Erica Ladenthin

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Erica was diagnosed in Eau Claire on May 30th, with Ewings sarcoma.  Ewings sarcoma is a cancer that is usually found in the bones of children.  A series of events led her to the Sacred Heart ER and then an ambulance ride to Rochester on June 1st.  The next 30 hours were a whirlwind of doctors and tests,  more doctors and more tests.  The main concern at the time was the amount of blood that Erica was losing.  When it was determined that her vitals and blood counts were stable, she was able to go home and try to comprehend this crazy news.

The next couple weeks were filled with trips to Rochester and many, many appointments.  Most of the doctors we met were awesome; however, there are a few that Erica hopes to never see again.  We learned to ask any and all questions and take good notes!  

The Ewings sarcoma diagnosis was in question from the get-go… it progressed to “Ewings-like sarcoma”  and then, after about 15 days, and just before the first round of chemo was to be started, the final diagnosis of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix (SCCC), staged as “locally advanced”, was delivered.

SCCC is an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer.  Things have seemed to move at a lightening pace since June 1st, with two rounds of chemo infused, and ten radiation treatments completed. 

The doctors have been amazed at Erica’s poise, common sense, and comprehension of the situation life has thrown at her.  She is physically tolerating the treatments very well so far.  Her determination to beat cancer, her sense of humor and positive attitude, and the love and support of family and friends will help carry her through!  At a “Look Good, Feel Better” session today, there were 5 or 6 older ladies and Erica... after introductions, Erica immediately tried to put everyone at ease by removing her head scarf and joked around, saying… “I tried to get them to radiate this zit earlier today…”  I think she had them at hello.  :)