Trip to Miami

Christian and I just spent the past 6 days in Miami. Christian returned to run the Miami Marathon this year, while I cheered him on. The marathon was on Sunday, January 27th, with a start time of 6:15 am. Christian finished in 4 hours. He did an awesome job and I had fun cheering him on at several stops along the way and watching him cross the finish line. I was accompanied by his 13 year-old niece Jennifer and his friend Elon who both live in Miami. Jenny and I were able to see the wheel chair athletes and the elite runners as we awaited Christian in South beach around Mile 6.5 of the race. It was a lot of fun to see so many runners, and especially to be able to cheer Christian on!

After the marathon, we spent time enjoying the beach (with lots of sunscreen, hats and umbrellas), touring the sites and visiting with family and friends. We had a really nice time and it was great to get away. The weather was absolutely gorgeous...sunny, breezy and warm.

It was different being a spectator this year versus running the marathon last year. I must say, that it is much more fun to watch than to run, but maybe I'll be up for a half marathon next year...who knows???

I seem to have picked up a head cold somewhere along my trip and must say that colds aren't much fun, but I guess it's that time of year.
I hope all of you are doing well and keeping healthy.
Thanks for continuing to check my blog.
Love,
Erica

8 weeks out

It's now mid January and I am 8 weeks post op. Time flies! I am feeling great overall and went into work for 2 hours yesterday. I will also work for 2 hours on Wednesday and continue working a few hours next week. I am taking it slow getting back into work so that I don't overdo it or become overwhelmed.

We celebrated Christian's 31st birthday over the weekend at Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland with a bunch of friends. It was nice for me to get away from home and it was a very low key and relaxing trip. Christian and our friends were able to get in some quality time on the slopes. Janna and I relaxed, played cards and watched from inside the lodge. Though I missed being able to ski this year, I definitely had a fun time and it's nice to come away without any bruises...

Erica

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

Holiday Rush

It's now the middle of December and the Holiday Rush is here. I can't say that I've been rushing around...I've mostly been at home resting and recovering and trying to find things I can eat without too much trouble. I am getting better, but recovery is slow...I continue to have a lot of fatigue.
I am off pain medication except for the occasional advil or tylenol and am pretty comfortable most of the time.
Christian and I were finally able to decorate our Christmas Tree this weekend, so we're now getting into the holiday spirit.
I'm hoping to be able to venture out and do a little bit more this week. I do have several doctor's appointments, including the follow up with my surgeon on Wednesday. I am starting to get a little stir crazy from being at home so much.
Thanks for all of the encouraging messages!!! As always, they are very touching and help to keep me going.
Take care!
Love,
Erica

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

At Home Resting

Erica was discharged this morning and is home resting. The car ride tired her out, but I am sure she will be up and walking soon.

Janna

Recovery Continues

Erica continues to recover from the surgery, resting, walking and regaining her strength. She is off her clear liquid diet and was able to enjoy a delicious smoothie today!

She sends her thanks to those who were able to head up to Baltimore last weekend. Although I know she slept for some of the visits, she was very grateful as it broke up the days and the monotony of the hospital for her!

She hopes to be home by Friday. We will continue to update the blog as we know more about her being discharged.

Janna