Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The Next Step

Thanks for all of the recent posts. I had an awesome time at the beach. It was great to see all of my family. We had lots of fun!!! Everyone took care of me and wouldn't let me overdo it. It was a good mix of relaxation and activities!
I had my CT scan yesterday and saw Dr. Choti (the liver surgeon) today. It appears that the tumors have done a little shrinking since June. I also found out that I will be able to have liver surgery in September. I will call tomorrow to see about scheduling. The surgery will be a right lobectomy, which involves removing about 60% of my liver. According to the surgeon a healthy liver can regenerate in a couple of months to nearly full size. He said that aside from the tumors, the rest of my liver appears healthy. He will also be able to use radio ablation during the operation if any other small tumors are found when they go in. My gall bladder will also be removed during surgery.
This is good news, but it's also a lot to take in. Again, it's a strange thing to be really excited about. Hopefully, I'll be able to set a surgery date tomorrow. I'll let you know...
Love,
Erica

6 comments:

Karen said...

Hi Erica!! Thanks for posting, Kim & I hung out today and we were wondering if you posted news about your dr visit. It sounds really positive! We love you!!
love,
Karen & Kim

Mary said...

Yay for surgery! Thanks for updating us with your wonderful news. After so many rounds of treatment, you'll handle the surgical component and recovery like a champ.
Love,
Mary

chefnita said...

Cheers to shrinking and to surgery! It is so amazing how strong you have been through all of these treatments, that I am positive that no surgery will stand in your way of getting back to a new and improved Erica. So proud of you!!!

Kelly S said...

Thrilled about the good surgery and regenerating liver (who knew?) news!!!! SOOO happy for you, Christian, the family, all of us. Great job fighting, Erica!
XOXO,
Kelly

Susie said...

My beautiful Erica Joyce!

I just got back into town and read through all your updates. Sounds like the news has continued to be positive, positive, positive! I'm thrilled and relieved. Yes, it must feel weird to be looking forward to surgery. But it's another step closer to health and well-being.

Post a picture soon of your GI Jane look. I'm so flipping hot out here myself, I may join you! Sending you lots of love, hope, and determination.

Love you! sus

Susan and Jon said...

Yeah for you!

Team Erica to Run/Walk with Melanoma International Foundation

A smaller Team Erica will head to Villanova, PA for Melanoma International Foundation's (MIF) Safe in the Sun Walk & 5K Run on April 5, 2009.

MIF will also honor Erica by rewarding the top female finisher with an award in Erica's name. Team Erica will be on hand to congratulate the winner.

Anyone is welcome to join Team Erica. For more information, visit: http://melanomaintl.org/.

Team Erica

Congratulations Team Run for Erica!

Team Run for Erica completed the Baltimore Relay Marathon on Saturday, October 11th. The team raised over $1000 for both melanoma organizations (Melanoma International Foundation and Melanoma Research Foundation).

Thank you Team Run for Erica on an awesome race and thank you to those who donated. Below are a few pictures of the team in action!

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)

Team Erica to run Baltimore Relay Marathon, October 11th

In Memory of Erica....

Baltimore Relay Marathon
Saturday, October 11, 2008, 8:00 AM
http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/

Team Erica relay runners: Christian, Chandra, Jason, Kelly, Jim, Liz, Tony, Mary, Jason, Jenny, Jaime, Omar, and Star are training together Sunday mornings.

What can you do?

Support the team members with lots of encouragement
Make a pledge to a runner or the whole team (donations will be sent to the Melanoma International Foundation)
Go to Baltimore on October 11 to cheer the team on.

Watch the blog for more information to come!!

Erica's Tree @ Upton Hill

Erica's Tree @ Upton Hill
Look how Erica's tree is growing and blooming!

Upton Hill Memorial to Erica

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

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