Erica Can Be Cancer Free!

Hello, my name is Erica and I was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma in September 2017. At the beginning, my avocado-sized tumor was too large and intrusive in various areas of my abdomen to be operated on so I've spent the last 16 months fighting to get to this point. I've completed 14 chemotherapies, 35 days of radiation, and last week marked the beginning of my 20th round (40 treatments) of an amazing immunotherapy called Oleratumab. 

At the start of December 2018 I learned I had developed an aneurysm in my mesenteric artery due to the shrinking tumor. The tumor is now about half its original size but still remains to put pressure on my arteries and takes up space in my abdomen. We are now at a pivotal point in my journey where surgery has become possible, albeit risky, to give me the chance of a cancer free life. It is a vital time to perform this surgery as to not give the tumor a chance to grow or spread to another area of my body. Any sort of metastasis in the sarcoma at this point would very likely seal the deal and would eliminate any hope in removing the tumor or effectively managing its spread going forward.

I will be heading into surgery this spring and begin a long journey of recovery, hopefully toward a happy, healthy, cancer free life. The operation will include removing parts of my arteries and replacing them with grafts, removing the aneurysm, and removing the tumor in its entirety. 
My recovery will include a few weeks in the hospital and several weeks of recovery at home and in short-term rehab. Your contribution to this fund will help me and my family not only pay for our out-of-pocket insurance costs and copays, but also will provide us with some more support during the time that family members, including my husband, will be out of work to be home with me as I will be very dependent for quite some time. Other contributions such as meals, hospital or home visits, and general emotional support are welcomed and greatly appreciated!

Another way you can consider contributing to my cause is to donate blood this year or enroll to become an organ donor if you have not already. The gift of life is the most precious and one that cannot simply be given to someone in a time of need. Consider how much an organ or blood donor could benefit you or someone you love someday.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my journey thus far and to all of those who stick by my side day by day as I approach this monumental event in my battle with cancer. I would not be here if it were not for the love and support from all of you and for that I could never be more thankful.

xoxo,
Erica