Greetings!

I hope everyone is doing fantastic since my last entry.  I wanted to check in and say hello as well as update you on what I have been up to lately. 

Tomorrow is actually is a very special day for me...because it marks the two year anniversary since my diagnosis.  (Give or take a couple days, it was a blur, and honestly I can't remember the exact date...it was on or around June 15, 2007).  I was up this morning with a cup off coffee, sitting out on our patio thinking about this bittersweet occasion.  The memories of receiving such terrible news continues to haunt me to this day, but then I quickly change gears and reflect on how far i've come since then, and the goals i've accomplished.  Throughout the crazy, intense surgery, countless chemotherapy treatments, and good/bad scans, after two years I feel much stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually than I ever have.  Of course I still have my "bad" days, but they are much different than they used to be, because now I allow God to bring me the strength and peace that I need to get through them.  At this two-year mark, I can honestly say that my terrible fear of the unknown has subsided a great deal.  My fear of dying was paralyzing to the point where I may have already been dead!  I realize now, that even with the good and bad news that may come and go, that fear is no longer so debilitating.  I have found acceptance, and continue to have faith that the Big G is gonna get me through it....and he has so far! 

Of course Cancer sucks, and I hate living with it everyday, but I am very greatful for the experiences it has brought to my life:  stronger faith in God, new friends, restored relationships, new opportunities, knowledge, patience, and coping, to name a few.  I have also developed a love for fitness, which I highly credit my success in fighting the disease, and allowing me tolerate chemotherapy so well.  I realize that my situation is very serious, but it could also be so much worse.  I am two days post another chemo treatment, and I will definitely be hitting the gym today.  :)

I am so greatful for all of the love, support, prayers, and encouragement I continue to receive from all of you since my journey began.  Prayers are really the best medicine, I think, so thank you a million times over for all of them!  I am such a lucky girl, and am so blessed with such amazing friends and family.  Golly! 

These past two years have not only been life-changing for me, but also for Michael.  He deserves so much credit for everything he's had to deal with.  Our lives were changed in the blink of an eye, and our future uncertain.  But, he quickly stepped up to the challenge and took on the role of "super boyfriend", to "super fiancee", and finally, "super husband".  He works so hard to make life comfortable for me, even after the longest days at work.  I'm really greatful for that. 

Tomorrow I am heading home for a week.  I am looking forward to spending time with family and friends that I haven't seen in a while.  It'll be another whirlwind trip...lots to do, but will be so fun.  I'll also be attending my ten-year class reunion.  Whoa!  Ten years!!  Isn't it amazing what can happen over the course of 10 years?  My next trip up to Sloan will be on July 21st.  It'll be time for scans again....oh boy!  Ya'll know the drill ;)

Thanks for listening to me blab!  :)  It has been an interesting two years, and I am looking forward to being free of cancer in the two years to come.  God bless all of you for standing with me through it all.  Lots of love!

Erica