Sherida Engstrom Sherida (Sheri) Engstrom

Hello its Sherida! Thank you for visiting my Caring Bridge site!  Mike and I hope this will help keep friends and family undated! Here’s the short version of what is going on. 


 In January, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 2 after a routine mammogram and a biopsy.  Because of another suspicious area, among other reasons, I have chosen to have a Bi-lateral Mastectomy.  They’ll be doing a Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy as well.  The surgery date is Friday, April 7th at OHSU.     I’ve also chosen to do a Diep Flap reconstruction during the same surgery. In all, it’s about a 12 hour surgery with 6-8 weeks of recovery.  I’ll also have about a 5 day hospital stay with this particular surgery.  It’s a long haul, but it’s done all at once instead of in stages.

     The biopsy results should take about a week for results.  That is when I’ll know how we proceed afterwards, weather I’ll have chemo, radiation, etc.  So far, the only definite after surgery regarding treatment is hormone therapy.

     I have appreciated all of your prayers!  I believe God is good, no matter what!  There is pain and suffering in this world, that’s a fact.  God did not cause this or anything else in my life that has caused me pain.  Instead, He has been there with me, feeling all of it with me.  He gives me the strength, and that has come in many ways throughout my life.

     I also appreciate all of your encouragement and support!  Many of you know this is one of many difficult things that have been going on in my life.  I have heard many of you express sadness and even anger at my diagnosis.  I truly feel loved! I hope this site will help keep those I care about updated and I will be checking if you would like to leave a note and comment which will be encouraging.

     Thank you to all who have pitched in and helped in very practical ways.  A couple of friends even cleaned parts of my house! Thank you to those organizing dinners and helping with this site.  I have no idea what I’m doing! 

     That is all for now.  I am taking a couple of days away from home to slow down and listen, journal, collage, read, pray, etc.  Writing this was my first project.  On to the next!...

PS Thanks to my friend Lani for helping add journaling and pics to my site if I am not able.