Erica Jolles

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.


It is somewhat surreal that the "story" I am telling is my own.  On September 13th (my 45th birthday) I was diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer - DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma).  Fortunately they are both very treatable.  You might be asking yourself, "why on your birthday?"  Well, I had a biopsy on Friday, September 8th and then we had quite an interruption with hurricane Irma.  I am so lucky because the Radiologist and Director of Breast Imaging is also my friend and she knew I wanted the results asap regardless of the date.   I had been crawling out of my skin for 5 days and because of Irma had nothing to but "diagnosis myself" on the internet.  (Yes -- we were lucky we never lost power or internet).  So, when the news came on my birthday, Dr. Wasserman knew not to wait.  Needless to say, I was not surprised.  I was sort of expecting the DCIS diagnosis.  What threw me for a loop was  the IDC.  


While it might sound strange, the day after the diagnosis a peace came over me.  The anticipation of not knowing was the worst part.   Another positive -- I received news on Friday that other tests results came back with positive news.  To quote my doctor, " ...while I never would want to have to pick a profile of breast cancer, if I had to - it would be yours."   


I still have some waiting as I am going to now have a biopsy on my left breast.  I had both a mammogram and ultrasound (2x's) on my left breast and nothing was found.  Yet, on the MRI there was an enhancement that my doctor wants to biopsy in order to gain a clear picture (no pun intended) of what is going on with me.  


Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with a surgical oncologist and hope to have more answers.  In the meantime, I am doing my best to remain positive and stay off the internet.  To say I am blessed with an amazing husband and family is an understatement.  Additionally, when I think of how my community is rallying behind me it brings me to tears.  The love and support is overwhelming (in a good way).  Hence why I am  setting up this page.  I am blessed to have so many people calling and texting -- but, I also think as I move forward it might be easier to provide updates in one place.


I know I am one tough chick and I will persevere!! I have my younger son's Bar Mitzvah in less than 4 weeks and will be ready to party with the best of them!!  


Friends have asked how they can help and/or what they can do.  I have two simple requests:  1.  Pay attention to your body.  If you think something isn't right go to the doctor 2.  If you have been putting off your mammogram or have never had one and are due -- DO IT NOW!!  MAKE THE APPOINTMENT THIS WEEK.  


Love to everyone and I will continue to update you.


Erica