Hey folks, this is Erin reporting in. Sorry it’s been so long since this site has been updated. I’ve spent the last few weeks recovering from surgery. So much has happened, the biggest and most unexpected being a move. I’m now living much closer to the hospital and even though I hate being in suburbia, I do love my new place. It’s a 2 bedroom apt so any and all visitors are welcome!
The other biggest development is the fact that my chemo treatments started today. In fact I’m sitting in chemo as I type this. There sure are a lot of old people here. The nurses are calling me “little one” and “young’n” which aren’t exactly my favorite nicknames ever, but I can see why they say it. Although it does feel a bit like I’m getting infected with old-itis as I sit here knitting…
For those of you who care about the diagnosis we did get a final word that the particular type of cancer I’m facing is a small cell cancer of the ovaries. This type of cancer is incredibly rare, in fact it’s my understanding that there are only 1 or 2 other women in the US currently undergoing treatment for it. The prognosis is not great, but we’re keeping a positive attitude.
As the nurse was injecting this specific chemo into me she mentioned that if for any reason the substance did not stay in my veins it would eat my tissues, muscles, tendons, etc. I’m imagining it having this same effect on any lingering cancer cells as she injects it into my aorta. Also, this chemo turns my urine pink.
My sister has been a workhorse researching information on this type of cancer, I don’t know where she’s finding information, but one of the things she’s found is that the closer you are to 30 years old when you have this the better your chance of survival. Never have I been so happy to have gone through as much of the aging process as I have so far. The best site I’ve found for information and resources on this type of cancer is the Small Cell Ovarian Foundation which you can check out for more details if you like.
Pray for Erin 
I didn’t know about the pink urine. How festive!
Erin,
I am your sister, Anna’s friend, Erin.
She has mentioned you to me often and I always thought you sounded like someone I’d love to get to know.
I want you to know that your story is impacting me. I am turning 30 myself this November and I am more thankful than ever for my life’s blessings.
I also want you to know that I am praying for you, for strength in this trying time. For love. For wisdom. For great friends and family to come and be with you. I’m asking others I know to pray too.
Please tell Anna, if she needs anything. If you need anything… I would come and help. I really mean this. Do not hesitate to have her call me.
This is what life is about, being there for one another.
Love,
Erin
Hi Erin & Karen! So glad to get an update and see pictures of the two of you. Keep that positive spirit and remember that “all things are possible with God” – there are new treatments being established every day, as well as many clinical trials for new medicines/treatments. I’m here for both of you for moral support, care and comfort. I’ll be sending a card real soon. In all things, remember: God is good.
Thank you Erin, for this update, dellivered with humor in the midst of it all. My prayers are with you! And there is a lovely group of women online called Sisters ~ praying for you. Love, Kathy
So proud of your strength, Erin – thanks for sharing about day 1 with us. Resist the old-itis!!!
Erin,
I was so glad to see that you have a blog and am really thankful to your Mom for posting the link! You have been on my heart in my prayers so much throughout every single day these past few weeks. I can not tell you how often I have cried for you as well as for your Mom & Sister. I cry not in hopelessness but with much hope because I have seen first hand The awesomeness of God during treatment for cancer. Watching my own son fight for the past three and a half years has been so incredibly hard, BUT, seeing God come through for him and for us, throughout this treatment, has been amazing. I can not doubt for a second that He is about to reveal Himself to you and to your family in ways you could never have imagined. I am looking forward to your posts, not because I enjoy the pain that comes with this fight, but because I know that there will be so many amazing things that God will do in you and through you. You know Erin I have so many memories of my youth that I look back on with such joy and you may be surprised to hear this but, they often include thoughts of you and Anna both. ( of course most of them always included us laughing!!) I have regretted so many times that we never kept in contact. Although it has been literally ages since we last connected, I want you to know that I love you so much and I am praying for you with every fiber of my being! You, Anna, your Mom, and your Dad, were and are a family that I have always admired and loved so much. I just pray that Mike and I and the boys can be half of what you guys are together! If so, I have no doubt we will be okay=) I am praying tonight for strength, for peace, for healing, but I am also praying for that Sweet Beautiful Girl that I remember to continue to rise up and hold on to Hope. Hope not just for today, not just for tomorrow but for soooooo many tomorrow’s! With all my heart! Jodie
Erin,
Just wanted you to know that I am praying for you. You sound so strong and courageous. I have wondered how you were doing. I am so glad to read an update from you.
I can’t wait to see your finished hat. Maybe your fellow chemo ladies could help make a whole closet of hats! (I’m assuming those older ladies have practiced knitting by now.)
Erin,
What is your address? i would like to send a card! Hope you are having a good good day today! Remember where 2 or more are gathered He is there! We are praying without ceasing!
Sher
Girl, you are so strong and you will pull through this!! I’ll be pulling for you and I know that since highschool I’ve been pretty ‘worldly’ moving around with this association they like to call the military but I’ve always thought of you and your family! I still like to think Im the better driver, and that of course ice cream from the ole shop was infact the greatest thing on earth. If you need anything Im only a phone call away. If you don’t have my current number, I’ll message it to you or leave me yours. I’ll be following this little blog thingy here ya got going, and my prayers will always include you and your family. Knitting huh? I want red pajamas with the footies and the butt flap! 🙂 *Hugs!* Love, Chels
Erin, I had not heard. Which is odd, in Russell:) I do not know what you are personally going through, but I do know what a toll cancer takes. I will pray often for you, and make sure to have your mom know what we can do for you here in town. If you need anything, just let us know.
Erin,
I am praying for you and hoping the best for this round of chemo. – Laura Frick
Dear Erin and Karen,
Your words are very moving and demonstrate an incredible spirit! That Erin-spirit that we all love!!! You are most certainly on our minds and we long to hear from/about you. Thanks for starting this blog – what a perfect idea!
Grandma would be so proud of your knitting and aghast at your pink urine? We’ll look forward to future updates!
All our love from Indiana,
Rich, Wes, Macy and Linda
**********************
Ya know Erin, its amazing how God works. For example, given the value I place on understanding and the years I’ve spent trying to understand more, I find myself at a place where I understand nothing – Luckily that is where faith in something greater than me makes the most sense!
So who knows what He is working on now! But I trust it is Good!
Hi Erin & Karen.
Stay positive and remember that “all things are possible with God” My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Love.
Jen
We’re so glad for your blog Erin. Have been thinking of you constantly and praying for you, the doctors, your mom, and Anna. It’s nice to see a picture of you and your mom and to know you’re keeping a positive attitude. Our God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine! Give your mom our love. Let us know if there’s anything we can do from back here in PA.
Love,
Rachel and Randy
I feel sort of funny commenting here, but I have a front row seat to the battle being waged. What a privilege to watch a true warrior endure tremendous hardship. Most people would buckle under the pain of it. It seems that God has honored me with a front row seat watching a friend of God yet a 2nd time. A different kind of battle, but a battle still. May God be glorified.
Erin’s mom
We are grateful for your blog and update. We think of you constantly and have been praying for you, your mom, Anna, and the doctors. The picture of you and Karen knitting together made me smile. It is so good to get an update and hear you are keeping a positive attitude. Our God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine!
Love,
Rachel & Randy
Oh Erin, I just found your blog. My heart hurts for what is happening right now….but I will remain hopeful. I’ll be following….and praying for your journey.
Erin: wanted you to know that I am praying for you. So good to see your good outlook during this difficult time. Will keep in touch with your Mom. Let me know if I can help in any way. Love you Aunt Alice
May Jesus Christ be glorified. Have been thinking about you all day. Love Aunt Alice.
Erin–I just saw this and wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and praying for you. I know God is aware of you and all you are going through.
Hi Erin & Karen,
Chelsea’s mom here. Healing prayers coming your way, prayers of strength and prayers for wisdom for those caring for you but most of all prayers of comfort. Know that you have a “TEAM ERIN” out here and we care and are cheering you on to victory. And in the words of Barb Hawley my dearest friend and your teacher…Fight Like A Girl…and Never Stop Fighting. Love to you all.
Erin, It makes me so proud to see you and hear you share your courage and strength as you go through still another difficult time in your life, proud that I have had the great pleasure of being able to call you and your family My Family and dearly loved friends… Thank you for having the courage to share your walk with all of us. I consider it an honor to walk this out with you knowing that our God can do greater things than we can even imagine. I am also hoping and praying that you will consider writing a book, your ability to write is amazing.
Erin, I just heard about what you’re going through. I’m so sorry to hear about the situation and I hope the treatment goes well. Tera and I will be praying for you.
Dustin
Hey, Erin, give us an update! We’ll all waiting to hear how you’re doing.
– Tami, Brian and Jodi
Erin & Karen
I haven’t seen you in a long time. You have turned into a beautiful women. You and your Mom are both awesome. I am thinking about your and praying for you with such assurance that you will win this battle.
In Him, Karen Martin
Hi Erin ….Just wanted you to know I am praying for you daily and I have a step sister that passed the prayer request for your Health who works with Joyce Meyer Ministries and also have another group praying for you as well all over the Country-
Peace and healing
Hi Erin!! Just want you to know that Terry and I are praying for God’s hand to touch you. May He give you comfort and strength as you go through all this. He says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” That means always. Even in our darkest hours He is there holding us. I am grateful that you have made this blog. I love the picture of you and your mom. Keep in mind that we will do anything for you if we can. Just let us know. You are definitely in our prayers.
Erin,
Paul and I are praying for you. Ellie understands the power prayer and I will tell her tomorrow about what you are going through. She will be the “little one” praying Big prayers and lifting you up.
We love you!
Amy
Erin, the girls want to send you pictures. Where can we mail them.
Amy
Hey all. I’ve added my address to the side column for those of you who are asking. I’m hoping to post another update soon (today?).
Dear Erin, Karen, and Anna,
Kate shared your blog with me–I had no idea. Praying that God continues to bless and keep you. The song “On Eagle’s Wings” runs through my mind–“He will raise you up ….. and hold you in the palm of His hand.” We’ll ask our church and my parents’ church to pray for you as well.
Denise