!

Katie

Janice said...

rest when the kids rest!
A cruise sounds like a great idea--you need some happiness and relaxation! something positive to look forward to! I'm sorry this is wiping you out so badly! I'm thinking about you wishing I was closer to help...

Love, Janice

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