Monday, December 3, 2007

Healing at Home

Hello Everyone!!! Happy December. Wow, November came and went very quickly. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Though I was in the hospital and only allowed ice chips, it was one of the nicest, most relaxing holidays I've had. It was so nice to be able to spend it with my family.
I am home recovering, and really doing quite well. My pain is manageable with medication and I am relatively comfortable. I am sleeping well (much better than after my liver surgery). Eating was very difficult at first, but I seem to be doing better. I am taking enzymes whenever I eat to help my system break down and digest the food. I am eating small, low fat and bland meals, and am beginning to tolerate more foods now.
Thanks for keeping up with my blog while I was in the hospital. My sister was great to continue posting the updates and my parents printed out your comments so I could read them. As always, they provided me with encouragement and support that helped me to get through the past 2 weeks.
My surgeon was very pleased with how the surgery went. He was able to remove the entire tumor from my pancreas and felt confident that the borders left were free of malignant cells. I will return to see my surgeon on December 19th for my 4 week follow up appointment. After my recovery from this surgery, I will continue with 3 month check ups and CT scans. I am now entering a new phase which is both exciting and a little scary...
Thank you for your support and encouragement...it helps me more than you know.
Love,
Erica

7 comments:

Mary said...

Fantastic news! Thanks for the update, we're so glad you're on the mend. Go enzymes!
Love,
Mary

Unknown said...

so glad you're home and doing well ms. erica! the soccer crew sends our best!
love, nei and RC

Karen said...

Thanks for the new pics! It was great spending time with you yesterday! Talk to you soon,
love,
Karen

Kim said...

Woo hoo! Cancer-free!!! You rock, girlfriend! It was great to spend some time with you Tues. night. You are way awesome, more than you know. God is great, He has done a mighty work in your body and will continue to do great things in your life. Christian--you are wonderful, we love you!
Love,
Kim

Susie said...

Erica, It was so great to talk to you the other day on the phone. Glad you liked the care package and hope some of that stuff is easing any boredom you may be feeling post-op. Love the photos on the blog from your party and your recovery. Your gorgeous smile makes every stage of your journey beautiful. I know you're scared to embark on this new phase...this living-cancer-free-oh-god-what-do-I-do-now phase. Be patient with yourself and allow your psyche to adjust. It will come in time. In the meantime, you have a slew of friends and family that are always here for you if you need to express your fears, vent your frutrations, or jump for joy. I love you, susie

Flavia said...

it is soo nice to hear from you. let me know when you are up for a quick visit...or phone date. i have been thinking alot about you and i am so incredibly happy to hear you with you erica spirit up. te mando muchisomos besos. tell you fam i say hello too.
Edna's and Bob's may have to wait a while but there is still much more that we can come up with. luv you girly -Flavia

Unknown said...

Very happy to know you are doing so well. Not surprised though. You are tough! You are in my thoughts daily and I know that you'll be back to work and training for that next marathon soon!!!
love-sam

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