R3D3

Now on her 3rd day of treatment, Erica is a little fatigued today. She was able to get on the treadmill this morning for about 10 minutes, so she is happy about that. Although, yesterday she outdid herself and was able to get on the treadmill 2 times for 15 minutes each.

She was very happy to see her older brother Todd today, who came up from North Carolina to run in the Cherry Blossom Run tomorrow with his high school friend Henry. Even tired, Erica was able to give Todd a few pointers for his first 10 miler.

Erica says thank you to everyone for their continued well wishes and truly appreciates all the thoughts and prayers and postings on the blog.

Janna

R2D2

Round 2, Day 2. Erica feels good for spells (including a walk on the treadmill this morning) and feels tired and nauseous for spells (napping likely this afternoon). All in all - a good day.

At this point in this course of treatment, Erica seems to feel better in the mornings and early part of the day. If you plan to visit this weekend, please feel free to check with Judy beforehand (703 906 6118) to see if Erica is feeling up to company. Erica really appreciates and enjoys visiting with everyone, but doesn't want anyone to travel to Baltimore just to watch her sleep:)

kelly

Round 2

I just spoke briefly with Judy and Erica. Erica (and Christian) rested well at the hospital last night and Erica started her second series of treatment this morning. Erica is "super tired" and taking-up frequent napping again:) Art and Judy are with her and have reserved a local room to stay in Baltimore while she is in treatment. Christian will stay at the hospital with Erica and continue to zip back to work to handle jobs during the day. Tentatively, it looks like Erica will be in the hospital through Monday or Tuesday of next week.

kelly

The wait is over...on the road

Thankfully the wait is over. I just got a call that Erica and Christian are getting on the road to Baltimore to begin Session 2 of her biochemotherapy.

Janna

And We Wait a Little Longer

I am still waiting to begin round 2. There weren't any beds open today. I should get a call sometime mid morning tomorrow to let me know if any beds have opened up.
The good news is that I got to enjoy the good weather today. I spent time sitting outside and went on 2 long leisurely walks (with sunblock on, of course).
I will keep updating as I know more.

Erica

Just Waiting

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am awaiting a call from the hospital shift coordinator to find out if there is a bed open for me. I'm supposed to start my next round on Tuesday, but if no beds are available, then I will get bumped to Wednesday. It makes it a little hard for planning purposes, but hopefully I'll know something soon.

I just finished reading Lance Armstrong's book It's Not About the Bike, My Journey Back to Life. Skib, one of my coworkers had given me this book to read. Thanks Skib. It is a truly inspirational, honest and open book about his struggles being diagnosed, undergoing treatment, recovering from treatment and becoming a cancer survivor. Though it was difficult for me to read at times because much of it paralleled my thoughts and emotions over the past several weeks, it also captured me. I became so engaged in reading and wanting to relate and to understand his experiences. This book has also given me a sense of how treatment will be and some of the struggles I will go through as well as some of the things that I will have to work to overcome. It was a great, but emotionally tough read.
Thanks to everyone for continuing to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I will let you know as soon as I know more about my next course of treatment.

Beautiful Day

Thanks everyone for your continued messages. I have had a great past 2 days even though I seem to have a little bit of a cold. I went for a nice walk outside today. It's absolutely gorgeous out!!! I also managed to work up the energy to go by my work today. It was so refreshing to see everyone there, and to know that so many people are behind me as I go through the next round of treatment.
I also wanted to let everyone know that not only did Christian and I have a nice anniversary, but we were able to enjoy the most delicious Tres Leches cake ever. Our dear friend Star made it for us and brought it to our house on Monday morning so we could indulge later that day.
I don't know, maybe she has a second career in baking...
Erica

Pictures from my hospital stay

I thought I would share some pictures with everyone from my hospital stay. There were many more pictures, but for some reason the page wouldn't accept them...some kinks I guess I have to figure out.
So look to the left and enjoy.
Thanks again to my many visitors who gave me tons of encouragement and pepped me up!!! And to everyone else for your continued support and positive thoughts. I know I have the strength to get through this!!!
Erica

A Great Anniversary

Thanks to all of you who wished us a Happy 1st Anniversary. Christian and I had a wonderful day even though it was low key. We made it out to dinner for the early bird special.

I have been feeling stronger every day, though I still have bouts of tiredness and fatigue. After talking with my medical oncologist, it looks like I have a tentative reservation with Johns Hopkins Hospital for Tuesday March 27th to begin my next series of biochemotherapy. The actual start time is dependent on a bed being open to accommodate me...

Erica

First Anniversary

Erica is tired today but feeling well and in great spirits. Erica was out this morning with Judy for some blood work and then had a walk to the mailbox to enjoy the spring-like sun (but bundled up against the winter-like temperature). Today's weather is similar to the weather last March 19 (sunny but brisk), which as mentioned in some of the postings, was Erica and Christian's wedding day. To celebrate their first anniversary, Erica says they are going to sneak out for an early-bird dinner. Congratulations and love to the happy couple.

kelly

Up and Moving ...a little faster than a snail's pace

I am regaining my energy everyday. I also seem to have regained my appetite!!!! Christian and I joined his brother Sohel, my parents and Janna at IHOP this morning for quite a breakfast. It was nice to be out, though I was ready for a nap by the end of breakfast. I try to go on short walks everyday and may opt for a stroll on the treadmill this afternoon because of the cold weather.
Thanks for your continued messages, they help keep me going strong!!!

A Heartfelt Thank You from Erica

Thank you to everyone for your continued thoughts, prayers, words of encouragement, wonderful gifts of flowers, drinks, food, Mrs. Potato Head, playdough, offers of time, soccer bear and of course visits. Your continued support is trully appreciated and welcomed.

My appetite is slowly coming back and so I am regaining some strength here and there (I can't wait to get on the treadmill and start building back muscle...but that will be a while).

Once again thank all of you for everything!

Erica

Walkabout

Erica is unfortunately still very fatigued today, but we did get out for a walkabout around her complex. She complained it was almost too hot outside, until the nice breeze helped cool her down.

Just a reminder that this Monday, March 19th will be Erica and Christian's 1st Wedding Anniversay :). Hard to believe it has already been a year! I know Erica will be looking forward to some tres leches cake!

Janna

Sleeping Beauty

I spoke with Judy this morning and she said that sleeping beauty was resting downstairs on the couch. Erica had a good morning but still tires quickly. Today's plans include a short walk outside in the great weather. Yesterday's tests went well and the results looked good. When Erica got back from the doctor's office yesterday, there was a package waiting for her (she said it was the sweestest package) from her soccer teammates. Overall, Erica is in good spirits.

kelly

Still tired, but staying strong

This weekend was a little rough on Erica, although she was able to get out Friday night to see the last bit of her soccer team's game and then Saturday she was able to venture out to a birthday party. She enjoyed seeing everyone and the outings helped her spirit, although they did tire her out a bit physically.

Erica is on her way to a scheduled doctor's appointment in Baltimore today (no treatments, just a few standard tests). She is still very fatigued, but is working hard to rest up and regain her strength.

Janna

Smiles and Happy Thoughts

Erica is enjoying being home, although she still does not have a lot of energy. She is thankful for all the wonderful postings on the blog as we continue to update her and read them to her. All of them put a smile on her face! She has a slightly better appetite, but still is taking it slowly and drinking tons of Green Tea and Vitamin Water!

Keep up the happy thoughts and postings so she can continue smiling and fighting to get better!

Janna

Clap your hands

Happy to be home.
Happy to be in her own bed.
Happy to have family and friends close by.

Today, Erica is feeling less sick but still fatigued. She tires easily and does not have much of an appetite. Having said that - she is enthusiastic about all these postings about homemade meals:) That makes her happy, too. Let's say, this weekend, a few more days of quiet, rest and restoration, and next week, provided she has more energy and appetite, visitors to amuse her and homemade goodness to nourish her (please coordinate with Christian or Judy first lest she be inundated or indisposed).

Today, I've opted for a song that may be more familiar than the previous ditty...

If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

kelly

Happy to be Home!

I just spoke with Erica and she is happy to be home and in familiar surroundings. She still fatigues easily (especially with having to navigate stairs in her house).

Her plan is to be able to have more visitors next week as she grows stronger and her appetite for food increases, so watch the blog for more information!

Janna

On the Road

As of about 45 minutes ago, my parents were driving Erica down 95 on the way to Fairfax!

Way to go Erica!

Janna

Home Sweet Home

As of 9:30 this morning, the doctors are planning to release Erica this afternoon to return home to Fairfax. This morning because of being released, she was able to get up and go down to the Lobby floor of the Weinberg building with Christian for coffee (Erica did not have any, but Christian I am sure did!).

Erica will still need to regain her strength physically (we all know mentally and emotionally she is super strong :)!), so please coordinate with Christian and her family before visiting. Any changes or updates, we will let you know as soon as we know.

Janna

afternoon walkabout & 50 cent

Yesterday afternoon, Erica was feeling well enough for a short walkabout and then she had a mostly restful night. Today, she is having a quiet morning recooperating. The effects of the treatment are cumulative - so the end of the cycle is a little more challenging than the beginning. But she is nearly through with the first session of treatment (which ends this evening) and then the doctors (who, as well as the nursing staff, have all been fantastic) will make a determination on when she'll go home (likely by the end of this week).

So, a little unrestrained joy, to celebrate the end of the first treatment, in the words of the lyrical singer/songwriter 50 cent...

Go, go, go, go, go, go
Go, [Erica]
It's your [last day of treatment]
We gon' party like it's your [last day of treatment] ... :)

As always - thanks to everyone for all the support - it means so much to Erica and Christian and their families.

kelly

Update from Erica (via Janna)

Hi Everyone! I want to thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers and love sent my way. I had a little bit of a rough evening last night and this morning, but seem to be feeling a little better this afternoon. I am looking forward to tomorrow evening at 9 pm when this first session of biochemotherapy finishes. I should be going home somewhere between Wednesday and Friday, where I will be recouperating for about 3 weeks until I return for my second session.

Thanks for all my wonderful visitors, all the messages, cards, and flowers (though I can only see the flowers for a brief moment - my Dad is taking wonderful pictures of the flowers for viewing later).

Love to all and thank you for keeping me in your hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Erica

Third Day of Treatment - Update

Thank you to all the visitors who came to see Erica this weekend as well as all the comments, thoughts and prayers for all those who are not in the area to see her in person.

This Sunday evening as Erica begins her 3rd day of treatment, normal and expected side effects, mainly flu like symptoms have started effecting her. She is still her normal, strong self, just a little more tired. Erica, Christian and her family ask that anyone planning to visit her in the next couple of days try to coordinate with Christian and her family before coming as she is starts tiring more easily.

She is thankful for the several really good days and wonderful visits with family and friends and hopes to get back on track soon. Please continue to post messages as you can, as she loves reading them or having them read to her.

Janna

sohel post while visiting

Hi erica it's Sohel, get well soon.were all praying for you.the whole family says hello and hopes you get better.

Indirect Update - via Kelly

Good Sunday Morning from the hospital. Good news! Erica is looking and feeling great (so is Christian:)). Erica slept well last night and is really handling the bio/chem therapy well -- take that bum liver! Today's agenda includes: visits with family and friends, small liquid meals and a shower - with a new hair do (regrettably without star stylist Star's assistance).

See previous posting for Erica's Saturday message.

Direct update by Erica

Hi everyone i am finally alert enough to read your messages and to send a response via my darling dear husband Christian it has been a tough 2 weeks. In the hospital and a tough week before that trying to figure out what is going on. I want to thank all of you for your kind words, thoughts, prayers and inspiration.
It means so much to me, Christian and the rest of our families to have all of you behind us, supporting us, encouraging us and loving us.
I probably have one of the hardest journeys in my life ahead of me but I know that I will remain strong and I will persevere because of all the love I have behind me.
Erica 03-03-2007 (3:35 pm)

Treatment Started

Last night about 9:00 pm, Erica's first round of biochemotherapy. So far, so good. When I checked in this morning, Erica was sleeping comfortably.

Janna

Lines All a Go

Erica has successfully received the Hickman line (IV line) and will start her therapy tonight. Send out all the luck, thoughts and prayers for her.

Janna

How can you help?

Many of you have written or expressed a wish to help Erica, Christian and
their families in any way, we thought of one way. As many of you know, Erica and Christian ran the Miami Marathon on January 28th with the National AIDS Marathon Training Program. They have raised a lot of money for the Whitman-Walker Clinic, but still need a little more to help them meet their goals and now with Erica's medical bills we want to give them a break as much as possible. So if you are able to donate even $5, please do so; Kelly has put the link to their marathon website at the bottom the of blog. Also, her doctor's told her the best thing she could have done was to run in the marathon as she is in great shape and this is going to help her as she undergoes her treatments.

The Next Stage - Biochemotherapy

Erica will start aggressive biochemotherapy today once they put in the PIC line (IV line for the biochemotherapy). She will receive the chemo for the next 4 days and then hopefully will be able to go home to rest and relax before her next round.

Visitors - additional info

One other piece of information in terms of visitors, unfortunately children under 12 are not allowed into the room with Erica.

Janna

5th Floor, Room 6

It has been a while since I have done any postings, so apologies for posting the last blog twice. Erica is actually in Room 6, Pavillion D (Mom's cell phone service is not very good). Again, she cannot receive fresh flowers or latex balloons. Silk flowers are allowed. As for visitors it does not look like there are any restrictions on hours, but all visitors will be required to wear masks. If you happen to have a cold, please wait until you are better to visit Erica.

Janna

Moving on up

Erica is now on the 5th floor of the Weinberg building, room 615, Pavillion D. Unfortunately she cannot receive flowers. We are not sure yet of the visiting hours, but I will update when we know more. Thankfully her embolization went well and they have stopped the bleeding, so now we are waiting for more information from the team of oncologists. On the 5th floor she will be more closely monitored by the medical oncologists so they can start looking at treatments. She did received the results of her PET scan and it looks like the only melanoma is on her liver, which is a relief. Erica's pain and discomfort has lessoned and this morning she was sitting up in a chair and able to move around a little more.

Erica, Christian and the rest of the Lipman/Lopez family say thank you to all of you for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. Please continue as Erica fights her uphill battle. The support of all of you is what will help her in the days to come.

Janna