Wednesday, January 2, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sorry I haven't posted a message in a while. I've been having some technical difficulties getting into the site. I hope everyone had a nice time over the holidays. I had lots of fun spending time with family. I have begun to eat better over the past week. My appetite has returned and I don't seem to need enzymes anymore. In fact, I am completely off medication now. I am starting to gain back some of the weight I lost (about 12-15 pounds since surgery).

My follow up visit with my surgeon was great. I can consider myself cancer free. Yeah!!!! Because of the very high risk of recurrence of melanoma, I will have CT scans and follow up visits every three months.

I still get tired easily and usually have to find a place to sit if I'm up and about for more than 20 to 30 minutes. My abdominals are very weak and I have to wait a few weeks until I can begin strengthening them.
My doctor said I can begin progressing my activities as I feel able and that I should focus on living my life. Sounds like a plan!!!

I am excited about the New Year and enjoying a HAPPY and HEALTHY 2008. Christian and I had a nice relaxing evening watching movies and playing games with his younger brother Sohel. We rang in the new year sipping sparkling cider.
I wish everyone a healthy and happy 2008, filled with lots of love and laughter!!!!
Love,
Erica

5 comments:

Flavia said...

great news for the new year i love hearing how you are doing wonders into this world. let me know when you are up for a visit or an outing anything. i've been thinking tons about you and love you so sososososo much so whenever you can call me so i can get the ball rolling to see you- besitos Flavia

Karen said...

Hi Erica-
Yay thanks for the update and I'm so glad you're feeling well this new year!! Nate & I just got back from visiting John & fam but hopefully I can see you soon. love you lots!
Karen

DeeBananas said...

Woohoo! Go, Erica!!! :) Here is to a happy and healthy 2008!

It was great seeing you and catching up at the girls' get-together. You looked awesome! :)

Tricia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tricia said...

With love and gratitude...claiming perfect health for you...a cancer free life for all your days!

And so it is!!!

love, light, and blessings!

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