Thursday, October 04, 2007

Think Pink...

I first have to say thank you to everyone for your prayers and faith. Especially Drew, Isaac, Stella & Joaquin. I love you all so much!



The last few days have probably been my scariest and most worried filled days ever. Sunday night I was nursing Joaquin and found a lump in my right breast. It was 4am so I didn't think much of it but when I woke up at 7am I remembered what I'd felt. I suddenly panicked and told Drew. He confirmed what I'd felt and looked worried. Normally, Drew is really good at masking any kind of emotion that can worry me but this time he didn't hide it so well.



I didn't have any pain or redness so I didn't think it was due to breastfeeding but I hoped it was. After taking Isaac to school I called my doctor and scheduled an appointment for the same day. Then I went home and started googling everything I could think of. I'm obsessed with google. I love that it can find whatever I'm looking for in a matter of seconds. I read about everything from mastitis to cysts to swollen glands and of course my worst fear breast cancer. I tried to look at everything before the cancer subject. But once I started reading about it I couldn't stop.



I read so many stories of young women that had the unfortunate luck to have this awful disease change their lives forever. The one thing that kept sticking out in almost all the stories was the fact that they all needed to have second and third opinions before the were finally diagnosed. They also stressed how important it was to have everything checked as soon as possible. So I was really glad I had an appointment in just a few hours.



After what seemed like forever it was finally time for my appointment. I went and saw Drew before my appointment and totally lost it. I'd had an emotional day anyways but after seeing Drew I just couldn't keep anything in. I was scared to death. I'd thought about what I thought would be the absolute worst outcome and didn't want to know if it was going to come true or not.



At my appointment the doctor checked me and then casually said it was no big deal. Yes, I did have a lump but he didn't think it was anything to worry about. I left feeling confused. I didn't want to worry about it but I didn't want to not worry about it and then later find out it was something I needed to worry about. I called Drew and he said I should go and talk to our bishops wife and if she didn't have a doctor that spoke english I would go to the States to see a doctor. This helped me feel better but still worried.



That night I tried everything it suggested online for relieving swollen glands. Hot showers, massaging, nursing a lot but nothing was changing. We also called Tim, my brother in law that's a nurse and asked his advice.



The first thing the next morning Drew gave me a blessing. It was really comforting. I'm so glad that anytime I need a blessing I can ask Drew and he's able to do it. It's such a blessing.


After I dropped Isaac off at school and went to see the Bishop's wife. She scheduled an appointment for me later that day. I was so glad she had a doctor that spoke english. My spanish is getting better but not quite to the point where I can have a comfortable conversation with a doctor.

At my second doctor's appointment he checked me and wanted to have a sonogram done. So i went and had that done and it came back normal. I do have a lump but they think it's due to nursing. The doctor gave me an antibiotic shot and said in 2 weeks I need to have another sonogram done. Hopefully it will go away. I feel really good and comfortable with this doctor.

So even though I've stressed myself and husband out this week I think everything is going to be ok. I've learned so much about breast cancer. Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are a few really easy things that can help prevent breast cancer.

*Decrease your daily fat intake - especially saturated or hydrogenated fats.
*Increase fiber in your diet.
*Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
*Limit alcohol.
*Stay active.
*Don't smoke.

I've learned a lot this week. Mainly, even if your worst nightmares come true Heavenly Father will always be there for you. My family is amazing. Drew is the best husband ever. I have a strong testimony of the power of prayer. Life is great! Enjoy ever minute that you can.

8 comments:

Tim & Nancy said...

Eryka, I am so glad that you were able to get a second opinion. I was praying for you and hoping beyond all hope that everything would be okay. I felt quite helpless when Drew called, but in praying for you and your family I felt comforted. We always keep you guys close to our hearts. Love ya

Chrislynn said...

What a scary experience, I don't know if there is anything I fear more. We will keep you in our prayers but I am sure you will be fine. We love you! Your kids are sure cute.

p.s. I don't remember if I thanked you for your gift, I love the little dress you sent for my shower.

Carina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Debbie said...

oh my goodness, that was so scary. i am glad you had everthing checked out. breast cancer is something that scares me and i need to be better about my check ups. i think you just motivated me to call my doctor.

Amberly said...

That's such a scary possibility, yet such comfort to know that you don't have to go through anything alone. Stay positive and let us know what happens in a couple of weeks. We're thinking about you!

Deanna said...

It sounds like you have been through an emotional roller coaster. I feel so sorry for you. I remember feeling that way when I was having my heart problems. Some doctors have such poor bedside manners...it's like they want to freak you out even though you already are!! You will be in my prayers and thoughts. Just know you are loved and you and Drew will have the courage to get through this. We miss you guys.

oh yeah, Lucas saw the pictures of Issac and the first thing he said was "he's a big kid now." I can't believe how big they both are getting.

Keep us updated on your test results and so forth. Love you guys!!

R.Giselle said...

Eryka,
You are amazing and so brave. I can't believe you were going through this. I love you so much & know that you are in my thoughts. I love reading about your adventures. Drew is so amazing too. I remember once when we were visiting you guys and he gave my dear friend a blessing when she was going through a tough time. You two and your little ones are wonderful. MISS YOU!

sara said...

scary stuff. i found a lump when calder was about 2 and had to get it biopsied. it ended up being nothing, but man it's freaky. keep us posted.