Mom's Turn

(This picture was taken mid-March. It seemed fitting though a bit anachronistic. And the glass in my hand is non-alcoholic wine. Did you know they make that? Ok, Mom's turn..)


Well, finally it’s time for me to add my voice to the blog. Jaci, despite feeling sick, took off this morning at 5am to a much deserved R&R visit to see Jon in Oregon; Jaime is back in California and Bess hasn’t yet arrived … so I have free reign for now. =)

It has been a difficult last two months, often heartbreaking and tearful to watch Erica go through with her many, many painful procedures and all the side effects she has had to encounter and endure, and continues to do so. She is truly a young woman of strength, courage, endurance, with the determination to fight this frightening disease that has crept upon her so swiftly and so suddenly with no forewarning. She hardly ever complains and is so stoic in her pain and constant nausea. And Jaci, her staunch supporter, her best friend, her primary caregiver, her loving sister who makes her laugh and see the humor in so many ways that only a person who is so in tune with each other can do. During all those difficult LPs Erica had to endure, Jaci never left her side, holding onto Erica’s tightly clenched hands to ease her sister’s pain. I am proud to call them my daughters.

Yesterday, Erica finally finished the last of her four LPs and the tenth radiation treatment in this second phase of her protocol. This week, she sleeps a great deal every day- maybe 18-20 hours are spent with her eyes closed, although she often tells me she’s not sleeping. The fatigue and discomforts she’s currently experiencing is expected after the radiation treatments, etc, and we’re hoping she regains strength during this week of no hospital visits. She now has the rest of this week to recuperate and rest up for the next phase which could begin as early as next Monday. This third phase would entail chemotherapy repeated every three weeks along with a special drug administered weekly. These treatments repeat itself in cycles of three week for IVs, oral medications and the one injection and only every 18 weeks would she need another LP. I have no qualms that she will weather this phase with as much courage and strength as she has shown so far.

How to thank all the people that has shown their caring and love in so many ways? All the prayers and cards and gifts that were showered upon Erica have just been overwhelming… her high school friends from St Joe’s in Santa Maria, her Oxy buddies in Pasadena, her multi-national Fletcher intellectuals, not to mention friends from jobs, Japan, who knows where she meets all these friends… my mother, my sister and brothers and family members, those close circle of friends who call me constantly to inquire as to our wellbeing, my co-workers at SF superior court who have all been so supportive, members of my church group… just too many to name…but THANK YOU all…knowing you are all there has been a tremendous help.

And how can I leave out the fabulous care that was generated at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at Dana Farber Cancer Institute here in Boston? Their nursing staff and teams of physicians’ care have just been phenomenal. Not only are they attentive and caring but they all do it with a smile; are always so gracious and uncomplaining no matter what the request may be…even to taking care of Lola for a week. Where can you get that kind of attention and love? Last but not least, our own Dr. Sirulnik. Somehow you know that he cares for Erica and will do whatever he can to ease her pain and suffering and to carry out his Hippocratic oath to the letter. We were just so lucky to have had him as Erica’s attending physician.

Within the next month or so, Erica will discuss with Dr Sirulnik and the Transplant physicians the feasibility and/or viability of a possible bone marrow transplant. Meantime, please keep those prayers coming… Peace.