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Might not be what we wanted...

8/29/2016

20 Comments

 
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Today. The day I was dreading and eagerly awaiting at the same time. PET scan results day with my gynecologic oncologist, fondly known as Dr. Hunk by my cervical cancer friends.  I headed out of work today with computer in hand so I could get some work done at the office.  I was scheduled at 3:00 but my nurse had told me I was a double booked slot because they wanted to get me in and that I would likely be seen after 3:00.  I got back into the room a little after 4:00 and met with my doctor at around 5:00.  It was a family trip to the office so JR and Wylee were along with me for today's results.

The visit with Dr. Callahan started out well.  He said the scan's overall results looked pretty good.  We jumped right in to review the results.  I can say that I fully understand why he said the scan's overall results looked good, the new spots are small when talking cancer.  Then we jumped into what a "pretty good scan" looks like for me...

Well, as I mentioned, a good scan in my mind was going in to find out that I still only had seven spots of cancer.  That was NOT the case.  The seven pre-exiting spots were still present with some changes to those spots, these changes really aren't the important elements here.  The important thing is that there are additionally five areas of concern:
  • New metastatic lesion in the left thoracic inlet (my left shoulder). This lesion is measuring at 16 mm.
  • Increased retroperitoneal disease (another spot near the one I had removed in my abdomen).
  • Left pelvic metastatic lymph node - metabolically active.
  • Right upper presacral small hypermetabolic nodule is new / much more prominent (inside the pelvis, google it if you want a better visual, I did).
  • Mildly hypermetabolic nodule - low rectum left of the midline.

So there are a lot of highly technical terms there.  What it boils down to is that I went in hoping that my scan would only show seven spots and instead it showed twelve.  This is where we make the important choice, do we continue with the treatment plan or has my cancer spread past the point where Avastin alone is a viable option?  The answer is, Avastin alone is no longer a viable option.  We are going to move back into a more aggressive chemotherapy regimen.  I am going to start, again, next week on Carboplatin and Taxol.  We are going to give Avastin a break for now. 

So, although this isn't the result we were hoping for.  I am in it, we are in it.  We are going to move forward with the treatment.  I want to be clear, this is a treatment to extend life.  Our goal is extension and quality of life with my family and friends.  There are more options as the time comes.  More options.  I am not out of options.  I have gotten a wide range of responses to the news about my results.  I want to say, don't feel sorry for me.  Please be ready to support me, in whatever capacity that might look like.

I have spent the evening with JR and Wylee.  I have also been reaching out my family, friends, Cervivor community, and my First Descents Family.

Please continue to share my story.  I know I will.  I have already had the opportunity this evening to support a woman newly diagnosed with cancer, schedule an event to go and represent Cervivor here in Indiana, and sent an email to reschedule the Pap Rally and Run.  Don't think that aggressive treatment is going to stop me.  Don't be afraid to come to me for support.  Don't be afraid to ask what I need, also, don't be offended if I don't need anything at the moment.

Who is ready for a shaving my head party?  Wylee already has plans for designs in my hair!

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20 Comments
Teresa Sanford
8/29/2016 06:22:50 pm

Feel like I know you through CJBP. Sorry not the news you'd hoped for. Your kind words of hope with my sister's recent stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis meant a lot. Prayers sent your way.

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Amy Hoerner
8/29/2016 06:39:28 pm

I also know you through CJBP. Even though we've never met, I feel like I know you. You have an amazing spirit, and with so many awesome, brave beautiful women surrounding you, I know you've got this. Be brave, be beautiful, and beat the hell out of this!

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Dana Davis
8/29/2016 06:52:26 pm

Love you friend. Lifting you in prayers

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Robin
8/29/2016 07:13:51 pm

Erica, I am so sorry that you are having to go through all of this, but I want you to know that I stand amazed at your courage, attitude and generousity that you are showing to the world everyday. I will continue to pray for you and your family in this journey. I just wanted you to know how brightly you shine. Love you, Robin

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Mavis link
8/29/2016 07:15:37 pm

Hey Erica I just read your story and saw the results you posted. I am sorry that it wasn't completely how you wanted it to turn out but I am happy that there are still options. Options are key and as long as they say that, there is HOPE. Always praying for you whether you see me or not since we don't work together anymore. God I believe ultimately is in charge of our lives. You have so much to fight for and I am happy that you are continuing to do so. Fight On Erica! Much love, Mavis

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Shannon New
8/29/2016 07:22:08 pm

Love you my friend.

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Paula Kramer
8/29/2016 08:02:00 pm

Erica, I know you hear it all the time, but you're an inspiration, a fighter and advocate. I would like to think I would have 1/2 the strength and outlook you have if I was in your situation. Praying for you and your boys for strength and healing. Thanks for reaching out to me about having our kids receive the vaccine and giving me the info I needed to make an educated decision. You're amazing and beautiful and if you all need anything (late night wing run) please let us know...much love to you😚

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Marilou Gougeon
8/29/2016 08:39:59 pm

Dear Erica, I am with you. Don't forget, we have a chronical disease that bring up and down sometimes. How many carbo taxol will you receive? All my thoughts are with you. Your sister from Canada, Marilou xxx

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Allison Adams
8/30/2016 03:53:19 am

I am heartbroken with you and your family about the "pretty good" results. Your courage and willingness to serve others through out your journey's ups and downs is inspirational. You truly are a cervivor. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

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Megan Monterrosa
8/30/2016 09:29:15 am

Erica, I just read your story and I am so inspired by your fortitude and strength. I'm in the FD Family too. I will be praying for you!

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Stacey DeArk
8/30/2016 09:55:32 am

I'll be there for the party, I remember the last one on my back deck.
I love you so much and I'm always praying!

Love, Aunt Stacey

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Connie Becker
8/30/2016 02:31:15 pm

My prayers continue for you and your family.

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Liz Godfrey
8/30/2016 05:20:14 pm

Trent needs new hair cut. Him and Wylee can shave their heads together 😘 If you need a treatment buddy to come sit with you, I'm there!!

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Kathy Mott
8/30/2016 06:38:44 pm

Erica, you are meant to be a leader, a warrior.
May your journey be full of wonderful people and lots of love.
That's what life is about.

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Megan Jenkins
8/31/2016 04:36:47 am

You are amazing! I love your positivity in such a challenging situation. Keep fighting and enjoying life with family and friends.

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John Richie
8/31/2016 11:55:55 pm

Haven't spoken to you in a while but want you to know I'm praying for you and your family and have much love for you. You are super strong so I know you will be fine. Keep fighting and let me know if you ever need anything!

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Anita Dad
9/1/2016 02:22:04 pm

You are stunning! Your light shines brilliantly and you give hope to many who are weary! I am in awe of your strength and courage. Anita Das, CSC

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chris rivelli
9/2/2016 06:54:11 am

Erica, you and jr are in my prayers and thoughts. thanks for sharing your lives with me in this way. life is funny in how it weaves together and separates.i feel through your posting like I can be with you even though life and work separate us.

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Hannah link
9/7/2016 12:34:11 pm

Hello! Just found your blog. I'm an advanced cervical cancer patient as well. I want to tell you about the immunotherapy treatment I had at NIH in october of 2014 as part of a clinical trial. I'm almost 2 years out and my tumor site is very decreased in size and staying stable at 1/2 a mm. Please feel free to contact me for more info or to just become cervivor friends!

ps.I also did kayaking with FD and loved it!

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Tina Sherman
9/12/2016 04:09:15 am

Erika,
Praying for you, JR, and Wylee.

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    Author

    Erica is a 32 year old cervical cancer advocate who is out living cancer for the third time. When she isn’t advocating for cervical cancer and HPV awareness as a Cervivor Ambassador, she previously oversaw the STEM program at the school where she was an educator; she now helps coordinate the robotics program. Erica enjoys spending time with her husband and son in their Indianapolis neighborhood, as well as pursuing new and adventurous hobbies. She can most recently be found fawning over kayaks and daydreaming of returning to whitewater kayaking with First Descents, an organization for young adults impacted by cancer. 

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