Well, I must say that the fatigue is back, which is normal. I had a doctor's appointment today and had bloodwork done. It looks like my blood counts are already back on the rise, which means I should start to regain my strength soon.
As the nurse practitioner put it, I am really handling these "supersonic" treatments quite well...though it doesn't always feel like it. Somehow I still have my hair (though it's thinning) which seems a bit of a surprise considering I just finished my third round.
I also wanted to share the couple of good benefits that I am having from the treatments: my fingernails are stronger and longer than ever before; and although dry, my skin is virtually acne free. Who knew about the wonders of chemotherapy?!?!? I guess you can always find something positive...
Love,
Erica
Team Run for Erica (minus Omar)
Omar getting ready to run
Mary, Chandra and Liz finish their 6 miles
Star and Christian run for the crowd
Tony and Jaime waving to the crowd
Team Run for Erica after the marathon (minus Jenny and Jaime)
Erica's Tree @ Upton Hill
Look how Erica's tree is growing and blooming!
Upton Hill Memorial to Erica
Erica's crepe myrtle tree by the batting cages at Upton Hill Regional Park, Arlington, VA
Plaque dedicating tree in Erica's memory
Plaque dedicating the tree in Erica's memory
A week before admission to Hospice
What a beautiful smile!
March 26: Liz, Star, Chandra, Erica and Kelly
March 26: Star, Chandra and Erica
March 12-13: Erica and Christian...check out those smiles!
With Uncle David
Dad, Mom, Erica, Megan, Heather, Chase and Uncle Bill
5 comments:
Erica, we've always known you're supersonic! Treat yourself to a manicure (from a licensed nail tech, of course!) when your strength is back.
Love,
Mary
you are SUPERSONIC indeed! glad to hear round 3 is over and you're back at home. keep it up girly!
the dulles gang, rc, and i send all our best!
love, nei and rc
Erica Joyce, Here's to strong nails, clear skin, and your "supersonic" hair! Meanwhile, I'm losing my hair from stress and looking increasingly like a pizza-face two weeks before my wedding! You are amazing. Wishing you less fatigue each day and sending you much love.
Love, Sus
Supersonic for sure! Great to know your blood counts are quick to rise post treatment. Your strong nails and hair must be a measure of that deep inner supersonic strength of yours.
I found a story that I thought I'd share with you and all:
"There is story of a woman running away from tigers. She runs and runs, and the tigers are getting closer and closer. When she comes to the edge of the cliff, she sees some vines there, so she climbs down and holds on to the vines. Looking down, she sees that there are tigers below her as well. She then notices that a mouse is gnawing away at the vine to which she is clinging. She also sees a beautiful little bunch of strawberries close to her, growing out of a clump of grass. She looks up and she looks down. She looks at the mouse. Then she just takes a strawberry, puts in in her mouth, and enjoys it thoroughly.
Tigers above, tigers below. This is actually the predicament that we are always in, . . . Each moment just is what it is. We could get depressed about it, or we could finally appreciate it and delight in the preciousness of every single moment of our life."
with love,
eric
Hi Erica,
We're friends and colleagues of your dad at the FDA. We're happy to hear your treatment is going well. It's really impressive that you still have your hair - we've never heard of that after 3 rounds of treatment! Sounds like you're supersonic and superhuman :-) We want you to know that you're in our thoughts and prayers and everyone here who works with your dad is pulling for you!!
Yours truly, Julie and Mary
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