Friday, October 17, 2008

Oct. 17, 2008


"SURPRISE!"

Yes, the look of complete shock on Erica's face was well worth the hassle of booking an impromptu flight for the following morning. Andres and I showed up at Stanford Hospital yesterday while Erica, Mom, and Jamie were enjoying lunch outside. Erica's whole face froze, Mom started crying, and Jamie screamed--twice. It was so perfect!!

We spent the afternoon catching up, but even yesterday, Erica began to show signs of treatment effects. She was tired and needed to nap for two hours to make it through the day. By 9:30pm, the nurse came in to administer the third bout of chemotherapy. This involves giving one chemo, waiting three hours, and then giving another. Overall, it starts at 9:30pm and ends around 4am. Can anyone guess why she's tired???


Today, Erica needed a CT for a persistant cough and a bag of platelets, too. Otherwise, the only treatment she received thus far has been at night. As the days progress, she will need other infusions and medications to manage the side effects from the chemotherapy.

Personally, it's lovely to see her... she is positive, laughing, and surrounded by lots of support and love. She is still able to check email occassionally and we read blog posts to her, so she knows all the kind comments that are left here.

I think it's important to mention that Erica has told us that she values time alone. In past hospital admissions, she wanted people to be around her all the time--and I'm talking about as many as can fit in the room! But this time around, she seems content and pleased for moments of introspection and restful quietude... Don't get me wrong: she still loves visitors! But please be aware for those living locally, to perhaps keep visits shorter than has been in the past. And for out of town visitors, please don't expect to sit in the room all day and night as we used to. That said, feel free to still coordinate visits, but know that you need to take long breaks away...

All in all, she's still fighting, brave, and humble. She doesn't ask for anything and she's more concerned with our well-being and state of mind. She has spent some restful time painting, reading, and journaling. She even still lets me climb into bed and spoon with her...

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you Erica!

Anonymous said...

Aren't sisters wonderful? There's no comparison...I think sisters are the best caregivers. I love when my younger sister spoons me too. We like to squeeze ourselves in the 1person lazyboy chair and watch tv.

You are always in my thoughts Erica.

Love,
Michelle

Unknown said...

Tell her I think about her every day!

I miss you two.

Hazeleyez said...

Wishing you all the best!

Farrukh

Anonymous said...

Tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...
thinking of you EVERY second, E.
Love and miss you very much.

FORZA!
Gioia

Abby said...

Yay! What a great surprise! Jaci, I'm so glad you and Andres could come out and be with her. Hope you've all had a restful day. We're all thinking of you from Texas!

abby

Susan on the road said...

hugs to all of you! jaci, youre a great sister. :)

Unknown said...

its good, erica, that you have the choice of quiet and rest and also for laugther and hugs. but of course you are never alone because we are all holding you close in our hearts. i hope to see you soon, and until then, lets meet in our dreams ... :)

Anonymous said...

It's great to see new pictures of Erica when we're all thinking of her and talking about her so much... please keep them coming!

Sara
(from the Holy Land)

Emily said...

Love and positive thoughts!

Anonymous said...

Those are really beautiful photos and it's good to see you're smiling. Bless you and your loved ones.

Matt

wucrew3 said...

Great to see some pictures of you two together. Like to pees in a pod! Thinking of you and hoping for sunnier days ahead.
Love
George, Stephanie & Liam WU
WUCrew3

wucrew3 said...

Great to see some pictures of you two together. Like to pees in a pod! Thinking of you and hoping for sunnier days ahead.
Love
George, Stephanie & Liam WU
WUCrew3

wucrew3 said...

Great to see some pictures of you two together. Like to pees in a pod! Thinking of you and hoping for sunnier days ahead.
Love
George, Stephanie & Liam WU
WUCrew3

Anonymous said...

Sending you lots of love from Geneva! -medina

Hope said...

Big, giant hugs to you. I'll send more cookies!

Unknown said...

I wish I could be there whenever my dad and Lillian pay you a visit!

I'm there in spirit, to be sure. Thinking about you every day.

Anonymous said...

Erica,

I'm sending you un abrazo grandote y un beso... y para ti tambien, Jaci!

I'm thinking of you always, and sending you lots of strength and love.

Giselle

Anonymous said...

oh my dear jaci, i know erica will do better now that you are there!i do not believe that anyone has a better sister than you. i know from experience what a wonderful friend you are! you are all in my prayers......
lots of love
robbin bobbin

Anonymous said...

Hi Erica,

I check in on you from time to time and am so sorry to hear of the relapse. You seem so strong and brave and this has o be what gets you through all that you have been through.

Thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

I went to see the Nike Women's Marathon on Sunday and it was so inspiring to see all those many many people running and all together they raised $18 million for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!!
We're out here loving you.

Matt

Unknown said...

Hugs!! We are thinking of you and your family, Erica! xxxxooo
Susan and Jeff

Anonymous said...

You are always in my thoughts and prayers, sweetie. Sending you the most positive vibes ever.

Your cousin - Jen

Anonymous said...

How is our Erica doing? Thinking of you all the time and praying for you to get better.

Anonymous said...

Dear Erica, I have been thinking of you since we met in the hall last week. I wanted to let you know that our Central Coast Team in Training had you in our hearts as we ran on Sunday. It was inspiring to see so many people out there racing for a cure. I've written about it on my TNT website. Please visit if you feel up to it.

My husband, John, who was a few doors down from you in E-1, is home in our little apartment here now and doing well. He is a warrior, as are you all. I apologize for being kind of a wreck when I met you. I am just stunned at what BMT patients are asked to endure. We are pulling for you kiddo.
Peace and strength,
Dana Fiore

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf08/dfiore

Anonymous said...

Lots of Love and BIG HUGS to you Erica! Thinking of you always.

Hugs to Jaci and your Mom too!!
love,
Doreen Marr